This has twofold effect. It shows the international community not everyone in the Former British Protectorate is on board and in practical terms, Have you been sleeping the last 20 years. This so called term "disputed area" does not capture the reality on the ground. The people of much of Sanaag are in total control of their territories although there are ocassional disruption of peace whenever a band of "Somaliland" militia venture outside their clan border. It's well documented and well-known that the Sanaag region has always been in the hands of its owners and there are local Distric governments and regional administration. Recently, NATO hold a private meeting with the governor of Sanaag on the coast of LaasQoray along with the elders of the region. You would think that NATO would ignore the political reality and instead meet with fiery tales of men "Somaliland" set up in the region as their appointees.

Link

U.S. court indicts Israeli suspected of arms trade with Somalia The weapons were intended for the government in Somaliland, which is regarded internationally as an autonomous region in Somalia that has been run by a secessionist government since the 1990s. Source: Haaretz

Originally posted by Oodweyne: Nassir , In other words, the largest contention of your argument rest with the notion that says that the "Oodweyne Constituency" ( read: clan ) were really thinking that Dr. Gaboose's Qaran association was going to be their political vehicle, before it was banned, indeed. Consequently, since that is the be all and end all you know-how about the deeply retail politics of this "constituency" and how they have chosen their political representation from here on out, which you furthermore are so woefully misinformed about it, then, the best one can do is to say, poor lad, indeed... And, perhaps, hope in turn that you will in time tell us how you are faring in your "delusion" of thinking that some sort of "pirate-land agenda" will stop Somaliland in it's political tracks, indeed.... Regards, Oodweyne. Oodweyne, I would rather choose to refrain from dissecting the internal clan politics of "Somaliland" until the results of this contrained election are released so then we can attend to the diagnosis and cure if--God forbid--things took on a drastic turn. I would really welcome if this delicate process of electoral transition passes without subsequent tribal violence or that if the opposition leaders show an eminent degree as to overcome their enmity to one other. AfricaOwn, now has it come to this brazen delusion of yours that Erigavo is reduced to one you wish to issue admission tickets to the owners whose lines of descent are well-known. It is silly assumption of yours that those who had defied the authority of the most powerful empire in the administration of their affairs would give it up their lands to a clan entity? Nevertheless If my political analysis on the Oodweyne folks with relation to Kulmiye's leadership stands to give my argument some credibility, you would have offered your side of approval or contention either way as to not cast it aside and retaliate in an insolent comment against those who with the ferocity and tenacity of purpose conduct themselves in that manner with their western neighbors. Young man, In this shared city, even the slightest provocation, in the clannish sense, is at all times avoided or when the inevitable conflict occurs rushed to a quick redress out of maintaining an environment of peace and continuation of the general progress of the city. Besides the commercial establishment and security infrastructure of Erigavo, the people of Sanaag, western Bari, Nugal and Juba regions a.k.a reer Maakhir have it under their control. It is well known fact of life that "Somaliland" can't volunteer to change or disrupt that security or administrative balance within the city whether or not your secessionist project is rejected or your militias routed anytime they venture outside their clan border, that means much of Sanaag region.

Originally posted by Libaahe*: It's funny how the article tries to divide the people of Oodweyne & Sallaxley who are both descent from 1 son of duriiyaada like history tells, while the people of eastern burco are a union of 3 sons of duriiyaada does that make sense? what the article also failed to mention is neither the people of saxiil or gabiley have any candidate running for presidency this elections. . Libaaxe, you didn't get the gist of my commentary. No doubt the people of Saaxil region support Riyale and Udub since they are the financial engine and the power brokers of Riyale's establishment whereas the people of Oodweyne are torn in between Udub and Ucid, neither of which they play any dominant role. They decided then to form a new political party, Qaran, but it was altogether rejected and their leaders accused of seditious activities. I said it already the latter party is led by Feisal whom they share close lineage. I'm just stating the all-known perception and environment that the people of Oodweyne are die hard opposed to Kulmiye's leadership. This is where clan politics in "Somaliland's election" comes into full view for the rest of us. Qalib, the song was just a springboard to the underlying issues, which can drastically change the outlook of this whole process. How do you see Riyale winning it again? Mr. Somalia, it will be interesting to watch the end result of this showdown limited mainly to the Northwestern region and Togdheer. .

