MMA, you have to understand we will not live in antagonism with our neighbours forever. We should be able to compromise and not live in the past. We should make the Horn of Africa like Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. It was Nicholas Onus who raised the question of identity between state and nation. He argues that when nations and states fail to coincide, nationalism delimits the span of rule, which then comes into conflict with the pillars of the international system. If you promote the destabilization of your neighbor, the same will happen to you. We have to find some way of getting along with our neighbors and not interfere in their internal affairs: reciprocal agreement.

Ngonge, a typical Somali would even villify the most respected person if he or she chooses a path different from what they should anticipate. Perhaps the Islamic Courts will build and establish a new government with one dominant segment of Somali people.

I hope you should read the VOA news with tolerance at least. Kool cat, Every president deserves criticism from his people. Northerner, I thought it was wiser to err on the side of caution than call him a dimwit . All that is clear from this speech is his seriousness with the deteriorating situation. Overall, he is someone who can articulate a vision, give it form and life and reinforce with a sense of seriousness and confidence. To him, he sees a much bigger obstacle and complex situation facing his government, so this speech seems to project his guideline for a set of actions both now and the future.

Somalia President Says He Wants More Control November 26, 2007 VOA Somalia's interim president has told officials he wants his interim government to tighten control over the country's politics, economy, and security. As VOA Correspondent Alisha Ryu reports from our East Africa Bureau in Nairobi, President Abdullahi Yusuf reserved his harshest criticisms for international aid groups and non-governmental organizations that he says are doing little to help the Somali people. President Yusuf made the comments in a speech to a government budgetary and development planning session in the Somali town of Baidoa last Tuesday. In a transcript of the speech obtained by Voice of America, President Yusuf said it was time to limit private enterprise and put his transitional federal government in charge of all sectors, including education, social services, trade, and communications. Since the fall of Somalia's last functioning government in 1991, key sectors of the country's economy and social services have been run by private companies and entrepreneurs. He emphasized that government officials are to be involved in any and all activities taking place in Somalia, especially by international aid groups. He also told ministry officials to stop working with U.N. groups and non-governmental organizations that have not coordinated their activities through the interim government. In the speech, Mr. Yusuf repeatedly criticized the U.N.'s World Food Program, accusing the agency of doing nothing to help the Somali people since the country's last functioning government was overthrown by factional leaders nearly 17 years ago. For the past several months, government officials have frequently complained that some aid groups in Somalia were distributing food and other supplies to war-displaced people without the government's permission. Last month, government security forces detained the director of the World Food Program in Somalia for nearly a week, accusing him of giving food to Islamic insurgents because the agency used local mosques instead of government ministries to distribute food aid in the capital Mogadishu and its outskirts. In his speech, the president also criticized the head of U.N. humanitarian operations in Somalia, Eric Laroche, who has expressed alarm about Somalia's deepening humanitarian crisis. President Yusuf complained that during their recent meetings in Baidoa and in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, Laroche only wanted to discuss humanitarian issues and requested better access to some one-and-a-half million Somali civilians thought to be in dire need of assistance. The president said he believed the talks should have focused on Somali politics and on ways to combat the Islamist-led insurgency in Mogadishu, which began nearly a year ago after Mr. Yusuf's internationally recognized-but-weak transitional government took power in Mogadishu from the Islamic Courts Union in an Ethiopia-led military offensive. Some Somalis have expressed hope that the country's newly sworn-in Prime Minister Nur Adde Hassan Hussein will have the experience and the will to begin addressing Somalia's mounting problems. Mr. Hussein, a lawyer by training, is a veteran humanitarian chief and is also a former police colonel. But his predecessor, Ali Mohamed Gedi, stepped down from office last month after a falling out with President Yusuf over control of Somalia's resources and infrastructure. And there are concerns that Mr. Hussein may be pressured to follow Mr. Yusuf's lead or risk being similarly ousted. During the swearing-in ceremony Saturday, the new prime minister promised to work first toward reconciling the government with opposition groups and improving security. The foreign affairs secretary of the exiled Islamic Courts Union, Sherif Hassan tells VOA that reconciliation talks will never take place while Ethiopian troops are still in Somalia. "What we need is someone who can say loudly that Ethiopian troops should withdraw from Somali territory immediately," he said. Ethiopia says it will withdraw its troops only when a full-strength African Union peacekeeping force is in place in Somalia. So far, only Uganda has contributed 1,600 of the 8,000 troops needed. Source: VOA

LLPP, I agree with some of what he said but don't be tricked by my usage of the candid word. candid: free from reservation, disguise, or subterfuge; straightforward: Dictionary.com And don't be selective in his speech. If you want to critique this translated version of his speech, please do point by point. If you are being selective, then it will be interprated by many that you are serving your hidden motive or the interest of one side of this conflict.

