Have you ever forgot to dial your calling card before placing a long international call? It is outrageous but this talktalk company charges more than 1 pound/minute for djibouti... Strangely enough, keeping in touch with/trying and solving international famillial headaches (when hard headedness is the norm) drain away my energy (not to mention the costs) much more than any of my own personal dilemmas; maybe too much sentimentality and selflessness from my part...

Cawaanimo iyo tuugnimo (corruption) qofna kama badbaado dhankaa; xiitaa dadka la yaqaano waa inay maxkamad musuq maasuq lagu maareeyo, laaluush iyo kharaj badan booskooda iyo xuquuqdooda kale ku difaacaan. Waxaa dhici lahaa is bedel hore loo arag hadii loogu dadaalayo balwad la dagaalanka, daacadnimada iyo naxariista sida "ictiraaf" iyo khiyaali ay dhibkeedu ka badan karto anfacaadeeda loogu dadaalayo, khaasatan dhanka qowmiyadaha laga tirada badan yahey iyo dadka danyarta...

Thought there were limits to Corporates and the US government corruption (whatever the difference may be since the former fund everyone, set the rules and is trusted to monitor itself)? <a href="http://english.aljazeera.net/programmes/peopleandpower/2010/12/20101214104637901849.html ">Boeing planes unsafe Just emailed the Aljazeera link to my younger bro who is specialist in aviation security and now training as pilot, he's never heard about it and the irony is that the US are expected to fund our local aviation safety agency (the reason why the Djiboutians are still funding him and told him to come and get his "share of the pie")...

Coincidentally, this award winning Franco-german TV documentary set in Colorado, Prison Valley, recently shocked me even though I considered myself well-informed (California barbaric application of the "Three strikes laws", absurd level of detention among the minorities and disenfranchised etc). To the extent the whole justice system is riddled with perverse incentives on the Healthcare model, it is nevertheless strange that corrupt judges would detain children on petty school discipline issues and the scandal soon forgotten, not mentioning private prisons and many other related issues exacting such toll on common lifes...

The real crime here is the soft approach to alcohol, would they have killed him, what is more in such way, if sober? Just the other night accross the road, a visibly drunk man was beating the head of another on the pavement like there was no tomorrow, inciting even car drivers to intervene. The point is that most "criminals" are in fact the prime victims themselves (genes seems to predispose to immediate gratification, poor self-control, and other tendencies etc); of course, the real crime is the wider societal laxism and inequity that catalyse rather than control everyday tragedies (eg the US culture of entertainment, "freedoms" and other distractions the financial elite throw to the rest, while black children grow out of the wedlock and the prisons are a whole industry)...

The Cuban success is primarily one of a committed leadership and popular mobilisation to enforce litteracy, outreach schemes, prioritize food security and other basic needs of all (in fact, even economic equity has a powerful effect on health outcomes!). The purely medical side is secondary and doctors need not start training after 3, 6 or more years (in some cases preceded by 4 years of prior and often unrelated studies!); in fact, it is now more and more acknowledged that cramming lots of easily forgotten "hard sciences" into students is misplaced while, in fact, real medical training commence with the residency/practical years and emphasising prevention and social awareness is the most crucial component (health is not another form of business). The irony is that much of the "development" prescribtions such as exports manufacturing, processed food etc engender insidious negative health outcomes in many ways; for instance, Cubans cardiac and general health was significantly better during the economic/food crisis of the early nineties which drastically cut the available calories and led to reliance on urban gardening. To sum it up, all you need for optimal health and health system after a sincere and uncorrupt leadership, is to promote a lifestyle as natural as possible with a sense of community, constant activity, unprocessed and frugal food etc; the question of resources is largely irrelevant as it could be minimised or maximised as much as one intends to (The much richer USA is devoting 16% of its GDP to healthcare with bankrupcy approaching at a faster rate with the increasing costs...for unfavorable results!). That is why you have almost no noticeable effect in places where you just import Cuban or other foreign Doctors, even when coupled to cheap generic drugs, lots of external financing etc. In reality, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, underlying stress and various addictions, infertility etc are exploding in all countries adopting Western lifestyles and open trade; most troubling is that, as suggested by the now burgeoning field of "Epigenetics", all this is bound to have all sorts of pernicious repercussions on the next generations...

