What does Awdal want? My article “Somaliland’s democratic contradictions” generated a lot of responses. Apart from the usual hate-emails by the feeble-minded, ironically the frequently asked question was; “What does Awdal want?” implying that Awdal has no reason to complain. This piece tries to answer that question and details the relations between Awdal and Somaliland. It also sets out the reasons why Awdal needs to conduct a region-wide referendum to get rid of the unfair confederacy act and secure its legitimate share of the power. i] [i shall first provide an overall picture of Awdal’s situation and describe some of the features of Awdal’s current ties with Somaliland.[/i] Somalilanders had dreamed for years after they gave away their independence that one day, time would side them and bring a better change, regain independence and have their own Republic. Out of that dream, Somaliland was reborn in a confederacy of five clans, the ***** and the Gadabursi clans being the largest in population. In a series of inter-clan conferences, culminating in the Borama Conference in 1993, a clan system of government was constructed. A supposedly power-sharing coalition of Somaliland’s main clans, with seats in the Upper and Lower houses proportionally allocated to clans according to the population. The Republic of Somaliland consists of six administrative regions. The people of Somaliland had the courage to begin dreaming again that the successful implementation of the confederacy will lead to power sharing, mutual caring of the common good, respect to each other and a better, prosperous Somaliland. So I’m led to ask myself: now, sixteen years after Independence, Is Somaliland a multi-clan-state or a one-clan-state? To answer this question, let us focus the following table which depicts the present power sharing: Seat allocations by Region: Awdal – 13 Woqooyi Galbeed – 20 Sanaag - 12 Saaxil – 10 Togdheer - 15 Sool - 12 In respect to the above figures, we know that the common denominator of three regions namely, Woqooyi Galbeed, Saaxil and Togdheer is ***** clan. They collectively have 45 seats. While Awdal, a predominantly Gadabursi clan and the major partner has only 13 seats. Note also that Saaxil, a recent add-in region has 10, only 3 seats less than the main partner (Awdal). Absolutely not fair to Awdal. Sool and Sanaag each have one seat less than Awdal and again I remind you that Awdal is a major pillar in the existence of Somaliland. Obviously, there is something wrong in the calculation formula. Now, put Sool, Sanaag and Awdal together and the result is 37 seats. Far below the number to defeat any motion tabled and supported by the ***** but not supported by the others. Be reminded that Somaliland was supposedly formed in a confederacy of clans. One might argue that voting takes place along party lines, but the reality is that when it comes to business, clanship dictates. I guess it is fair to conclude that the whole thing is a mess. Let us analyse the present power sharing scheme in another angle. Have a look at the below table: Voting results of the 2005 parliamentary election Regions Total voters Number of voters an MP represents Awdal 133,777 10,296 {13 seats} Hargeisa 255,979 12,799 {20 seats} Sahil 52,695 5,270 {10 seats} Sanaag 89,823 7,485 {12 seats} Sool 20,756 1729 {12 seats} Togdheer 121,877 8125 {15 seats} Total 674,907 Now, in regards to the above, an elected member of parliament from Awdal represents 10,296 voters, almost double of the number of voters a member elected from Sahil represents (5270). In the same token, a member elected from Togdheer represents 8125 voters, a significantly much lower number of voters than that of a counterpart from Awdal. An elected member of representative from Woqooyi Galbeed represents 12,799 voters, not a lot more than the number a counterpart from Awdal represents. Sool and Sanaag member of parliaments collectively represent 9214 voters, again a number lower than that of the voters represented by a member of parliament elected from Awdal (one region out numbers two). Detail analysis of the above speeks volumes. But surely that is the tip of the iceberge. What ever else this might be called, it is clear that it is not proper representation. Now, Is Somaliland a multi-clan-state or a one-clan-state? The answer is that it is clear that Somaliland is multi-clan cosmetically, but the real thing is that it is a one-clan-state. Sixteen years of untruths, economic inequalities and a vision of “I must be the King”: Awdalians want Somaliland to be multiclan and vaunt the merits of tribal diversity but in such a way that they will be acknowledged as equal partners. People of Awdal believe that Somaliland is a multi-clan entity supported by two major clans as founding peoples who were called, at the time of confederation, ***** and Cadabursi. Contrary to Awdal beliefs and in respect to the above tables, Somaliland refuses to consider itself to be a multi-clan state. It is attempting to deny that several clans exist within the country, but some radical gangs with a hidden agenda now seek to turn it into a one-clan Republic. This is the reality of what is happening in Somaliland which should no longer be denied. The Federal government of Somaliland has promoted unequal economic development through out the years of its existence. The government of Somaliland promoted the economic development of some regions namely Hargeisa, at the expense of all the other regions of the country and especially at the expense of Awdal. Transferring the non-governmental agencies to Hargeisa and not allowing functioning any where else is one of the factors that created unemployment and economic decline in Awdal. Keeping the civil servants only in the capital also favours a particular clan. While other regions are connected, ignoring the construction of the only road that connects Awdal to the capital and to the commercial areas is another factor of economic decline. Somaliland government has long practiced a preferential treatment to some groups while always attempting to write off others. Promoting the SNM mujaahiliin as saints and ignoring Naftood Hurayaasha Horyaal has since been a common practice. This was summed up by the famous saying (which still echoes in any Awdalite’s ears) by Sheikh Osman (Sheikh male); “Ma waxaan u ganaaxanahay ********** baad difaacdeen…” Through these inequalities, for which it is largely responsible and which it has never tried to rectify, the Somaliland government has violated the principle of equality between its founding peoples. We all know, and according to reliable sources, projects are in the works to add the curriculum of the schools a history course to teach the history of the Mujaahiliin SNM. This is absurd now, I say over our dead bodies. Awdal does not need a twenty year old fabricated history of the where abouts of criminals who massacred thousands of people for no apparent reason. Our children can not be taught in schools about who killed their fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, uncles, unties and grandfathers as heroes. That is junk. Awdal has its own rich history that dates back centuries that can be taught in our Awdal schools as well as the history and biography of Naftood hurayaasha Horyaal. Our children will rather be taught in schools about the history of the one of a kind great politician Allaha u naxariistee Jammac Rabiile than Siilaanyo. Our children will rather be taught about the biography and the heroic stories of my causin Naftii Hure Maxamad Osman (Nakruume) than Mujaahil Biixi. Awdal does not care to know about Mujaahil Dhagawayne but will rather study about Naftii Hure Maxamad Jodhob. Our children will rather study the biography of Naftii Hure Sheekh Osman (Sheekh male) than Mujaahil Kaahin. I will rather read the biography of dynamic Mukhtar than that of Mujaahil Xumaale (Samaale). Now, what does Awdal want? Awdal wants its legitimate fair share of the pie, nothing more nothing less. Simply put Awdal wants: • Representation of all partners at the Federal level must be based on population ratio. • Equality of employment opportunities • Appreciation and acknowledgement of its contribution to the building of Somaliland • Addition of a clause to the constitution to recognize Awdal as a distinct region to protect its economical, employmental and commercial rights from the other three regions whose common denominator is *****. • Recognition of Awdal’s rights to develop its own educational system. Iskusoo wada xoori, Nin dacwiyay dantii hadal. That is what Awdal wants, nothing more nothing less. What Awdal needs to do …… to be continued….. P/S Please note that all hate-emails will be traced and all the information including the content will be posted on warsanmag website. By Suleiman Abdi Dugsiye Ottawa, Canada Enail: douksi@warsanmag.com Source

