Thats not something new we know that Somalis will never unite because they were never united in history.

Very sad , they should have accepted the reconciliation conference the PM proposed before creating a state.Now you have warlords fighting each other, this what happens when you create a state before reconciling the various tribes and stake holders.

^^ Burahadeer Hassan culusow ba heley dee, way dhamaatay so much we love Somalia:D The sahal camp of Abtigiis and Xiinfaniin http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BkE3n9dFbII" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>

Somali warlords battle over key southern port AFPBy Tobin Jones | AFP – This picture released on May 22, 2013 by the Africa Union shows young men sitting fishing on a rocky outcrop near Mogadishu's fish market. At least eight people have been killed in fighting between rival Somali warlords battling for control of the southern port city of Kismayo, witnesses said Saturday. View Photo This picture released on May 22, 2013 by the Africa Union shows young men sitting fishing on a rocky … At least eight people have been killed in fighting between rival Somali warlords battling for control of the southern port city of Kismayo, witnesses said Saturday. Gunmen from the Ras Kamboni militia of former Islamist warlord Ahmed Madobe -- recently self-appointed "president" of the southern Jubaland region -- battled against forces loyal to Iftin Hassan Basto, another leader claiming to be president. Fighting broke out Friday evening, paused overnight, but resumed on Saturday. "Fighting started when soldiers from Ras Kamboni attacked and tried to arrest me," Basto told reporters. "But my men fought back and defended me." Several rival factions claim ownership of Kismayo, a former stronghold of the Al-Qaeda-linked Shebab, where Kenyan troops in an African Union force are now based. Kenyan troops, who invaded Somalia in 2011, back Madobe's control of the strategic and economic hub, but neither the title of "president" nor the region of Jubaland is recognised by the weak central government in Mogadishu. Witnesses said eight people were killed in the clashes, while several wounded people were seen being taken to hospital. "I saw eight dead, three of them civilians, but the toll could be higher as many were wounded," said Mohamed Farey, a witness. "Battles have continued... we can hear heavy fire." Another resident, Jama Bile, said that three of his neighbours had been killed, and two others wounded. "It's chaotic here... people are frightened," Bile told AFP. Jubaland lies in the far south of Somalia and borders both Kenya and Ethiopia, and control is split between multiple forces including clan militia, the Shebab, Kenyan and Ethiopian soldiers. Jubaland joins other semi-autonomous regions of the fractured Horn of Africa nation, including Puntland in the northeast -- which wants autonomy within a federation of states -- and Somaliland in the northwest, which fiercely defends its self-declared independence. Ras Kamboni spokesman Abdinasir Serar insisted his troops were in full control of Kismayo. "We will end the fighting soon, after we arrest those who were preparing for attacks," Serar said. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who holds little sway in the port city, said all sides should end the fighting. "We call on both parties to practise restraint," he said in a statement. Kenya's and Somalia's presidents met this week, discussing among other issues Nairobi's role in Jubaland, which has a lucrative charcoal industry, fertile farmland as well as potential off-shore oil and gas deposits. Kenya views the region as a key buffer zone to protect is borders, but in Jubaland, has ended up backing a warlord opposing the central government it is mandated -- and funded by the UN and European Union -- to support.

