Somalia: Testimonies From Ethiopians Nairobi, June 14, 2006 Mohamed, 27, former soldier, from Ethiopia I joined the military when I was 20 and was immediately posted north, first to Humera on the Sudan border. I stayed in the military for seven years, and I was injured in the Ethiopia-Eritrea war, in Badme. A bomb blast injured my face. When the war finished, I wanted to see my family. I was posted to Region 1, Mekele [Tigray], but I pleaded to see my family. I got permission to go to Gode [the capital of Ethiopia's Somali Region]. When I arrived in Jijiga, I discovered that my father and brother had been arrested as ONLF [******i National Liberation Front] members. Then I got into a very difficult situation. The government told me I had to find my other brother, also an ONLF member. They gave me a gun and said, "Find your brother. Search for him and bring him to us." Then I was afraid I would be killed, because if I came back to them without my brother, they would think I am ONLF because I am ******i. They will arrest me or kill me. But if I go to my brother, he knows I am military, so he will kill me. I had to leave, but I couldn't get out of the country to Mogadishu. There, in that area, they are opposed to Ethiopians like me and call you 'al Ittihad' [islamic militant] or 'spy'. You can't go that way - and you can't go to Somaliland, because the Issak [ruling clan] in Hargeysa [capital of Somaliland] have a relationship with Ethiopia. They have cross-border agreements and do security for each other, and they have Ethiopian security officers living in Hargeysa. So I had to come to Bosasso. I have no plans to go to Saudi Arabia - that's not why I came. I don't want to take that risk. I didn't use the brokers to get here; I came by car. I wanted to find a safe place. Fatuma, 21, unemployed, from Ethiopia I left Dessie [central Ethiopia] to find work. It was a very tough life there. I went from Dessie to Addis Ababa, where I have friends. In Addis, I used to meet up with my friends and we would plan what to do. We wanted to get out, go to Saudi Arabia and abroad. I was put in touch with a broker through my friends, who were all in a similar situation. The broker was a young man - an Amhara like me - and good company. He told us it was easy to get out and said it could be arranged. I borrowed a lot of money. There are so many brokers in Addis - Amharas, Oromos and Somalis - they can fix the journey. Our broker was in touch with Somalis and Ethiopians who could take us to Region 5 [Ethiopia's Somali Region] and take us across the border. We arranged to go from Addis Ababa to Harar, and there we connected with another broker. I paid 200 birr (US$24) and went in a bus with 50 other migrants. In Harar, we were taken by bus to *****sheik and then handed to another broker. We were kept for five days in the broker's house, and we had to pay another 500 birr ($60). He waited until there were a lot of us in the house - too many, over 100. I was travelling with women friends, and we all kept together to be safe. When the group was big enough, the broker organised another truck to take us across the border to Burahao [in the self-declared separate state of Somaliland]. There, things went wrong: We were abandoned by the truck in a forested area, and I had to walk for 17 days. I was robbed of all my money and possessions just outside Burahao by a gang of gunmen. I have been in Bosasso for six months now. I survive by selling tea and working in a small restaurant for 7,000 to 10,000 Somali shillings a day (50 to 70 US cents). I haven't tried to get the boats to Yemen because I am afraid, and I can't afford it. But my friends have gone. I want to go back home, but I am afraid to return because I borrowed a lot of money to pay the brokers. I am in debt. I want to see my daughter so much. She is four years old and I left her with my parents. My parents have no idea I came here, and they don't know if I am alive or dead. Hussein, 32, merchant, from Ethiopia I have been in Bosasso for two months. I am Oromo, a merchant. I left my wife and son in my home area, but my place of work was Addis Ababa. I used to be prominent in the union. When there were elections in the country election, I was working with the opposition. I was an active member of the opposition. Also, I was the chairman of my community - we call it 'kebele' - and I became a target. It became a problem to stay. Also, I was working and travelling with others who were disliked by the government. Some of my friends and fellow workers were arrested and imprisoned and I became fearful, afraid to stay. I left. I don't know what happened to my friends and colleagues who were put in prison. Ali, 27, student, Addis Ababa I came to Bosasso in November 2005. I was in my third year at university, but education was badly affected in Ethiopia from September 2005. One day there were disturbances at night in Addis Ababa, and there was fighting between people and soldiers. We held a meeting then. The students were divided between opposition and government supporters. Someone informed on us. Federal police came by bus into the campus and seized about half the students and accused them of being opposition supporters. There was fighting between the students and the federal police, and the students were stoning the police. The police used their guns. They tear-gassed the students and they shot them, right there. They killed 18 on campus - some were my friends. Then they took the bodies away. After the killings, they took a number of students and imprisoned them, accusing them of being opposition supporters. Everyone fled the university. Many went to Gondar and into Sudan. But I don't know that way - I don't know my way to Sudan. There were three of us who randomly decided that same night that we should flee this way, over the Somali border. We took a truck from Harar and went to *****shiek, where we waited one week in the house of a middleman. Then we came here. I have talked to my father on the phone, who he told me, "Get out of Ethiopia. Don't stay - you'll be imprisoned or killed." I have no plan. I want to continue my education, but I fear going back to Ethiopia. Source:IRIN

IT SURE IS!

