Gen. Abdullahi Ahmed Jama A War Hero; A man of Peace Abdullahi Ahmed Jama was born in Erigavo, Northeastern Somalia, in March 13, 1951. He completed his primary education at Dayaha, the storied boarding school near Erigavo town. Upon graduation he was accepted into the newly established NTEC (National Teachers’ Education Center) at the outskirts of Mogadishu, known as Lafole, where he upon in 1969, briefly worked as a teacher. Though he saw teaching a noble calling, Jama found the sense of sacrifice in military service more to his liking. This was no accident. The trajectory of Abdullahi’s career was already set at an early age by three closely linked facets of his heritage: 1) The fact that he hails from a prominent Makhir family noted for bravery, 2) the sense of adventure that his naakhoude father (one of the renowned captain-owners of the East) had instilled in him early in childhood, and) 3) the bride that the people of Makhir coast/Puntland traditionally take in doing the best possible job. Abdullahi joined the Somali National Army and was sent to the then Soviet Union for training as a Cadet Officer in 1970. He attended the prestigious Military Academy in Odessa (Ukraine), earning his first degree in Military Science in 1973. In 1980-83 Jama attended the Staff College in Egypt earning Masters Degree in military science. In 1988-89 Jama attended the US Army War College and earned a diploma in strategy and decision-making. In 2000-04 Jama attended Bryan & Stratton College at Rochester, NY and earned a degree in Accounting. As a career Military Officer and Leader, Jama held many positions in the Somali National Army: from Battalion Commander to Army Commander. He was by far the youngest Officer in head the Directorate of Operations of the Somali National Army, where he distinguished himself as an Officers’ Officer. Jama is a veteran of the 1977 ****** war, where he received two (2) bronze medals and one (1) silver medal for bravery as well as numerous certificates of merit for outstanding conduct. Jama served as a distinguished lecturer at the Somali Staff College. He authored four (4) publications and numerous articles in Somali for the Somali National Army in the fields of tactics, operations and military strategy. General Jama is one the Somali military officers that refused to participate in the so-called Somali civil war that pitted brotherly communities against one another to advance the selfish interests of craven faction leaders and atrocious warlords. Though he followed closely the situation of his beloved Somalia, General Jama chose to stay out of the fray of the internecine wars that have been tearing the country apart for the past 17 years. The one exception is when he was called back by the community in the early 1990’s to assume the position of Governor of the Makhir/Sanaag region. The vexing challenge facing the community at time centered on the need to liberate the region from a well-armed and financed, menacing clano/religious gang called then Al Itihad that had forcibly occupied the region’s principal seaport, Lasqoray and its environs, after inflicting much damage to the area. Shortly upon arrival the General mobilized the community’s defenses and was able to put in place a strategy that resulted in the gang’s eviction without further bloodshed. For the past few years, the General has been living with his family in Upstate New York. He is now ready to once again answer the call of duty to return to the motherland to offer the type of transformational leadership that he uniquely qualified to provide. Source: Puntlandfuture.com

Originally posted by Abtigiis & Tolka: ^ Whether General Ilka-jiir or Ilka-dacawo, what counts is his policies and vision. Anyway, why is it most puntlanders are Generals anyway? What happened to the Captians, Colonels (except yey) and Lieutnants. And why is it that after General Cadde, another General is needed? Once a solider, always a soldier. And solidiers are not reputed for promotion of democracy. But maxaa iga galay bal. The man certainly has some charisma. I only want to know his positions on extradorinary renditions and human trafficking. That aspect concerns me more. Abtigiis, General Ilkajiir is not only a general he is also a man holding at least master's degree as I was told from one of the prestigious universities of the state of New York. Inshallah, the specificity of his political career, educational background and achievement will be published soon. Stay tuned.