Someone emailed it to me. It is translated to the best of his ability. One of the points he makes coincides with Dr. Diriye who said "IV. Permanent or temporary relocation of IDC Offices to Somalia-or-autonomous regions. The international community (IDC) must be imbedded in the Somalia and must soak themselves into ground realities rather than just operating from a safe distance in Nairobi for 17 solid years." Link ------------------------------------------- I am very happy to take part this morning this ceremony to close the services you doing in Baidao for 40 days but as I have been told by the minister that it could probably take you to another 50 days to finish. When the permanent secretaries were being brought from Mogadishu to here in Baidao, I was present in Mogadishu, so, if you were here before me, you stayed here for long, because I came to Baidao on October 8th, if I am not wrong, October 8th, and today the date is November 20th, So I was here for 40 days and more and you came here before me. I don’t count how many days you were here before me, you were here before me right? 40, 50, or 60 days, put it that way, you were here and you worked, you are tired, and what you did earlier, you didn’t present to us, so I can’t comment on that. If you had given us some copies in advance, we would have read and would have studied the copies, I would have said … improve it here or there. I am commending you of this beautiful book laying here but only Allah knows what is written inside. Whatever it is, if after three years we still lagging behind, and Allah knows what situation we were in … that now we labored a book like a pregnant woman, first of all, it is all praises are due to Allah. But, as I think, the book compiles papers, people’s ideas are written and recorded and if But the people who own these ideas are not working on them, then responsible people are needed to implement these ideas. The writing of the planning is easy, as I think, the harder and more important is how to implement these ideas. To implement these ideas in the book, first of all, if you expect the United Nations and International Community and other people will help us, I don’t have such expectations, if I speak to you truthfully, I don’t believe that others would do what we don’t do. Past days I traveled to Nairobi; The other day we were visited in the parliament by the International Community, what happened there in the parliament and what the parliament did, those of us still present , we all know. But I don’t know if the Permanent Secretaries were present or not. And these two gentlemen sitting in my sides have disparaged the International Community delegation in Nairobi Because of the problems we have and Allah knows how many. They only discuss with us the food the World Food Program WFP delivers to Somalia …how the food is distributed and delivered to the people. With all the problems we have! They talked to us that only issue: Food delivery! Their only concern was…. Something must be done about the humanitarian assistance, so only food could be delivered to displaced by the war and their main complaint was that there are road blocks; a man WFP chief in Somalia delivering food has been arrested by the government and this is it …their complaint a radio has been and… it is like …they talked about these things only. The problems we have, as insecurity ….they didn’t talk about it! The disintegration that happened to the Somali people, the Islamic Courts Union have a lion’s share of it, they didn’t talk about it! Politics, they didn’t talk about it! The insecurity that exists in Somalia ...they didn’t talk about it!…I mean the difficult program that are required from us during the transition of which less than two years is left, how could they assist us with all the issues we have: how to pacify the country and later how to develop and re-construct and what you have ….and how to do these …they didn’t talk to us! Only they talked about the food of WFP! In the 17 years the World Food Programme WFP was in Somalia, I don’t know where they delivered any food to. Never have I eaten any of their food. First of all, what do they deliver? Do they bring sugar? Do they bring rice? Do they bring dates? Do they bring sorghum? Do they bring maize? Do they bring anything else? What do they bring then? Who knows? Do they bring beans? …they bring maize! Maize and cooking oil…there are different cooking oil types ….what kind of food do they deliver … White Cooking Oil … is it the cooking oil the one you cook food with? It is not the one you add to food as condiment. They International Community/UN/WFP delegation talked to us about these issues alone ….but they have not discussed with us significant issues, the outcome of which create the humanitarian crisis in Somalia. If you want the truth, the past 17 years except the last three years of this government , these men of united Nation’s agencies, collectively were the de-facto government and I am not lying. The three years we are claiming to be a government … the real Somali government that is seated in Nairobi ... is them UN. This government that they supposed to recognize; that is this government of TFG, then they should really recognize and deal with it and give their aid through the TFG and thus TFG should deliver aid, and they must move to Somalia from Nairobi and reside here instead. Now if they would have sit with you here, that book you have written, as I think…you wouldn’t have written! … That is if they were here …no! As I think. That day, I said in front of the parliament to the UN , I am not here to confuse you and I am an elderly man, and I am a responsible man, when we meet in talks , I will tell you my thinking… something like that, I said to them. When I went to Nairobi, for medical check-up, they came to my hotel as a horde, they were the same people but increased in numbers, the same man is leading them, but they were joined by others. They brought with them other ambassadors from Europe and they just continued their complaints from there: “there are road blocks in the streets! we can’t deliver food to Afgoye!…we can’t deliver to Merka….and the road between Mogadishu and Baidao forget it” I swear to Allah they never talked to me about any other places in Somalia. Maybe these are the only places Afgoye and Merka they want to deliver food to and the rest of Somalia…they will not deliver to…isn’t that what it looks like? I talked to them calmly and I said to them: Are you going to talk to me other than WFP food and they all got silent … and if you are not going to talk to me of other things …you have no interest concern for Somalia and when you are bringing these food, I know your interest… I swear to Allah , Somalis don’t eat the food you deliver and the poor people you talk about …food would not be delivered to them ...instead the NGOs you administer and you, yourselves…the same WFP and those in their offices … who are Somalis ... that you have positioned in the Somalia cities …because you refused to came to Somalia …those Somalis will line up after truck loads of food and start their loud engines and then only one or two truckloads are delivered to the people. The rest would be taken back and then sold in the Mogadishu market …that is what I said to them…or the Merka market…you have made a lot of money and that is what you live on …so don’t accuse Somalis. I asked them ‘Do you recognize the government? They said, ‘yes.’ I told them then there is no de-facto government residing in Nairobi no more! From now on …move to Somalia and reside in …let us work together in Somalia …the problem in Somalia is not food or what is causing the starvation. It is the lack of security… it is the unemployment …it is the suffering that is there ….come and work with us for real and if you refuse that and don’t do it …we don’t recognize you! …and you don’t recognize us …and the food… deliver it to wherever you may want! So it be! But we will not work with you! …why we should work with you? you don’t inform us when you are bringing the food …and where what route you will be be taking to…or the place you will deliver to it …and what is your purpose of food distribution … we have no clue! So this morning we are all here; if you believe the United Nations will implement plans with us …that is not the case. And I am saying the government of Ghedi failed! We formed another new government; let us not sign any deal with these men UN. Didn’t I say that to you? This morning, in here; didn’t I make it clear? We will never enter an agreement with the United Nations and its agencies on the condition that they recognize this government and move to Somalia! I have worked in Puntland for so many years and became its head…Puntland is not like this agricultural land. In this farming land, whenever the rains start, and the farmers want to farm …they UN bring the food so that farmers don’t work in their farms and farm. If you don’t defend yourself from the men and fight against UN/WFP staff and if this government defends itself from the UN/WFP ….the men of the NGOs who prepared these things; that have names! …if you don’t fight them…and Somali people don’t oppose them and say to them…either you help us or leave us alone and you don’t say that….you will never be out of trouble ….so tell people the truth and defend yourself from them UN/WFP! The food that they are selling in the market and they have entered a secret agreement with some groups and everyone they appoint to office … is one that works with the insurgency ….and those who work on the anarchy are them! The other days; a man WFP head in Somalia has been arrested as you know. Why was he arrested? He misdirects the WFP food to the mosques where the insurgents pray …that is where he took the food … talk about it! Yes! We told them ..the mosques that we worship as the real Muslims, real Somalis , who hold on to the real religion, who are the majority, the mosques we pray, no food is delivered to!