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW: http://www.aminarts.com/pages/SHAATI_CUSUB.htm

The new International Contact Group on Somalia said its priority was to support the U.N.-backed transitional government as the legitimate authority in Somalia WHAT WILL THE COURTS DO NOW? THEY HAVE NO LEGITIMACY FROM THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY. IT'S EIGHTER WORK WITH THE GOVERNMENT OR GO AWAY THE WORLD HAS MADE IT CLEAR. DID THEY REALLY THINK MOGDISHU AND JOWHAR WAS GOING TO GIVE THEM AUTHORITY? THE WORLD HAS MADE IT CLEAR TO THEM AND IT'S TIME THE SOMALI GOVERNMENT DID THE SAME AS IT'S WORDS WILL BE BACKED BY THE INTERNAIONAL COMMUNITY.

UN GROUP BACKS SOMALIA GOVERNMENT UN GROUP BACKS SOMALIA GOVERNMENT The first meeting in New York of a new international Contact Group on Somalia has given strong backing to the transitional government there. The government, set up with UN backing two years ago, has been unable to enter the capital Mogadishu in the wake of the successes of an Islamist militia. After its first meeting, the group said it supported Somalia's institutions. It also called for urgent aid to Somalia and said it intended to address international concerns over terrorism. The UK, US, Norway, Sweden, Italy, Tanzania and representatives from the European Union took part in the talks at Norway's UN mission in New York. Analysts say the new Contact Group is a effort to redraw policies towards Somalia in the wake of the Islamic militia's success. The militia has seized much of southern Somalia, including Mogadishu, from warlords believed to be US-backed. 'Step forward' The UN and African Union were invited to the talks as observers but the Arab League and Kenya were unhappy at being excluded. Kenya has played a crucial role in long-running Somali peace talks, which led to the formation of the fragile interim government in the town of Baidoa - based there because the capital, Mogadishu is too dangerous. No-one from Somalia's transitional government was invited. The government, set up in 2004, has been largely powerless to bring peace. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said the New York talks were a "good step forward". He praised the US for hosting them and for trying to formulate a new policy in the region. But he added: "I don't think I would have recommended the United Nations or the Security Council supporting the warlords." US Ambassador John Bolton said of Mr Annan's comments: "I certainly hope it is not an implicit criticism of American efforts to round up terrorists." UN emergency relief coordinator Jan Egeland said Somalia was a "totally forgotten and neglected crisis... maybe because there is no government to speak on behalf of Somalia". Peacekeepers The African Union special representative for Somalia, Mohamed Ali Foum, said there was "an urgent need to give support to the transitional federal government to help bring back stability". Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Stoere told the BBC future talks with the Islamists had not been ruled out and that there had to be an "open mind to engaging in dialogue inside Somalia". He also said US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice had encouraged Norway to head up peace efforts in Somalia. The Islamist victory in Mogadishu is seen as a major setback for US policy in the region. The US has neither confirmed nor denied reports it backs the warlords but says it will stop Somalia becoming a safe haven for terrorists. Somalia has not had an effective national government for 15 years, during which time it has been fought over by a host of different armed factions. Somalia's interim parliament on Wednesday voted in favour of a deployment of African peacekeepers. But the Islamists strongly oppose the move.