The reputed General is on the move and he is willing to restore the unity of Puntland. Sideebay u dhacdey xafladii ugu horeysay ee Musharax Gen. Cabdulaahi Jama Ilka jiir? Minneapolis: Mudo badan ayaa waxaad dhur-sugayseen munaasabadaha musharax Gen. Cabdulaahi Ilka jiir oo uu isu sharaxayo madaxweynenimada Puntland. Aqristayaal xafladii ugu horeysay oo dhexmarta Genenka iyo jaaliyada Somaliyeed ee woqooyi Mareykanka ayaa waxay ka dhacdey magaalada Minneapolis ee gobolka Minnesota. Hadaba sida ay u dhacdey ayaa waxaad ka dheehandoontaan sawirada aan idiin soo diyaariney, oo waliba shabakada loogu tala galay musharaxa ee PuntlandFuture / aad ka dheehandoontaan taariikhda aqoon iyo xirfadeed ee musharaxa. Warbixinta shirkan dhex marey jaaliyada iyo musharaxa ayaan dib idinkaga soo gudbin doonaa iyadoo maqal iyo muuqaalba. Musharaxa maanta oo isniin ah ayaa wuxuu sidoo kale la kulmayaa Jaaliyada Puntland ee Minneapolis, taasina ha moogaan warbixinteed. More Pics

Ogaysiis Ogaysii Ogaysii: Waxaa dhamaan dadweynaha ku nool gobolka Minnesota iyo nawaaxigeeda la ogaysiinayaa xaflada musharaxa madaxweyne Puntland Generaal Cabdulaahi Axmed Jaamac (Ilka jiir)… Minneapolis: Generaal Cabdulaahi Jaamac Ilka Jiir oo ah Jeneraaladii qaranka Soomaaliya waqtigii bari-samaadkii ayaa shaaca ka qaadey in uu isu sharixi doono jagada Madaxweyne ee dowlad goboleedka Puntland, taasoo ah codsi ka yimi dadweynaha reer Puntland ee ku dhaqan gobolada woqooyiga Mareykanka. Hadaba jaaliyada Soomaaliyeed ee gobolka Minnesota gaar ahaan jaaliyada reer Puntland ayaa waxay Generaalku u fidisay xaflad uu shaaca kaga qaadi doono musharaxnimadiisa.

Originally posted by somalipride: If it comes between war and Riyaale, the choice is obvious keep him in power. That's the benefit of have a state dominated by one clan, you can always find a peaceful resolution. Somalipride, use region instead of state. Be careful of the terms you use.

After Israel, Bush Seeks To Reassure Palestinians By Michael Abramowitz Washington Post Staff Writer Sunday, May 18, 2008; Page A22 SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, May 17 -- President Bush sought to assure Arabs on Saturday that he is committed to securing an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal by the end of the year, as he arrived at this Red Sea resort for a quick round of consultations with key allies. "It breaks my heart to see the vast potential of the Palestinian people really wasted," Bush told reporters after meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. "They're good, smart, capable people that when given a chance will build a thriving homeland. It'll be an opportunity to end the suffering that takes place in the Palestinian Territory." Bush's comments appeared to be an effort to address criticism in the Arab world of his strong words of support for Israel on its 60th anniversary, remarks that newspapers and officials in the region said ignored Palestinian sensitivities. As if to punctuate the point, Bush clasped Abbas's hands at the end of a brief photo opportunity, and the two strolled down a stone pathway hand in hand on their way to dinner. For his part, Abbas voiced confidence in Bush. "We know very well that you, personally, as well as your administration are committed to reach peace before the end of 2008," the Palestinian president said. But it was unclear whether the Palestinians and Israelis are making much progress on the final borders of a Palestinian state and the other issues that divide them. Bush flew here after a breakfast with Saudi King Abdullah in a round of meetings with foreign leaders gathered for a conference of the World Economic Forum. Bush also conferred with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Afghan President Hamid Karzai, and the U.S. president was planning to meet with top officials from Iraq, Pakistan and Jordan on Sunday. Bush expressed satisfaction with the modest increase in oil production announced by Saudi Arabia this week and put the onus on the United States to bring down the price of gas by taking such steps as expanding oil exploration and conservation. "We've got to do more at home," Bush said after meetings with Abdullah on Friday and Saturday morning. "One of the interesting things about American politics is, those who are screaming the loudest for increased production from Saudi Arabia are the very same people who are fighting the fiercest against domestic exploration, against the development of nuclear power and against expanding refining capacity." While Democrats in Congress are demanding that the Saudis boost production more aggressively, those comments suggested Bush believes he has done all he can to encourage the Saudis to act. In detailed briefings Friday, the Saudis told Bush that they are already spending billions to expand capacity to meet increased demand from their customers. After the meeting, however, they announced that they had boosted production by 300,000 barrels a day, a move that would bring overall production to about 9.4 million barrels a day. The kingdom's production capacity is 11.3 million barrels, and oil analysts described the Saudi gesture as modest at best. "It's something, but it doesn't solve our problem," Bush said. "Our problem in America gets solved when we aggressively go for domestic exploration. Our problem in America gets solved if we expand our refining capacity, promote nuclear energy and continue our strategy for the advancement of alternative energies, as well as conservation." Bush blamed Congress for blocking some of these ideas but said he had told the king and Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi "very plainly" that they should be "concerned about the effects of high oil prices on some of the biggest customers in the world. And not only that, of course, high energy prices are going to cause countries like mine to accelerate our move toward alternative energy." Source: Washington Post