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Ibti, I wonder if there will be as many gaps in the piece you intend to write as there are in your sentances.

Originally posted by NGONGE: ^^ But you did it for me perfectly. Why make me work when you already understand (mostly) where I am coming from? You say it is all about sub clans and that is what I have been telling you for TWO YEARS now. You say they should all look after their own interests and it is what I have been telling you when you were peddling that phantom Somalnimo nonsense. You say their interests may coincide and may eventually bring them together! What else is Somaliland if not that? Now your iffy Somaliweyn idea may still work in the future if the collective interests are the same (they are not today). Just write it, you might enlighten us. You have had a two year headstart with this clan thing.

^You are still avoiding my question. Are you going to take up the challenge or are you going to keep dancing around it? because from what you just wrote I can see we are looking at this issue from two very different angles.

Fahiye makes an interesting point there. But I think that he is a bit too cautious. Puntland is beyond reconstitution. Lama dhoob dhoobikaro hada. The time to go separate ways has come. Puntland will do better on its own then when it is saddled with the problems of other regions. Why should the taxpayers of Bosaso pay for the schools in Buuhoodle? Why should the sons of Gaalkayco die for the defense of Laas Caanood? Each constituency should work on putting it's own house in order. The state of Awadal The State of Somaliland The Maakhir State The Darwish State The Puntland State Every grouping running its own affairs, while living together as good and brotherly neighbors and recognizing our shared Somali and muslim identity.

Ngonge you and Ibti are full of hot air. She is running around with hoohaa about real and fake islam while in the meantime supporting the secessionists. You on the other hand say that clan is the way forward, without actually articulating why one should accept the clan. Stop being lazy guys and articulate your points of view.

Badacase, edit that ninyahow. Sidan ragu uma hadlaane. Tan waan ka saarayaa, markaad edit garaysid.

Anigu un hadaan isla hadlo, yaad la hadlaysaa adigu ?