Somalia 'contact group' urges end to fighting, new talks UNITED NATIONS (CNN) -- Diplomats led by the United States and Norway called Thursday for an immediate end to factional warfare in Somalia and talks between the interim government and the Islamic militia that now controls Mogadishu. The new International Contact Group on Somalia said its priority was to support the U.N.-backed transitional government as the legitimate authority in Somalia but would "build upon existing positive relationships with Somali actors." In a statement issued Thursday, the group agreed to work within the framework of the transitional government "to address the humanitarian needs of the Somali people, establish effective governance and stability and address the international community's concern regarding terrorism." Idd Beddel Mohamed, the transitional government's deputy U.N. ambassador, called the contact group statement "good news." Britain, Sweden, Italy, Tanzania and the European Union joined the United States and Norway in the contact group. Kenya, which has helped organize Somalia's struggling transitional government, was not invited, but the African Union, the Arab League, a group of East African states and the United Nations are taking part as observers. "It is certainly a global responsibility to get Somalia back as a functioning state, because the void we have there is very dangerous not only for the Somali population but for the whole world," U.N. humanitarian coordinator Jan Egeland said. "It is now a place where children do not go to school, but where they become soldiers and terrorists and child soldiers at a rate which is just too scary." Somalia's last functioning government collapsed in 1991, and the transitional government based in the inland city of Baidoa wields little influence. The Islamic Courts Union, a militia that backs the imposition of Islamic law in Somalia, seized control of Mogadishu last week from a U.S.-backed coalition of secular warlords, renewing concerns the lawless country could become a haven for al Qaeda terrorists. Asked if the contact group could treat the Islamic Courts Union as a negotiating partner, Jendayi Frazer, the assistant U.S. secretary of state for African affairs, said, "We're not ruling that in or out." "We would urge them to work with the transitional federal institutions as an immediate step," Frazer said. The ICU has drawn comparisons to the Taliban, the fundamentalist militia that imposed a strict Islamic regime on Afghanistan and allowed al Qaeda to operate from its territory. The Somali group denies harboring terrorists and has sent a letter to the United States saying it is not an enemy of America. U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan said Thursday he disagreed with the U.S. support for the warlords, "who brought such misery and destruction to their country." But he said the world will be watching the ICU to determine whether it will allow individual liberties while providing law and order. "What is important is that we find a way of getting the Somalis to work together to eliminate the violence that has plagued that country for 16 years and begin to restore some order," Annan said. "And I would urge them to work together -- the Islamic Courts, the transitional government and the population." At talks in Nairobi on Tuesday, transitional government officials said they planned to invite a new peacekeeping mission into Somalia, where U.S. and U.N. troops became embroiled in the country's civil war in the early 1990s. The transitional government also wants a partial lifting of the 13-year-old U.N. arms embargo against Somalia so that a regional peacekeeping force can be put in place -- a move Annan said would have to be studied carefully. Mogadishu was the scene of a 1993 battle between U.S. troops and a warlord militia that killed 18 Americans and hundreds of Somalis. Frazer said any talk of international intervention would be premature, but each country in the contact group would be looking at the issue of the weapons embargo. Contact group members are scheduled to meet again in Sweden in mid-July.

Well said General Duke as always.

I think America was alittle slow now they know which side to take. America is a world power with out their support not thing really moves. Great news.

Alle-ubaahne go and bring The President of Somalia to justice if you can do that you should bring Bush to justice too. Alle-ubaahne you seem like a little kid so take it easy. Which ever qabil or clan you are from that impose such hate in to your little mind should be brought to justice.

"President Abdulahi Yusuf is reported to have postponed today his trip to Kenya and waiting the decision of the MPs over the government’s request to vote for sending foreign troops to Somalia to restore peace, law and order."

Mohamed Abdi Farahforeign troops (SomaliNet) The Somali law makers in Baidoa in southwest Somalia have delayed on Monday voting on the government proposal of deploying African peace keeping troops in Somalia, as the curfew on Baidoa town 240km of the capital enters its third day with most of the people turned deaf ear to the blackout. Today’s parliamentary session was attended by 165 MPs who debated the motion of foreign troops deployment. 15 months ago, the members of Somalia parliament split over the proposal of foreign forces in which the MPs beat themselves with chairs and sticks in Nairobi Abdifitah Ibrahim Rashid, member of parliament, who was talking to the reporters in Baidoa said it was not clear the statement of the proposal submitted by the government, noting that it is needed to explain the number of the troops deploying in Somalia, the countries they are from and the duration of their presence in the country. Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adam, the speaker of the parliament who was chairing the session said that tomorrow the MPs will return in their meeting to vote for deploying of African peace keeping troops in Somalia. Meanwhile President Abdulahi Yusuf is reported to have postponed today his trip to Kenya and waiting the decision of the MPs over the government’s request to vote for sending foreign troops to Somalia to restore peace, law and order. The chairman of the united Islamic courts Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed warned the government to approve deploying foreign troops in the country, describing it as dangerous to the Somali future. He said the Islamic courts have worked on the security and stability in the capital Somalia of Mogadishu and there is no need for outside troops in the country. Western powers accuse Islamic courts in Mogadishu of having links with Al-Qaeda network which the Islamic courts deny.

(SomaliNet) The security of Baidoa, the capital town of Bay region in southwest Somalia is heavily tightened; with government troops were patrolling the streets around the key government residences in the town on Saturday. Reports say. The move came after Somali interim president Abdulahi Yusuf issued a degree in which it is described that the president using his power in the federal constitution has imposed a curfew from 9:00 pm to 5:00am before the dawn local time (EAT). The curfew will go into effect from tonight and it continues till the government assures the security in the town. It is the second curfew imposed on Baidoa since the transitional federal government based in the town, which is 240km southwest of the capital Somalia Mogadishu, where Islamic gunmen wrested the control of the city from the alliance of warlords after 15 years of gun-rule. The government degree contained of five articles including: To form immediately the administration of Baidoa. All militias and their weapons in the town should be listed in the designed training camps in and outside of Baidoa. To deploy the government troops in Baidoa airstrip and also to take the control of all the checkpoints to collect taxes and then put in the treasure of Baidoa administration. To set up defense positions inside the town to check the armed militia and other weapon smugglers. To be alert the government militia in Baidoa and deploy in camps where they can rapidly react. Also in the degree it has been mentioned that he/she who violate the order might face a fine, for instance anyone who breaches it may receive 1-3 months arrest and a fine of cash between 1,500,000 and 3,000,000 Somali Shillings worthy it $110 to $220. Meanwhile, the defense minister and the acting minister of interior and the police commanders had an urgent meeting on how the president’s degree could be put into implementation after yesterday’s deadly clashes in which at least 10 people killed including the clan chief Semow Abdi Garun and many more injured.

