Cynical Lady, there are a collection of reports on similar practices around the world published @ biyokulule.com. I think I posted the link here @ Sol. Ethiopia is one of those countries. It's hard to eliminate these practices but with the record progress Women rights activists are making, I believe this ancient cultural practice like FGM will probably vanish.

Originally posted by Sharmarke Holmes: quote: Originally posted by Haatu: Karl, I beg to differ, dear lad . Well, be that as it may; dear lad, one is forced to laugh at your allegations in here, particularly in so far as they lack what one calls evidence in the real world, and hence, any sort of point you thought you had in that elongated rather skinny skull of yours, is, of course rather mute like a Charlie Chaplin episode , indeed, dee. Then, again, perhaps, you were giving the gallery an insight into your youthly habits, especially in the time which you have spent in the slums of Garissa, where it is said the narcotic khat/mira is a favourite past time of the youngsters over there; and so, it appears you were trying to drag Mr Polanyi down to your level , which miserably failed, in the worst sense of it. Now, I have some important folks to meet; so, hit the road jamac, but, please do steer clear of all yobsters off the old kent road, lest you make an embrrassment of yourself, dear lad. Regards, Sharmarke Holmes. [/QB]Lool. Karl sure knows how to impersonate Oodweyne's style of writing & subconscious but prejudiced thoughts..

It was back in 2006..

Garowe Online (Faroole's mouthpiece) reminds me a crucial point President Obama said in his Cairo speech. He said that there are those who advocate human rights and the freedom of the press when they are out of power, but then resort to the same tactics of human rights violations after they cling on to power. I'll repost an old article I sent to GaroweOnline, which critiqued someone with the alien name of "Ashley". She/He was protesting against the coverage of Majihaan conflict. I also congratulated GaroweOnline for its impartial role at the time. But now it's the complete opposite.. In Response to Ashley’s 'Coverage on Puntland Conflict' The article "Coverage of Puntland Conflict", published at Garowe Online reveals some disguised misunderstandings of the particular dimension of this conflict . However, It is my deep surprise to see a person appearing to be from the region express such volatile views of the present conflict in Majihaan. It seems his/her views are too partisan to lend professional credence and one that gives a green light to the continuity of the conflict. Criticism is healthy, but hers is mean-spirited and at best hollow. Ashley points in his/her article that it was not worth the Puntland media giving full coverage to the current Majihaan conflict, which has claimed almost dozens of lives so far. He/She says, ”To say there is no approval of the natives and people of Puntland i believe is incorrect……… I think that alot worse could happen that the media getting behind the progress that is being made.” From the gist of this message, pardon me if I err on the side of caution, her/his position can be interpreted that there is no disagreement between the natives and Puntland, and if such disagreement exist the natives have no right to disagree with the administration of Puntland. Hence, the scale and scope of the conflict regardless of how long it protracts should be ignored to the utmost degree while the president orders his militia create more havoc and destruction to their land. This thinking entails bigotry and does not bring any solution to the conflict. There is a Somali proverb that says, “If you hear trouble taking place in a faraway distance, no matter how far, it will soon be at your feet.” Regional experts believe there is a huge possibility of the likelihood that the conflict triggered by the elusive and illicit mineral and oil deal Puntland had signed with the Range Resources Ltd will extend to Bossaso and the hostility as a result will prevail for many years to come. To bridge the gap, Parliamentarians including Awad Ahmed Asharo, Asha Ahmed Abdalla, elders, Sultans, and mainly the Diaspora have asked the Puntland governor (Muse) to defer his plans for mineral extraction to a later date until a government of national union is created. Yet, he turned their earnest request on a deaf ear by putting all the blame on "Somaliland". It is an outright excuse and evasive tactics to deal with the situation through hidden stratagem by accusing "Somaliland" of direct involvement. He rejected to delegate to the representatives of Sanaag and western Bari regions their inherent responsibility. The region of Sanaag is under the legal umbrella of legitimate Somali Government, therefore, parliamentarians from Sanaag have the constitutional authority in terms of economic and security matters and to avert armed confrontation that will have negative far-reaching effects on their region. I believe it is imperative and to the best interest of the parties involved that the governor, despite the deterioration of his administration in terms of transparency, human rights, and security, reassess the situation and call for regional unity and reconciliation and to heal the wounds spawned by this conflict. From my own understanding, the people of Sanaag has been an integral part of Puntland’s political structure, leadership and development as an autonomous region within Somalia and it is they who can collectively work towards ceasefire and of peace and actively shape the participation of every clan through the democratization process of the Puntland----an objective case for security enhancement. We shouldn’t cast aspersions on the nature of this conflict. Instead, we have to do our part in initiating conflict prevention and resolution. If the governor, nevertheless, insists on making expedient judgment to the detriment of peace and security, former tyrant leaders who failed their people and nations should serve him a reminder. I congratulate the media, the ones that are committed to the coverage of the conflict, in communicating the political stalemate in the region and thus creating an atmosphere of understanding and mutual commitment to one another. The great guitarist and producer, Hudeydi, said in one of his lyrics, “Xaq lama dudbiyoo wuu dilaacayaa,” which in rough meaning translates as “Suppressing the injustice should eventually swell and burst.” That is the exact opposite of what Garowe online and LasqoreyNet are doing. Hopefully, Ashley, as a sister/brother shall see things as that way as many of us did in their learning curve, nay try to set the agenda for what news deems worth coverage. by: Mohammed A. Elmi

