Why are people alarmed, is this not the same TFG that has failed before and will continue to fail unless it comes to be controlled by Somalis and ceases to be a foreign project, only then will Sakiin take his place as speaker of parliament? how can a speaker of parliament have that much power vested in him? the TFG is a sham.

Source: http://addisvoice.com/2011/06/11034/ By Abebe Gellaw It is extremely unlikely for identical twins, let alone an Ethiopian ‘diplomat’ and a British born South African scholar who have never met in their entire lives, to write a 15-page long academic paper in exactly the same way, using the same language, words, sentences, paragraphs, data, titles…commas and full-stops. It may be a miracle but the impossible has happened. Dr. Colin Darch’s paper, “The Ethiopian Student Movement in the Struggle against Imperialism, 1960-1974" http://www.colindarch.info/docs/19761222_Ethiopian_student_movement.pdf Mr. Tesfaye Habisso, former high-ranking official and EthiopianAmbassador to Uganda and South Africa http://eprdf-sf.org/uploads/The_Ethiopian_Student_Movement_and_the_Struggle_Against.pdf Embarrasing, the journalist sets him a trap when he sends questions about the alleged paper he wrote in which he replies enthusiastically and confidently without an inch of hesitation as if the author of the paper.

Ethiopian rebels destroy ruling party stores in Gonder GONDAR - Rebels who sneaked into the piazza area of the historic city of Gondar on May 4 set off a huge fire that burned down 11 stores belonging to the ruling party of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. The chain of businesses destroyed include stores of electronics, mobile phones, goods, a laundry mat, and a bar, according to a report released to Ethiomedia by the rebel group Ethiopian Unity and Freedom Force (EUFF). Fire fighters rescued Quara Hotel (right) from complete destruction, and the hotel only lost its basement: EUFF (Photo: Amhara Region Photo Gallery) Hibret Bank, owned by a ruling party official who the rebels didn't identify, was also completely destroyed. Quara Hotel, also owned by the brother of Azeb Gola [aka Azeb Mesfin], the wife of Meles Zenawi, escaped complete destruction due to the fight by fire fighters. The hotel's basement was partly damaged. The rebels said the release of the news report to the media was delayed for security purposes of the combatants who carried out the attack. The news has not been verified by an independent media. EUFF said the fire that raged between 4:00pm to 11:30pm also destroyed the private residence of artist Tadele Fenta. The rebels regretted in their statement the error of destroying the private property of a civilian resident. EUFF is an entirely home-based rebel organization that has been carrying out combat operations in Gonder, Gojjam, Wollo and northern Shewa. "The Eritrea-based EPPF has been claiming as its own combat operations carried out by EUFF. Ethiopians should know that EPPF, or also known as Arbegnoch, has no single soldier on an Ethiopian soil," EUFF said in its statement. Armed struggle has for a long time been largely scoffed at in Ethiopia. However, 20-year-old Stalinist rule by Meles and worsening living conditions of Ethiopians are convincing the young generation that there is no alternative to picking up the gun and bringing down the regime that has no intention of handing over power peacefully.

Obama 52.9% John McCain 45.7% Meles Zenawi 99.6% Imaginary opposition 0.4% Ethiopia loves him, why does he fear his government workers and Tigrays coming to wave banners for him? G8 will drop Meles like a hot potato, begging(for aid) is nothing to be proud off.

:D:D:D:D LOL

Update on the situation! Military Communiqué:Ethiopia Deploys Helicopter Gunships in a Bid to Recapture WFP Workers 29 May 2011 The Ethiopian Army has deployed since yesterday helicopter gunships and more than a division of its forces in the O'gaden in a bid to recapture and silence WFP workers liberated by ONLF on May 26 in Galalshe. The Liberation Army is doing its best to ensure that the WFP workers to be placed in safe and secure hands. ONLF has already contacted the UN regarding this matter and is trying to involve ICRC as a neutral observer. The Ethiopian government, which relies on hiding War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity it commits by keeping away neutral parties from witnessing its heinous acts and then blatantly denying any claims from the victims, is gravely threatened by what the WFP workers may tell the world regarding the killing of their colleague and their subsequent abduction and imprisonment. ONLF have taken adequate precautions in order to protect the workers and is requesting the UN to take a firm stand against the Ethiopian government’s attempt to stop the safe handover of the workers. Issued by ONLF

COWARD!!!