Bump up again!!

'6. Recalls its intention to take measures against those who seek to prevent or block a peaceful political process, or those who threaten the TFIs or AMISOM by force, or take action that undermines stability in Somalia or the region, and therefore requests the Committee established pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) (herein after 'the Committee') to provide, within 60 days from the adoption of this resolution, recommendations on specific targeted measures to be imposed against such individuals or entities; By the way, TFI stands for the Transitional Federal Institution. Thanks Sakhar.

Informative and Insightful! "there are those who get goosebumps at the mention of any developmental projects carried out in the region! Despite being underserved, the region’s population are of the opinion that their conditions and over all situations are much better than they were during the Amharic dynasties." Through the Eyes of Ordinary Residents and Somali Region of Ethiopia Mohamed M. Bakayr May 09 , 2008 The Somali region of Ethiopia continues to evolve and establish some developmental projects here and there, but the extent of the evolution and developmental projects vary thourgh the eyes of the region’s ordinary citizens. The Somali region of Ethiopia has steadily developed and disparaged its past conditions. The region had been in a lamentable state before it became an autonomous Somali State of the Ethiopian federation. But at no time has Ethiopia ever done anything that would equate the region’s population with other peoples of the country; thus, the region’s people have always been inferior to other Ethiopians, but the inferiority has evolved and gone through different stages. At some times, especially during Amharic dynasties, the Somali people in Ethiopia were seen to be semi-savages, who would never ever adapt to an urban life or can lead a civil life. They were dehumanized, despised and deprived of all basic human rights they were entitled to get. But now, one ought to applaud all circumstances that have brought about the region’s current situation and how it got where it is today; however, there are those who get goosebumps at the mention of any developmental projects carried out in the region! Despite being underserved, the region’s population are of the opinion that their conditions and over all situations are much better than they were during the Amharic dynasties. For instance, although their quality and effectiveness are questionable, there are tons of educational centers in every zone of the region’s numerous zones. The Somali region of Ethiopia has not only seen remarkable growth of intermediate and secondary schools, but it has also founded its first university, which is expected to graduate many generations to come. Jigjiga Univeristy is already in full swing and is teaching and training hundreds upon hundreds of Somali students from all over the region, so one have got to brag about this tremendous achievement attained by the region and its administration. Conversely, the Somali region of Ethiopia suffers from inadequate services and pervasive corruption. While there are many projects geared toward improving the residents’ living standards, the region’s people do not get adequate services that can give them a sense of belonging or equate them with other Ethiopian regions. In truth, the inadequate services and invasive corruption that exist in the region is to blame for irksome instability faced by the region’s administrators. The region’s administrators, particularly those at zonal and district levels, do not last long. Many administrators have already come and gone, and every one of them was accused of pilfering public funds and benefiting themselves at the expense of the general public. However, it appears that the very hand that denounces and wags finger at corruption condones it at the same time. For instance, most administrators’ monthly salaries do not even cover their basic necessities, such as shelter, food, clothing and medicine; however, many of the administrators spend lavishly and lead a prosperous lifestyle. Where do their lavish expenditures and prosperous lifestyles come from? Well, they misappropriate public funds entrusted in them and meant to use for the betterment of the general public. Consequently thousands of needy residents languish in poverty and increase in frustration. What grinds one’s heart is the way in which the region’s huge annual budget is misappropriated. Enormous amounts of funds that are not spent properly can help alleviate the suffering of many hunger and disease stricken families if the funds have been spent properly and in their rightful, intended places. Instead of spending the public funds on their intended beneficiaries, the funds are pocketed by individual people. Therefore, and in the public mind, the region’s administrators are a bunch of people who are out there in order to amass wealth and fatten themselves and their families at the expense of starving women and children throughout the region. The region’s administrators are very big and strong on their rights, but very weak on their responsibilities with respect to serving their communities. The Somali region of Ethiopia is continually plagued by debilitating droughts that recur and ravage thousands of the region’s residents every year. In each year, humanitarian crisis looms in the Somali region of Ethiopia and thousands of people stand on the edge of extinction. Imagine how life has been for a population whose entire livelihood is dependent upon seasonal rains. There are three seasonal rains, one of which is the most vital one, the Gu season, that greatly affect the population’s living standard and their well being. If the Gu season fails and doesn’t bring adequate precipitation and moisture, countless numbers of the region’s population might starve to death. In fact, it is the Gu season that determines the living standard of the region’s people in any particular year, so if the Gu season rains well, the residents will have a good life during that year; nevertheless, if the Gu fails to rain adequately, then many people might succumb to death caused by starvation. Therefore, sadness and desperation are engraved in the hearts of the region’s residents whenever the Gu season fails. In such events, droughts lash at the residents so hard that they dessert their habitations and flee in every direction in search of provisions. The Somali region has been hit by devastating droughts for the past two years. Since 2007, the region has not seen any heavy rains that could bring the residents’ conditions back to normalcy. Rightly, the current year has entailed unbearable droughts that have claimed the lives of both human beings and their livestock. Oddly, over the course of these catastrophic times, the region’s administration prevented food aid organizations from reaching some parts of the region, claiming that the aid organizations had been siding with peace opposing elements. Here, the region’s administration has terribly erred in reaching a decision in which the inept administration expelled a number of humanitarian organizations that lent helping hands to thousands of starving women and children at a time when the region’s administration was unable to avail the region’s starving population. Similarly, opposition groups have done their people a disastrous service by destabilizing humanitarian aid services that could reach the neediest parts of the region. The inescapable conclusion is the fact that the Somali region of Ethiopia has relatively developed, but the development is seen differently by many people, who observe the region’s day-to-day affairs and developments. It is true that many educational institutions have been established and a good number of roads have been built and maintained; but the region’s troubles are destined to continue due to instability facing its administrators and due to pervasive corruption and laxity emanating from its administrators. However, one may urge everyone to back the region’s administration and work for the good of the region’s whole population, for there is no any other alternative that can replace the region’s incapable, corrupt administration, lest the administration vacates the scene. Mohamed M. Bakayr E-Mail:mohamedbakayr@hotmail.com