… that is what I said to them. The insurgent mosques have food delivered in and the insurgents take the food and make money …they then fight with us. You don’t want Somalia to stabilize then… that is what I said to them UN/WFP. This country belongs to us, we are its people, we have problems and we don’t have any economy, and we don’t have tools to work with, but if we strive and think, we can do something…that we can do without these men WFP/UN. Let us teach that to ourselves. I can’t say nothing about the book now, I will be reading a copy of it … then after I read, I will be able to say something about it but the reality is what is written and practically how to work is two different things. The writing that is the most beautiful and the best plans… if you do that but how to implement goes wrong, nothing will work. And you won’t be able to implement anything if you don’t fight twenty things that are wrong that our government, in the last three years, has been doing as a culture and if we don’t stop it and we don’t fight it, nothing would be implemented. Now, are we concealing things from each other? Isn’t it only us who are present? Are there any foreigners present here? Wasn’t this government functioning for years? If you don’t have tariff or collect taxes, so listen now! … and you threw out the one the parliament decreed… and tonight you don’t have clue to collect taxes, and you don’t have any budget, and of the taxes you will collect and how much investment is needed to collect taxes, you have no clue, and you don’t have a government bank to work with, and Allah knows, I have these tools but you parliamentarians and ministers don’t have it. “We got it “ (a voice by someone from the house) We don’t know where all the donations end up, and let us not lie to each other, the corruption in Somalia the whole world knows about it, how would you be able to implement any plan and where will you get money to implement things? If you don’t fight corruption and the man who steals one shilling is not brought in front of the law, and isn’t persecuted on what he deserves on. We don’t fear the law, and we don’t fear of the government and the nation we serve, and we don’t heed on the common interest of the people, nothing will work for you. There I am not talking about economy, I am not an economist, all of us, I think our education is just hearsay or so…Aliyoow acting PM? What university did you graduate from? He answers, “I graduated from a University and I studied agricultural economy’…OK then… so many of you sitting there, each one of you studied something, or specialized on something, and it is possible you never worked in your specialization, so it is all theory, so I will read this book and what is in it contents will work on. Investment should be solicited and if we don’t get outside aid … in the situation we are in now, we can invest the little we would collect from the taxes, we should save it. A government that doesn’t have offices, and doesn’t have building they reside, are we listening to each other? Is there a ministry that has its own offices ready? And some, instead of having their homes renovated, instead, they are being rented for work and live Jirdeh Hussein’s houses! And they are pleased with that! Here are my office and here are my five offices, so renovate them with rent money and we will be residing there …you couldn’t say that! Oh men, let us listen to each other, and not lie to the people, there is a war going on there in the capital, Mogadishu, so to go to offices, to reside in homes, we are afraid of, so hotels became our preferences, out of fear. We only die once, I swear to Allah, there is no one who will die twice, so go to your offices and houses, and save what money you got, plan tariff and budgets, and you establish banks, and fight with the HAWALAS! Money Wiring Services. As long as there are Hawalas, our banks will not be implemented, am I lying? The hard currency that comes in, if they go to the Hawalas, where will our bank get money? Other than what the government took as taxes? Where else would it get money? No! Isn’t the bank central has to govern all banks? Control the money? Control the hard currency? Became government reserve? And it handles the economy? Control all, isn’t it so? Something we missed the last three years, so the two years that is left, we will see what you do! If you step in the implementation of this plan and we will give you an excuse and say these men were really sitting here for 50 days to plan, then we will say they have contributed to something. Or if good books are written, but you lack the implementation, then we will say, what that has been studied, don’t exist, so may Allah bring out other group since we couldn’t do anything? Isn’t it right we say that? So the government of Ghedi failed, a new government will be built, the new government that will be formed, would it take the same path as the previous one or would it take a new roadmap? So let me ask you, what road should it take? You tell us, aren’t you the permanent secretariat? They all say YES! The ministers have failed, other ministers will come, but you will be permanent and you are required to continue the administration, and if a man, whose minister is on corruption, covers it, and then you will know, you and Allah and your minister will know! These things need to be worked on, you just sat here, have you conducted any survey? Have you paid visit to the whole country? Or from now, you will be doing it? If you don’t go to every district, to every region and you don’t find out all the problems, or at least don’t find out the names of the problem …and you don’t be familiar with everywhere, it is all theory, what you write is not official then. The other thing, who administers our education system, is our education system administered by the religious men Islamic Courts or the ministries? Are you saying the ministry administers it? What curriculum is taught in schools? Whose is it? Duale? Maybe, TFG Minister of Education, the Quranic schools, primary and elementary schools, secondary schools, universities are all under Al-Islah, Al-Itihad, Al-so and so, what you have, and the ministry of education. The religious men have all the mosques, they have the education and social affairs, they own the health, they own the commerce, they own the telecommunication, they own Hawalas the money wiring services…nothing is in our hands… so how to deal with the religious establishment, we should discuss, are the religious establishment the government of the country? Or are we the government? Have you ever thought how we could takeover all of these wealth out of the hands of these religious men? The audience shouts back YES! Have you added that to the plan? Yes, shouts back the crowd Ok then, I am a man and I will give you a hand …these men are our enemies, do you hear me? Let us fight the men! These men are what they are because of all they got all the wealth of the country, either education, religion, or a mosque, or Hawala or the economy or telecommunication or commerce what you have, are in their hands, let us force that out their hands, and that is if you want Somalia to become Somalia. Then if I said all of that, that is the end of my talk. I thank you a lot and I congratulate you and I will read the plan, but what is needed is to send intellectuals and people with knowledge to the country and we further investigate what is needed in everywhere, and the most imperative trouble we have is the infrastructure, we don’t have highways, we don’t have ports, if I belong to Allah, we don’t have roads to travel, we don’t have airports, we don’t have …what is its name …if all of these are not built, if the infrastructure is not built, first of all, can we work on the economy? Audience shouts NO! … then you need to think on that…whatever that could be done in our ability, should be worked on , it will finally come along. The key of all of these is stability of the country, and as you said it is all true, then there is a plan going now and there are operations going on, we will cleanse Mogadishu soon, then the Shebelle regions will follow, and the rest of the country will be taken over! Anyone who throws one bullet, will be dealt harshly, so be aware of it, then when we stabilize the security, then is it possible that you won’t be able to continue the administration? So I am being expected to go somewhere, so if you are willing to sit here all day, keep on sitting, and the hall is ready for you and if you have other engagements, it is up to you! Whenever the parliament is not in session, you all come to the big tree in my office, I don’t know, doesn’t the city have other trees to sit on its shade?