Somali militias fighting in disputed port city kills five ReutersBy Abdi Sheikh | Reuters – 1 hour 56 minutes ago Somalia's Sheikh Ahmed Madobe, leader of the Ras Kamboni, a pro Mogadishu militia which has fought alongside the Kenyan Defence Forces in southern Somalia, is seen with his troops at the main seaport of Somalia's port city of Kismayu, October 5, 2012. Credit: Reuters/Richard LoughView Photo Somalia's Sheikh Ahmed Madobe, leader of the Ras Kamboni, a pro Mogadishu militia … MOGADISHU (Reuters) - Gunbattles between militia groups in the southern Somalia's Kismayu erupted for a second day on Saturday, residents said, in the heaviest fighting the disputed port city has seen in more than four years. The fighting, the first since several former warlords staked rival claims on the lucrative port and fertile hinterlands in May, has stoked fears among locals of a return to the clan wars that tipped the country into anarchy two decades ago. One resident counted five dead militiamen on Friday. It was not clear if there were casualties from Saturday's fighting. "From my rooftop I can see dozens of men with Ak-47s and their technicals exchanging fire in the streets," shopkeeper Farah Nur said, referring to the machine gun-mounted pick-up trucks commonly used in Somalia. Businesses stayed shut and the streets of Somalia's second biggest city were empty of civilians as mortar blasts rang out. Kismayu was controlled by Islamist al Shabaab until last September when they fled an offensive by Kenyan peacekeeping troops supported by a militia group loyal to a former governor of Kismayu, Ahmed Madobe. A local assembly last month declared Madobe president of the southern Jubaland region, handing him back control of Kismayu. But Somalia's central government in the capital of Mogadishu, which does not view Madobe favourably, said the process was unconstitutional. Within days, three other men had pronounced themselves president, including Barre Hirale, a former warlord and defence minister seen as pro-government. The latest clashes broke out when Madobe's fighters stopped another of the claimants from visiting a hotel were Somalia's defence minister and other officials were meeting. Regional capitals and Western donors are nervous of any reversal of security gains made in Somalia by African Union peacekeepers in the fight against the al Qaeda-linked militants, seen as a threat to stability in east Africa and beyond. How the fate of Kismayu and the Jubaland region is resolved is a litmus test for Somalia as it rebuilds from the ruins of war and cements a fragile peace. Mogadishu insists there is no going back to civil war. But government-led talks over Kismayu are being stymied by the divisive clan politics that plague Somalia. "We hope fighting will cease. Only the man with the most weapons will remain in power," local elder Nur Ibrahim told Reuters by telephone, showing scant hope for a negotiated end. Madobe's apparently close relationship with the Kenyan military has raised tensions between the Mogadishu and Nairobi governments. A Kenyan ally in southern Somalia could provide Nairobi with a welcome buffer along their porous border. On Saturday, Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud returned to Mogadishu after talks with Kenya's new leader. The pair have met at least five times since Uhuru Kenyatta's inauguration in early April, aides say. Al Shabaab blamed Kenya for the latest violence. "The resurgence of tribal hostility in Kismayu is a result of the Kenyan invasion of the city and the Kenyan government will be held fully responsible for every drop of blood," Sheikh Xudayfa Abdirahman, a senior al Shabaab official, told Reuters. Al Shabaab wants to impose a strict version of Islamic law on Somalia and has been blamed for many attacks on Kenyan soil.

Burahadeer maybe its good that the kenyans take control no more clanish bloodshed. With out proper reconciliation no effective state can ever be built there

I wonder what xiinfaniin will say its just the Jubbaland troops cleaning the dirt lol.

You totally misunderstood the professor he said tol is good which means your clan , but qabyalaad is bad , but knowing your clan loving them cherishing them supporting them assisting them is not bad thats is tolnimo. But using your clan in a wrong way and try to hurt other is wrong. By the way you should edit that clan names are strictly forbidden to name on here,u can make ur point with out using clan names.

Says the pirate who is preoccupied with Kismayo instead of preparing elections:D

The professor is a Somalilander, and he understand qabil is part of the society, you need to control it and manage it , Koonfurians have a problem with that so they have.4.5 system. But Somalilanders can tell the difference between toll , qabyalaad and all of that.Professor samatar is finally home and he is giving back to his country, he was for to long with ungrateful irresponsible tribalist Koonfurians.How is toll bad , toll is your clan sub clan and your people, who share a common ancestry with and culture , if you embrace it how will it hurt others.He said it is wrong to use your clan to hurt other clans. He made a clear distinction.

Only some linguistic professors believe af maxaatiri has its roots in the may may language , it could be that the grammar is from may may language and even some words. The Somali language as it stands today hasn't been studied as we want it. But i wasn't talking about the language per say. But more about the folklore dances. Dhaanto turned into the most popular Somali folklore dances performed by all Somali speaking people in the horn. Mogadishu has been the mecca of Somalis for a long period of time. But i doubt this will be the case in the future, yes Somali is synonymous with Somalia for now. But imagine if Somali galbeed gets independence Because now its overshadowed by Ethiopia. When that happens i believe Somali will no longer be Synonymous with Somalia.