The United States will inshallahi give it's full support to the TFG than things will go very fast. The courts will stay but they will not run the Country.

Why is the United States so interested in Somali politics all of a sudden? Why is the United States not supporting the Somali Government dirctly and Publicly? Is the United States confuss when it comes to Somali politics? If the United States Supports the Somali Government 100% what will be the outcome? Will the United Staes lift it's Arms embargo on Somalia and the U.N's?

U.S. to Hold International Meeting on Somalia The Bush administration will convene an international meeting next week on political developments in Somalia, following an abrupt shift in policy this week after Islamists seized control of the Somali capital from U.S.-backed, warlord-led militias. The formation of a "Somalia Contact Group" was announced yesterday by the State Department, which had long expressed concern inside the administration that a policy largely restricted to counter-terrorism priorities might prove counterproductive. On Wednesday, the administration indicated that it was open to discussions with the Islamists as long as they were prepared to seek a peaceful resolution and pledged not to allow Somalia to become an al-Qaeda haven. The goal of the group's meeting, to be held in New York, is "to promote concerted action and coordination to support the Somalia transitional federal institutions, and so we are going to be working with other interested states and international organizations on this matter," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said. "We think it's the right time." The decision to launch a multinational diplomatic initiative reflects a lack of immediately viable options in Somalia short of overt military engagement, and it appears to indicate a further resurgence of the State Department's voice in foreign policymaking under Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. McCormack said the contact group will be open to "interested parties" from governments and international organizations, and suggested that "the U.N. would want to participate in this." A United Nations spokesman said yesterday that Washington had provided few details on the initiative but that the proposed timing coincides with the return from Somalia of Francois Lonseny Fall, the U.N. representative who met with different factions this week. Representatives from the European Union -- which also expressed interest this week in talks with the Islamists -- are expected to attend. The U.S. delegation is to be headed by the assistant secretary of state for African affairs, Jendayi E. Frazer. A rethinking of U.S. policy was provoked by fast-moving events over the last several weeks in the chaotic country on the Horn of Africa. Without a coherent government since 1991, and left largely to its own devices since the 1994 withdrawal of a U.S.-dominated U.N. military force, Somalia has been riven by turf wars among clan warlords and their well-armed militias. A transitional government established under U.N. auspices two years ago has proved incapable of control and was forced to retreat several months ago from Mogadishu, the capital, to Baidoa, 150 miles away. U.S. interest in Somalia has long focused on the presumed presence there of a group of al-Qaeda operatives, believed to be led by Fazul Abdullah Mohammed, a Kenyan citizen also known as Harun Fazul. Indicted in absentia in the United States in the 1998 bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Fazul was on the U.S. "Most Wanted Terrorists" list issued immediately after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Washington's concern grew over the past year with the expanding power of the Islamic Courts Union, a coalition of 11 autonomous, clan-based courts that have sought to bring order to southern Somalia through the imposition of Islamic law. As court-backed militias gradually became the country's most powerful fighting force, secular warlords who fashioned their own "anti-terror" coalition in opposition found that the Bush administration -- while officially backing the transition government in Baidoa -- was willing to provide clandestine financial support. Although those in the Defense Department and the CIA favoring aid to the warlords prevailed, other administration officials argued that putting all U.S. support behind the warlords was unwise. The relationship between the al-Qaeda cell led by Fazul and the Islamic courts has always been unclear, said one senior official who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. "We think that there are elements within this Islamist group that are providing refuge and support to this al-Qaeda leadership, but not the Islamic courts as a whole. We don't know that, and we don't believe that," the official said. The takeover of Mogadishu by Islamic forces Monday brought the internal debate to a head. On Tuesday, after the Islamic Courts Union leadership issued an open letter to the international community to "categorically deny and reject any accusation that we are harboring any terrorists," and declared its desire to establish peace and "a friendly relationship" with the outside world, the administration decided to extend a tentative olive branch. Washington now hopes that a new multinational contact group can shepherd an accommodation between the Islamists and the transition government. Awad Ashara, a member of the Somali parliament, told the Reuters news agency yesterday that a meeting between the two is in the works. "The government will in the coming days be sending cabinet members, lawmakers as well as influential traditional elders to Mogadishu," Ashara said. "They will try to achieve reconciliation between the Islamic courts and the other groups." Although Ashara said the government hopes to "work out voluntary disarmament" between the Islamists and the warlord-led militias, reports from outside the capital indicated that the warlords are gearing up to try to retake the city.