I had a bad weekend but it is all right.

A Commentary on Ato Tamrat Nega’s Article on Ethiopia’s Strategic Objectives in Somalia Ato Tamrat Nega, an Ethiopian journalist, published an article titled “Meles Proposes a Two State Solution for Somalia” on Wardheernews.com on October 28, 2007, and the article appeared on other Somali websites as well. The article informed its readers that Ato Meles Zenawi, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, having been frustrated by the worsening situation in Somalia, formed a committee of Ethiopian experts on Somalia to review the obstacles to success and propose to him viable solutions. The Committee, reportedly chaired by Dr. Alemu Tekede, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, comprised senior officers of the ruling EPRDF, several generals, as well as security and intelligence officers. Full Article

Originally posted by General Duke: I agree with NN, and thanks to my old pal Camir for the post. you wlc Duke.

To the forummers, I like to read your comments and analysis on the other issues underlined in the article. Other regional hotspots etc.

I think in many ways Dr. Diriye’s propositions are what Somalia needs. A new approach that looks into the political, social, and historical characteristics of the hotspots is very indispensable. First, UNITED NATIONS' administrative zoning arrangement must be reformed altogether to the extent that it reflects the prevailing circumstances in SOMALIA. For instance, (and speaking of one of the emerging Hotspots mentioned in the above article) according to the Joint Needs Assessment, 'Somaliland' still has jurisdiction over the regions of Sool and Sanaag, which indeed inflame the conflict and hostility. If majority of the people of these regions oppose the clannish-driven secession, is it a viable program that these communities’ interest be placed in line with those whom they perceive as regional rivals. This is the root cause of the conflict in in the North and the reason why these two regions still remain volatile and in conflict. Taking advantage of the unfair system the U.N placed in Somalia after the collapse of Somali regime, any tribe that has the monopoly over the illegal acquisition of the country's Economic Infrastructure has been imposing its will on others, thereby exploding the situation. The State of Makhir was created as an alternative to these grievances and in response to the needs concerning economic and social development, the gap of which created by none other than the United Nations’ office in Nairobi. In addition to that, I believe the external influence of Somalia's conflict and their overlapping hidden interest in keeping the country under chaos and endless conflict need to be looked with another angle. Our conflict is nothing but tribal and disagreements over the equitable sharing of scarce resources. Imposing one tribe on another based on misguided political and geographic information hasn't worked so far and it will never work. The best conflict resolution mechanism in resolving the outstanding issues is to address the HOTSPOTS as the Dr. Diriye highlighted separate from the influence of another entity. For instance, Sanaag region and its stakeholders should be dealt with alone; Sool also should be dealt with its stakeholders, so on & so on. The U.N or any other international actors must not approach these regions or any other hotspots while violating the inalienable rights of their indigenous people. It has never worked in 17 years and it will never work.