General Duke, a democracy had never existed in that part of Somalia unless we are fooling ourselves. A glimpse of past records of this region. http://www.wardheernews.com/articles/may/24_edit17%20.htm

Pirates hijack Jordanian ship off Somalia Sat May 17, 1:12 PM ET NAIROBI (AFP) - Pirates on Saturday hijacked a Jordanian-flagged cargo ship off Somalia, the latest in a series of pirate attacks in the area this year, a Kenyan maritime official told AFP. The vessel, Victoria, was seized about 40 nautical miles off the capital Mogadishu, said Andrew Mwangura of the Kenyan branch of the Seafarers' Assistance Programme. "The ship was seized by the pirates at about 6:00 a.m. (0300 GMT) today in Somalia. It is now sailing northwards," he told AFP. Earlier in the day, Jordanian Transport Minister Alaa Batayneh said the vessel, owned by a Emirati company, was carrying 4,200 tonnes of sugar donated by Denmark to the people of war-torn Somalia. "It was going from India to Mogadishu when contact was lost," Batayneh said, adding that the crew included Bangladeshis, Indians, Kenyans, Pakistanis, Somalis and Tanzanians. "The ministries of transport and foreign affairs are coordinating with the concerned parties to secure the release of the boat and its crew," the official said, adding that contact was being made with the Danish embassy in Mogadishu. Mwangura said there were "at least 12 crew members on the ship when it was hijacked." Last month Somali pirates hijacked a French luxury yacht, Le Ponant, and its crew of 30 for a week. It was released on April 11 when French security forces pursued some of the suspected pirates and captured six who were than taken to France where they were charged by a Paris court. A Spanish fishing boat was also seized in the same region and held for six days after after a 1.2 million-dollar ransom was paid. The coastal waters off Somalia -- which has not had an effective central government for more than 17 years and is plagued by insecurity -- are considered among the most dangerous in the world. More than 25 ships were seized in Somali coastal waters last year despite US navy patrols, according to the International Maritime Bureau. France and the United States have presented a text before the UN Security Council seeking to authorise states to send warships into Somalia's territorial waters to combat piracy. Somalia lies at the mouth of the Red Sea on a major trade route between Asia and Europe via the Suez canal. It has not had a functional government since the 1991 ouster of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre. Source: AFP