Beeshu way haraado, hormood uma maqnee...... The rising star, Ikraan sings the above lyrics--in praise of Kulmiye--in sultry voice, donning on colorful traditional sarong. Her simple back-and-front slide may easily make a critic forget the sour taste underneath the message: a bleating cry for justice against the center, Hargeisa. The main clan of Bur'o, Togdheer region are today politically conscious and thus agitate for a democratic change. But Riyale is expected to prevail in this geographically and politically constrained election whose results (if it is announced in favor of the incumbent) might as well trigger in social unrest--and eventually the hard resolve by Silanyo's community to go their own seperate ways by ending an unholy marriage and the blind support of an implausible idea. Make no mistake about it, the people of Bur'o are in many ways in favor of Somali unity. Many notable Somali nationalists whom we celebrate for their heroic struggle which liberated Somalia from the European colonialism of yore like Sheikh Bashir and Micheal Mariano both called Bur'o their home base. It is also the base of Northern al-Itihad group, a well-established business and religious community that is commercially linked to the booming North-eastern port town of Bosaso. Until the current euphoria subsides we might wait to witness how Bur'o is cracking it open the shell behind the kinship flag--the rallying cry for independence and of common grievances. The secession scheme has failed thus far only to create a political framework that resulted in a dominated position for the people of Bur'o during all these years of lawlessness and anarchy in Somalia. And it is ripe for manipulation unless tangible efforts are made to democratize the system and stanch the public bleeding Mr. Riyale and his power brokers instigated, a monumental task indeed. Silanyo now stands a slim chance of dethroning his rivals though he still has feverish supporters vowing to wreck the boat when Riyale gets re-elected. On the other hand, supporters of the incumbent governor are critical of Silanyo's ability to lead because of his age, fear of nepotism (recall how one of the esteemed elders of "Somaliland" spelled out his opposition to the Kulmiye out of clannish motivation), and alleged commission of past crimes against humanity during the SNM days. The new song promises stability, sustained rule of democracy and commitment to securing an international recognition once the Kulmiye party-led politician Mr. Silanyo can beat all predictions against his candidacy if he is allowed to freely and fairly thrash Riyale in the theatrical race to the presidency. But the fear of voilence within the secessionist block of former British Somaliland colony is for all intents and purposes undeniable cause for concern; it harks back to the structural set up of the political parties, engineered initially by late Mr. Egal after he was chosen by the clan Elders to form a government. The three parties were set up in a way that primarily excludes the major clan of Oodweyne for any meaningful role other than to throw in their weight in favor of either Udub - dominated by the folks of Saaxil region--or go with the party of their closest kith and kin, the Ucid frontrunner. At one time, Dr. Mohamed Abdi "Gabose" who hails from Oodweyne was arrested on July 28, 2007 for forming the political party, Qaran (The Nation). Amnesty International wrote, "The three Qaran leaders were charged with seditious assembly, on the grounds that they had held illegal public political meetings." Far from it, their case was to contest this election prior to its two-time suspension and to give political rights to the people of Oodweyne who felt that they had been deprived of the chance to compete and decide for their own interest. Their main political disadvantage is that they are spread out across several regions all of which they, geographically, constitute minority. However, there is a cry of hunger and thirsty in the minds of reer Bur'o today to defeat those who had already been dubbed as the "rightly guided" captain of this rickety seperatist boat--sailing into an uncharted territory--far away from its juridical harbour. Let's watch how the upcoming events unfold in the Triangle area...

Haahey ana waa ikan weeye sheekadu. Calan been ah iyo Cawaale amaahdiisa. We wish this young star the best of luck for his musical career. I hope he continues making good music and putting his earned financial value in good investments and trusts. That is what seperates a black singer or sports man born or raised for that matter in America/Canada from his white equals.