Regional Reconciliation and Reconstruction Approach: A Paradigm Shift for Somalia By Dr. Ahmed Dirie November 24, 2007 The political, social, and financial sacrifices made and risks taken by the international community and brave Somalis could be wasted if regional reconciliation and reconstruction Approach (RRARA) efforts, long overdue, are not implemented right after the National Reconciliation Congress. In this feature, RRARA is proposed as a drastic political paradigm shift to achieve stable and sustainable political system. Keywords: Accountability, Regional Hotspots, Intellectual Debates, Marginalized Educated Somalis, Satellite offices. For the last 17 years, the Somali people, with the guidance, support and intervention of the international community, have been relentlessly pursuing the institutionalization an all-inclusive Somali Government. However, the pursuit of an all-inclusive Somali government exclusively through a national reconciliation process has probably become an obstacle itself for any budding Somali government to rise from the ashes of the brutal civil conflict. Under the current political environment, an all-inclusive Somali government means a government with representations of all clans, from warlords and money lords, from politicians, representatives from civil society, women and other marginalized groups, from intellectuals and Diasporas, and all the warring factions including leaders of Islamic courts. For this reason, there have been 14 attempts in convening all-inclusive national reconciliation conferences and almost all attempts have ended in vain. The most recent of these attempts were the conferences in Arta, Embaghati, and Mogadishu held in Djibouti, Kenya, and Somalia, respectively. To the dismay of those closely following and monitoring these developments, the Transitional National Government (TNG) of Arta has collapsed two years after its election; the current Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Embaghati is still struggling to take off after three years. The latest attempt in this pursuit was the 45-day National Reconciliation Congress (NRG) convened by the TFG leaders concluded last August 30th, 2007 in Mogadishu. Conceptually and without argument, the idea of establishing an all-inclusive Somali government is definitely a cause worth pursuing for it is one of the ways of re-establishing civility and governance and achieving lasting peace in the country. However, it appears that the timing and means of attaining this goal does not fit with the present political situation nor is it realistic in its approach. At the moment, the insistence of bringing in ALL warring entities may not be the most appropriate in the absence of ideal democratic institutions and processes in place. One may then ask, is an all-inclusive Somali government an elusive dream for any transitional government to install given the highly complicated, volatile and unstable political situation in Somalia? Or is there a way to achieve peace and development by re-evaluating the processes and steps taken and adopting alternative approaches? The All-Inclusive NRC Approach: Why it’s not Working? It is most likely that the previous National Reconciliation Conferences (NRC) failed because of the following reasons: National Reconciliation as Top-Down Approach: In principle, the national reconciliation conferences should pave the way for political and social reconciliation through forgiveness of atrocities committed during the civil war at the national level by concerned parties – from the aggrieved to the aggressor. For example, the recently concluded Mogadishu NRG has paved the way for social reconciliation to a certain degree — where clan leaders have committed, in principle, to forgiveness, peace, disarmament of militias, and resolution of property disputes. However these commitments were not followed through because the national reconciliation programs terribly failed to specifically address the root causes of the Somali conflict or solve specific regional conflicts. Appeasement of Warlords and Habitual Defectors: For the longest time, the Somali political system has been using the “fire hydrant” approach by appeasing ever-defecting warlords, local leaders, parliamentarians, and money lords to gain support for current reconciliation attempts. The common practice was for defecting political entities to be given greater recognition and extended more political concessions from both the transitional Somali governments as well as the international community. This approach has led to the indirect legitimization of “warlordism” and political defection as a way of gaining political leverage. Furthermore certain clans demand more representations due to their sizable number of warlords and the political influence that they wield. But the appeasement of defecting individuals or groups has never led and will never lead to political stability or to the strengthening of democratic processes and institutions. Instead, this tactic of “pacification politics” will most likely lead to the demise of transitional governments as we have witnessed in Somalia causing more violations against the human and political rights of the Somali masses and under-represented and marginalized groups. Prioritization of Mogadishu Security vs. Regional Political Hot-Spots: Unquestionably, Mogadishu is the capital and the pulse of the Somali nation. Yet an overemphasis of Mogadishu security to the neglect and exclusion of the rest of the country is absolutely misplaced. History has seen the failure of two Somali governments by overemphasizing in controlling only the national capital region (Banadir region or Mogadishu) and where Somali presidents have been reduced to mayors of Mogadishu. In fact the current TFG was isolated in Jowhar and then Baidoa before it was rescued by African Peace Keeping forces and the international community. Thus, the efforts taken and the political risks made by the international community were again wasted and rest of the country remains neglected. Single-minded Pursuit of Ideal Political Conditions under Extremely Difficult Situations: A functioning and an all-inclusive Somali government is hard to achieve in a short span of time under the prevailing difficult political conditions. In reality, the current state of affairs in Somalia may not be conducive for any transitional government to take off and be regarded as an inclusive and legitimate regime. This is further compounded by experiences in the past where the international community and the Somali people were quick to withdraw their support of and for transitional authorities due to the defections and boycotts of parliamentarians, warlords, and interest groups. These quick withdrawals of political support have prolonged the civil war that eventually led to the current level of political complexity and conflict. It might be worthy to remember that it may be not feasible to immediately create a spotless political system in Somalia or anywhere in the world after 17 years of brutal civil war. It is therefore very important for various stakeholders to have long term commitment and for the international community to sustain their support for any effort at implementing reconciliation processes both at the national and regional levels and find a system that doesn’t work as fire hydrant. Lack of Intellectual Debates of the NRC Approach: For more than a decade and a half, the international community and Somalia's political leaders were stuck with a political process that hardly produced any tangible success. This may indicate the lack of formal and informal intellectual discussions among the different stakeholders on the practicality of the 16 year-old NRC strategy and the lack of consideration of alternative processes that might lead to the same desired result. With the inherent flaws of the NRC processes as applied to the Somali situation, it is crucial to implement an aggressive, coherent and appropriate conflict resolution programs at the regional levels. A regional reconciliation and reconstruction approach (RRARA) may prove better than the NRC approach which has only resulted in the negligence of regional conflicts, endless pursuit of unachievable democracy under difficult political conditions, the legitimization of “warlordism” through the appeasement of warlords, and the utter lack of accountability of who is in charge. The implementation of an RRA will bring with it small but sustainable distributed successes in various areas which are badly needed to sustain the Somali people’s spirit in these difficult times as they pursue a peaceful and dignified existence. Regional Reconciliation and Reconciliation Approach (RRARA) The regional reconciliation approach (RRARA) is a bottoms-up process which tries to move away from the primary weakness of the NRC by addressing specific regional conflicts. It defines the involvement, responsibility, and accountability of the stakeholders and clearly describes what is at stake—the survival of the Somali people under politically stable Nation. This process will serve as a complementary peace building effort to the recently concluded national reconciliation congress. The regional reconciliation process starts at the grassroots level of a defined geographical territory (Table 1). Concerned Somalis with common concerns and interests and other