Beyond the lack of sensitivity or irrationality of commoners, it is natural to feel cautious about non-muslim or too different a family one want their daughter/son to marry into (islamically, physical proximity to believers rather than non-believers is critical too). You can try and gain credit by presenting your plans to make hijrah into a Muslim country, if you have them of course (ideally, close to your in-laws). All the best and don't make it a life or death issue, this is a recurrent theme...

a 40 $ millions investment; 06/03/2011 - The Head of State laid the foundation stone of the future residential city and commercial center of the Somali society Al-Rayan The Head of State laid the foundation stone of the future residential city and commercial center of the Somali society Al-Rayan The President of the Republic has asked this morning the first stone of the future residential city and commercial center of the Somali society Al-Rayan for property development. Besides the Head of State, the event brought together to Gabode two officials, including the First Lady, Kadra Mahamoud, Prime Minister, Mr. Mohamed Dileita Dileita, the Assembly President, Mr Idriss Ali Arnaoud , members of governments, parliamentarians, and an audience of officials from various backgrounds. It is on the former site adjacent to the barracks of the 13th Demi Brigade of the French Foreign Legion (13th DBLE) that the future will be built housing complex and shopping center of Al-Rayan for property development. Al-Rayan is a company based in Djibouti, 16 January 2008 and involved in property development in accordance with Islamic Sharia. The founders of this company are of Somali businessmen who are members of the forum of business''and Somali Business Investment Council,''which has its headquarters in Djibouti. Sheikh Ahmed Ali Djimaleh, Chairman of the Board of Directors''and Somali Business Investment Council was''in a brief speech on this occasion highlighted the reasons why the Board of Somali businessmen coming s install in Djibouti. The Sheikh said in the sense that apart from its attractive investment code, he considered his second home Djibouti. Sheikh Issa Wardhere Ali, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Rayan, for its part indicated that the Al-Rayan for property development in Djibouti intended to implement many ambitious projects. Taking his turn to speak, the President of the Republic, in a brief speech on the occasion, stressed the spirit of privileged partnership, which motivates the activities of Al-Rayan, evidence that many men Somali businessmen are now able to invest in Djibouti, contributing to its development. President Guelleh moreover called on them to support the efforts of the Government of Djibouti in the context of combating poverty. In other words, the Head of State urged the upcoming special support to orphans and the poorest populations who are vulnerable as many layers. After the ceremony, the President of the Republic has unveiled the inaugural plaque of the project, giving the kickoff to the construction of what would become short-term future residential city and commercial center of society Somali Al-Rayan. Arteh [source: ADI | Viewed 151 times | Top] ( translated from adi.dj)

Back then, Riyaleh looked absent minded and as reading from a script, in one of those elections related "ictiraaf" trips. My remark had to do with the absence of a neutral atmosphere for a proper debate, as many locals from Awdal, SSC etc, including Hargeysa natives, were not keen on separatism: "Q: There are a lot of people from disputed territorial areas who would like a healthy debate across Somaliland and Somalia. What can you do to encourage this? A: 97 percent of people who voted in a referendum approved that Somaliland should be free from Somalia, so this debate has already taken place." Somaliland’s Role in the Stability of the Horn of Africa, President Dahir Rayale Kahin of Somaliland, Friday 6 March 2009

“Markii hore waxaanu doonayay inaan ka hadho laakiin bahalihii ayaa qaarkood Aniga I af- yaqaanaan,waxaan is idhi haddii ay ka boodaan gaadhiga oo ay bankaasi dadka khatar u gelin raac.” oo ayaa guelleh iyo bahalada u kala turjumidoona? Baryahan Meles wuu ku kacsanyahay ee miyaa laga yaabaa inu isagu arrintan ka dambeeyo?

..

