Clan is a form of insurance and protection if everything goes wrong you can always fall back on Tolka , and the toll filll form a circle in protection of you. Its a messed up system , but thats how Somalis end up defending criminals warlords and terrorists. Somali nomadic warriors of the 19 century used to chant laan laan markay ku noqoto waxayn ka dhashay laamaha ta u sareysa . Aba ablayn markay noqoto waxan ahay nin adeereysan oo abtiyesan.

Some more pictures of the celebrations in Somaliland Future Ciidanka qaranka Sooraan and Jawaan

Seatle United states

Sool Laascanood http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCdATLvrF5Q#t=87

ANALYSIS 23 years after Somaliland declared independence, it is time for the rest of the world to accept that full sovereignty is the only viable solution. The most important and underreported success story of the last two decades in the volatile Horn of Africa may be the emergence of Somaliland. Located in the north of Somalia, Somaliland first declared independence in 1960 (before it merged with Italian Somaliland to become Somalia) and again in 1991 following the collapse of Mohamed Siad Barre's military government. Then, in May 2001, its independence was asserted again through a nationwide referendum that saw 97.1% of the population voting in favour of autonomy. Since then, with a population of around 3.5 million, Somaliland has held free elections, drawn up a constitution, and enjoyed relative peace and stability, all without the help of heavy foreign aid. And on 18 May, the people of Somaliland celebrated the 23rd anniversary of their independence. However, despite these achievements, Somaliland has struggled to gain diplomatic recognition as an independent state. The West, for example, is reluctant to recognise Somaliland as a sovereign state before members of the African Union (AU) do so, while the AU reiterates that one of the founding principles of the organisation was to respect the borders inherited from colonialism. However, even under this pledge, the AU's argument to deny Somaliland sovereignty appears to be invalid. After all, on 26 June 1960, the territory, which had been British Somaliland, gained independence as the State of Somaliland. It was only a few days later, on 1 July 1960, that Italian Somaliland also gained independence and then united with the State of Somaliland to become the Somalia we know today. Indeed, in 2006, an AU fact-finding mission declared Somaliland's status to be "unique and self-justified in African policy history," and insisted that "the case should not be linked to the notion of 'opening a Pandora's box'. " Furthermore, even if the AU did pledge to respect colonial borders, surely there is a way to allow Somalilanders today to decide their own political fate. If the UK can agree to hold a referendum over Scottish independence, why can't Somaliland be afforded the same opportunity? Time for independence Earlier this year, Somaliland agreed to take part in Turkish-brokered talks with the Somali government. However, it seems obvious that the two sides will not be able to agree on their future relationship through such means. Mogadishu still clings to the fiction of Somaliland being a region under its own authority even though the government struggles to govern at all, while Somaliland sees itself as autonomous and is keen to stay out of the chaos in Somalia. Furthermore, relations between the two sides are somewhat hostile. In the 1980s, when Somaliland secessionists were engaging in a bitter battle to break away from Somalia, the US-backed Somali dictator of the time, Siad Barre, used brutal military force to bomb the civilian population into submission. The conflict saw 50,000 civilians lose their lives and major towns like Somaliland's capital Hargeisa were heavily bombarded. With remarkable resilience and determination, the people of Somaliland slowly recovered from the devastation of that war, and today Hargeisa is a city reborn. However, relations between Somalia and Somaliland never fully recovered. In denying Somaliland the right to decide its own political future, the international community ignores the territory's rebirth, its success in eradicating the piracy and repression that once characterised it, and its testy relationship with Mogadishu. Somaliland's lack of diplomatic recognition also undermines the progress and stability it has enjoyed in recent years and prevents it from exploiting its rich coal and oil reserves since foreign energy companies are unable to trade directly with unrecognised territories. Describing the reasoning behind Somaliland's vote for nationhood, President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud 'Silanyo' writes: "From 1960 to 1991, we gave unity a chance. It failed disastrously. We have now forged again our own future. We deserve the chance to fulfil our ambition." Indeed, the people of Somaliland deserve a chance to decide their own political future for they can no longer tolerate years of uncertainty about their status as a nation. And Somaliland's move for independence is grounded in the same principles as the declarations of autonomy by British and French-owned colonies in Africa in the 1960s. 23 years after Somaliland declared its self-autonomy in the aftermath of Siad Barre's fall, it is time the US, European Union and Africa do the right thing and accept the only viable and sustainable solution: an independent and sovereign Somaliland. Ali Mohamed is co-founder of the Horn of Africa Freedom Foundation, a grassroots organisation located in Lewis Center, Ohio. The foundation advocates for the advancement of freedom and democratic values for the indigenous people of the Horn of Africa. He can be reached at aliadm@aol.com.