stakeholders are brought together repeatedly over time to have meaningful discussions and dialogues over the kind of future they want and how to approach it. This process is greatly empowering because the local people will finally become part of the solution through their participation and their contribution in the political dialogues and processes meant to achieve peace and stability at the local level. The adoption of this approach eventually becomes the foundation of a participatory democracy at the national level. Therefore, the regional reconciliation model defines the role of the TFG representatives, local tribal leaders, Somali intellectuals, peacekeeping forces, other stakeholders and that of international community. Transitional Federal Government (TFG) representatives: The current TFG representatives are parliamentarians and ministers selected through a 4.5 clan representation system. Symbolically, each representative brings with him/her the political support of his/her clan or region; thus it is understandable that their initial sense of accountability is towards protecting and preserving their clan or regional interest. But it certainly does not help the TFG to fulfill its role in nation building when its members are safely nestled at Baidoa and not actively engaged in the politics and reconstruction of their own regions. In addition to this, the TFG members must learn to widen their sense of accountability—that to their clan or region to that of being accountable to the Somali nation as a whole. Continuing to pursue limited and narrow clan or regional interest without representing the nation as a whole will prevent any step towards rebuilding Somalia. Certainly, nation building transcends petty politics and narrow clan interests. Therefore, representatives not committed to nation-building and those who continue to view their role on a very limited scale must either shape up or ship out. To ensure compliance to this role and given the abnormal situation of the political environment, concerned oversight agencies or institutions may impose political, financial, and travel restrictions, and if necessary military action to weed out erring members or elements. Traditional Community leaders: There is no doubt that the role of the Somali tribal and clan leaders has been weakened and challenged by authoritarian regimes, warlords, money lords, unrestrained population growth and the urbanization in the last 37 years. Despite this perception of the erosion of power and credibility of traditional leaders, it is important to include them in regional conflict resolutions processes. These leaders have a stake in a peaceful and developed nation, thus it will not be difficult to ask their commitment to support the will of the people and the RRARA outcomes. Minority Populations in the South: It is very important to unite and empower the minority communities of Southern Somalia by letting them participate in the political process and nation building. These minority communities have bore the brunt of brutal human rights violations by major Somali clans and they will be balancing force to achieve peace and stability in the South. The minorities must be given a leverage to participate the reconciliation and reconstruction of Southern Somalia. Somali Intellectuals: The Somali professionals cannot set themselves apart and not participate in the efforts towards rebuilding Somalia. It is impossible for the outside community to sustain their efforts to help the nation when Somalis themselves will not productively participate in the affairs of their own country. More importantly, it must be stated here that a call for a resistance or liberation movement is counterproductive and unrealistic in current international politics. A resistance movement will only prolong the civil war and cause more human rights violations. There is no doubt that the highly-educated Somalis are maginalized by the international community as well as TFG officials. But, Somali professionals could challenge “the system” in more productive ways if they become integral part of the reconstruction process. At the moment, it seems that the national affairs are already beset with enough players. But there will be more room in the very near future. However, Somali professionals can still involve themselves in the politics of national reconstruction through diverse venues (including RRARA) and they will find out that RRARA approach can certainly make a big difference—Maybe, national reconstruction by educated Somalis through their regions of origin. Peacekeeping Forces: Unfortunately, the realization of peace and stability in Somalia is dependent on the deployment of sufficient peacekeeping forces. It is undeniable that Somalis terribly failed to end the civil conflict and foreign intervention is indispensable at this time. However, peacekeeping forces must be deployed all over the country especially the regional hot spots (please see map deduced from the regional characterization table) and not be confined only to the national capital region (Mogadishu). There must be a political commitment and the will to deploy a thousand peacekeeping forces in those regions identified as regional hotspots (1000 peacekeepers/hotspot region). On top of that thousand-readably deployable peacekeepers must be ready for any emerging hot-spot. The peacekeepers with the help of government and international representatives will facilitate for the local people to participate in the regional reconciliation process. In addition, the peacekeepers can effectively neutralize any militia or other spoilers who are threat to the political will of the Somali people. International Development Community (IDC): The IDC must re-evaluate its role and be willing to abandon the 16-year old strategy of endorsing NRC and managing Somali affairs from satellite offices safely nestled in Nairobi (Kenya). The IDC leadership must adopt a drastic policy shift and implement the following: I. Adoption of regional reconciliation process as a urgent follow up process to the recently concluded national reconciliation congress in order to conclude the political and social reconciliation process. II. Shift from relief operations mode to nation building mindset through the creation of regional economic development zones and investment of mega development projects that will spur reliable and decent livelihood and job opportunities. Besides, the economic growth opportunities will set forth a healthy regional competition which may eventually lead to peace and stability at the national level. III. Genuine and aggressive engagement of critical mass of educated Somalis in the reconstruction of Somalia. At the moment, there are short assignment (3-6 months) programs intended to engage educated Somalis in the Diasporas for skills and knowledge exchange. But these programs are not recruiting the critical mass and qualified Somali professionals needed for regional-national reconstruction. These programs need to be streamlined, less bureaucratic, scaled up, and become permanent relocation in nature in order to attract qualified Somali professionals in the Diasporas than marginalizing the much needed Somali technocrats. There is a need to establish a regulatory body that will oversee the selection and recruitment of highly qualified Somalis for the real reconstruction of Somalia. IV. Permanent or temporary relocation of IDC Offices to Somalia-or-autonomous regions. The international community (IDC) must be imbedded in the Somalia and must soak themselves into ground realities rather than just operating from a safe distance in Nairobi for 17 solid years. Relocation of IC offices to Somalia will not only cultivate confidence between Somalis and international community but it will also save substantial amount funds for development projects. Absolutely, there are serious security issues but the IC could operate from the relatively stable autonomous regions of Somalia. Relocation to Somalia means a goodwill gesture on the part of the international community to the Somali people and it may re-energize a fresh commitment for reconstruction of Somalia from the charitable foundations and foreign governments. Challenges to Regional Reconciliation: The main challenges to regional reconciliation approach would be the lack of sufficient peace-keeping forces, the continued blind support to the flawed NRC and other reconstruction process, and the lack committed of international community as well as Somali professionals. In fact, democracy is an evolving and self-criticizing process and it is takes time and unwavering commitment for democracy to take off. Therefore, a shift to regional reconciliation approach would lay the foundation for a fresh mindset of how to stabilize Somalia and end the prolonged civil war. However, the significant political and financial sacrifices and risks made by the international community and Somalis could be squandered if an overdue regional reconciliation approach is not implemented right after the National Reconciliation Congress. Somalia needs a new paradigm shift, implementation of painful reforms based on accountability, and committed individuals and communities to rise from the ashes of the brutal civil war. Dr. Ahmed Dirie is the Founder and Managing Editor of DN Magazine (www.dn-sottedi.org). Contact adirie@dn-sottedi.org