Alle-ubaahne Abduallhi Yusuf's mission is just getting started.

Hundreds protest Islamic militia's takeover of Mogadishu MOHAMED OLAD HASSAN Associated Press MOGADISHU — Hundreds gathered Tuesday in northern Mogadishu to protest an Islamic militia's takeover of the city after weeks of bloody fighting with secular warlords allegedly backed by the United States. Members of the militia, which has alleged links to al-Qaeda, kept defensive positions about two kilometres from the protest, but did not move in to stop it. On Monday, the militia became the first group to consolidate control over all of Mogadishu's neighbourhoods since the last government collapsed in 1991 and warlords took over, dividing the impoverished country of eight million people into a patchwork of rival fiefdoms. aPs="boxR"; var boxRAC = fnTdo('a'+'ai',300,250,ai,'j',nc); Tuesday's protest, though, showed it may be difficult to keep control of the capital. The protesters, most of them members of the Abgal clan, carried signs saying, “The Unity of Abgal is Sacred†and urging the militia to pull out. Three of the main leaders of the secular alliance are from the Abgal clan, including former minister of commerce Muse Sudi Yalahow, who is holed up in a hospital in northern Mogadishu and reportedly trying to negotiate with the Islamic leaders. The Islamic militia is gaining ground just as the UN-backed interim government struggles to assert control outside its base in Baidoa, 250 kilometres from Mogadishu. Weapons prices soared there Monday amid fears that the militia could head to Baidoa next. The militia's advance is raising fears that the nation could fall under the sway of Osama bin Laden's terrorist organization. Omar Jamal, director of the Somali Justice Advocacy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, said the Islamic militia's victory in Mogadishu was a major turning point in the country's history. “It is exactly the same thing that happened with the rise to power of the Taliban,†he said, adding that the extremists are “using the people's weariness of violence, rape and civil war†to gain support for a government based on Islamic law. The battle between the militia and the secular alliance has been intensifying in recent months, with more than 300 people killed and 1,700 wounded — many of them civilians caught in the crossfire of grenades, machine guns and mortars. Alliance leaders could not be reached for comment Monday and had likely fled Mogadishu. One of them, warlord Mohamed Dheere, was believed to be in neighbouring Ethiopia seeking reinforcements. The United States is backing the secular alliance in an attempt to root out any al-Qaeda members operating in the Horn of Africa. U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, have confirmed co-operating with the warlords. Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, president of Somalia's transitional national government, has said Washington is funding the alliance. The administration of U.S. President George W. Bush has not confirmed or denied backing the alliance, saying only that they support those who fight terror. The United States has not carried out any direct action in Somalia since the deaths of 18 servicemen in a 1993 battle in Mogadishu depicted in the film Black Hawk Down. The U.S. officials said recently that Islamic leaders in Mogadishu are sheltering three al-Qaeda leaders indicted in the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania. The same al-Qaeda cell is believed responsible for the 2002 suicide bombing of an Israeli-owned hotel in Kenya that killed 15 people and a simultaneous attempt to shoot down an Israeli airliner over Kenya. The Islamic militants and their secular rivals began competing for influence in earnest after a UN-backed interim government slowly began to gain international recognition. The weak government, wracked by infighting, has not even been able to enter the capital because of the violence.

Somalia's prime minister sacks US-backed warlords Somali Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi has sacked four ministers, also warlords, who were involved in deadly clashes with Islamic courts militia over control of the lawless capital and its northern outskirts, officials said on Monday. Gedi fired national Security Minister Mohamed Afrah Qanyare, Commerce Minister Musa Sudi Yalahow, Militia Rehabilitation Minister Issa Botan Alin and Religious Affairs Minister Omar Muhamoud Finnish, a government spokesperson said. "The prime minister, chairing the council of ministers, has sacked all the Cabinet members who have been involved in the fighting," said Abdirahman Nur Mohamed Dinari. The four warlords, members of the United States-backed Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism (ARPCT), had defied several orders to stop fighting with Mogadishu's increasingly powerful 11 Islamic courts since February. In the latest clashes on Sunday, the Islamic gunmen seized control of the strategic town of Balad township, around 30km north of Mogadishu, as the alliance fighters fled to the regional town of Jowhar, about 60km to the north. The seizure of Balad, a strategic supply town for the warlords, put the Islamic courts within striking distance of Jowhar, which is controlled by warlord and leading alliance member, Mohamed Omar Habeb, and home to several aid agencies. In addition, Gedi invited the Islamic courts to take part in dialogue with a view to ending the clashes that erupted in February and have so far claimed at least 347 lives and injured more than 1 500 others, many of them civilians. "The prime minister has invited the Islamic courts for dialogue," Dinari said. The largely powerless Somali transitional government is based in the regional town of Baidoa, about 250km north-west of the capital. The ARPCT, formed in February, has reportedly received financial and intelligence support from the United States to help fight the Islamic courts, accused of harbouring foreign fighters and having links with extremist groups such as al-Qaeda. The courts, which have declared a holy war against the alliance, deny the accusations and claim the warlords are fighting for the "enemy of Islam". The United States has refused to confirm or deny its support for the ARPCT. - Sapa-AFP

This is great news. :cool:

Courts are really taking control of Mogdishu? warlords are getting pushed real hard!