^^ As NGONGE said clan is everything stronger than anything

Doctor hareysa was very populated at that time the city was totally destroyed no roof was standing. I dont like victim mentallity but sl was very bad in 80s. Any way somalilanders licked their wounds and they moved on and got out 100 times stroñger ever in history

True Somalis can defeat shabaab, not 30.000 African union troops they have done a terrible job since 2006 its almost 8 years since the AU troops were in Somalia.

He fled when the xabashis invaded Xamar to Asmara and was nurtured by another xabashi called isiyas afewerki the asmara dictator. Now that would still not be bad the fact that he gave up on his struggle and sought refugee in the Amisom bunkers that is cowardice culture of aweys.

^^ If 300.000 people fled Hargeysa was basically empty in 1988 , the 50.000 was the numbers of Human right watch but it could even be more ,remember the city was being shelled by Somalia's artillery and Mig jet fighters , hargeysa was very populated

Xidiga geeska songs in Gabiley Somalilanders in Malaysia celebrate the 18 may independence day

Somaliland cultural dance in Borama

Amisom cant defeat Alshabaab Alshabaab network with in Somalia is rooted deep they have connections every where they receive all sort of support from logistics to Money from many groups in Somalia and individuals. Amisom is there only to earn Fees for their troops and ofcourse to prolong the conflict for god knows when. Extra Ugandan troops have arrived as blue helmets to protect UN offices head quarters and other diplomatic offices owned by UN agencies in Mogadishu, if Alshabaab has to be defeated altogether u have to go to the root and have proper intelligence to know their next step to cut their supplies. I believe the west is also not really interest in defeating shabaab, because the money they give to the SFG is channeled to offshore accounts. So if the Somali government is not really interested to make a difference why should they hunt shabaab when shabaab does not threaten Western interest let the Bantus earn their Money on the expense of the poor Somalis. The moral of the story if you dont help your self no one will.

Aweys is a failed terrorist he could not die for his cause he gave up and sought refugee in the Amisom Bunkers at the end History will remember him as the coward who gave up on his cause after sending so many youth to their graves who remembers in the 2009 fighting's 300 people died in fighting in Mogadishu between Sheikh dalxiis and sheikh daahir abees. I used to have respect for Daahir but they day he gave up he lost all of it.

There is a bigger chance palestine an israel uniting . than sl and somalia

Aweys gave up on his islamic state for somalia the moment he left shababab he could have created another islamic movement but he is broken and gave into amisom demand. Aweys refused to be a shaheed. It was all for nothing courts itaxaad eventully he gave up.

Somalia elders pledging their support for the people of Somaliland and the state of Somaliland as a sovereign neighboring state next to Somalia. I see a peaceful coexistence between Somalia and Somaliland side by side next to each other

Not sure but i hope they are Unionists no need to break up the United Kingdom for it serves all citizens of the UK.

Celebrations continue The love for the Flag Somalilanders in Scotland Somaliland fathers and their Childeren Somaliland president and his Firs lady My youth Somaliland London Girls every one is repping Somaliland

beautiful wonderful lovely long live the nation of Somaliland the people of Somaliland Allahu akbar walilahil xamd

Mo farah and nuur dalaacy on the front stage singing , also Dr oodweyne from SOL also on the dance floor who spotted him. London had the best party