Originally posted by Khalaf: [Qosal garir iga dheh. Sxb, and what is wrong with those who intent to return to the 9th century (the time of the rightous companions?) Is there time greater more honorable then that era of theirs? Ill have you ilbax Somalis know that it was Islam that built the great civilizations, ruled from Western Europe to Gates of China. Khalaf, I am afraid you missed the points I made in the second par. You shouldn't jump into conclusion.

Las Anod Speaks Mahmoud Gaildon November 22, 2007 In the aftermath of Somaliland’s capture of Las Anod, and the deafening cacophony that followed, it is refreshing to hear the voice of the people as expressed through their own traditional leaders and elders. The Bo’ameh message is loud and clear: Somaliland must get out. Somaliland’s action is based on the illusion that it is an independent state with legal jurisdiction over the entire former British Somaliland protectorate. There is, however, the opposing view that secessionist Somaliland is nothing more than an illegitimate clannish concoction. And it is no secret that among the people of the North, support for Somaliland, or the lack thereof, falls largely along clan lines. To the overwhelming majority of the people of Sool, Cayn, and much of Sanag, Somaliland’s military venture is an attempt to cow what it considers “unruly” clans into submission. Somaliland’s capture of Las Anod is a gross violation of a rule that, in the absence of a central government, has served Somalis well: non-intervention. In many parts of Somalia, including the North, peace has endured, people intermingled, business thrived, largely through mutual respect and understanding. Where it enjoys solid support, Somaliland has done reasonably well and should be commended for it. But any attempt by Somaliland to subjugate unsupportive regions, in furtherance of its secessionist agenda, is an act of aggression. What is more, Somaliland’s overreaching endeavor to “close the borders” is a simple-minded miscalculation. How its forces can conquer a vast, rugged, and hostile territory, subdue its people, and secure a long-defunct border that stretches hundreds of miles is beyond the grasp of all but the most desperate of minds. What we see is truly the beginnings of a reckless gamble that, if not soon nipped in the bud, threatens to explode into a full-scale clannish warfare and engulf much of the North in bloodshed. Somaliland should make up its mind; a policy that covets the land and alienates the people is bound to fail. To save peace, Somaliland should withdraw its forces and, by this, abandon all claim to the entire former British Somaliland Protectorate. Whether the people of Sool go with Puntland or not is not for Somaliland to decide, for Hargeisa is no more in a position to dictate to Las Anod than Las Anod is to Hargeisa. This is the crux of the matter. Mohamoud A Gaildon mgaildon@aol.com Source: Wardheernews

JB, all you are concerned is "Somaliland" huh?

Africa, These religious leaders advocate for peace and tranquility. They are not intent on establishing an Islamic state similar to that of the 9th century. What a political nightmare the very mention of political Islam evokes in the western press? I know how paradox it is for a religion that promotes peace and brotherhood, yet it is associated with voilence. A religion that promotes scientific enquiry and knowledge, yet it is perceived as a religion that resists modernity.

is wreaking savage revenge on a population whether or not it shelters insurgents. This statement is highly opinionated, without substance, and too insipid to be under the political influence of the false accusations the proponents of the Insurgents write and make up. I thought the Guardian editorial board was much better informed than to fall for such slogans. Are these innocent people paying the price of “savage revenge” or were they caught between the roaring guns of two determined, power-hungry, entities? Is the editorial piece to absolve the Guardian press from earlier statements it made in support of her country's policies and which justified America's air strikes on the fleeing Islamists? I don't understand what purpose was the board trying to attain in writing such pointless accusation. I am quite worn-out of the finger pointing accusations on one group(s), making up lies, and promoting conspiracy theories as if they would reverse the dire situation in Somalia in favor of another. Lots of Turmoil being exchanged and shared.

lol, whatever you think it is. I believe Hargeisa is the capital of Somalia after Mogadisho.

Mr. Ghalib has every right to express his opinion but is it worthy to stoke more hostility in this volatile region with trumped up charges such as what crimes against humanity the Ethiopian troops in Mogadisho perpetrate on a daily and nightly basis. I am sort of gleaning from this article more info than I ever have seen in either Somali news portals or from a congeries of reputed international press. So is it possible to think that Ghalib asymmetrically knows more than anyone else. Or are his pronouncements and trumped up charges amount to conspiracy theory without the least back up source. I sympathize with the one million people displaced from their homes and who are now very sick and exposed to the further lawlessness in the country. In fact, I am enraged that this is happening without much of a open reconciliation and mediation between the government and the opposition forces. Aid agencies and aid workers have also slowed their humanitarian operation being hindered by repeated piracy and the predatory clan militias that erect roadblocks (due to the instability and lack of effective central government in the country). However, did all of this man-made tragedy come as a result of the TFG alone and its associated political ally: Ethiopia? I am sure that Mr. Ghalib would agree with me the TFG alone do not hold lien on the violence in Somalia. They are as equally accompanied by the heavily armed warlord-religous units and their aimless resistance. Why can't Ethiopia and TFG displace the Somali people of a city like Kismayo or Baidabo. What was the mass recent protest in Mogadisho in support of the TFG? Of course, Mr. Ghalib would bury all of these facts in hard-to-prove statements and trumped-up charges.

Sub-state government, yes just like Puntland

You are just upset the religious leaders implied Hargeisa as still the second capital of Somalia. :cool: Do you think that there is one variable to this conflict? The religious leaders expressed their dismay at the turmoil and humanatrian crisis in East Africa but mainly Somalia. They are calling for peace and constructive dialogue rather than finger pointing or blaming one distinct variable out of this mayhem.