Baydhabo Jenaay: from the city of death to city of hope and spirit of federalism by Muse Yusuf “Federazionaa fadaane †– af maay-maay Figure 1: May water from Isha Baydhabo wash away all the ills On 22 nd April 2006, Members of the Transitional Parliament (MTPs) voted overwhelmingly to adopt Baydhabo as a temporary seat for the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) until such a time when Mogadishu has been pacified, and security and safety have returned to this troubled but once a peaceful and tolerant city in which all Somalis regardless of their clans lived together in peace and harmony. Baydhabo might not be as strategic as Mogadishu and other cities like Barbara and Kismayo in terms of location and infrastructure, however, the decision to select it as a temporary seat for the FTG has some significance in the history of this troubled nation that need to be briefly explored. Since the formation of modern political associations like the Somali Youth League (SYL) in 1943, the dream to liberate and unify all occupied Somali territories was a major driving force for almost all major political forces in Somalia . Another equally important historical factor was how the then political parties had struggled to conceptualise which or what form the emerging entity would take, that is whether it would be a unitary or a federal structure that would allow the other parts of greater Somalia to be incorporated into the state more easily. This issue was particularly controversial during the Abdullahi Issa government in 1950s, which had the task of drafting constitution that would become effective with independence. One of those parties was the Hizbia Digil-Mirefle Somali (HDMS) [1], which later became the Hisbia Dastur Mustaquil Somalia (HDMS), the Somali Independence Constitutional Party. The party represented the interest of the sedentary agricultural communities of Juba and Shabelle rivers, and was formed to counterweight the SYL, which was dominated by the pastoralists [2]. Fearful of the pastoralists hijacking the emerging entity, HDMS politicians made the need for a federal structure as the motto of their political campaigns. They urged their constituencies to support the concept of federalism rather than a unitary state, which the SYL had preferred. SYL, with its preoccupation with the concept of greater Somalia , was concerned that a federal structure would encourage clan divisions and identities [3]. However, HDMS, besides its concern for the liberation and the unification of all Somali territories, despite its support for 30 years of trusteeship, the party was probably unique in pursuing a vision of a federal structure. Slogans like “federazionaa fadaane, dhaha†a mixture of Italian and ********* languages, which translates roughly we demand federalism was vehemently uttered and promoted by the HDMS's politicians like Cabdulqadir Zobo, and their constituencies. Despite HDMS' efforts to be a formidable political force, the mighty SYL won the historical moment and a unitary state was formed by the Act of Union in 1960 [4]. Then, as every knows, the republic descended into civil governments, followed by an oppressive dictatorship in which the state was so centralised that the famous Villa Somalia became the powerhouse where real decisions were made. Not surprising this was followed by the total collapse of the central government in 1991 and the current civil war. Looking back, one now could see how the concepts of liberation and greater Somalia had overtaken the task of formulating a federal structure for the emerging entity, and as a result no enough resources were mobilised to achieve that goal, which, if adopted, could arguably have saved the republic from current mayhem and anarchy. Let us stop here for a moment and return the clock of the history of the Republic back to 1960 and imagine that people and their leaders at the time, besides their commitment to the concept of greater Somalia , had decided to adopt a federal structure that guaranteed regional autonomy and governance that was independent from the national federal government. Rather than being controlled by Mogadishu and its elite, those regional governments would had enjoyed greater freedoms to manage their local affairs, and develop local resources in view of benefiting the local first but most importantly the wider community at federal level. Under that federal structure, cities like Baydhabo, Hargeysa, Garawe, Kismayo, and Marka for example would had been capital cities of inclusive regional governments, which would had interacted with the federal government only on federal issues such as foreign and defence. Also, under that structure, those occupied regions, for example Djibouti , would have been able to join the federal structure after they had gained their independence if they wished to do so. Based on this imaginary scenario, one could argue that the republic would have been different from what it is today. Now let us come back to realities of present day Somalia in which entities like “Punt+landâ€, “Somali+landâ€, “Mid+landâ€, “ Juba +land†etc. have spread like a bush fire. One wonders whether this phenomenon is an expression of the desire for a federal structure, which was suppressed for the sake of a unitary state and greater Somalia that has yet to be realised. Also, one would question whether these entities like “Somali+land†are not really about demanding total independence from the rest of Somalia, as some foreign scholars and agents like Iqbal Jhazbhay, J. Peter Pham , and I.M. Lewis etc. would like to think but merely a craving for greater freedoms and autonomy, which were denied by previous governments, particularly during the oppressive military regime. It really feels sad that cities like Baydhabo, Garawe and Hargeysa had to wait so long to try to taste those freedoms and rights. While compiling this article, I came across an article titled Somaliland: facing reality in Somalia by a J. Peter Pham [5] , calling the US to recognise “Somali+land†because, according to his analysis, a sovereign “Somali+land†would be in the interest of the US 's global war on terror. Although this article is not a rebuttal and I hope other Somali scholars and not foreigners will respond to him, I would like to mention one or two points about the essay. Firstly, Mr Pham tries to belittle Somalia and calls it “ the phantasmal existence of the fictitious entity â€, while he tries to portray “Somali+landâ€, a mythical entity under the international law, as a reality! However, for his information, Somalia still remains a reality under the international law and it is recognised by the international community and