Mad mullah you are right no one is helping the Somalis in Somali galbeed against Ethiopia. So why should they fight for independence for so long and no one assisting them. And when gained independence should they hand their sovereignty over to others. I see that not happening. The 5 Somali speaking countries can exist separately yet cooperate if needed based on mutual interests. But gone are the days where one country rules the other 4. Also Mad mullah the name Somali does not exclusively belong to those in Somalia. The fundamental Somali culture and Somali traditions are from Somaliland and Somali galbeed, Somali is a cultural/ linguistic identity, but its not a country.

Sidee Moonlight wararki uun baan sheegeyey and i gave my opinion thats all.

Sometimes i think only the legendary mahiga could mediate between those who are in disagreement to bad he is leaving Somalis Next Month officially. Maybe Nickolas kay should play a role.

It seems President hassan is very principled on his stance on Jubbaland that he will not accept the outcome of the conference in Kismayo. He wants to lead the formation of the state, and it has to be created with the blessings of all the indigenous people coordinated led by the SFG. The president still believe his government first needs to control the entire region before a state can be established.

Faahfaahin– Shirkii Xalay dhexmaray Xasan Sheikh iyo Dr. Faroole maxaa sababay inuu burburo Xuquuqda Warka ha la ilaaliyo,hana la joojiyo Xatooyada ama hala xuso meesha laga soo xigtey Nairobi–7 Juun,2013–Puntklandi.com–Kulankii dheeraa ee Xalay dhexmaray Madaxweynaha Dowlada Federaalka ah Xasan Sheikh Maxamuud iyo Madaxweynaha Dowlada Puntland Cabdiraxmaan Sheikh Maxamed ayaa miiska lasoo saarey dhowr arimood oo labada masuul si qodo dheer uga wada hadlayeen. Qodobada laga Wada hadlayay ee miiska saaraa Waxay ahaayeen sidaan hoose Faragelintii lagu sameeyey Dastuurka Federaalka Soomaaliya; hirgelinta heshiiskii ay magaaalda Garowe ku wada saxiixeen Dowladda Federaalka iyo Dowladda Puntland ee March 11, 2013. Maamulka cusub ee loo doortay Jubaland iyo nidaamka Federaalka Soomaaliya Lacagta Shillin Soomaaliga iyo xaaladda dhaqaale ee dalka. Socodsiinta Dib u heshiisiinta Qaran;. Deeqaha ay bixiso Beesha Caalamka sidii loo gaarsiin lahaa gobollada Soomaaliya oo dhan Qodobadaan ayaa Wadahadalka laga bilaabay labada qodob ee ugu Xasaasisan oo kala ah Arimaha Jubaland iyo Waxka badalka lagu sameeyey Dastuurka, Arimaha Jubooyinka ayaa Madaxweyne Faroole soo jeediyey in loo baahan yahay oo kaliya in la raaco wixii lagu heshiiyey ee ku qoran Dastuurka isla markaasna Dowlada federaalka ah kaalinteeda mar walba la tix galiyo, Maadaama Maamulka hada ka dhismey Jubaland iyo hanaankii Geedisocodka lagusoo gaarey dhismaha Jubaland uu ahaa mid ka horeyey Dowlada Federaalka ah, waxaa loo baahnaa in dowlada federaalka ah ay tixgaliso shaqadana waxkasii Wado. Madaxweyne xasan Sheikh wuxuu ka biyo diiday hadalka Madaxweyne Faroole wuxuuna sheegey in Wixii isaga ka horeeyey uusan shaqo ku lahaun, Dalkana uu isagu Madaxweyne ka yahay isla markaasna uu dagsadey istaraatiijiyad cusub, tasoo ah in Gobolada Jubaland uu isagu usoo Magacaabo gudoomiye Gobol, Raga faraha kula jira jubooyinkana ay faraha kala baxaan ama ay la shaqeeyaan Masuulka dowladu usoo Magacawdo, wuxuu kaloo raaciyey in mustaqbalka ay Dowladu qorshaynayso in labada Jubo la israaciyo, Gobolka Gedo uu isna raaco dhinac aBay iyo Bakool. Arintu mara ay halkaas Marayso ayaa waxaa bilowdey Wadahadalo xasaasi ah tasoo keentey inuu Madaxweyne Xasan Sheikh yiraahdo “Anaa Madaxweyne ah, Dastuurkaan wuxuu dhigayo waxaa ka horeeya Waxaan anigu iraahdo waa in la tix galiyaa, Jubooyinkana Maamul lix bilood ah ayaan usoo magacaabayna dhowaan”. Wafdiga Puntland Waxay Madaxweynaha u sheegeen inuu u muuqdo nin nin aan Dastuurkaba soo akhrisan loona baahan yahay in Madaxweynuhu uu akhriyo Dastuurka, markaas ka dib lawada hadlo. Dhinaca kale Dastuurka Wax laga badalay ayaa Madaxweynuhu hadalka kusoo gaabiyey “Dastuurku kumeel gaar ayuu ahaa hadii wax laga badallo waa shaqada Dowlada in la hor mariyo Dastuurka”. Arimuhu markey halkaas marayaan ayaa lagu kala kacay shirkii sidaasna lagu kala tagey. Dublamaasi ka qayb galay kulanka ayaa Puntlandi u sheegey in intii uu Wadahadalku socdey uu Madaxweyne Xasan Sheikh dhowr jeer kulan gooni ah uu la galay lataliyayaashiisa gaarka ah, ka dibna uu hadba shirjka kusoo labanayay, taasoo Wafdiga Puntland u cadeysey in Hadalada Madaxweynaha aysan ahayn kuwo isaga ugaara balse ay jiraan Dad kale oo gadaal kasoo riixaya. Kulankii Xalay(6 Juun,2013) ku dhexmaray Madaxweyne xasan Sheikh iyo Madaxweyne Cabdiraxmaan sheikh wuxuu ahaa mid aad Xasaasi u ah, waxaana la isla gaarey wakhti dambe oo xalay ah, Waxaana halkaas laga dareemayay iney Dowlada Federaalka ah Qadiyadeeda Jubooyinka aysan ahayn mid Dastuuri ah ama nooc Dowladnimo ah balse ay jirto Qadiyad kale. dublamaasi la hadley Puntlandi Xalay shirka ka dib wuxuu yiri “Madaxweynaha Dowlada Federaalka ah wuxuu u muuqdaa Mid uu kursiga ku waayi doono Jubooyinka, taasna waa ula talagal la doonayo in dalka lagu celiyo burbur iyo Dowlad la’aan, waana dareemi karaa meesha lagasoo abaabulayo habdhaqanka noocaan ah.” Sawiradaan hoose waa daqiiqado ka hor intuusan kulanku bilaaban Xalay, markii labada Madaxweyne ay ku kulmeen Hotel Safari Park oo kulanku ka dhacay Puntlandi.com