There is undeniable clanish/regional sense of superiority and exagerated self-importance; however, if resources fight and mistrust are crucial, alongside the lack of leadership, clanishness seems a factor in all those issues. That is the reason why what seems to be an ideal leader or opportunity is met with relative indifference and greater scrutinity by the majority (unlike local ones). Of course, it is also common to project evil intentions onto other clans and over-generalise.

It seems the more "we good/them bad" you parrot, the more good ratings or encouragement you get on Sol...

As long as clanish duels and egos are minimised...

After a passionate discussion with a specialist who confirmed me much of that I already suspected without any expertise from my part, I wanted to share some of the following conclusions anyone can research in greater depth and which agree with time tested wisdom. Curiously enough, much of that was already well-known even to the ancient egyptians or old Somali ladies harvesting linseed from their garden before the current craze in rediscovering the wheel; it is compatible too with "Prophetic Medicine", a definite must have in any library. What follows is thus a simplified but critical digest of extensive reading and discussion: .......................................................................... Boycotting any processed food. Cooking from scratch when necessary. Avoiding or limiting refined white flour, sugar and salt (natural molasse and salt are ok). Boycotting fat/oils other than unprocessed natural ones such as extra virgin olive oil and butter. Even so, frying and overcooking adulterate fats and meats, creating ultra toxic free radicals; steaming and regular cooking should be prefered. Time tested practices such as fermentation protect food and synthetise nutrients such as vitamin B; thus natural injeera is much better than much of the breads etc. Seasonal and local food are much healthier for varied reasons. Limiting meat intake and prefering eggs or grass fed lamb meat. Avoiding tea, coffee and other toxics concentrating, addictive and risky substances. Preferably drinking mineral/artesian well water and dechlorinate tap water by leaving it one or two days or either boil it. Switching to free range and organic, particularly when it comes to butter, eggs and other critical products such as tea. Always read labels before buying anything, and avoid any manufactured food ingredient. Ban any chemical and cosmetic and look for readily available alternatives (eg: lemon or henna as shampoo, lemon as deodorant etc); chlorinated tap water is enough as toxicity for your body as the skin is permeable, without covering it with toxics such as aluminium laden deodorants, in sensitive areas what is more. Regular fasting and garlic or even spices and linseed are critical for varied reasons (particularly where grass fed animal and non industrial products are not readily available). Likewise, limited portions and overall food intake is absolutely crucial; this is the best method found in laboratory to greatly increase both health and life span in rodents etc. Again, prescribed specialist advise is irrelevant and dangerous; an average man can thrive on a daily average of 1500-2000 kcal maximun, around half of what is common in many places (of course, quality should replace quantity; white flour and processed sugar deplete the body reserves while industrial milk and meat are less nutritious). Raw honey, milk (unhomogenised, un-pasteurised) and yoghurt are great, full of enzymes (very sensitive to heating), they also recalibrate the gut flora so important in overall health and very deficient in people on typical diets; their ersatzs in the shelves are however altogether another story, eg the controversies about homogenisation, A1 milk etc. Vigorous exercise may be counter-productive if abused but it is indispensable to walk and move around as much as possible and limit sitting time (sitting behind the TV for hours is simply suicidal, even half an hour is terribly unhealthy). One should generally strive for simplicity and emulate communities such as the Amish; appliances radiates all sorts of waves and microwaving is simply insane (much radiation can escape the oven). Limiting use of plastics, paints and any chemical; even mere new plastic carpets cause much indoor pollution, which has been found to be much more dangerous than the already preoccupying outside air pollution as people stay mostly there (by the way, even metal food cans have plastic lining that leech overtime). One should always smile, not overstress and assume the best from others; good and diversified relationships are absolutely critical for good health and lifespan as much as other factors. Much of the media and specialist advises are biased, myopic and incomplete; one can only rely on time tested traditions and products while applying the principle of precaution (eg alternative, healthier products, drugs etc are routinely proved to be disastrous such as the manufactured fats now partly banned tough replaced by potentially much worse). More sunshine may be critical. Diversifying diet, brands and even nomadism may detoxify the body or at least vary the sources and nature of pollutants. Relying on authorities is naive; toxicological limits are largely set-up with industry inputs and through economic considerations (thus the wide differences between EU and US standards etc). Experts are influenced and pampered by the healthcare industry in various ways; lobbies financing do the rest. One's genes play a crucial role and even interact with nutrition, eg Somali are much more vulnerable to Diabete than other Westerners all else being equal etc. One's lifestyle impact on his genes, eg studies found famines, stress, junk food etc result in relatively unhealthier children, grandchildren etc (though some genetic change could be potentially reversed through time and discipline as genes interact with the environment/lifestyle). It is also the cause of the "infertily epidemy" or hormonal disbalances. Finally, diet and lifestyle are critical for the brain (major user of total body energy) and studies found that junk or deficient diet was directly linked to criminality by neuroscientists. Actually much of the misbehaviors, violence and psychological disorders are caused by unhealthy, inappropriate diet and lifestyle. PS: much of that was already widely followed before the current Worldwide epidemy of chronic diseases; the real tragedy is that communities, eg in Africa, are switching from what is optimal to all that which is suicidal (as shown by Diabete or cardiovascular diseases rates). I highly recommend this blog, with all the linked Youtube clips (no relation whatsoever with me, but very interesting and well presented, apart from some commercial products). One can learn and, more importantly, unlearn much through this, of course with critical thinking: undergroundwellness.com

