^^Indeed Unity is strengh. However I dont see the problem in pointing towards the obvious. Its sick how we can all agree on the cowardly acts that some committed yet, its okay to have them receive high honors by this administration and other members of the regions. How would those appraisers feel if in Borama, they applauded the same men that took the lives of citizens from Hargeisa for instance or even contributed in those sick acts? Oh thats right there is one up there, he was given the presidency seat.

^^ Yes they have united because there was a vote and 97% of the whole populations of the north agree upon that? Now who is DREAMING and wants us to buy the ILLUSION?

Ngonge There’s no need to assume about my intelligence adeer or my knowledge of words. That is not what is in question here. Instead of assuming and playing this run around of words, you could have simply asked. However, I will give you a simple advice; you can speak clearly with knowledge of certain things without being from that area. As for my question, I’m afraid to say, you were incapable of answering it. From your answer I gather that you acknowledge that wounds were inflicted, yet you assume that “some of my population” meaning only few have the audacity to see them as killers. You simply can’t acknowledge something and then simply minimise its effect because it has not happened to you. Now as grown as you are, wouldn’t you say that regardless of the history or achievement one wants, you cannot parade men (and I use that term loosely) that murdered citizens from a region and yet ask of those same citizens to unite under peace and brotherhood.

^^ You asked if "My people" make "a big fuss" about this. And my reply was indeed they do. My question to you is, wouldnt you say that, while knowing what happened it is common sense that we shouldnt appraise anyone that harm any group of citizen? Is this a Somali trend to assume, you can always ask im only a keyboard away.

^^ You may pretend as you wish that my "people" are fine with seing men who murdered their women and children receive honors day in and day out, but that would be simple common sense that if one wants peace one must reject all that harmed its citizens. You can pick and chose who the bad guys are because they only harmed you. Second, by nature Awdal is a peace loving region heck the majority of the north are peace loving people, and perhaps they understood that this administration has not done anything for them and still wont. My point here is that its common sense that the pain of some is so valued that it becomes the basis of a separation while the pain of so-called brothers, neighbors is daily disregarded as a querelle that happened and for which the people of Borama have moved on from. Its insulting. I say if you matter then the rest must matter! and "my people" ( whatever that means, I must be from a certain few people if I say something negative from your loved illusion, please!) as you put it, along with many other Somalis clearly see throught this hypocrisy.

Interesting how some quickly say: what happened yesterday must be left at that. Yet the snm cowards are applauded every year. Truthfully, the rest of the so-called somaliland would not have been able to stand the idea of having cowards who murdered their family members receive high recognitions. Oh, but its all in the past now for the citizens of Borama. Also, if facts are what matters, then let it be known that few of the “rest” of somaliland did help or gave funds to Amoud University. However, without diasporas members from Awdal and its own citizens, the University wouldn’t be what it is today. Last, when it comes to holding a presidential position, some type of responsibility must come with it. If we all agree on that, the least this joke of a man could have done is to acknowledge the tragedy that occurred in the death of the young men and women. But it’s obvious he won’t, and it’s clear that once more Borama, or all of Awdal for that matter, will not wait for his help and this illusion of brotherhood that some throw left and right while honouring the same cowards that murdered children.

SomaliThinker, Right off the bat walaal, saying "things happen" is a condencending expression, its minimizing the suffering that peaceful regions in the north had to go throught. Just like out of respect, it would be misplaced to say "things happen" in regards to those that lost lives in Hargeisa and other parts of the north at the hands of the Barre regime. Now, I really dont know where you got the idea that im in the business of blinding some in regards to the present state of peace in somaliland, but if all it takes is arguments on an internet site, then perhaps some of you were blind to begin with. Contrary to what you might believe I always spoke highly of the northern citizens and their abilities to co-exist in peace. However I refuse to pretend, and honor a bunch of thugs, pathetic militia who arbored hate and murdered many civilians in the mist of their goal. While whithin war, many unfortunate, sometime inhuman act will occur, I dont think that praising a group of men who committed war crimes in the same city and country as those they have killed is a wise decision.