War deg deg ah: Xasan Culusow oo dagaal Jubbooyinka ka dhan ah iclaamiyay & kulankii Nairobi oo lagu kala tagay aminaaWararka caawa naga soo gaaraya Nairobi ayaa sheegaya in uu baaqday kulan dhex mari lahaa caawa Xasan Culusow iyo Madaxweynaha Jubbaland. Baaqashada ayaa ka timid dhinaca maamulka Jubbaland ka dib markii la helay moowqifka Culusow in aanu waxba iska badalin. Waxaa jiray dabqaad labada nin laga dhex waday hase yeeshee la ogaaday Culusow in aanu diyaar u aheen in uu aqbalo jiritaanka Jubbaland iyasoo horey u sheegay in uu aqbalayo maamulka Jubbaland hase ahaatee iyaguna dhinacooda aqbalaan dowlada. Isbadalka Culusow ayaa yimid wada tashi uu la galay odayaasiisha Xamar kula taliya. Sh Axmed ayaa Nairobi gaaray ka dib markii dowlada Kenya ka shaqeeystay arrinta isku soo dhawaashaha labada dhinac ee Culusow diiday. Madaxweyne Axmed Maxamed ayaa qaatay go’aan ah in uusan la kulmin nin cadaw ku ah shacabka Jubbooyinka iyo rabitaankooda . Intaa ka dib Xasan Culusow ayaa lagu wargaliyay moowqifka Jubbaland iyo in aanu jirin kulan aay la qaadanayaan. Shaqaaqadii maanta ee Kismaayo ayaa la sheegay in Culusow wax ka ogaa isagoo ku bixiyay qarash adag Kismaayana u diray gacanyarahiisa Fiqi iyo canaasiir kale. Dadka yaqaana dhaqanxumada Culusow ayaa saadalinaya in nin kani uusan waxba ula harin ulana hari doonin la dagaalanka Jubbooyinka iyo Gedo. Waxaa la isweeydiinayaa maamulka Axmed Madoobe ma noqon doonaa mid gacan adag ku qabta amaanka deegaanka mise hurada hada ay ku jiraan ayeey sii wadan doonaan.