This imbecile is a simpleton, the criminal Meles has mastered the art of fear.I care not who attends a Meles Zenawi rally because i am sure Meles has little support in that crowd for it is fear that has brought them to the square, hes gestapo and the large spy network of Addisababa dictates that you must be a TPLF supporter just like if you want food aid or land to farm you must support the dictatorial regime, the same applies to every Kibile,every woreda and state reinforced by its satellite parties .The fact that Meles must gather thousands of government workers to wave banners for him and must stand behind a bullet proof glass wall at every rally is testament to his popularity, typical paranoid dictator in denial attempting to legitimize his rule in the same square where he murdered hundreds in Addisababa's Tienanmen square massacre in 2005. This Dam issue is nothing more than a diversion, antagonizing Egypt to try and establish some kind of national cause as he did with Eritrea when he promised that port Assab would be returned to Ethiopia, sending hundreds of thousands to there deaths in a futile war.Theres nothing to say about this rotten regime, this filthy regime has orchestrated nothing more than wars, massacres, genocide, war crimes, massive human rights abuse, non-existent civil liberties, economic degradation, man made drought/famine, massive vote rigging/election fraud, land grabs, etc you can write an essay on each of these topics and much more on how this minority regime has raped the resources of Ethiopia to the disadvantage of the average person.No matter what system of moral principle a person follows nothing justifies the rule of the Meles dictatorship. You cant silence people forever, the Tigray warlord knows his time is limited.

Che there is no doubt a defeated Abyssinia is the cure for the Somali people...Inshallah.

I read this letter recently which is a letter to Obama and it reminds U.S foreign policy makers of this fundamental issue that many analysts continue to overlook, the Key to peace is finding a solution in the O'gaden. In 1960, the US State Department made the correct assessment that ‘Peace in the Horn of Africa depends in large measure on the stabilization, if not the ultimate solution of the ****** Province of Ethiopia.’ (Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Brubeck Series, Somalia. Confidential. Drafted by Newsom on August, 24. A handwritten notation on the source text reads: “Sent to Mr. Bundy for info. Aug. 26. S.B) Taleexi, I must disagree the reason why I mentioned the 77 war was because the main contributing factor which caused us the conflict was the interpretation of the war by the International community, an incursion into Ethiopia's supposed sovereignty by Somalia arming the "powers" with an excuse.Ethiopia is standing on unstable ground today and the "Somalia" card is not available, with several rebellions across the country, a large silent opposition majority boiling up and Meles Zenawi out of tricks to prolong his stay in power, the future is very bleak for Ethiopia.The Military of Ethiopia is rife with ethnic division, it is also a very weak institution that can explode with a few fireworks in the right areas.Can ONLF win Militarily perhaps not in the near future but it has the capability to weaken Ethiopia and end the conflict with some form of agreement.The next few years will be interesting for Meles Zenawi and his junta. When Ethiopia is this concerned, all signs are positive. the GoE's core Tigrean People's Liberation Front (TPLF) sees in the ONLF an image of itself two decades ago when it overthrew the brutal communist Derg regime, Prime Minister Meles and his Chief of Defense Force, General Samora Yonus, consider it vital to eliminate the ONLF before this insurgent group gains wider support. The Ethiopian leadership has stressed in public and in private that the ****** counter insurgency operation is critical to the security (and survival) of the government, and that the ONLF must be neutralized

ONLF in Galaalshe a few years back, with the photojournalist Jonathan Alpeyrie.

Che, A very difficult environment but I agree more needs to be done on the media front despite the remoteness of the O'gaden, footage such as this will pressure the International community for prompt action.The ONLF did well in 2007-2009 giving exclusive access to many prominent media outlets at the height of the 2007-09 conflict.Ethiopia attempted to cleanse the O'gaden while the worlds eyes were on there occupying force in Muqdisho and the conflict there.

Well put Oday, you have put forth your opinion well and theres truth in what you say certainly.The fall of the central government and the prolonged and continuing absence of the Central government has negatively impacted the somali people in general, there priorities and interests have become blurred leading to further self-destruction, with the case of the OG/SG there is definetly a problem with certain sectors/groups of this society who have shied away from the struggle to pursue other interests for there own selfish reasons but I like to think these people will contribute in the next phase of the conflict which we are heading towards.As for ONLF demographically its dominated by a single clan, the largest clan in OG/SG however this doesn't mean others have been dettered we have many patriotic sections of society contributing and resourcing the struggle, the leader of the brigade which conducted this assault does not belong to the majority so there is more to be done, ofcoarse the road ahead is difficult faced with the well oiled military and political machine that Ethiopia is.I think we are heading in the right direction, the most important thing about the ONLFs struggle is it does not depend on Somalia today it has firmly entrenched itself within the region it wishes to capture and finds its needs from its local environment.It cannot be today be interpreted as a border conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia, a tragedy of the 77 war but rather the inhabitants deciding there future. Until Ethiopia runs out of all options and comes to the table the war will continue.

