Kenya has backed the proposal with the hope it would help crush the Al Shabaab insurgents operating along the Kenya-Somalia-Ethiopia border How will this project work if it ain't a home-grown solution? Or will it be a new armed front to be trained and financed by Kenya and therefore assume the same role as Ahlu Sunna?

Three Somalis injured in alleged military attack April 02, 2010 By BONIFACE ONGERI A mother and her two children are admitted at Wajir District Hospital with bullet wounds after Kenya security forces allegedly attacked a Somalia border village. The same officers who attacked them reportedly checked the Somali nationals at the hospital. They hail from Burhache that borders the Kenya border town of Elwak. The mother had a bullet lodged on her hip but the medics were able to remove it. One of the children had a cracked skull from a bullet and the other had her right hand hit by a bullet, a nurse who sought anonymity said. The nurse said the trio were in pain but out of danger. It was not clear which security forces attacked the village and the reason, but the victims were reportedly checked at the hospital by the Kenya military. The children’s father, Ali Osman, said he was not aware of the reason for the attack. "They attacked us on Tuesday night between 8 and 9pm and the military brought us here in their ambulance. We want explanation from the Kenya Government why its forces attacked us," Osman said, adding: "We were seated outside our hut when the bullets started flying." Army Spokesman, Bogita Ongeri, however, dismissed the claims as propaganda by the Al Shabaab to seek sympathy. "Our forces respect integrity of territorial boundaries. We are interested with Al Shabaab and not civilians," he said. Source: The Standard

Somalia plans to create new state to keep off Al Shabaab By JOHN OYWA and PETER ORENGO The Standard April 02, 2011 The war-torn Somalia could be headed for deeper trouble if plans to create another autonomous region along its borders with Kenya are carried through. Although being billed as a good tactical move to help stabilise the lawless country, some observers say it could spark fresh rounds of civil war between regional authorities and the Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab militia that is causing grave security concerns in the Horn of Africa. A meeting in Nairobi this week discussed the formation of a semi-autonomous Jubaland that will comprise northern regions of Lower and Middle Juba and Gedo on the Kenya-Somalia border. If the plan goes through, Jubaland would become the third semi-autonomous breakaway region after Somaliland and Puntland. A group of former Somalia MPs told the Nairobi meeting that if created, Jubaland would act as a buffer zone and frustrate incursions by Al Shabaab into the region, prevent entry of refugees, and smuggling of arms into Kenya. Kenya has backed the proposal with the hope it would help crush the Al Shabaab insurgents operating along the Kenya-Somalia-Ethiopia border. The Nairobi meeting was held at a time Mandera is under siege from heavily armed Al Shabaab fighters. The rebel fighters have wounded a number of villagers and even police and military officers based in the town and its environs. Risky undertaking The militia group have pounded the town with mortar fire as they fight the Somalia Transitional Government troops across the border. The rebel group is opposed to the breakaway. A former senior police officer, who spoke to The Standard On Saturday, on condition of anonymity because he is still bound by State secrets rules, warned the Kenyan Government to tread carefully on its relationship with the new Jubaland. "It will not be easy. It may help stop the Al Shabaab in the long run but the Government must be ready for a fight because the militia will definitely resist the creation of the new state," said the former officer. He added: "I hope our top security advisors weighed the pros ad cons of openly supporting such an initiative. I hope the Government is prepared to deal with the repercussions." But delegates at the meeting downplayed the fears that the creation of Jubaland would create more security problems in the already troubled region. Muhammed Gandhi, a former defence minister in Somalia who is co-ordinating the plan said it would bring stability in the region occupied by Al Shabaab. "We are ready to liberate the three regions from Al Shabaab," he said. A seven day congress attended by Somali’s Transitional Federal Government members of parliament, representatives from African Union, IGAD representatives and elders from the region are supposed to come up with a roadmap of how to defeat the terror group. On Wednesday, delegates adopted a regional constitution with 81 Articles to help govern the new state. They also elected Professor Gandhi as the new president of Jubaland. The new ‘country’ is fashioned on the model of the autonomous Puntland and Somaliland in the north. "We intend to conclude a plan of action that has been ongoing for the last two years. We must restore nationhood and unity to the people of Somalia who have suffered foe the last 20 years," said Prof Gandhi. Kenya’s take He said Somalis in the Diaspora, civil society working inside the war torn country and other groups have supported the plan. Kenya is reportedly interested in helping develop the new regional administration to establish a buffer zone between it and the Islamist insurgency in southern Somalia. There are concerns that Kenya’s border with Somalia is a conduit for small arms, which are then distributed to the whole region, and an easy route for refugees. According to the leaked Wikileaks documents, Kenya is said to have supported the creation of the Jubaland to provide a buffer zone and prevent the entry of refugees and illegal arms. Wafula Wamunyinyi, the Deputy Special Representative of the African Union Mission in Somalia, says Somalis must drive peace initiatives before outside intervention. "This plan has the support of AU and Igad members. But we must engage the local community to understand the importance of peace," said Wamunyinyi. However, some countries in the region were not enthusiastic about the plan. Ethiopia, for example, is concerned about the likely impact on its own Somali-dominated ****** region where rebels are fighting for independence. Others doubt Kenya’s tactical capacity to carry out the plan given the strong presence of Al Shabaab rebels in Jubaland whose capital city is Kismayu. Recent US diplomatic cables quoted Ethiopian Prime minister Melez Zenawi as fearing for negative regional impact if the plan failed. The breakaway Puntland has in the past one year witnessed assassination of high profile government officials including a judge and an MP. Somalia slipped into lawlessness following the ouster of President Siad Barre in 1991. The country has since witnesses several coups and murders of top leaders as various clans fight for power. Source: The Standard