One of the Tragedies of unjust wars in the planet. Thanks for posting it. Uprooting of our families have begun.

Ramadaan Kariim. I'll have to take a much-needed break from Politics in observance of the holy Month. Honesty and Truth should be your guiding principles, for they resolve our social and political problems and sustain peace and prosperity...

Well Koore-Tuunshe, I object to sidestepping or hiding the truth. It won't solve any problems--both current and potential. Since you are an insider and has more knowledge of the personalities involved and their intrigues and the nature of this long conflict, it's fundamentally critical to play a momentous role, part of it is to inform the public. Then they would be able to make their own fair judgement about the underlying issues. They will later decide for themselves what is at stake. If we hide criminals and opportunists who brand legitimate opposition as "terrorists", the culture of impunity will only make things fester from what it is today. Mr. Jamal and his heavily armed clan militia had been an integral part of "Somaliland" before their paths crossed and the man switched sides. He has no formal education except that he excells in using his "sub-clan" as a tool to advance his personal interests. Now he is part of Puntland security apparatus. We don't know which party of this never-ending conflict he will side with. As for the Ilka-Jir and Cali Ciid, I can tell you they have lost both credibility and trust among their constituency unless something miracle happens that would restore their known leadership qualities.

An early post I made... Originally posted by Nassir: O ur differences stem from an issue of substantiation , questions of disputed facts and definitions. It asks us to examine and look up at the available evidence as to whether Atam is leaning towards al-Shabaab or a local leader who is defending his clan's territory from PL's intrusion or its leaders coveting for what rich resources lie beneath this territory. It's not an issue of evaluation . Our difference (believes and ideas) is not about whether al-shabaab is wrong or right, good or bad, desirable or undesirable. That we agree on its undesirability is not in doubt. It's not also an issue of policy or how to address a demonstrable need. BUT it's an issue of substantiation, and thus far the evidence we have is that Mr. Atam distanced himself from any type of reliationship or political coordination with the radical Islamists in the South. He answered three times after the VOA anchor newsman, Mr. Ali Harare, asked him whether he is al-Shabaab or not. He answered negative in all of three questions. al-Shabaab as well denied to be part of this conflict since this whole issue of Majihan and Galgala preceded the rise of al-Shabaab. Sheikh Atam was fighting the former governor Mohamed Muse Hirsi over the mineral rights and oil exploration in the region. So why would Faroole now redefine the nature of this conflict and galvanize his clan or the unsuspecting masses about the invasion of a different region. Do we not care about the looming disaster?