Indeed. Maybe there is an issue of semantics (eg the term nationalism was more appropriate than patriotism in the title etc). There is nothing blamewhorty in loving your family, village, clan or community in a special way. As for Ethiopians, we always had great relations with individuals, even though many are non-muslims; they also happen to be our closest kin, ethnologically speaking. Nationalism however, typically Western in its origins, ie oppressing or excluding others, is as primitive and un-Islamic as racism, the classes and castes systems still raging in Chicago, Paris or Delhi despite few theatricals...

Blessed Ciid season all, Sh Nuurow I effectively share your views on the rest but just to add this: 1. Isn't only the size that makes clannish loyalty different than Patriotism? if so, then why do some of us think negatively about clannish loyalty while being patriotic (Waddaninimo - Somali Patriotism) ? 1. Patriotism or love for one's town or country is actually praiseworthy and contrast with nationalism; one can indeed focus on his family and neighborhood without necessarily being indifferent to others. Now, if selective emotions leads you to overlook others's rights and suffering, this is called clanishness and is as unethical and uncivilised as slapping your neighborhood's orphan merely because you see him fighting with your own kid. 3. Is grouping of peoples along colonial demarcated borders a legitimate right reserved for past Colonialists if Colonialism itself is deemed as an illegal crime committed by Nations who invaded peaceful nations, occupying their lands, stealing their resources, enslaving their peoples and then, as they cut their losses an ran away, hastily demarcated the lands they occupied as per their interests and not as per the wishes of the indigenous peoples? 3. Colonial borders are irrelevant for me in the sens I always felt closer to the Somali in Jigjiga or Garissa by any standard, than my Afar neighboors in Tadjourah, just North of Djibouti city. In that light, there is simply no compelling moral or theological argument I can conceive of to impose colonial borders on reluctant fellow Somalis of all groups, even though I would probably be among those to benefit most (materially) should colonial Somaliland to be revived...

Thanks for the reminder sxb, I forgot them.