“Only women in power would consider the needs of women without power.” – Eleanor Roosevelt. An Open Letter by Fatthiya Duale April 1, 2010 The government of Puntland recently adopted a regional strategy to advance women in local governments. Even though women make up more than 50% of the community, they have not previously held elected or appointed local government positions. The 2011 Year of the Women in Local Governments was born in Badhan by women in the Sanaag region, Somalia, where 9 women (out of 28 members) were elected to the Regional and City Council. Moreover, there is a possibility of one more [woman's] seat to be won; one case is yet undecided in which the women council members caucus (HOOYO) are contesting. The case is still undecided by the commission headed by the Minister of Interior and Pastoral Communities who are looking at the legal rights and the expressed desire of the community, mostly women and youth. [One influential sub-clan,] one of eight bigger groups who are enjoined by the commission to elect/select one woman of their number of incoming counselors; the male elders of [this] group and their chief decided that a woman among their group is less important than a male member; therefore they insist to bring a male counselor. Unfortunately their women members do not enjoy [the right] like all others to come, voice their wishes and reject the clan order and find their own space in local politics. This pull and push situation is exacerbated by two clan elders (brothers), who also claim to be knowledgeable in Islam and have their own anti-women interpretation. They immediately started speaking against rights of women participating in decision making. Today, after Friday payer, on 25th March, 2011, the two brothers, [one of whom] is known for his extreme interpretation of Islam, have once more [set forth] serious allegations in their awaking speeches. In two different [mosques], they went separately giving Friday sermons igniting conflicts, asking and encouraging Muslims, for sure those limited in knowledge in Islam being their target; influencing praying crowds and asking the community to go against the elected women and their supporters. This is setting fire on democracy and women’s rights, a heavy blow to hard won political success and the courage of women and their supportive communities. Somali women need the world to come to the aid of the courageous women in the local Council of Badhan town. My fear: [Women less-educated] in Islam might internalize guilt that they may be going against their religion and spiritual beliefs. If the [influential sub-clan] succeeds in grabbing women’s political space for men, then others will follow suit for purely men gaining more power to keep the status-quo in place. Women tend to give up their rights if they fear conflicts might turn ugly. Female participation on local councils is a must because: Women are capable peace builders; the majority of Somali households are women-led, women are excellent communicators; women build strong working relationships; women are creative; and women contribute to increased capacity building. A just and capable society demands full participation and empowerment of all segments of its population. Women are by far the majority paying for education, food, health care, community water and sanitation, take care of livestock which is the main asset in Somalia. Women take care of the physically and mentally challenged and children… Somali women are undergoing a transition as their society grapples with lack of central institutions, lawlessness and an uncertain future. Puntland regional government with its new endorsement of election of women to local govt councils and administrations is taking certain steps in the right direction. The Badhan Council election results are a tribute to Puntland women in particular and all Somali women who are adapting to changing conditions while protecting Islam and the rights with which Islam honors women.

March 28, 2011 LINK

Thanks Somalina for the great Topic. Let's build our Somalia from the bottom-up.