institutions. The international community has been prudent to protect the territorial integrity of the Republic of Somalia until such a time when Somalia -as many countries did-comes out of the civil war with a stronger democratic federal structure that is acceptable to all. Nations go through a period of civil wars as the USA did only to come out it stronger and wiser. Furthermore, every minute in which the Transitional Federal Government (FTG) and its full-fledging institutions interact with international bodies and other states, every day that the United Nations Security Council passes a resolution on Somalia is a confirmation and evidence that Somalia is a reality and exists as a legal entity, and she is here to stay! Figure 2: In a mood for federalism Secondly, in his attempt to galvanise support from the USA and to portray “Somali+land†as an entity which the USA could do business with, the author goes to say that authorities in “Somali+landâ€, a Muslim Sunni, had designated a foreign-based Christian non-governmental organisation to coordinate the international monitoring of the parliamentary elections. Any mechanism used to strengthen institutional building and democracy in the northern regions of Somalia is very welcome and I am sure all Somalis and the international community would agree with me on that. However, what the author does not know, and this is the problem with foreign scholars and agents who jump in the back of the wagon without first analysing the history of this nation, is that when the British had betrayed Somalis and they gave Haud to Ethiopia in 1954, which had sparked a massive nationalist protest, it was a Somali Christian from the north west region of Somalia called Michael Mariano who led that national protest. History tells us that Mr Mariano's party the National United Front (NUF), supported by the Somali National League (SNL) had sent diplomatic missions to London and New York to demand the return of Haud to Somalis [6]. So for his information, the feeling of unity among Somalis despite their differences and recent civil wars goes deeper into their souls and psyche no matter what neo-imperialists and foreign agents try to do to divide them in order to dismember Somalia . Thirdly, contrary to his analysis, a united democratic federal Somalia would be less dangerous to America 's strategy on its war on terrorism because it would be easier for the US to deal with one entity rather than fragmented entities, which is what the author is calling for. Through the lenses of current US policy makers, the American administration would probably prefer to deal with the existing member states of the UN rather than try to dismember a state and them contemplate a future with fragmented entities, which could happen if “Somali+land†is recognised. So it is in the interest of the US to support the current transitional federal government and institutions like the European Union (EU) is wisely doing right now. For his information, the British Government's Secretary for the Department of International Development, Hilary Benn, visited Baydhabo this month to support efforts by the international community, including the Arab League and the African Union who have recently installed their mission in Baydhabo, in order to help re-constitute Somalia as a federal structure. Fourthly, the author quite rightly states that “Somali+land†is a poor country. It is also true to say that for that valid and good point “Somali+land†might not be a viable unitary state and therefore it would be better off if it remains in the union with its brethren in the “south†were the most fertile land and the only two rivers in Somalia are located. Also, I would like to remind the gentleman that a united federal Somalia would have louder and stronger voice in current world politics in which even unitary states – including some developed countries – have no effective negotiating voice in global organisations like the World Trade Organisation (WTO) unless they are part of major political or economic blocks such as the European Union (EU). So a united and federal Somalia within the African Union (AU) would have more chance in securing better price conditions and terms for its products and commodities, e.g. banana, mango, papaya, which are produced in the south, in the global market. Figure 3: Baydhabo's golden coloured soil Let me leave that tiny rebuttal there and return to my essay to finish it off. As every knows, Baydhabo Jenaay, is situated in one of the most fertile and productive lands of the nation, sitting happily between the Juba and Shebelle rivers, the only rivers in Somalia. A city where natural waters of the “Isha Baydhabo†fountain flow, a city with its golden coloured soil and mild weather might have probably qualified her to be nicknamed Baydhabo Janaay translated “Baydhabo, the heaven/garden city.†However, as the essay's title suggests, the city was associated with some miserable things that had happened to her, for example the death of civilians from starvation caused by brutal fighting between militias during the height of the civil war, ranging from the late general Ceydid's invading forces, and recent clashes between rival factions of the ********* Resistance Army (RRA). Also, historically, the city and the people from this part of Somalia were always treated second citizens. History tells us that the mood was always: Mogadishu as number one, Hargeysa number two and Kismayo number three and Baydhabo probably coming in the fourth place. Also, peoples of the two great rivers are arguably the most excluded communities from the unitary state and had suffered a lot under that structure. A good and unique quality about the riverine communities is their patience and resilience and despite the injustices and maltreatment they had suffered they have hardly complained about it unlike other communities who have even contemplated to dismember Somalia . I conclude my article by saying that the riverine communities and their leaders must be feeling joyous and proud of themselves by hosting the first Transitional Federal Parliament (TFP) with its message of hope and spirit of federalism, which they had so rightly and vigorously campaigned for as early as 1940-60s by demanding a federal structure when they said: “Federazionaa fadaane.†As they say there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and maybe the time has come for these communities to assert themselves in any new structure that might emerge, which will benefit all Somalis. End Muuse Yuusuf London , UK Views are welcome on myuusuf3@hotmail.com Read Mr. Muse Yusuf 's recent article: A Challenge for a South African Scholar