Edna Adan University Hospital

Originally posted by nuune: What Che means is that Jabuuti is widely known for their identity, which is Canfar & Ciise(MMA, sorry for the Jabuuti qabiil names), can the same be said about Somaliland Djibouti in terms of land is largely Afar and secondarily Somali/Issa. Afars are not a Qabiil but a different group, though very close and related to Somalis (sharing historical Zeyla or the Adal Sultanate alongside other Somalis and Arabs, historical anti-Abyssinian jihads, eg with Imam Axmad Gurey etc). Yemenis largely built the Capital and helped it to flourish, alongside other Somalis (many Afars or Issas also came recently from neighbouring countries). Altering the names from French Somaliland to French Somali Coast and then French territory of Afars and Issas was part of the colonial policy to play one community against another and exclude finally other Somalis when the local hero Mahamoud Harbi, a purely indigenous Somali, was calling for Djibouti to rejoin Somalia (before he mysteriously disappeared like many other notable visionaries). That is why, among many other reasons, it is disingenuous and grotesque to compare Djibouti and Somaliland (is Somaliland 70-80% non-Somali to begin with?), though many suffer from Djibouti complex ("why not us if Djibouti..."). As for the refugees, Somalis are allowed to leave the camp for the towns, unlike others immigrants who were repatried en masse. All sorts of Somalis from Jigjiga, Hargeysa etc always thrived there, still get naturalised and have MPs and even ministers etc. For instance, crucial support for the SNM came from Djibouti while its public utilities took part in Somaliland reconstruction ; likewise, Northern Somalis relied on Djibouti as a trade platform during the Socialist era or later for mass emigration purposes etc...

Dr M. C/llahi was our guest xaleyto, as ayeeyo confirmed me, while habo was with the first ladies...I was already told something could be secured for me but I'm not committed for "qaadiyada"