Evidently, a great majority of the diaspora does not really care any concrete peace in Somalia. For example those that support the tfg cannot fully believe that, that administration is for the greater good of Somalia. So I dont think that much power should be given to any group. However, you may disagree all you want, I think its a proven fact that the economic,educational and social backbone of somaliland is its diaspora members. After all perhaps a minor detail, but the government is not recognised thus cannot truly be part of the international economic exchange. Last, you may stick to your point my dear, but it wont do you any good, the fact is there.

lol Abu_Geeljire, Actually I have alot of respect and admiration of the way the northern diaspora comes together and helps its fellow country women/men. Equally im impressed and at times entertained at their lobbyist tactics. However, I truly believe anyone that is for peace and stability in the northern part of Somalia, can not fully support the snm militia. Simply based on the many disregarded counts of atrocities they have committed. Some easily forget, in the midst of their support. This is a problem, to the idea of brotherhood and co-existence in the north. One cannot fully praise an entity that murdered many civilians, yet expect their neighbors to simply accept that. Its immoral to say the least. Jacaylbaro, So if Mujaheedin is an islamic term, then in what contexte does the name fit them?

This is not to take away from the love fest on this thread, however can someone clearify the definition, the actual meanning of Mujaheedin. From what I gather, its in relation to a warrior or soldier who fights on behalf of his faith. Thus in the context of the north's war against the Barre regime, what is the reasoning behind muslims fighting against muslims?

Koora-Tuunshe, In the same line of wisdom, any person can clearly see that ethiopians have no business in Somali affairs. Their interest lies in ethiopia.

^^ When the next solution or resolution comes from another diaspora group, perhaps then you might understand who really leads the north. I however understand that you want to give legitimacy to your administration, however when money, help in most sectors comes from outside, its clear who leads. While, work is done inside, it is only possible due to the immense help given from outside. Saying the north administration leads while the diaspora follows, is like saying the tfg administration leads while the ethiopian and the u.s only follow Neverless, Jacaylbaro, I understand your need to debate me on such an obvious issue.

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The diaspora, laid out the plan to create somaliland and fight against the barre regime. Once that was done, they started a process to have a president, and so on. Again, once that was achieved, the need for education was felt and again the diaspora lobbied throught foreign academic institutions and within diaspora communities to donate, professors,educational tools or funds. So far the cycle is, a need comes up, the solution is looked towards the diaspora, which in return resolves the issues throught different formats. Of course the administration on the ground achieves certain goals, and so do the everyday citizens of the area, however its NOTHING compared to the diaspora. Thus my point is: they lead the majority of the time.

The idea and the fundamental planning came from diaspora members. Of course the actual actions were taken on the ground, however, you can not deny the basic, fundamental role the diaspora members played in the realisation of this entity. Until today, its diaspora members who sent money, fix problems that civilians on the grounds face (i.e build roads, sent funds and educational tools to universities). Thus my dear the diaspora is the backbone of somaliland. Im sorry to burst your bubble, if you actually thought your administration was solely responsible for the achievements of the north. Last in regards to Somalia following suite to the north, Incha Allah, the way peace is created in that part of our country is beyond incredible, so perhaps one day the rest of Somalia will come to their senses.

This is a great initiative for the residents.

Jacaylboro, The northern seperate movement came to exist thanks to diaspora members who believed in what in their personal gain to seperate. So right off the bat, this entity was possible due to the diaspora. It was not the daspora following the work on the ground. Thus, your point cant stand on that argument alone. Perhaps some of the work now is possible due to the dedication of the citizens, however the whole existence was done thanks to the diaspora. Suldanka, I dont need any genuine person from within the family to tell me about the north. Trust me, the majority of my family is from the north, some even believe in the seperatist movement and were part of this flawed government. While I will never disrespect them, I refuse to follow blindinly due to family or clan ties. I guess we will just have to see, who between the two of us will have to come to their senses. I say come to the light brother