Originally posted by NGONGE: ^^ Not too fussed about ths Puntland issue to be honest. It's a storm in a tea cup. Those unhappy about it will moan for a day or two then realise they have no other option but to support their president. I am just having a private moment with Mr ME there. Yes, the same Mr ME that opposes 'clan politics'. Ngonge of all the people in SOL I thought you would be the one to see when a pass is given. My convictions are still strong, my goal is crystal clear and if we need a strong Somalia, we need strong building blocks, composed of the most solid building stones available in today’s Somalia. That building block is clan. Not a confederation of clans, not an amalgamation of clans, but pure clan looking out for its own interest. The reason why Puntland didn't work was because it was based on an amalgamation of clans, the reason why Somaliland falters is because it is concerted too much with the dealings of other clans and it neglects its core constituency. (see Red Sea’s arguments on the under development of Somaliland) Puntland seems to have finally seen the light and is shedding the excess baggage and is ending up with its core constituency. This is a positive development in the long run. Each clan running its own affairs is a victory for Somalinimo. It will make our next republic a stronger one. Waan kuu soo dhigey, marka qor bal that piece on clannism aad qori lahayd. The Neo-Me might support that idea.

Originally posted by J.a.c.a.y.l.b.a.r.o: adiga cidi kulama hadlayso sxb ee aamusnaantaadii iskaga noqo ..... intii aad talayda qaadatay baabad fiicnayde sidaa ku wad. adigoo dadkaa aad garaabada ku sheegayso daba ordaya uun yaanan ku arkin hadhow //// Adigu mar mar waad iska ci'daa.

Originally posted by General Duke: ME: As ususal you make no point and keep going around in circles. The principle is very simple. Every clan should run its own affairs. Every clan should run its own land and administer it. We have all seen how the people of PL suffered under the corrupt regime of Cade Muse. Whats coming will be much worse. So yes the people of Maakhir have my personal support and I would encourage them to take their own destiny in the only hands that can be trusted in today's Somalia, their own.

Originally posted by J.a.c.a.y.l.b.a.r.o: quote:Originally posted by Fahiye: ^ no, this time it will be 80 + graabada LA lagu soo urursadey. dadkii la lahaa waa dadkayga miyaa sidaas loo caayayaana ?? ,,, cajiiib wa nus Fahiye is right. Wixii Somaliland iyo Punlandba aadaa garaabo kadaran.

Duke, I don't believe that the Makharians hate Puntlanders for Ilko-Jiirs sake. They are just following their interests if they create their own state and administer their homelands. Why should they put their destiny into other peoples hands? When they are fully capable to running their own land? It is every clans right to run its own land.

Originally posted by General Duke: Hunguri, my dear friend, I am sad today that our candidate did not win and you know I was not a fan of President Faroole. However the points you made while reasonable did not fit into the reality of today. You know Barack Obama won the vote in America while the black population is less than 14%. Thus this was a fair election and Mr Faroole has won the day.. Peace Yes Hunguri Mucaarad ha noqon. The choice is simple now. Maakhir State of Somalia!

Books in the picture. 1. Australians dictionary 2. Book titled Somalia 3. A Secret Country by John Pilger 4. Age of Extremes - Hobsbawm 5. Probably a law book 6. a biology school text book, 2 other books titled biology. Sup with this dude and biology?

I don't get it. That joke probably does well in the secessionist enclave.

I will remember that one for scrabble.

Celebrity Big Brother 2009 Who is watching this years show? 1. Coolio is the most annoying person in the house, but that dude is funny. 2. The mini-me dude rocks! he is the brains. 3. The fat bird is paranoid! She is scary I haven't noticed the rest of the bullshidders. Official website

I saw it the other day,it was amazing. I am just wondering did the little one survive the wounds? he was limping a bit.

Originally posted by Qalbi-Adeyg: Africaown Do you feel neglected? The burco **** is one ***** little girl like all somalilanders. Let me ask you, what is the concern of secessionists on who gets elected in puntland? Do you see me complaining about the clanist enclave you call a country? run by the three habars? Easy there homie, Inanta iska daa. Adba waad garan kartaa in ay foolxumo tahay in aad gabadh la murantid. Its one of the reasons aan Oodweyne ula murmin. [ January 09, 2009, 01:16 AM: Message edited by: Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar ]

Batistuta is like Van Nistelrooy. I cannot stand players like that. Ego's! no team players at all.

George Hagi all the way. Ngonge you didn't see him with Ajax.

Hate, Love bla bla......Ilaahay ayaa umadaha oo dhan sameeyay. Anigu shaqsi ahaan umadaha ma kala jecli. Laakiin umad walba waa in ay danteeda raacdo. Mar mar danta Soomaaliyeed iyo Danta Carbeed wey isla socotaa, mar marna ma isla socoto, waxa kaliya oo aan leeyahay danteena aan ka fakarno intii aan carab dantiisa wata aan ku daba lumi lahayn. Marka wixii dani noogu jirto waa in aan raacnaa.

Finidi George