The efficiency and discipline of the Eritrean EPLF, a wider base and, above all, a coherent and all-mobilising program for the long-term beyond insurgency (to avoid Eritrea pitfalls), all these seem like constructive propositions... ........................................................................... ONLF Must ReformPosted by Save******.Org On October - 29 - 2010 The Somali question in Ethiopia has remained a political puzzle for quite some time now. Besieged by manmade disasters and natural calamities, what is today known as the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia (SRS) has had more than its fair share of political turbulence, economic anorexia, death and dearth. In less than half a century, the region has changed hands (British, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Italy) and names (Hararge, ******, Kilil5, Somali Region). Such massive cocktail of problems wrecked havoc upon on the populace of this land but the resilience of the people has never been broken. From Sayid Mohamed to Suldan Olal Dinle to Hussien Gire to Sheik Abdinasir Sheikh Aden and Ali Gudal, the sons and daughters of this land stood up to resist external domination, marginalization and exploitation. Equally devoted successive Ethiopian regimes, however, left no stone unturned to subjugate the region and its population. Although some development projects have been implemented under the EPRDF, the region remains very backward and is mired in grinding poverty, even by Ethiopian standards. Literacy rate is as low as 10%, majority of children are malnourished (the government banned Save the Children (UK), MSF and other agencies to carry out any nutritional survey since 2007).Recurrent draught compounded by commercial food blockade weighed in to create severe food insecurity in the region since the government launched the scorched earth operations. Livestock, the source of livelihood in the region, has no proper market nor do pastoralists have access to quality vet services. Political participation remains elusive and the Somalis are simply denied representation based on the constitution and census. Somali inhabited regions have been given out to the Oromo Administration for political and electoral reasons. In sum, it is fair to say the long standing grievances of the people of Somali Regional State (SRS) against successive Ethiopian governments stand today as they stood during the Monarch and Marxist regimes. These accumulated and unaddressed social, economical and political grievances legitimise any struggle and quest for equality, respect, freedom and dignity. Various political movements, bearing different ideologies, emerged to resist domination and subjugation. ONLF is the latest torch-bearer in the line of duty. However, its political objective, representation and future direction continue to generate debate among the intellectuals of the Somali Region. We think ONLF is at crossroads and its existence is being challenged. Should ONLF reform to withstand these challenges? ONLF’s early days ONLF celebrated its 26th anniversary about three months ago. Created by WSLF’s youth party, the organization spent its life in exile until 1991 which marked the fall of the Dargue and the rise to power of the TPLF/EPRDF in Ethiopia. ONLF, with the invitation of TPLF/EPRDF, participated in creating Ethiopia’s transitional government. But, after a brief honeymoon with TPLF/EPRDF, the front opted for an armed struggle and deserted its political control over the embryonic Somali State in 1994. No one knows with certainty what led to this dramatic decision, but here are plausible explanations (1) ONLF, being the first Somali political party to dip its finger into the hot political pot with a dozen ethnic-based organizations (all controlled and directed by TPLF) was new to the Ethiopian political scene. (2)Armed struggle is the only form of struggle our people have known to respond to political grievances, (3) The immaturity of the ONLF leaders and their inability to unite and create strong political structure that amasses support from all Somalis during their time in power contributed to the fall out; ONLF resorted to clan politics and majority rule and this become a rallying point for all the non-******i groups; TPLF took the opportunity to create a mesh of clan-based political entities within the Somali Region. Subsequently, in July 1993, Abdulahi Sadi’s government, accused of mismanagement and corruption, was ousted from power. (4) Perhaps the most decisive factor of all is the narrow and suffocating political space created by TPLF that led to the beginning of another round of armed struggle in the region. More than 15 years lapsed since ONLF waged the armed struggle. The objective of this article is simply to touch on major weaknesses (key reform areas) of the organization -not about the front’s “‘good” performance (which will not be helpful; suffice to say khayr wax kuma yeelee shar u tooghaay). Nevertheless, in planning this article, some of us wondered if the organization has attained any meaningful goals at all. It all depends on whether you take the cup is half full perspective or the cup is half empty perspective but the fact that the organisation managed to persevere in the face of a very powerful regime for more than a decade is a source of pride that motivates ONLF foot soldiers as well as its leaders. It is also true that, despite the government’s military might, this rebel group has rendered the region instable, a blow to the government’s political and development objectives (of course we are not suggesting that instability is good for the region). What is also seen as a political and military success is the fact that the organization chased away oil exploration companies from the region despite the government’s attempt to protect them. Others celebrate the fact that ONLF has thwarted government’s ‘highlander resettlement policy” along the banks of rivers and the fertile land of the region-mainly in Gode. It is also perceived that the rebel movement has given the Somali question in Ethiopia a publicity-both positive and negative, and recognition among the political elite of Ethiopia; a publicity which could potentially be tapped into in the future. Lastly and most importantly many intellectuals think that this organization, good or bad, is the only political entity that arguably has a defined political structure, objective and managed to mobilize noteworthy support within and outside the country. It is thorny to assess ONLF’s performance as it is not easy to discuss the institutional reform ONLF needs to undertake. We, however, will touch on some of the salient areas that are visible to an outsider. ONLF’s core deficiencies and key reform areas: Name The letter O in the ONLF rings a bell. Despite of the historical emergence of the name, which was coined by the European colony, many citizens of the Somali Region do not feel accommodated in an organization that claims to represent all citizens regardless of their clan or creed. Furthermore, the organization has not done much to accommodate other Somalis. Many argue it may be too late to address the letter O in the ONLF primarily because the organization has mobilised its support on such platform since its formation. According to their top cadres, to drop the name will mean disturbing the status-quo and introducing an element of irritation in the organization’s power base which does not seem to be ready for such a change at this stage. However, ONLF needs to show its flexibility towards the creation of a social space that encourages a discourse on the name (So far ONLF has not shown that flexibility). Changing the name will not cause an immediate overflow of support to the front by non-traditional constituencies but the framework is of concern not what will happen afterwards. Lack of trained cadres Perhaps you, as a reader, have encountered an unapologetic ONLF cadre, usually young and uneducated man of ******i descent or brutally innocent woman affected by the war, lecturing about the ‘cause’ or halganka as they call it. The cause is just and these men and women have noble intentions. But their superficial knowledge about the cause, the region, the enemy, and their lack of deep understanding of the work of a political cadre shows how poorly directed and trained these cadres are. The capacity challenges are understandable but these cadres seem to lack the minimum cadre orientation one would expect of a mature rebel group. The approach of these cadres is ineffective; their attitude towards those who question them about the halgan is full of hatred; they have developed many websites to character assassinate anyone that voices opposition, travel to the region, question their approach or oppose their philosophy. The apparent lack