I wonder why the president of Somalia who in principle believes in the unity of Somalia and the resuscitation of our state attracts so much wrath from some folks whereas a whole tribe advances a deeper division and the forceful partition of Somalia by commissioning think tanks in service of imperial agenda, to write and speak for this cause and portray Somalia in light of the ideological conflict in the some parts of the south. The Northwestern region is no a monolithic entity but a contested entity and it is party to our protracted disputes and crisis, so the one who excludes it from the fratricide/tribal conflict that seem to have defined Somalia's greatest catastrophe is either novice in hindsight or sees benefit in the balkanization of Somalia into a multiple regions. Therefore SL is not politically and economically viable to be or become an independent state even if all the democratic and legal deficits are staggeringly disregarded by the international community. The good news is that the Security Council has just unanimously approved the deployment of International Peace keeping troops of 27000 and some 12,000 police officers to pave the way the withdrawal of AU troops including Ethiopia. The key word to remember is the replacement of AU troops with International troops in light of the growing radicalization of Somalia and the prevailing perception that the world is not lifting one finger to help us out of this misery. As we all know the current president of South Africa once expressed a similar notion that pits Somalia against its African brothers because of our affiliation with the ungrateful Arab League. Somalia is the least recipient of deserving international assistance and attention.

^good point.

^lool. MARC, The British colony that created your beloved "Somaliland" were themselves fearful of the people of Sanaag aka Maakhir. They were fearful of these men that they had never interfered in their internal affairs until they manged to create internal discord to break their unity. They bombarded the palace of the man on the right left. The Italians in cooperation with Britain braught forward an idea to "pacify" his sultanate. It states; In January 1904, an authorized Italian bombardment of the home of the Sultan of ****** so imbued the Italian government with fear of native revolt that they withdrew completely Please learn the history of your country.

^How can you build something that is bound to be exploded? It is like the TFG does something good while the insurgents destroy it. It is easier to destroy than build, yet the TFG is blamed for the ills in Somalia. From the article u posted: That leaves Mr. Nur with about $18 million a year to run a failed state of nine million of some of the world’s neediest, most collectively traumatized people. America's support for the transitional Somali government is not yet encouraging.

Originally posted by Geel_jire: ^ that is the most filthy BS you have come up with to date ... WTF ??? quote: The reward to that, according to their destructive ideology is Janna and Hurul Cayn (beautiful virgins). you now mock the principles of islam is not the objective of every muslim jannah ? ! Don't twist my words. There is no verse and Hadith that permits one to explode himself , particulay in the presence of a crowded area where Muslim women and children are bystanders. What religion makes it Halaal to do this. What makes it halaal planting bombs on the streets of Muslim neighborhoods? You don't have to answer them but ponder on these questions.

Originally posted by HornAfrique: Current Somalia Players: -The U.S.A -Ethiopia -Al-Shabaab. The notion that the TFG and the "opposition" can sit down on a issue in which they are not the prime players is really beyond laughable. Some people also make the strong argument that if it weren't the support of the United States, Ethiopia would have disintegrated into an ethnically inspired secessionist states. I see that you acknowledge the super power status and its utility of soft and sharp power in shaping and observing peace in today's world.

Jimcale, I didn't drag him to the mud. I just stated how Sheikh Ali Alow pioneered Wahabism in Somalia. But do you agree with Sheikh Cumar Faaruuq's Fatwa?