Lool I forgot we were nemesis on the whole northern part. I agree, lets deal with that another day. However I also fully disagree with you on his job being useless when it comes to speaking to universities and doing interviews. Truly that is an erroneous statement. You see my friend, speaking to these masses is very important to the cause. Because unlike you, I strongly believe that even if a partial peace was to exist today, those against it for their personal gains, would find a way to pressure their diaspora counterparts into taking actions. Thus were you minimise the contribution of the diaspora, I believe they are in many cases the root cause of the chaos today. In regards to your example of the masjid, please! How much money is sent each year, how many lobbyist groups exist today in order to support their clan based groups. These actions have a direct effect on Somali politics today. Did you forget how the existence of a seperatist group began ? The man is great at what he does and sheds a much needed light on those that want to hide the truth from the rest of the media, he is eloquent in his theories, perhaps thats why some wish to whisk him back home.

What an irrational thought. Why would he leave when he does a great job working from here? Why would he leave when the man is highly qualified to speak about international politics? Why would he desert, now that many know his name and are willing to sit and listen to his thoughts? Last, what makes you qualified to think that he is not needed there?, As I pointed earlier, the reason some of the chaos is going on in Somalia is due to the diaspora and their lobbying. News Flash, so far, we have an ignorant fool who took the presidents seat in Somalia, we have part of Somalia, still wanting to seperate (while acknowledgement must be givent in regards to its CITIZENS great work). Walaal, I would say his work is needed now more then ever.

I agree that doing the work on the ground is needed, however working from this end is just as important. You must understand that alot of whats going isnt only throught the hands of the thieves in the country. The responsability lies a great deal with the diasporas, who are funding, supporting and lobbying for their clan related presidents, warlords, fake-ministers and so on. Thus my friend, some extensive work must be done, here in order to either challenge the adopted country's governments, the diaspora members or at least the young ones who if no one speaks will join their parents hatefull causes. Therefore, the man is not superman, he is a mere mortal. Challenging the hypocrytes and the foreign governments here is a work of its own, which can not be underestimated. Last, my point is not to take away from the real fighter who challenge the warlords in the field, however men like professor Samatar are needed for precisely the work he does.

Walaal the situation does not always need taking arms or fighting. At times believe it or not, sound democratic political discussions must take place. The man never attempted to be a politician, nor a freedom fighter. Perhaps if you met him or listened to what he is saying, you would have gather that. Further, he does not preach as what he speaks of are for the most part, what these thieves who called themselves government ought to do. He is a concerned citizen who gives his times, effort and financial support to the cause. That is way more then mere cyber fighter have done. Dont get me wrong, someone in the heart of the situation can do greater things, this man has dedicated more to the Somali struggle then can be said by so-called presidents and ministers whom are only capable of sucking the ressources from their country. last, there is always a time for talking instead of blindly rushing to fighting.

Its not a matter of preaching, the man has a right to speak about the on going issues in his country. You dont have to live inside a country to see corruption, false promises and a mockery of democracy. He has every right to speak on issues just like you and I.

It never stopped some from making arguments about the state of Somalia or the north while never setting foot in the land. Also it doesnt take a lifetime to comment or analyse (as some have the intellectual capabilities)the Somali situation today. Professor Samatar is a distinguished scholar, perhaps speaking on the truth is once again a bad thing in these neck of the woods. What a shame!

^ I know what you mean. Things can quickly turn around if they invest in their country, not in terms of monetary investment but time and efforts. I know cities in the north were the diasporas came together to built things, invest their business projects there. Theres this logic that where one invest alot of his/her effort, one will be less likely to take part of wars or support groups that are not directly working towards peace. However I think the problem is when Somali diaspora only come together by tribes. Thus this tribe will built a school for "their" city. Perhaps thats the real problem: educated Somalis, who have been fortunate enough to witness first hand how a society can progress in their adopted countries when people come together for the greater good, yet wont lift a finger to take part of building seriously their country. Thats the real shame.

Jacaylbaro, Since Riyaale's term is over, what is next? When will elections happen if any (asking you...since you seem to be the press rep. for that part of the country )