of training and direction alienates many citizens who would otherwise want to contribute to the cause. Civilian casualties ONLF is not comparable to the brutal RUF of Serra Leone whose infamous signature was chopping off limps or Koni’s LRA which is known for its senseless rape of Ugandan women and children. Nonetheless, increasing number of civilians have been deliberately or accidently killed by ONLF. They have taken revenge on those who have not supported them or allegedly aided the government. Furthermore, humanitarian workers have also become victims. Very recently MSF was attacked in the Somali region. This is neither acceptable nor beneficial for the struggle. If ONLF wants to borrow something from the Eritrean liberation struggle it should be the strict command systems and adherence to party rules so that ONLF regiments do not to fire on buses or burn NGO vehicles without the approval of the military and political leadership. Equality and representation ONLF is fighting against repression. It would make every sense to expect ONLF to not engage in oppression. The organization has miserably failed to broaden its support base beyond traditional constituencies. This is a clear signal of ONLF’s short sighted vision. It is also an indication of the totalitarian nature of the front, an attitude of love- me –or- loath- me either way I represent you. If ONLF cannot capitalise on the grievances and marginalization shared equally by those who live in Ferfer all the way to Aisha, it is hard to see its effectiveness in ruling the region. It may be justifiable, for tactical or spatial reasons not to operate in some parts of the region but that can not be a barrier to recruit or enlist supporters outside the ****** clan. Moreover ONLF has not done enough to reach out to ****** and no-****** intellectuals in the Diaspora. Mostly, top ONLF leaders and cadres seem to enjoy being around supporters who sing the same songs. Leadership and lifestyle Though we could not find any published or circulated document regarding the ONLF’s admin chart, we were informed that the organization is led by an executive committee that has a dozen or so members and a bloated central committee. Out of the dozen executive committee members at least nine are living a peaceful life outside the region (mainly in the west) with their families. Yes, the presence of some of these leaders outside the region might be necessary on both political and operational levels. However, the number should be justifiable and all the leaders should get their quota of hardship…they should taste the heat waves of the arid land and should travel on foot with the rank and file members. After all these leaders have subjected the youth of the region to such a hardship and it is only fair to say that these leaders should experience some of the hardship. This is not to say ONLF cadres and leaders do not travel to the region but there seems a lack of commitment on the part of the leadership to disturb the comfortable and risky free lives they are leading in Europe and North America. Another issue of importance is ONLF’s need to reform its leadership. We are not naïve to say ONLF should restructure itself at this very moment. Yet, this should be a priority as soon as time permits (may be when the current round of government’s military and political campaigns subside), ONLF should immediately look into the leadership reform agenda. One should not belittle the contributions the current leadership has made but it is in the interest of any organization to recruit new bright leaders. It is true that most of the intellectuals of the region have chosen to remain spectators. This is arguably the worst thing that could happen to a nation or a community. It seems many of them are just loyal to their egos and are indifferent to the suffering of their people. But many intellectuals also see that ONLF is neither ready for reform nor willing to open up space for dialogue. To some, ONLF and the regional government seem to be united in fighting the emergence of alternative groups. Those hardliners who think that they own ONLF because they have lived ONLF for almost quarter a century needs also to know that their sacrifice will only bear fruit if they let the organization reform and progress. Unless these leaders are self-interested agents there is no reason for them not to push for a reform even if that will mean stepping aside. Attitude towards others ONLF has so far maintained a downbeat attitude towards any individual or group that does not subscribe to its agenda. In fact it is even at odds with individuals and groups who closely work with the front but ask for some amount of space just so that they seem independent of ONLF in the eyes of the international community. Despite the emergence of many advocacy and human right groups that seem to be affiliated with ONLF, we were surprised to find that most of these organizations are at odds with some of the leadership simply because they are not taking orders from the ONLF leadership. ONLF’s war against the UWSLF and other groups is another example of how ONLF deals with groups that stand for the same cause but with different ideology. ONLF needs to reconsider this attitude. Fragmentation is not what we are calling for but ONLF needs to understand that individuals and groups should be applauded as long as they are advancing the same cause. We also think that ONLF needs to work with non-Somali Ethiopian groups whose agenda is to get rid of this regime even if there are differences on some issues (this will send a powerful message to TPLF). Conclusion In spite of the numerous deficiencies described above, ONLF fighters on the ground and their leaders have sacrificed their life, time and wealth to stand up for legitimate grievances; they have sustained the pride and bravery of this region’s revered people. The least ONLF has done the region is to safeguard the oil wealth beneath the soil which will turn into curse if explored without a genuine political settlement. But ONLF needs to transform itself into a viable political organization that can not only lead the region to freedom/autonomy but also can create a society where the rule of law is respected and prosperity is created. This can only be achieved if and when all citizens are given equal opportunity to participate. It would be to miss an important point if we do not address the issue of peace and ONLF. It is our firm believe that a political settlement would be the way to resolve the conflict in the region. But to sign a paper does not mean to get a peace. Lasting peace can only be achieved through genuine negotiations. One can say Ethiopia has not shown willingness to peaceful settlement in this conflict. Its apparent publicity oriented policy is testimony to that fact. Some may suggest that the ongoing peace agreements between Salahudin’s ONLF faction and UWSLF on one side, and the government on the other side is a step to that direction but we will not judge the book by its cover. We will give a chance to the so called peace agreements. Nevertheless, there are very basic questions that beg for answers: Has the government revisited its unconstructive policy toward the region?, Are innocent civilians still arrested without due process?, has the government shown a willingness to recognise the age old marginalization and injustice?, Are security forces and Tigray advisors still in full control of the administration of the region?, Are Somalis still represented at federal parliament by the same 23 instead of constitutional mandated 38 parliamentarians? Are the Somalis still the consumers of policies designed by TPLF controlled central government and citizens are not given the opportunity to participate in the design of those policies?, Unless the agreements can answer to those questions a change has not came to Somali region and Somalis will remain second class citizens in Ethiopia. Despite all the challenges, we strongly believe that peace is possible. ONLF should know that the gun is not the ultimate solution but a temporary one. When the government becomes serious about peace agreements, ONLF should be open to it. Of course without a third party mediator it is too much of a risk to trust TPLF. The latest victims of the so called ‘agreements’ with TPLF are the All Ethiopian Unity Party and the Ethiopian Democratic Party (Ethiopia’s loyal opposition who entered an agreement with TPLF prior to the election) and that should be a lesson to everyone in Ethiopia’s political arena. This article is written by: Karamarda Group Executive Committee The karamarda Group is a group of Somali Regional citizens who are interested in Democracy and Good Governance in the Somali Region of Ethiopia and could be reached at karamardagroup@gmail.com Source: WardheerNews