Will they listen to the prime minister?

Xukuumadda Somalia oo dhinacyada ku diriraya Magaalada Kismaayo ugu baaqday in dagaalka la Joojiyo, lana Wadahadlo Jimce, Juun 07, 2013 (HOL) — Ra'iisal wasaaraha xukuumadda Soomaaliya, Cabdi Faarax Shirdoon (Saacid) ayaa dhinacyada ku dagaalamaya Kismaayo ugu baaqay inay si dag-dag ah u joojiyaan dagaalka, ayna xal iyo nabad ku dhameeyaan khilaafka u dhexeeya. "Waxaan u soo jeedinayaa dhinacyada ku dagaalamaya gudaha magaalada Kismaayo inay joojiyaan xabadda ayna ka wadahadlaan khilaafkaadka dhex-yaalla ku dhameystaan. Shacbiga iyo magaalada Kismaayo midkoodna kama bixi karo dagaal cusub, sidaas daraadeed waa inay labada dhinacba gartaan in xalku uusan ku jirin qoriga caaraddiisa," ayuu ra'iisal wasaare Saacid ku yiri warsaxafadeedka ay soo saartay xukuumadda Soomaaliya. Sidoo kale, wasiirka gaashaandhigga Soomaaliya, C/xakiin Maxamuud Xaaji Faqi oo ku sugan magaalada Kismaayo ayaa ku baaqay in dagaalka la joojiyo, kana dhigay cawaaqib-xumada ka imaan karta hadii dagaalku sii socdo. "Waxaan ugu horreyn ku baaqayaa in dagaalka sida ugu dhaqsaha badan loo joojiyo. Waxaana ka digaynaa cawaaqib-xumada colaaddu deegaankaas u keeni karto, sida macaluul baahda iyo in ammaanka uu faraha ka baxa," ayuu yiri Cabdixakiin Faqi. Isagoo intaas ku daray waxaana inay dadaal ugu jiraan sidii loo joojin lahaa dagaalka ka socda Kismaayo. Xukuumadda federaaliga Soomaaliya waxay mar kale ku baaqaysaa ayaa lagu yiri warsaxaafadeedkan in dhinacyada is-hayaa ay wadahadallo kusoo af-jaraan khilaafkaadkooda. Iyadoo sheegtay inay ka digayso dhibaatada uu shacbiga iyo deegaanka u gaysan karo dagaal kasii socda Kismaayo oo laga saaray Al-shabaab sannadkii hore. Ugu dambayn, xukuumaddu waxay sheegtay inay cadaynayso inay dadaallo ugu jirto sidii colaaddaas loo damin lahaa, ammaankana deegaankaasna loo xoojin lahaa, iyadoo xustay inay arrintaas la kaashanayso ciidammada AMISOM ee ku sugan Kismaayo. Dagaalkii manta ka dhacay Kismaayo ayaa waxaa ku geeriyooday tiro dad ah oo isugu jira dhinacyadii dagaalamayay iyo shacab, waxaana sidoo kale ku dhaawacmay tiro kale oo qaarkood ay xaaladdoou aad u culus tahay.