Detoore somaliland is not asking for somalias consent or approval. Somalilanders took up arms fougt created their nation removed garowe from laaascaanood.and ofcourse inspired the usc. If ever a un supervised referendum is agreed on it will be held only wihin somaliland. The pirates and mogadishu clan are both in worry when sl broke away.mogadishu is scared to death that i with sl recogniotion the pirates will break away. And mogadishu is not confident in beating garowe into submission. The pirates are more scared of somaliland than xamar. Because sl is next door and will take garowe

Fantasic wonderful art work and very funny somalilands allows any one who wishesh to celebrate with them in welcome

Suldaan bayle is not bay and bakool he is bessha sahal ama d block Hs is a good man u can listen bbc somali. He is a respectable elder Its a man who believes in the peaceful coexistence of somaliland and somalis

Why Federalism is the Best System for Clan-based Somalis? by Abdul-Aziz Mohammed Friday, May 16, 2014 There is much apprehension in the minds of many Somalis, who could imagine a Somalia beyond its current troubles, about federalism. Partly, it is the fear of the unknown or change which is not easy. But it is also what federalism requires: that Somali clans must participate in governing themselves in regions and also having full representation in a national government. The fact is there are multiple clans, some big and some small in numbers, in any given region. To put the ball of regional governing in the court of these clans in their regions is a new test for cooperation and forging a new type of a gradual, harmonious community, post traditional individual clan setup. Inversely, it is a gamble on whether these clans will further be polarized into new inter-clan conflicts. Whatever the governance system for any people, if such system is to endure generation after generation, they must buy into it; people must feel ownership of it, for it works for them; and for it to be embraced and cherished, it must be fair and uniformly and equally applied. If not, obviously it will not last. Human communities, throughout mankind history, had to develop their own rules--usually and necessarily very much tailored to their life situations dictated in part by their habitat. Somalis’ ancestors were no exception in this regard. As a nomadic people, divided along clan differences, our forefathers and mothers invented clan rules, which gradually culminated into Xeer Qabbiil (Clan Constitution). To date, for the Somalis, the clan system endures. Why? Because it is an ingenious system. It works. It is fair. I might even shock you with this: that without such a system, the Somali people would have perished eons ago. You see, the clan system was designed by our fore bearers for the clans to survive each other. With meager resources in a harsh environment, one had to depend on oneself, family and clan. If you closely examine the Somali Clan System, you will observe that it was for survival. It was for deterrence and as an insurance for life’s contingencies. Basically, “cooperate, coexist and live and let live" about sum up the spirit of Somali Clan System. In reality, the Somali clan constitution dealt with every conceivable situation, good or bad, in the life of the clan and its members. From conflict resolution, compensation and forgiveness for damages and transgressions to all-out war, the Somali clan constitution dealt with all of that and much more! Amazingly, there was or is or ever will be no sitting clan government. Everything is assembled, like a portable tent, on need basis as a situation calls for it. For Somalis, the belief in clan and its rules is simply natural. It is a big part of who they are. It runs in their blood, so to speak. Yes, Somalis may have achieved their place among others as a nation, but nationhood itself has not been to the Somalis anything more than a mental or a feeling concept. Clan-based Somalis supposedly gave birth to a nation, Somalia, which bears their ethnic name. The flag and other symbols of a nation all have been there. But this nationhood thing has not taken root in the hearts of Somalis, although they are very fond of it. Why not? Because Somalis have never been weaned off of clan identity. The danger of running a country on clan mentality yields terrible end-results, like clans eventually and completely dismantling their own country. The ripping of Somalia to pieces had begun the day Somalia was born because Somalis had not a clue on how to run a nation. They ran nationhood to the ground by running it the clan way—the only way they knew how. Thus the rampant corruption in Somalia from independence to this day. For instance, the heads of ministries or other important posts would see and treat their departments as their respective clans’ departments. That was not because of a personal corruption, but because it is one of the pillars of clan system that one should take care of his own clan. This is generalizing of course, as there were I believe honest ministers of government or other posts. But they will be in the exception—not the rule! The point is that Somalis have never graduated from the clan institution. Very sad but true that the name Somali or Somalia has become the stink of the world for a long time now. To me that is the ultimate smoking gun on Somalis’ complete lack, if not negligible, of national sentiment. Nationalists do not destroy their nation—meaning themselves. The point in being a nationalist is that one believes in nationhood and is for his nation. The next door Ethiopia, there, there are nationalists. Ethiopians, though our historic enemy, have been about empire, monarchs and a nation for thousands of years. There are more than 80 different groups and languages in Ethiopia today. Yet, there, there will never be an uncontrolled chaos. They will always rule in one form or another! So the question is how do you transform Somalis from being loyal to clans to becoming loyal to a multi-clan region and or nation? The answer is simple and deeply rooted in the “laws of common sense:” that for Somali clans to shed clan identities for regional and national citizenships, they must themselves be the agents of change by governing regionally and nationally together as citizens. This is the game of real life, and for Somalis to be good at it, they must practice it daily—until it takes root so deep that a regional and national identity overtakes clan identity. Then, in due time, clan identity will wither away in obsolescence. Somalis do not worship the clan system, mind you. Nor are Somalis bunch of unruly people. They are not. On the contrary, they are a very law-abiding people, if they believe in the law. A Somali may be an Oxford, Harvard University or a MIT graduate with a brilliant mind, but he or she still caries clan membership Id at heart. This does not mean such a person is a bad person. For a Somali, nothing has so far replaced the clan system. That was why Somalia’s experiment in nationhood of more than 5 decades ended up in shambles, as Somalia is now hopefully out of the crisis and coma it has been in for over 2 decades. True nationalism has not even been effectively seeded in Somali minds as of yet. So we have a long way to go. However, in my opinion, there is a glimmer of hope in a long Somali time of something that might lead Somalis to an authentic and rooting believe in a national identity at the expense of clan identity. I am referring to Federalism. Federalism, to me, puts ownership responsibility on the shoulders of clans in their regional habitat. Clans will, for the first time, have a clear mandate to govern themselves locally, and also to fully participate in the national decision-making. There is something of this federalism in Somalia that is similar to the clan system--only in a bigger scale of a regional polity of multiple clans. With good federal laws, which will supersede in some areas of state laws, any excesses of any region could be decisively corrected by federal courts. For instance, discrimination federal laws must trump any regional laws. No one should be above or under the law. A clan speech could be considered as hate speech which should be, although perhaps protected by a freedom of speech law, condemned by all. Any clan motivated killing or injuring should be a hate crime also punishable by federal laws. Clear and fair laws are very appealing to all human beings--Somalis are no exception. Their clan system is case in point. Everyone is treated equally under the clan system. Reward and sacrifice are equally and fairly applied. In a simpler terms, the foremost issue for Somali leaders should be about how to transform numerous Somali clans into a one new big clan called "Somali Nation." Therefore, there has to be concise and unambiguous laws fit for a nation of many clans. One thing is very clear to me, that a system by few elites in Mogadishu as in a central government will never produce an authentic nationalism. This thing has to come from every village, valley and hill. Yes, it has to be of, by and for the clans in their regions. I bet you, they are already ahead of us as they are busy, learning on the fly how to build coalitions. There is no other choice but to trust people with power, with some redundant safeguards of course--meaning checks and balances. It is the only way for them to forge and accept a new reality of local, regional and national identity beyond clan reality. Somalia’s Federalism looks very messy at the moment. It could get even messier as more and more regions come online on federalism. There is even a potential, if things are not handled correctly, for violence among would be contesting clans in any given region. But these are perhaps unavoidable and necessary growing pains. Do not be afraid of Federalism. Let the clans begin learning the alphabet of coexistence, collaboration, local, regional and national citizenship. Let them be students of elections and the campaigns for them. Let them taste sweet victories and the agony of defeats at the ballot boxes. Give clans in their regions and localities the new rules to replace the old clan rules. This time, let the clan-based Somali people fully participate in shaping their destinies beyond clan and its system. We might all be surprised on how quick they learn! Then, logic clearly dictates that “real owners” of anything valuable would not even dare think of destroying it! Clan ownership of both regional and national governance is the only way of transforming Somalis from clans to a true nation! - See more at: http://www.hiiraan.com/op4/2014/may/54694/why_federalism_is_the_best_system_for_clan_based_somalis.aspx#sthash.siAcNdou.dpuf