Al-shabab denies involving fighting in Puntland -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MOGADISHU ( Mareeg.com ) – Sheik Ali Mohamud Raghe better known as ( Sheik Ali Dere), the spokesman of Al-shabab has held press conference for the journalists in Mogadishu and denied involving fighting that continued in Puntland recently. Mohamed Sa’id Atam, a cleric based in out of Bosaso town of Bari region of Puntland leading more fighters had recently fought with the security forces of the semi-autonomous region of Puntland that caused many casualties of deaths and injuries. The spokesman of Al-shabab said that those who are fighting in Puntland were Muslim people against the administration of Punland denying that they had involved the fighting or had relations with the leaders of the fighting. Sheik Ali Dhere warned journalists to connect the clashes at Galgala and Karin villages of Puntland to Al-shabab organization pointing out that journalists were required to do their works as intended. “As you know, the people fighting there are people who refused the problems against them. So if seen people opposing intimidations and some thing against the Shari law, does not mean they are Al-shabab,” said Sheik Ali Mohamud Raghe The statement of Al-shabab comes as there had been fighting between the armed forces led by Mohamed Atam and the security forces of Puntland administration in parts of Bari region in north Somalia.

Somalia: Somali Government sends military aid to Puntland administration August 10, 2010 MOGADISHU (Mareeg.com) – Secret reports we obtained on Saturday said that the TFG had sent military hardware to the semi-autonomous region of Puntland There had been clashes between the security forces of Puntland administration and forces loyal to Mohamed Sa’id Atam in parts of Bari region in north Somalia over the pat few weeks. Officials of the transitional government of Somalia refused to be named told mareeg reporter that the plane had landed at Garowe airport, the centre of the Puntland administration. The weapons was reportedly aimed to be reinforced the new clashes between the security forces of Puntland administration and troops loyal to Mohamed Sa’id Atam. Mr. Atam was accused having relation with Al-shabab, the spokesman of Al-shabab Shekil Mohamud Raghe (Sheik Ali Dere) had denied any links with Atam pointing out that those fighting were Muslims started insurgency as they could not tolerate intimidations from Puntland administration. Most of the MPs had reportedly known the weapons that the transitional government sent to Puntland secretly and planned to be discussed for the coming sessions of the parliament. There is no comment from the side of Puntland about the weapon sent to them and the statement comes as Abdirahman Mohamed Farole, the president of Puntland vowed he would liberate Atam’s power from the region. For more send your comments news@mareeg.com

lol@ Duke, that Puntland leader denying the false accusation of "terrorist base" is Col. Jama Ali Jama, not Atam. Read the documents with keen eyes.

^"Puntland leader denies existence of terrorist base BBC Monitoring Africa – Political December 12, 2001"

Originally posted by Libaahe*: So all this wars is about the oils in calamdow basins and other resources, interesting, so much for a family they can't even share the states resources. It's about resources and many other factors.

You be the judge>>>>>>>>>>. I rest my case!