Lazie, I understand your concern over Middle Eastern leaders' tenacious cling onto power and the weak institutions, which perpetuate their abuse of human rights violations. However, let's look at beyond the media soundbites that bombard us with a mix of facts and myths designed to advance a short-term political and economic agenda while in complete disregard for the long term consequences that may result from such military intervention. Libya is known as rich oil country. It has maintained trade surplus, tiny public debt and its people's per capital income is close to $14,000. If only its leader had allowed the diversification of his national export income by investing in education and R&D. Let's not also forget the country has weathered international sanctions. I argued that Libya shouldn't be de-estabilized but immediate political reform must be pressured on Libya & Gaddafi. According to CIA's world factbook, Libya has 22 states with a head of government. Therefore, political reform could have been the first priority rather than opting for a violent dissolution of Libya. I'm for freedom of expression and political reform but to impose total anarchy on a wealthy state is beyond my understanding. Unemployment has more often than not cited as very high and the fact that Libya is endowed with abundant of resources relative to its small population. However, that is due to the capital-intensive nature of the oil industry, not labor-intensive. Libyan seniors had received monthly national security income before the crisis unfolded, as opposed to Egyptian's extreme poverty levels. What we all want for Libya: the preservation of its territorial integrity. But policymakers and chief economic advisors in Washington and Brussels believe that Libya's crisis is a threat to the current economic recovery. I think intervention either by direct means or aiding the rebels to take over the capital, I predicted, was inevitable. Top powers' split over Libya had its resonance in one of the chapters of the history of Somalia. The British proposed the Bevin plan for greater Somalia whereas the French and the Italian had campaigned vigorously to keep or restore their colonies. America sided with Emperor Hailla Sallasie's position to return ****** and communist Russia dearly went after its idealogical imperialism. Thus Somalia after Independence became the first African state to facilitate the Soviet penetration of Africa. Libya is a rich country, hence the reason for the top powers to intervene and quarrel over its fate. So my sister Lazie, do you think foreign intervention contributes more to internal conflict and violence than it helps spread democracy and the rule of law?

Suldaan, let's not forget this megalomaniac has all along fueled the Somali conflict.

Check this old Aljazeera News Analysis and how it all started. Top Powers split over Libya options http://english.aljazeera.net/video/africa/2011/03/20113115576219900.html

Jacpher;703455 wrote: Taa waxaaba ka daran, Saudi Arabia and UAE troops in Bahrain battling with protesters yet they are expected to join the military operations against Gaddafi to ensure safety of the protesters in Libya. History repeating itself. It's all about securing the flow of oil to mainly western Europe, but megalomaniac Gaddafi and his arrogant sons have quickened the process of direct intervention. Libya exports 85% of its oil to Europe. And America is returning the favor of its allies though with limited involvement.

Another diaspora-led successful project. Thanks Somalina. More on the way..Inshallah.

War deg deg ah: Gudoomiyihii hore magaalada Galgala Cali Maxamed Gurxan “Cali Bilig” oo lagu toogtey magaalada Boosaaso. Source: SPT

Is Silanyo copying Faroole's cries and lies on BBC? I wonder if Ethiopia is engineering the atrocities and the tactics against the people of SSC and Maakhir.

Well the former rebel leader needs to understand that the world is past the age of the cheap pretence & the stale tactics of divide, sabotage, and the media war he is using against the local resistance movement. Alas, I wonder why the United Nations is silent of the crimes against humanity being repeatedly committed by a secessionist entity. Where is the accountability of the stream of funds they give to Hargeisa only to plant the seeds of hatred and further societal break-down within Somalia. If there's clear evidence of an act to deploy militia to attack, displace and conquer a region, the world and particularly IGAD and the UN Special Representative for Somalia must CONDEMN such clear violation of human rights. It's also imperative to issue due warnings and arrest to self-styled Strongmen of a region who is engaged in crimes against humanity like in Rwanda. SL behaves like a secret society.

Xaaji, How can we substantiate that these furtive photos from the interior and yard of the house are from Xiingalool. I have yet to see a self-professed secessionist from Hargeisa on Maakhir/Puntland soil . The last time such secretive exercise took place inside an unidentified Badhan house resulted in immediate incarceration and stiff penalty from the regional government of Sanaag. Please respect the rights of others to remain united with their brethrens and being champions of Somali unity.

I think what's happening in Egypt can positively change the political landscape in Somalia. The warlords and the thugs under the guise of representatives have often utilized the fear the world has of the islamists to their own personal advantages. "We stand as bulwarks," is a hackneyed claim they often make to secure more funds only to be embezzled or spent to buy so called parliamentary votes. However, the very first step to containing entities like al-shabaab is strengthening where the rule of law and democratic principles are embraced like the dual track policy aims to accomplish. Before IGAD and the rest of the world give up on Somalia, it's of utmost importance to get rid of the thugs posing as important allies in the fight against the spread of terrorism. The status quo is not sustainable.

War kuwani waa ka soo dareen. Xishood, caqli iyo aqoon in laga suuley baad moodaa.