When Somali politicians campaign or wish to start an initiative, they tour the diaspora not there local degaans to get support...so where does the trouble lie?

OdaySomali kow, ma dagaalokoodana Strategy lahayn baad ka wadaa Ugaas? igu soo celi aan kaaga jawaabee

Communiqué about WFP Abducted Workers 26 May 2011 The O'gaden National Liberation Army of ONLF has captured the Town of Galalshe in Jigjiga Region near Babili. Causalities from the Meles Army (ENDF) were heavy and some remnants escaped to Babili town. ONLA captured armaments, ammunition, and logistics. The Liberation Army found hundreds of civilians prisoners detained in the Galalshe Jail who were tortured and badly treated. Among the Prisoners found were the two WFP workers abducted by the Ethiopian Army, after killing one of their colleagues and wounding the other. Further details will be provided to the media as soon as conditions on the ground warrant it. ONLF will contact WFP and discuss with them mechanism of handing over the workers, since the Ethiopian Army and security forces will not spare them if found. It is the responsibility of WFP to arrange safe passage with the Ethiopian government. ONLA will continue to destroy Ethiopian Army concentration camps ‘like garrisons in the O'gaden. The O'gaden National Liberation Front

ONLF siezes Galaalshe town near Baabili, Jigjiga An Ethiopian garrison base was over-run by the Gorgor brigade unit of the ONLF, where the discovery of hundreds of prisoners were witnessed by the ONLF along with abducted WFP workers who recently stumbled upon a massacre the Ethiopians committed a fews weeks back prompting there detention, the driver was killed and the 2 workers were abducted.The Ethiopian Government blamed the ONLF, but what would ONLF want to do with WFP workers? ONLF wants more NGO's to access the region so the brutality of Ethiopia's rule can be further unvieled, its even more ironic when the Ethiopians claim ONLF wants to stop aid from reaching the people when its there government maintaining a full blockade on the region where the ONLF is urging the International community to pressure Ethiopia to lift the blockade and grant the NGO's access.It will be difficult to return the WFP workers to the WFP considering the Red Cross was expelled years ago along with most aid organisations for allegedly aiding rebels. Ciidanka Wadaniga Xoreynta O'gadenia ya ayaa saaka gacanta ku dhigay dagmada Galaalshe War dagdag ah oo hadda naga soo gaadhay Xarunta dhexe ee CWXO ayaa naloogu sheegay inay nafatood-hurayaasha CWXO saaka subaxdii ku waabariisteen xerada ciidanka gumaysiga uu ku lahaa dagmada Galaalshe halkaasoo dagaal xoogan ka dib gacanta lagu dhigay. Wararku waxay intaa ua darayaan inuu weli dagaalkii socdo iyadoo ciidama guamsyiga uu lahaa oo gurmad ahaan loo soo diray iyagana cagta la mariyay. Waxaa kaloo muhiim ah in xabsi gaar ah loogu tagay labadii shaqaalaha haya’dda WFP ka socday ee todobaadkii hore ay afduubeen ciidamada Itobiya iyo maxaysata la socotay ka dib markay dileen darawalkii waday. Labadaba way badqabaan waxaana hadda gacanta ku haya CWXO oo mardhow caalamka ku wargalin doona inay wareystaan siday xaaladooda ahayd iyo habkii loo afduubay iyo intii ay u xidhnaayeen waxyaabaha ay arkeen iyo wixii lala maaganaaba. Wixii ka soo kordha gadaal ayaan faafaahinteeda idinkala socodsiin doonaa. ONA. (OTP)- wararka nagasoo gaadhaya wadanka O'gadenya ayaa xaqiijinaya in saaka waagbarigii ay ciidamada jabhada ONLF weerar ku qaadeen xeryo ciidan oo ku yaalay magaalada Galaalshe ee gobolka Fiiq. sida ay sheegayaan warar hordhac ah oo aan ka helayno saraakiisha jabhada iyo dad xog ogaal ah oo jooga magaalada Jigjiga waxay cadaynayaan in dagaalkaas oo ahaa mid aad u xoog badnaa ay ciidamada ONLF kula wareegeen gacan ku haynta magaalada Galaalshe iyagoo ku guulaystay in ay cagta mariyaan ciidamadii militariga Ethiopia iyo kuwii Liyuu booliska ee saldhigaas ku sugnaa. sidoo kale warar aanu kasoo xiganay saraakiil sare oo ka tirsan ciidanka ONLF ayaa sheegaya in ay ciidamadoodu gacanta ku dhigeen intii dagaalku socday shaqaalihii WFP ee bishan dhexdeedii laga afduubay meel u dhaw magaalada galaalshe ee gobolka Fiiq. shaqaalahan ayaa la sheegay in ay ku xidhnaayeen isla xerada ciidanka ee ay weerareen jabhada ONLF. furashada shaqaalahan ayaa noqonaysa ceebtii ugu waynayd ee soo wajahda dawalada Ethiopia intii ka dambaysay dagaalkii cobole ee lagu qaaday xeradii shidaal qodista ee gobolka Dagaxbuur. wixii kasoo kordha dagaalka dib ayaanu idiinka soo gudbin hadii alle idmo. O'gaden today “Ethiopian military have kidnapped them as they witnessed the troops committing mass killing against Somali nomadic and pastoralists following battle with us (ONLF). The Ethiopians also killed WFP driver because they feared to tell mass killing against innocent civilians” he noted. “They (Ethiopian forces) wanted to stifle UN workers from telling the truth” he added.The O'gaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) on Thursday claimed that their fighters had rescued recently abducted staff working for the United Nations food agency after a fierce battle with Ethiopian military forces. In an interview with a local radio station, Hussein Mohammed Nur, ONLF’s head of information, said the rebels launched the attack after receiving information that two World Food Program workers were in Ethiopian custody in the district of Dabashe, which lies in the Dhagahtur region in the Somali region under of the Ethiopian protectorate. Nur said the staff members had been missing since May 13. He described them as being “good in health and in a peaceful location.” He charged that Ethiopian forces have kidnapped the workers because “they witnessed the troops committing mass killing against Somali nomadic and pastoralists following battle with us. The Ethiopians also killed WFP driver because they feared to tell mass killing against innocent civilians.” Last week, the food agency said a driver working for WFP was gunned down and another staff member injured by unknown gunmen in the Somali region in eastern Ethiopia. It went on to say that also two other employees were missing. WFP said it provides food assistance to 4.5 million people in Ethiopia, including refugees and school children, in highly food insecure areas. This is the second deadly attack on a WFP humanitarian worker in less than a month to take place in the region. However, the president of a Somali region under an Ethiopian protectorate, Abdi Mohmoud Omar, last week charged an Ethiopian rebel group with attacking and killing a driver and kidnapping others working for the U.N. food agency. Omar said the ONLF rebel group is trying to block international relief agencies from reaching the O'gaden region to help drought-affected people. He called for the international community to arrest ONLF officials abroad, accusing them of financing the armed guerillas. Ethiopia has not confirmed or denied accusations by the rebels. Read more: http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/90049709?Ethiopian%20rebels%3A%20We%20rescued%20UN%20workers%20after%20b