Puntland leader denies existence of terrorist base BBC Monitoring Africa – Political December 12, 2001 Text of report by Somali newspaper Ayaamaha web site on 12 December The newly elected regional president of Puntland [northeastern Somalia ], Ali Jama Ali, has held a press conference in Boosaaso [commercial port town]. Mr Ali explained issues affecting the Puntland region, saying that Abdullahi Yusuf [deposed Puntland leader] was planning to cause unrest among Puntland people. The Puntland leader denied Abdullahi Yusuf`s allegation that terrorist groups were present in Shimbiraale [village near Boosaaso]. “You saw the place you were taken to with your own eyes, and witnessed that Shimbiraale is not a terrorist camp,” said Mr Ali. Mr Ali said that he would do everything possible to restore peace in Puntland. He called the Puntland people to be on the watch for war-mongering activities advocated by Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmad. Source: Ayaamaha web site, Mogadishu , in Somali 12 Dec 01. © 2001 The British Broadcasting Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Ethiopian troops enter Puntland: witnesses November 23, 2001 [/b] MOGADISHU, Nov 23 (AFP) - Some 1,000 heavily armed Ethiopian troops entered the Somali autonomous region of Puntland on Friday at the invitation of the administration of Colonel Abdullahi Yussuf Ahmed, one of Puntland`s leaders, witnesses said. The Ethiopian troops entered the town of Galcayo, some 500 kilometres (300 miles) north of the Somali capital Mogadishu. They were supported by heavily equipped armoured vehicles and pick-ups mounted with heavy machine guns, witnesses who declined to be named for security reasons said. Witnesses told AFP that Galcayo locals, who support Abdullahi Yussuf, welcomed the Ethiopian troops. Prominent Galkacyo elder Islam Bashir Islam Abdule -- one of a group of ***** clan elders from Puntland who visited Ethiopia last month to urge Addis Ababa to intervene militarily in Puntland to resolve the constitutional crisis there -- said the troops were invited by Puntland elders and supporters of Abdullahi Yussuf. During last month`s visit, the elders told Ethiopia that Abdullahi Yusuf had been attacked by an extremist religious group, which tried to overthrow him in August. Their accusation was a reference to the Al Itihaad Al Islamiya, a Somali Islamic extremist group which the United States recently put on its list of terrorist organisations. But a senior Ethiopian official denied that troops had moved in. “We don`t have a single soldier there,” said the government official, who asked not to be named. He said Addis Ababa was “committed to peace and security” in Somalia. Puntland, once an island of peace in war-torn Somalia, has been embroiled in a major power struggle over the past three months. On Wednesday, 13 people were killed when fighters backing Abdullahi Yussuf raided the capital Garowe and seized it from supporters of Jama Ali Jama, who was named president by a congress of elders of the ***** clan on November 14. Abdullahi Yusuf immediately rejected the appointment. Jama (Col. Jama Ali Jama) is a former military officer in the army of Somalia`s ex- dictator Mohamed Siad Barre, who was toppled in 1991. “The people of Puntland recognize the leadership of Puntland which has been popularly elected, and they will not give attention to an illegal conference funded by religious extremists of Al Itihad Al Islam,” a senior official at Abdullahi Yusuf`s office said at the time. But the Somali Transitional National Government (TNG) Prime Minster Hassan Abshir Farah, who is currently in neighbouring Djibouti, warned Abdullahi Yusuf in an interview over the BBC Somali service to leave Garowe immediately, or “face the consequences.” Abdullahi Yusuf emerged as president of Puntland when the northeastern Somali region was founded as an “autonomous state” in August 1998. Under Puntland`s constitution, his mandate was due to end in August, but parliament voted to extend it for another three years in June … © Copyright 2001

Past Fabrications and Mass propoganda arrayed against legitimate oppositions Islamic movement declares holy war against Puntland leader August 25, 2001 Text of report in English by Somali pro-Puntland web site AllPuntland.com on 24 August We, the joint Mujahidin forces of Al-Ittihad Somalia Islamic Movement, and the newly formed armed groups, the Total Liberation Tigers (TSLT), under the command and leadership of Lt- Col Jama Ali Jama, have begun, this week, a long awaited struggle and war to overthrow the pro-Ethiopian regime of Abdullahi Yusuf, the so-called president of Puntland. Our holy war, jihad, against Abdullahi Yusuf has now reached its biggest success. We captured this week the strategic port of Boosaaso in the northeast Somalia, and are now heading to liberate the rest of the region. In an attempt to recapture the port of Boosaaso the Puntland darvich [as published] police supported by Ethiopian military advisers, their weapons, have tried yesterday to attack our positions in the city, but was repulsed and inflicted on heavy losses by our joint forces. Our sector command, under the leadership of Lt- Col Jama Ali Jama, have confirmed us through telephone on yesterday night the Mujahidin gallant forces have killed over 20 and wounded over 50 pro-Puntland Abdullahi Yusuf dervish mercenaries. The Boosaaso victory over the evil followers of Abdullahi Yusuf [of] Puntland is the beginning of a new kind of jihad liberation not only in northeastern regions but in all parts of Somalia , as well as the Somali inhabited regions occupied by Ethiopia and Kenya African colonialists. We call upon those who share with us [the] struggle and destiny to wage a total jihad against Abdullahi Yusuf`s regime and similar groups, such as the so called Somaliland and Somali Reconciliation and Restoration Council [sRRC], who are all Ethiopia `s agents. We particularly appeal to those forces in Transitional Government of Somalia, who are based in Mogadishu the capital, to organize their military and economic power in order to liberate the whole country and establish and alternative real Islamic state in Somalia . Allahu Akbar [God is great] Boosaaso, London .