aamiin, will add him in my prayers...

Actually, the mental colonisation is even more insidious among urban Somalis (Amharic, career expectations etc). What you have in place is a system whereby our Somali Galbeed youth, from all clans, are looking forward to study and move into Addis Abeba after secondary or high school, just like we used to expect and dream about Paris or Roma. It was indeed a shock when my relative told me about some Somali Galbeed partners of her barely speaking Somali in Hargeysa! For all those who are complaining the fact that Somalis might be exposed to this or their land is taken or even worse things, this is the exact thing that the Liberation front is fighting against so if your claims are genuine, you know who to support Well said Abdulladiif, oil exploration and other crimes are indeed being jeopardised by ONLF activities...

Prof Samatar is a widely esteemed patriot and authoritative scholar but what is the wisdom in encouraging protests and further complicating the conundrum? Historically, certain groups took a proportionally heavier burden in our quest for freedom, eg the early heroic anti-Italian resistance around Benadir. Likewise, colonial powers routinely groomed "moderate" leaders, ideally from "trusted" clans, to inherit the postcolonial State and, though our situation may not have been as binary, few of our early civilian leaders were free from Western influences or, at least, as principled as Aden Abdulle. As for the military regime, initially welcomed nationwide, it surpassed the previous levels of corruption and nepotism only after it faced a clan-based putsch as well as decapitation attempt, at a time when our liberation struggle took a new dimension. Regardless, similar if not much more dangerous bias among "educated" Somalis is hardly hidden; what is thus particularly shocking in the PM's old thesis? What really matters is that the man is patriot and brilliantly captured regional dynamics while he welcomes the Islamic paradigm shift, yet appeases Washington...