US Senators write to Secretary of State Mrs. Hillary Clinton The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton Secretary of State U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20520 Dear Madam Secretary: We remain deeply concerned about the worsening humanitarian situation and human rights abuses being committed in the O'gaden region of southeastern Ethiopia. The region is facing a severe drought and we fear the situation will worsen if steps are not taken to help protect innocent civilians. Millions of Ethiopians are in need of emergency humanitarian assistance. The past year’s lack of adequate rainfall and the current drought has resulted in severe water shortages, increasing the likelihood of displacement, mass migration, and complications from the scarcity of clean water, such as cholera. Despite the increasing humanitarian need, the international community has been unable to provide adequate assistance due to insecurity in the region and ongoing hostilities between the Government of Ethiopia and the O'gaden National Liberation Front (ONLF). The ongoing conflict in the O'gaden has had a devastating impact on innocent civilians. Serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law have been committed by all sides, including extrajudicial killings, torture, rape, abductions, arbitrary arrest and detention, and even entire communities being displaced. The Government of Ethiopia has taken a series of steps to clampdown on opposition forces, including use of force and human rights violations. The State Department’s 2010 Report on Human Rights Practices in Ethiopia detailed incidences of human rights abuses committed by Ethiopian security forces, including police and local militia. Since the launching of their counterinsurgency campaign in 2007, the Government of Ethiopia has restricted access of diplomats, humanitarian workers, and journalists into the O'gaden region to prevent reporting of human rights abuses by government forces. Furthermore, movement restrictions have made independent verification of the population’s needs extremely difficult. Just this month, Foreign Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn refused to accept the findings of the 2010 Report on Human Rights in Ethiopia, stating there was “no need to accept this report as something that can help.” The Government of Ethiopia is not demonstrating genuine willingness to help alleviate this humanitarian crisis. We understand the valuable strategic relationship that the United States has with the Government of Ethiopia. But the United States also has a responsibility to promote good governance and human rights in Ethiopia. Ethiopia’s role as a security partner cannot come at the expense of the most fundamental human rights and humanitarian norms, including the right to live free from harm, freedom of movement and freedom of association. As such, we respectfully request that you urge the Ethiopian Government to reopen the O'gaden region to independent organizations, including humanitarian ones, to assess and monitor the humanitarian situation. We also ask that you keep us informed on U.S. efforts to help bring about a resolution to this ongoing conflict and to urge the Ethiopian Government to hold accountable any military officials complicit in these abuses. Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your tireless work to ensure that all people are able to enjoy their fundamental human rights. Sincerely, Barbara Boxer / United States Senator Benjamin L. Cardin / United States Senator Dick Durbin / United States Senator Patrick Leahy / Senator United States Senator Kent Conard / United States Senator Jeff Merkley / United States Senator source http://hiiraan.com/2011/May/******,Ethiop_lettertoClinton_05.23.11.pdf