Clan Wars with Religious Coloration August 12, 2010 In mid 2001, Abdullahi Yusuf convened numerous news conferences in which he declared that Al-Ittihad [al-Islami] organization had bases in Shimbiraale, located in Somalia`s Northeastern Region, Puntland; and Al-Ittihad had links with Osama Bin Ladin, the man claimed by the Americans to be a terrorist. Abdullahi Yusuf said “This Al-Ittihad move to undermine the existing democratically-elected administration is a recipe for civil war in a regional state known for peace and stability.” Abdullahi Yusuf also loudly stated, “Puntland State of Somalia shall not accept the installation of a radical, fundamentalist and extremist regime, as it will not allow the expansion of Arta faction to the territory of this state.” Given the primacy of the “War on Terror” in the Western World and in neighboring countries, one might expect Somali regional leaders/and warlords` declarations to be given some attention. Subsequently, a group of journalists, including Americans, has visited Shimbiraale, where Abdullahi Yusuf cited as hosting a camp to train terrorists. However, Yusuf`s claims have turned out to be false. One of the journalists interviewed by the BBC said Shimbiraale hosted Somalis who were fishermen. The journalists said there were no camps for training terrorists. As any other Somali warlord/politician, Abdullahi Yusuf, charged against his rivals of undermining the peace and stability of the region, labeling them as agents of terror groups. In addition, what made Abdullahi Yusuf so furious, satirically, was that his rivals were following his footsteps: organizing a pseudo-government in which the so-called House Members (66 members from different clans) has so far the right to select Puntland leader. In fact, when Abdullahi Yussuf`s three-year term ended in mid 2001, he attempted to stay on until he was overthrown in August 26, 2001, by local elders and militias. The elders declared Abdullahi Yusuf`s extension of mandate null and void. He was kicked out of Bosasso and Garowe towns. Abdullahi Yusuf retaliated by accusing Al-Ittihad [al-Islami] of being behind his ouster. He also maintained to be the legitimate president of Puntland, claiming that he was running the Puntland regional administration affairs from Galkayo. To counter Yusuf`s propaganda, a number of Puntland elders at Garowe released statements, underlining the false reports about Al-Ittihad bases in Puntland. They said “there are no members or bases of Al-Ittihad religious group in the region.” Their factual statements fell on deaf ears. If there are training camps, where? The country is an arid piece of real estate, not known for hiding places. In fact, the Ethiopian involvement in Puntland conflicts has been coming to surface gradually since early 2001. In late November 2001, Ethiopia`s covert military contacts with Abdullahi Yusuf have become an open secret when it sent a convoy of eight trucks to Galkayo. With the aid of Ethiopian military machine, Abdullahi Yusuf fought on his way to regain power. From these factual references to the brief glimpse of the current Galgala debacle in Puntland, Roobdoon Forum attempts to underline a parallel in the new developments of President Abdirahman Farole`s Administration, where its recent military successes stipulated the reruns of Abdullahi Yusuf`s 2001-2002 Jiffo supremacy shows. It is clear that Puntland rulers, in terms of progress, do not seriously think of the importance of good governance that calls for a dialogue. The basic idea of effective administration still remains alien to the inhabitants of Puntland. The Forum is also skeptical about the ability of the Puntland leadership to defuse social fragmentation. So far, Puntland has for the most part failed to satisfy people`s expectations; it serves primarily the sub-clan interests of those who are in charge of it. The Administration seems to enter a similar if not more dreading stage; all it will bring again is Yusuf`s modus operandi of prolonging sub-clan power struggles. To some extent, Puntland will become the turf to exact old wounds. The Forum is keenly aware of Farole`s clannish Administration, now masquerading under the false pretenses of secular, pro-Western entity, and therefore anticipates that the transforming of clan conflicts into a religious one is a chameleon-like ploy – and that old fashion clan loyalty awaits to resume. The current Galgala conflict, instigated by Farole, is indeed a war with religious coloration. The conflict is also similar to the early 2000s Puntland wars in terms of its hidden incentive. Farole is probably driven by the notion of Jiffo supremacy as well as grabbing **********`s strategic territories/ resources, in order to secure the full control of the long road between Garowe and Bosasso. Read more compliation of Reports and Analysis