I didn't say they are shields, but they were used as shields by the insurgents. I don't understand why pro-insurgents morally justify the impunity with which the insurgents carry out its relentless combat operation in the city. I often urge for the two main groups to come together and make peace for the sake of their own people. As you can see Ethiopia is willing to pull out by the time the 8,000 strong AU troops come. I even doubt whether the AU troops would be spared.

Religious Leaders' Declaration On Peace-Building Hargeisa, Nov 21, 2007 (All Africa) -- Full text of a statement issued by Somali religious leaders at the conclusion of a two-day meeting in the capital of the self-declared republic of Somaliland: We religious leaders from Somaliland, Puntland, and South-Central Somalia meeting in Hargeisa, Somalia, on 17 - 19 November 2007, with support from the Religious Leaders Peace Initiative in the Horn of Africa, with a goal to discuss and find ways in which the religious leaders and women can contribute to resolving conflicts among the Somalis We have challenged ourselves to use our talents and powers to help our people find effective solutions to the problems of poverty, hunger and diseases; contribute more actively to the removal of socio-political conflicts, civil wars and sub-regional disputes and displacement of the people, and work effectively to enhance human and people's rights, equality and justice. We want to appreciate the various opportunities created by Islam for people to come together to share ideas and feelings to include at least five praying times a day, a weekly Friday prayer gathering, twice a year Eid meetings where people of Islam come together to integrate ideas, and the final Hajj that the Prophet made and the speech on the gathering emphasizing peace and security. We commit ourselves to convey the message that Islam is a religion of peace, and accepts other religions, and further commit ourselves to have this message supported by concrete actions, and demonstrate true love and brotherhood among ourselves as Muslims and the Somali people, and to the protection of life and property. We deplore that the East African region has faced turmoil and conflicts, and that these have impacted negatively on the Somali people who have remained poor, underdeveloped, have had to migrate from their homes into being refugees and IDPs. We further deplore that the conflicts have also generated psychological problems. We further regret that because of the conflict, the Somali natural resources are being exploited and wasted, and toxic materials dumped on the land and seas, thus degrading the environment. We pledge from now henceforth to be more active peacemakers and commit ourselves to the process of peace-building to reverse the conflict situation that has affected us as Somali people, by participating in peace processes, and make contributions that advance the cause of peace. We accept the challenge to advocate for the voiceless and the vulnerable, the cause for peace, the plight of the displaced persons, the marginalized and excluded groups, and upholding human rights and dignity. We commit ourselves to advance open dialogue, sharing of experiences and information and exchange of ideas on peace and coexistence to the benefit of all Somali people. We further commit to advocate and to raise awareness through the media, research and publications. We appeal for support to establish, empower and build the capacity of structured regional institutions that target religious leaders from the Somaliland, Puntland, and South and Central Somalia, and further call for the empowerment of religious leaders in conflict resolution, meditation and reconciliation through seminars, workshops and trainings. We seek to establish partnership and networking relationships with international organizations and agencies for the cause of peace. We commit ourselves to mobilize our social, moral and spiritual resources, and further seek financial and human support from willing and interested partners as we move toward building substantial peace. We strongly call for an end to tribalism that fuels conflicts and increases the suffering of our people. We further call all the concerned and relevant stakeholders to put public interests ahead of personal and vested interests. In conclusion we express our deep appreciation and thanks to the peace and solidarity mission of religious leaders from Rwanda, Uganda, Sudan and Kenya. We also thank ACRL-Religions for Peace, the working group of the Religious Leaders Peace Initiative on the Horn of Africa, and FCA Finland for their support and Government of Somaliland for providing space and opportunity for this historic meeting. We express gratitude to the International Horn University, Center for Community Development and Research, for hosting this event. May the Almighty Allah help us! Signed by Somali religious leaders and the leaders of the mission

Sheikh nowadays holds a balanced view of this conflict except for his patriotism to 'Somaliland'

Originally posted by NGONGE:Originally posted by -: You may not like this, but I reckon the Resistance should put down its arms and join the TFG. The best that could happen is that when the TFG starts to disintegrate, those former Resistance members with experience (though I fail to see any) could take the reigns and eventually run the country. If however, the TFG tricks those members of the Resistance at a later date and starts arresting them, executing them or even sending them to exile that's ok too. The Somalia that produced the Sayid, USC, SNM, ICU and many others could easily produce another Resistance movement. It will only mean that three-year-old Shukri will not have to die today but in ten, fifteen or thirty years time. Now do you know which side I am on? No? Me neither. Ngonge, one comment I made at Hiiraan under the article "Clean the vandals" coincides with your conclusion. One of the respondents there falsely profeses that he knows me. I think if we debate and reason enough, we would understand our differences whether it is as a matter of values and priorities, means or ends, consequences and implications, or principles and virtues. The forced withdrawal of Ethiopia from Somalia should not be a perquisite stuck in our heads. What if our people make peace with one another and let this government materialize. The same way we revolted against an established regime like Barre's regime, we can also revolt against this regime. However, we aren't willing to give time and chance. We are not willing to build the institutions of this government and henceforth reform its shortcomings. The opposition group is not willing to compromise or allow for mediation. And it is being supported by Eritrea. Looking from this fact, you would come to an unassailable conclusion that the two main groups are battling in Somalia for their own self-interest and each one has a different ideological platform to rule Somalia, which eventually excludes the rest. It is like winner takes all. Let me ask you this question? Would the U.N Trusteeship had left Somalia without giving the core courses to govern our selves and without building the institutions? I am not saying Ethiopia is here to colonize us but it is protecting the fragile TFG, which can’t defend itself from heavily armed self-interest groups of all kind, and whom had held our country hostage for so long.