I think Somaliland needs a "NO" party and a "Yes" party, what you have now is parties who dont tolerate any other political viewpoint when it comes to secession and unity.The Unity parties and the secession parties would attempt to sell there political stance to the population instead of having constant bombardment from one opinion for 20 years this may change the opinions of many of the most extreme followers of Somaliland statehood.The platform has to be fair both sides of the political persuasion have to be represented for any refrendum to have merit today Kulmiye,UDUD and UCID have the same stance on secession and any party who brings the Unity card would certainly find themselves in Mandheera prison.

]The United States should provide judicial aid to Kenya and military aid to the Kenya-supported Jubaland entity inside Somalia as part of a more aggressive response to piracy, a US senator urged last week. Kirk notes that Jubaland, which declared its autonomy in April, “is intended to serve as a buffer state between war-torn central Somalia, Al Shabaab and the Kenyan border.” What does this translate to? why is there so much vile hate towards this entity. What did Sharif do or the TFG concerning Jubbaland, Prof.Gandi's program collected these troops, trained them and they are now fully operational because of there efforts.Did Sharif and the TFG ever notice these troops until recently? the troops are apart of the TFG as the maamul for Azania is supported by the TFG charter, Gandi and Kenya have not denied the TFG the ability to have an input in the program.Gandi has reitrated time and time again that his Maamul and the troops are not a renegade faction challenging the TFG but "Qaran".If Sharif and the TFG got there way, these troops would be in Mogadishu. If the TFG controlled the troops, then no Azania officials would be visiting Dhoobley or the other areas recently liberated as seen here. http://jubbalandnews.com/?p=1509

Sharif and Sakiin are incompetent, they are both not fit for public office.The TFG could do much better if they dissappeared, nevertheless the technocrats have brought some order to the government and the armed forces seem to be penetrating Shabab positions although they would crumble without AMISOM. The situation for Somalia is still bleak, with a flawed system and a bloated parliament full of people who did not get there based on any merit you can expect internal squabbling to continue.The Government size must be drastically reduced and the leeches must be driven out for any real hope of a restored State.

nonsense propoganda from the Ethiopian regime which is actively blocking food aid from reaching the populace, this is the same government that has expelled almost all NGOs from the region including the red cross the most impartial party in the conflict.The Ethiopian government is known to use armed guns to attack Food convoys so they can focus blame on ONLF and to signify to aid groups that the region is dangerous for them so they can continue there illegal blockade.This was the case when they directed an aid convoy from OWDA years ago to a road filled with mines killing a prominent aid worker.The Ethiopian regime is also known to use Food aid convoys as cover for there operations or directly use there assets to conduct operations.This group WFP is not doing much for the people as the government of Ethiopia limits there activity and most of there food aid is politicized meaning only those close to the regime are given food aid, there has been nothing to relieve people of the long drought. typical Somali tabloid news over the phone conversation.ONLF welcomes NGOs and those who will relieve the population as ONLF lives on the people, there food and water comes from them and this is exactly why Ethiopia doesn't want aid distributed to the people.Its Ethiopia thats paranoid about NGOs, human rights organisations and the Media visitng the region where they want to ensure there barbaric crimes are not unvieled any further.

What a shameless young lady this one is, because she has a few Internet swipes with certain forumers i assume she finds it neccessary to become an Ethiopian propagandist on SOL.Atleast put some effort in explaining your position instead of putting tasteless videos of criminals like Ilay who is responsible for the deaths of thousands among his many crimes.

Asaniya brings two things alien to South Somalia A structured maamul built after long deliberation( most of which will be unvieled as the military operations progress) A well resourced and disciplined armed force loyal to the Somali Government.