Lol@dambarsame. Afkaaga hooyo wax iskaga qor. Cidna ku fahmi meyso.

Dagaal Qasaare dhaliyey oo Maanta ka dhacay Degaanka Sugure ee G/Bari SUGURE:-Dagaal qaraar oo ciidamada Puntland ay kooxa ka soo horjeeda dhabarka kaga jebiyeen ayaa maanta gelinkii hore ilaa duhuradii waxa uu ka soconayey Degaanka Sugure oo ku dhow karin, isla markaana loo sii maro Magaalada Galgala iyo Degaano kale oo ka tirsan buuralayda Calmadow. Saaka xili Aroornimadii ay ahayd ayaa dagaalkan waxaa soo qaaday koox hubaysan oo dhexda kaga dhacay Ciidamada PISta fadhiya deegaanka Sugure oo ay halkaasi dhaawac iyo dhimasho badan ay u geysteen ciidamada PSTA iyo kuwa Puntland oo Halkaasi difaac adag kaga jirey. Ciidanka Maamulka Puntlan ka gadaal laga gubey 1 gaari oo Nooca dagaalka ah,waxaana ay ka qaqabeteen 10 Maxbiis ah 7Mayd ah iyo 9 dhaawacooda la soo gaarsiiyey Cisbitalka Magaalada Bosaso ee Xarunta Gobolka Bari. Dagaalkana yaa joogsaday Maanta 2Durhurnimo ilaa iminkana lama garanayo Dhaawaca iyo dhimashada kooxda Werarka soo qaaday inta ay le,egtahay. Maxamed Axmed Ciise Dhahar Onlline

Another good article.. http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2010/may/13/cruel-ethiopia/?page=2

but also the independent ethnic organizations, who believed that the main enemy against their ethnic aspirations was still “Amhara chauvinism” Well, from my own personal experience, I know of an old classmate from ethnic Amhara who still believes that Eritrea is part of Ethiopia and that retroceding it should be a high priority for any future Ethiopian government. It's hard to slough off centuries old attitude and practice of ethnic Amhara superiority that is the reason the minority TPLF has been very successful in building a robust coalition against their return to power. What are ur thoughts, abtigis?

Originally posted by Beer-Gaal: this is getting uglier than i expected wallee ,,,Puntland needs help this can't work! Atams attacks Daraawish and then they set fire on Galgala firms !! what is this all about? They actually burned one military pick-up truck and killed one soldier and wounded 4 others at today's clash around Xamur village. As you said, the men from Puntland side of the casualty is all related to the VP by lineage. And thus the reason they took their wrath on the inhabitants' farms. It might get worse..

"Warbixin ay soo saartay shirkadda Range Resource oo aan la qalin daarin (la bedbeddilin) ayay ku caddahay in meesha yoolku yahay oo baasiinka lagu hubaa noqotay meesha loo yaqaanno Calmadow Basin (Al Medo/Darin) Iyo Nogaal Basin. Siiba Xagga Calmadow ayaa laga helay caddaymo waxana laga helay ceelka hadda loo yaqaanno Maroodi oo lagu qiyaasay inuu soo saari karo 400, 000 oo foosto oo basiin ah maalintii Beer-Gaal, Maroodi is where today's clash took place. This conflict is a multi-dimensional....