Remarks by Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis, U.S. Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs at the United Nations, At a Security Council Briefing on Somalia Jeffrey DeLaurentis U.S. Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs U.S. Mission to the United Nations New York, NY June 6, 2013 Thank you, Mr. President, Minister Simmonds, for hosting this session and thank you, Deputy Secretary-General Eliasson, for your briefing. I wish to welcome the presence of the deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs of Somalia as well. At the outset, we would like to take this opportunity to express appreciation to former SRSG Mahiga and the UN Political Office to Somalia for their contributions to Somalia’s progress. The United States welcomes the establishment of the UN Mission to Somalia (UNSOM) based in Mogadishu and looks forward to its expanded presence in key locations throughout the country. With a fully integrated UN Country Team, UNSOM will provide the Somali Government “one door to knock on” for UN support. We also welcome Nicholas Kay as the new SRSG for UNSOM and support his early outreach to the African Union as the UNSOM-AU partnership is critical to fostering peace and stability in Somalia. In addition, we especially want to thank the brave soldiers of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the Ethiopian Defense Forces, and the Somali National Security Forces. Their sacrifices have made possible a brighter future for the people of Somalia. But much work remains. Despite many tactical successes, al-Shabaab is not yet defeated. And there are others who wish to drag Somalia back into chaos. Recent terrorist attacks show that Mogadishu and many rural parts of Somalia are still vulnerable. We look to the Somali National Security Forces and AMISOM to continue their efforts to expand and maintain control over the country so that the Somali Government can improve governance and the rule of law. In addition, we urge Member States to fulfill their obligations related to the targeted sanctions, the modified arms embargo, and the charcoal ban to stop proceeds from providing revenue to al-Shabaab. We strongly support President Hassan Sheikh’s National Security Strategy and look forward to its implementation. At the May 7 London II Conference on Somalia, the United States announced almost $40 million in new assistance to support development and justice sector reform in Somalia. We applaud those who also made pledges and stress that fulfilling our pledges is essential for continued progress. Long-term stability in Somalia depends on many factors – an effective, responsible security sector; good governance and the rule of law; and economic development. On the security front, AMISOM’s training of the Somali National Security Forces and joint combat operations are critically important. The relocation of the European Union Training Mission to Somalia from Uganda to Mogadishu is another positive development. We encourage UN entities and donors to continue to support economic development, including efforts to address land disputes, which is a key conflict driver. We recognize UNDP’s work to establish a microfinance mechanism in Somalia and encourage greater attention to youth unemployment. The United States remains gravely concerned by continuing human rights violations in Somalia, including alarming reports of sexual violence and exploitation. We appreciate the work that SRSG Bangura has contributed toward the UN-Federal Republic of Somalia joint communiqué of May 7, which contains significant commitments by Somalia to address sexual violence. The substantial decline of reported cases of grave violations against children in the first quarter of 2013 is encouraging, but the 552 cases that have been reported remain alarming. We urge increased attention to this overall problem and look to the Somali Government to follow through on its declared intent to work with the international community to fight this scourge and hold perpetrators accountable. We are also concerned about Somaliland’s decision on May 14 to ban UN flights over Somaliland airspace. This could harm the humanitarian situation there and affect the provision of food, shelter, water and sanitation, and other support by humanitarian organizations. OCHA estimates that approximately 413,000 people in Somaliland need humanitarian aid, including 39,000 children who suffer from malnutrition. More than 85,000 people remain displaced due to recurrent drought and conflict. Mr. President, Somalia must continue moving along the path to national elections and a referendum on the national constitution by 2016. The United States continues to support Somali-led governance and calls for further dialogue with local political and community leaders, including women, on unresolved regional issues. The situation in Jubaland is particularly concerning. We look to Somalia’s neighbors for support in easing the tension and finding lasting solutions. We applaud those regional actors who have played a positive role in supporting Somalia’s unity and sovereignty, especially in the early days of President Hassan Sheikh’s administration. We join those here today who are committed to Somalia’s success and will continue to make every effort to support the Government and people of Somalia as they strive for peace and prosperity in their country. Thank you. http://usun.state.gov/briefing/statements/210353.htm

Haatu can you bring me a quote where i wished for dagaal i have called many times for reconciliation in kismayo before even forming a state, in la is masaabido ma fiicno adigu nin weyn ah.

^^ Apophis Ahmed madoobe and his men cannot cut ties with the SFG the Kenyans will not allow that to happen.