Bilan, deegaankayaga hormarkiisa waa socdaa umana baahna Puntland. Muhiimada Ayaa ah hadeydan dagaalka iyo barakacinta iyo beenta ah argagixisaa dhulka joogta si shirkado ajanabi ah Loo keeno , sheegashada qaawan waa in la joojiyo. Dhowrka calooshood u shaqeytaha ah ma matalaan gobolada Maakhir. Tan kale, goboladan waxey hoostagayaan dowlada federaalka. Inshallah, dowlad rasmi ah baa dhalan.

http://hmark.us/2640391C227 Somali region defies fed gov't over Saracen deal NAIROBI, Kenya - A semiautonomous regional government in Somalia on Friday defied the central government's decision to end relations with a private security company linked to the founder of Blackwater Worldwide, underscoring the weakness of the authorities in Mogadishu. Somalia's Minister of Information Abdulkareem Jama insisted on Friday that the decision to end the relationship with Saracen International applies to regional governments. "The decision is binding on all Somali territories. That will apply to all parts of Somalia," said Jama. But Abdirizak Ahmed, the head of the counter-piracy program in the semiautonomous northern region of Puntland, said it does not necessarily recognize the authority of the federal government to make that decision. Saracen International has already begun training forces in Puntland, whose administration has been distancing itself from the Mogadishu-based government, saying it hasn't delivered security and services. "I don't think the decision they have made will change anything in Puntland," Ahmed said. "I don't think it will have an impact on the relationship Puntland has with Saracen ... it's not a (national government) issue." Other Puntland officials did not immediately return calls seeking comment. Last week The Associated Press reported on links between Saracen International and Erik Prince, who founded Blackwater Worldwide. Killings by Blackwater guards in Afghanistan and Iraq - including a 2007 incident in Baghdad in which 14 Iraqi civilians were shot dead - raised global concerns over the lack of accountability of private security contractors in war zones. Lafras Luitingh, the chief operating officer of Saracen International, sent a statement which seemed to recognize that the Saracen deals, at least with Somalia's federal government, are over. "We are proud of the work we performed for the Somali government who invited us to provide important counter-piracy and humanitarian assistance. We are ready to serve again if called upon to do so," it said. Luitingh did not return calls Friday seeking comment. Saracen has already begun training a force of over 1,000 men in Puntland that is supposed to go after pirate gangs on land. It may also be deployed against Islamist insurgents in the region. Saracen also signed a deal with a previous Somali government to train a presidential guard and possibly a second antipiracy force of over 1,000 men in the Somali capital, but the new administration voted on Thursday to abandon the deal. The AP reported last week that several companies linked to Saracen International had given authorities false addresses or registration information. Saracen has declined to identify those funding their multimillion dollar project but Luitingh said last week that the donors are in the process of notifying the U.N. A person familiar with the project and an intelligence report said Prince was involved in the multimillion-dollar program financed by several Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates. Saracen has declined to elaborate on its relationship with Prince. A statement by Prince's spokesman said simply that he has provided advice to several antipiracy operations. If the Puntland government defies the national government's decision to ax the Saracen deals, it could lead to a serious breach between the two regions. Puntland is generally considered more stable, and the U.S. has indicated it would be willing to funnel more aid to the region. But most international donors still focus heavily on the Mogadishu-based government, which controls only a few neighborhoods in the capital and is under assault by an Islamist militia linked to al-Qaida. The U.S. had previously raised concerns over the lack of transparency in the Saracen deals, saying it was unclear who was funding them, who was responsible and what the new forces would be used for. Jama said the Somali government does not even have a copy of a signed contract with Saracen. Luitingh has said the contract was signed on March 1 by the then-deputy prime minister and minister of finance and witnessed by the Somali ambassador to Kenya. By KATHARINE HOURELD Associated Press This information was sent to you from Express News. Download FREE Express News or Pocket Express for your mobile phone: http://www.pocketexpress.com/downloadexpress.php?f=AUID4273917 or visit http://pexp.mobi/gp.php?f=AUID4273917 to install directly from your phone!

It's amazing UAE has become a haven of sophisticated criminal enterprises. No wonder the instability that's so rife in the region! via HIIRAAN

LST, some of your best friends attended and demonstrated their heartfelt desire to return to Somalia and implement some of the projects. Here is the English version of that report, prepared by one of the young turks, Mr. Donyale. SPR

Thankful, this whole secessionist project is believed by majority of Somalis to be a "bargaining chip". The claim that they "withdrew from the union" is utterly false. The two regions inhabited by the same people under separate but equally ruthless colonial admins faught together for their freedom and had agreed to unite forever, long before political independence. Besides, there is no need for Mogadisho to agree to a nation-wide referéndum. Somalia is already a homogenous nation with one language and beautiful Culture.

Pics of the Convention will be posted later...

FULL REPORT .....In Somali . The report demystifies all the misconceptions of this major event known as the 1st Annual Conference of Maakhir. Granted that political views as laid out in the above Ope-Ed pieces have already attracted a cocophony of naysayers, this one highlights moré of the future goals. It's actually true that the formation of a low level of regional self-rule is part of the general agreement like it's has been prior to the state collapse.

Thanks Malika and Libaax for the support. This conference is about economic development and coordination.