1- Wasiirka amniga qaranka Maxamed Qanyare Afrax 2- Wasiirka ganacsiga Muuse Suudi Yalaxow 3- Wasiirka awqaafta iyo arrimaha diinta Cumar Maxamuud Maxamed “Finish†4- Wasiirka dhaqan celinta maleeshiyaadka Bootaan Ciise Caalin 5- Wasiirka dibu dhiska iyo dibu dajinta Bare Aadan Shire “Bare Hiiraale†Madaxweynaha DFKMG Mudane C/laahi Yuusuf Axmed said it was up to parliament "to take an appropriate action against those members who are waging the war".Somali President Abdullahi Yusuf has warned his ministers that they cannot continue to serve in his government while leading militias into battle.

Ra’iisal wasaaraha dowlada federaalka KMG Soomaaliya Cali Maxamed Geeddi ayaa muddo todobaad ah u qabtey wasiirada maqan iney ku gaaraan magaalada Baydhabo. May 17, 2006. HornAfrik. Mogadishu, Somalia. Seynab Abuukar Maxamed. Baydhabo. E-Mail: - seynab_37@hotmail.com Ra’iisal wasaaraha dowlada federaalka KMG Soomaaliya Cali Maxamed Geeddi ayaa muddo todobaad ah u qabtey wasiirada maqan iney ku gaaraan magaalada Baydhabo. Ra’iisal wasaare Geeddi oo galabta shir jaraa’id kuqabtey guriga uu ka dagan yahay magaalada Baydhabo ayaa sheegay inuu warqad qoraal ah u direy wasiiro ka tirsan xukuumadiisa ee ka maqan shirarka labadda gole ee kasocda magaalada Baydhabo oo xarun KMG u ah dowlada federaalka Soomaaliya. Mr. Geeddi oo mid mid u sheegay magacyadooda iyo meelaha ay kala joogaan Muqdisho iyo Kismaayo ayaa waxaa ay kala yihiin: - 1- Wasiirka amniga qaranka Maxamed Qanyare Afrax 2- Wasiirka ganacsiga Muuse Suudi Yalaxow 3- Wasiirka awqaafta iyo arrimaha diinta Cumar Maxamuud Maxamed “Finish†4- Wasiirka dhaqan celinta maleeshiyaadka Bootaan Ciise Caalin 5- Wasiirka dibu dhiska iyo dibu dajinta Bare Aadan Shire “Bare Hiiraale†Ra’iisal wasaaraha dowlada federaalka Cali Maxamed Geeddi ayaa wasiirada ka codsadey iney muddo toddobo cisho gudahooda kaga soo qeyb galaan kal fadhiyada aan caadiga aheyn ee labadda gole uga socda magaalada Baydhabo ee gobolka Baay. Wasiirada ayuu qoraal kiisa ku xasuusiyey taageerada ay u hayaan shacabka Soomaaliyeed iyo beesha caalamka, waxaa kaloo uu qoraal kiisa ku sheegay ra’iisal wasaare Geeddi in beesha caalamku ay diyaar u tahay iney ka caawiso dibu dhiska dalka, amniga iyo sidii sharciga loosoo celin lahaa. Ra’iisal wasaare Geeddi ayaa u sheegay wasiirada in shacabka ay ka sugayaan wax qabad deg deg ah oo fulin teeda awoodeed la siiyey, sidaa darteedna uu ka codsanayo iney mudada todobada cisha ah kaga soo qeyb galaan shirarka baarlamaanka ee ka dhacaya magaalada Baydhabo. Qoraalka Geedi oo ahaa codsi ayuusan ku xusin wax talaaba ah oo uu ka qaadayo haddii ay ku imaan waayaan codsigiisa. SA

IS this going to be a direct fund to the Government?

British international development minister Hilary Benn has met the president and prime minister there in a previously unannounced visit. Mr Benn says he will be offering international support for attempts to end the anarchy. PS: Great news in deed we need all the international support our Government can get so it can get us out of anarchy.