Do you have any problems with the British government, given that you’re conducting diplomatic work in their country for a nation they don’t officially recognize as existing? In fact we haven’t got any sort of difficult situation in this regard. We have had a very strong and long relationship with the British government. And most of the time the people who are representatives have dual nationalities with the country they work in, so we don’t have trouble with visas. Also, we are not the only country here with an office that is not recognized by Britain. There’s also Taiwan, which has a big representative office and strong economic relationship here. You’ve gone ahead and just developed your state—currency, passports, all of that—without recognition. Have you gotten any blowback for doing that? We haven’t had any problems with blowback from the rest of the world. The Somalis do talk about things that are very illogical and annoy us, but we get used to this kind of rhetoric from them and we know how to deal with that. And what about your diplomatic relations with the UK? Why are they so unsupportive when it comes to the recognition of your independence and so stuck on the notion of Somalia’s unity? I don’t think that’s the case. I think that is the case in the view of people who have not studied the history of Britain in Somaliland. Britain has problems with piracy and terrorism, which we help them with, and Britain wants to help Somalia, which we as Somalilanders have no problem with. We believe Britain is not pushing us into anything [i.e. union with Somalia], and they have good communications with us. I believe that they know exactly the reasons why we have decided to stay away and we hope they respect that, and we respect their decisions as well. So you’re happy with neutrality? Just as long as the UK doesn’t force you into unification, you’re OK with that as opposed to hoping for outright recognition? We are not happy with neutrality, but this is the fact of the situation now. And we are happy dealing with our situation with Britain on that basis so far. But we are not happy with their position currently. We wish they could have done more for us like the Americans did in South Sudan and the Portuguese did in East Timor. You know, Somalialand has been doing well for the past 22 years with little help from the international community. We hope the British and Americans and the rest of the world will reward good behavior and people who are doing a good job in rebuilding their country. Because right now they’re spending billions in Somalia, which is proving to be fruitless. The security of Somaliland has been built by the Somaliland people and we’ve established a government with a fully functioning parliament, a central bank, a constitution, police and military forces, currency, passports, and so on. We have everything a modern nation needs and we’ve done this by ourselves. Somaliland is one of the countries in the Horn of Africa where there is no piracy. We use the army and security forces to maintain security and control terrorism. Somaliland is doing its part and more. And currently it looks like the world is ignoring all the good things that Somaliland is doing. You did mention that the British have provided some support, though. What specific things have the British done without providing recognition? Britain supports our country in some areas like the training of our security forces, health, and education. But in our eyes that is not enough. So when do you think some nation, any nation, will grant you recognition? I don’t want to say names but there are many countries that are impressed with our progress and achievements and they have discussed it within themselves. I think it will be in the very near future. Why has it taken so long? Why haven’t you been recognized by any nations yet? I don’t know. I think that is to be answered by the rest of the world. But the way I see it, we couldn’t yet get the support of those we thought should support our cause. Somaliland has no problems with its independence legally. We just cancelled our union like Syria and Egypt cancelled their union. The fact of the matter is we were expecting that Britain and America would do more and say to the rest of the world that it is time to grant the Somaliland people what they deserve, which is their political recognition. That is what they did for South Sudan and East Timor. What did South Sudan prove that we cannot prove? Nothing. They were never independent. We were. It is time for them to realize that it is in their interests to give Somaliland’s people what they deserve. Otherwise we are really worried about unemployment and our population growth and the young people who are graduating from the universities and are not able to find jobs. What do you think people should be investing in? The most important thing that we as Somalilanders expect the world to help with is the road network. Somaliland has a very poor road network hindering the movement of people and trade. We have no doubt that as soon as that road network is improved there will be even better economic growth in Somaliland. Also, there are a lot of resources that are unexplored and we have been inviting international organizations to look into our minerals and oil prospects. Many places in Africa have gotten that sort of development—roads and such—by striking deals with China, where the Chinese get access to mineral rights and build infrastructure in exchange. Are you looking at anything like that? I think China is a very cautious country and will be considering a lot of things before they make a decision. Also because of the Taiwan factor they will not be quick to react to Somaliland—but that is my personal view. There are countries discussing this with us though. How fatigued and frustrated are you as a mission after 22 years without recognition? That’s a very good question, but let me say this: The people of Somaliland have had a very difficult history of oppression under Barre in the late 1970s and 1980s, and the elders remember that those days were days of hell which we do not want to see again. The President of Somaliland said just a few months ago in an annual speech to the house of parliament that the country is ready to wait, to work hard, and to do its best to get what it deserves, even if it takes a hundred years. That is the people of Somaliland’s mindset. We do not expect any of our people to get fatigued. We are doing our day-to-day business better than Somalia and better than many other countries. We are living in a country where there is democracy, free press, rule of law, elected government, a justice system, and a legal system.