I met once a young person who related to us how his life got completely transformed when he came to Kenya after a long trip from Mogadishu. Murder, rape, robbery were all his rite of passage and it went on to the extent that he became indifferent of such heinous activities. When he came to Nairobi in 2004, he was awe-inspired at the sight of traffic lights, paved roads, market transactions without the need for heavily armed guards. He said it took him months to adapt to this new life because he never believed such things existed. I mean he lived completely in different world. The consciousness of any person is shaped by the socio-economic condition they live in. If we let Somalia fester in prolonged absence of state, we would live to witness horrific actions with long-term ramifications beyond our borders.We have only seen the smaller of the bigger consequences to come. The rooting out of the Islamists/troublemakers is a clearly attainable objective. The extremists continue to inflict serious damage to our peace process. Only the idealist person will dismiss this notion. As you can see, they vehemently justify the beheading of civilians and the political utility of bomb-strapped kids as guided missiles, since the guided missile inflicts the utmost destruction and gets rid of the components that make up of it. Likewise, the bomb strapped kids are programmed with codes that control their maneuvers of their brain or automatically guide them to self-destruction and the destruction of their surroundings. The reward to that, according to their destructive ideology is Janna and Hurul Cayn (beautiful virgins). So my proposition is the simultaneous application of sheer power and a major reconstruction plan or financial commitment given to the TFG and AU. Reconciling with moderates like Shariff is fruitful undertaking. The resources should be able to win the hearts of these kids, take them into custody and school them properly. We need to save our kids from falling prey to foreign elements with global agenda.

War bal horta magaca sax. Cuqdad xun baa ku haysa ee Ilaahey ha ku caafiyo.

Originally posted by Jimcaale: Xoogsade: No that was directed at Koora. I too know the sheikh in great detail but I wanted him to tell us and share what he knows about the Sheikh other than reading what others may have written about the Shiekh or Wahabiya. I know very well what others have written about Wahabiya but not from myself. Good point

Nuune, Cumar Faaruuq's wahabism is crystal clear. Wasn't he the one who issued "fatwa" and "Legitimized" the shedding of the blood of innocent Somalis? Do you agree with his Wahaabi Fatwa?

What is that you disagree with this article if you set aside your inflammatory and childish two cent?

The Gov of Sudan is in danger of collapsing. -------------------------- Sudanese rebels 'reach Khartoum' 10 May , 2008 BBC Sudanese troops have clashed with rebels from Darfur outside the capital, Khartoum, reports say, prompting an overnight curfew in the city. The rebels announced that their forces had taken nearby Omdurman and were now fighting in the city, but the government said they had been defeated. Sudan's army had been preparing for a possible attack on the capital after detecting a heavily-armed rebel column. Correspondents say this is the closest the rebels have ever been to Khartoum. A curfew was imposed in Khartoum from 1700 local time (1400 GMT) until 1000 on Sunday, and roads and bridges over the Nile are reported to be closed. The US National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said the White House was very concerned about the fighting. "We would urge that both sides cease hostilities, whether it is the rebel group or any response from the government. We want to see a calm and order restored." On track The rebels, from the Justice and Equality Movement (Jem) claimed to have taken the Wadi Saidna air force base about 10 miles north of Khartoum, Omdurman and to have entered the capital. But Sudan's presidential adviser Gazi Salaheddin told the BBC the rebels had now been defeated except for a few groups. Mr Salahddein said Jem had tried to take the capital with the backing of Chad's government. He warned that another contingent of rebel fighters might be on their way across the border. A Jem spokesman denied these reports and said they were still on track with their plan to overthrow the government. The BBC's Amber Henshaw, in Khartoum, says the atmosphere in the city is tense but quieter than during the height of the fighting when artillery fire could be heard. Local people in the area said the fighting had lasted several hours. Some reported power failures and street fighting. Proxy war A BBC News website reader in Omdurman said the rebels had cut off access to food supplies. "The fighting here is terrible," said Chingnachcook. "They are everywhere. I have smuggled out my laptop and I have managed to hide up in our loft." Asabusaid, in Khartoum said: "Fighter aircraft have been observed taking off from Khartoum and the sound of attack helicopters can be heard in the distance from time to time." Hashimi, also in Khartoum said: "There are several army men on each street and there is lots of fighting. No one is sticking to the curfew and many are at the mosques." Experts say Chad and Sudan are fighting a proxy war using each others rebels to achieve their military objectives. The Jem is one of several rebel groups fighting the government and pro-government Janjaweed militia in the western Darfur region since 2003 over alleged discrimination by the authorities in favour of Arabs. The rebels have been involved in raids on government forces in the area before.

^Now that is what I call prophetic.