Somaliland Is a Real Country, According to Somaliland By Mark Hay At the back corner of the top floor of a little office building in London’s East End, around the corner from the Tesco down Mile End Road from the Whitechapel subway stop, sits the one-room Somaliland Mission in the UK. Yes, Somaliland, not Somalia (as the pamphlets in the office make painfully clear). In 1991, right after the ouster of the Cold War-era military dictator of Somalia, Mohamed Siad Barre, and just before the descent of the country into 22-and-counting years of chaos and violence, the northern stretch of the nation softly declared its independence as the Republic of Somaliland. No countries have officially recognized the independence of Somaliland, however, and few provide it much support. In fact many countries, America included, officially back the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, a party that periodically denies the independence of Somaliland. Yet since declaring its independence, Somaliland appears to have experienced less insecurity and violence and developed more effectively than the rest of Somalia. Most of the recent (extremely limited) news coverage of the region has applauded heartening developments like the 2010 presidential elections, in which the opposition party defeated the incumbents by a razor-thin margin of a few hundred votes in elections dubbed free and fair by international observers, and power transitioned with nary a Molotov cocktail thrown. After that changing of the guard, the new president, Ahmed Mahamoud Silanyo, appointed Ali Aden Awale as the new head of Somaliland’s Mission in the United Kingdom, a fully functioning diplomatic outpost issuing Somaliland visas and promoting the cause of recognition. After visiting the Mission recently, I spoke to Awale to figure out how exactly he conducts diplomacy in a world that has yet to recognize the reality of his nation. VICE: How did you get a mission in the UK despite the fact that the government doesn’t recognize the independence of your region? Ali Aden Awale: Let me first correct you. We have never been a region and we are not a region. We are a country called Somaliland. We became independent before Somalia even came into being. And then there was a unification of the two states. Then, in 1991, we cancelled that unity. The office came into being because of the Somaliland community that was already here. It was a very strong community. During the civil war of the 1980s our country organized itself from here. It was a very strong part of our struggle against the dictatorship of Barre. After the successful toppling of that dictator we turned our office into a diplomatic Mission. Because on May 18,1991, [when they got rid of the dictator] we decided to look back upon our history [to the existence of an independent State of Somaliland in 1960] and withdrew from the union and declared the re-assertion of our independence again. At the same time we decided that we needed an outlet where we could conduct our day-to-day activities and convey our message to the world. Why did you choose London for that? London was our biggest community and our main channel of communication with the outside world. This office has grown over the years and we now have 13 posts and representatives’ offices outside of Somaliland in places like Belgium, France, Ethiopia, Norway, and the USA all functioning and representing the nation. How did you get involved in all of this? How does one become the ambassador for a young and unrecognized country like Somaliland? At the time of the struggle I was one of the members of the community who was supportive of the cause. I was living in Saudi Arabia at the time, financing the operations back home. Later, I became a member of the current ruling party, before we won the election in 2010, and after we won I was appointed by the president. When you went from being an office supporting a movement against the Barre dictatorship to a diplomatic mission—keeping in mind that Somaliland had been badly damaged in the civil war—how did you function? How did you practically communicate with and speak for Somaliland? It was one of the toughest and most difficult situations. It used to take us a fairly long time to get in touch with the people back home. There were some satellite telephone systems, which were very expensive. But there were no postal services at all and not even a telephone system. It took us about three years to establish the first telephone contact with a few imported satellite phones. What’s the learning curve like, transitioning from being the organizers of a resistance movement to diplomats? The way we see it, we are still struggling for our nation. We were able to establish our government systems. But it is a learning curve, as you say. We started with disarming the militias, then bit-by-bit we transitioned to a multi-party system. We have endured a lot of ups and downs and I think we have been very good at dealing with situations as they arise. The main issue is that we are now able to understand how the world works. And now we are pushing our case in the world and we also started to engage talks to officially end the union with the people in Mogadishu, although it professionally ended in May 1991. What’s it like talking with the Somali government, which believes in the unity of the nation, including Somaliland, and doesn’t approve of your independence? The conversation, as you can imagine, is different on their side. They have their own reasons for being in that mood. But as we see it, it is our country and our decision to end that union. We know they may be very unhappy with it. But that’s their problem.

^^ Somaliweyn is a long dead dream the Somalis in NFD have accepted that they will never be part of Somalia. The Somalis in Djibouti are happy with their republic.The Somalilanders have chosen to live and be free of any sort of a union with any country in East Africa.Freedom is the best thing for them. And the Somalis in Somalia are busy dividing their country along tribal lines and using external forces to do so. I see only the Somalis in Somali galbeed fighting for independence even though we haven't heard from the ONLF in a long time. But i am sure if the Somalis in Somali galbeed gained independence do you think they want to be ruled from Mogadishu lol.