^Well said Bilan! I'm quite amused by Thankful's comments playing the role of a devil's advocate on the "Somaliland" issue , perhaps to give this illegal entity a fine critical assessment of their claims on the regions of Sool and Sanaag, while arguing for their incorporation into the "Somaliland" long dead project. If that is not giving a legitimacy to a self-styled tribal fiefdom within Somalia I don't know what it is. The self-contradiction and flip flop of terms, from "eastern Sanaag" to Sanaag after Libaahina applied a similar term to the region of Sool makes a perfect example of a novice learning his errors. Please note using the language of the secessionists as an attempt to score cheap points will not strengthen your position of neutrality but will rather reinforce the suspicion that an enemy's enemy is my friend. It's time advocators of the balkanization of Somalia think of how to save and revive our republic, for this idea of federalism has even split one small city of Somalia into two hostile tribal camps, that a constant fear of killings and kidnappings have turned to be the rites of passage for its inhabitants. Ps. Folks, I thought you would have first injected some sense into the seperatist minds of JB that the split of the Somali map is something that they desperately wish to see given their current powerlessness to extend their control or influence from Bur'o if it wasn't for that turncoat known as Haabsade. Hence their militia occupation of the city of Las Anod will be a short lived one, after which neither PL nor SL will be able to manipulate again the rightful owners of Sool region. Sanaag by contrast is a free and vast region of Somalia.

But Awil is different in two notable ways: he is shouldering a fully automatic, fully loaded Kalashnikov assault rifle; and he is working for a military that is substantially armed and financed by the United States. "You!" he shouts at a driver trying to sneak past his checkpoint, his cherubic face turning violently angry. "You know what I'm doing here!" He shakes his gun menacingly. "Stop your car!"

Ethiopia was the first African country to become a member of the League of Nations and it was the first "African" country to have facilitated the Colonization and Balkanization of Africa. That maybe the reason it is so special to the sons of slave-owners and erstwhile colonial empires. In other words, it perfectly embodies the neo-house slave character of the modern new world order.

Press Release on Ethiopia's invitation to the G20 Summit: Canadian Somali Congress calls on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to press for Bashir Makhtal’s release and demand the end of Ethiopia’s destabilization of SOMALIA June 11, 2010 – The Canadian Somali Congress, on behalf of the Canadian Somali community, is disappointed by Canada’s invitation of Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi to the upcoming G20 summit in Toronto. Mr. Zenawi heads a government that consistently abuses the human rights of people in Ethiopia and Somalia, represses democratic opposition groups, severely restricts the activities of NGOs, manipulates food aid to starve opposition supporters, destabilizes Somalia by arming various militias in violation of the UN arms embargo on that country and continues to illegally detain Canadian citizen Bashir Makhtal. The Canadian Somali Congress is troubled by the continuing detention of Mr. Bashir Makhtal, a Canadian citizen who has been imprisoned in Ethiopia for close to 3 ½ years where he has experienced a range of very serious human rights violations. Mr. Makhtal has been sentenced to a life prison term after an unfair trial. He stands accused of providing support to an opposition group in Ethiopia. However, given the profoundly unfair nature of the legal proceedings, the basis for those accusations has never been made clear and no credible evidence in support of the charges has ever been made public. Instead, much of the basis of the case has seemed to stem from the mere fact that Mr. Makhtal’s grandfather was once an ******i leader. Canadian Somali Congress has repeatedly called on the Ethiopian authorities to release Mr. Makhtal given that there appears to be no prospect of a fair trial. We appreciate the strong stand that the Canadian government has taken on this case. Several ministers, including Ministers Baird and Minister Cannon, as well as Parliamentary Secretary Deepak Obhrai, have raised the case in meetings with Ethiopian officials. Canada’s position has been firm – that Mr. Makhtal should be allowed to return to Canada. Canadian Somali Congress has also been concerned by Ethiopia’s destabilizing actions in Somalia. Despite Ethiopian troops officially withdrawing from Somalia at the end of 2008, they are still unofficially entering that country in their quest to fight a proxy war with Eritrea. This has led to gross violations of human rights by Ethiopian troops and Somali militia groups that are funded, trained and armed by these two neighbouring countries in clear violation of the United Nations arms embargo on Somalia. Just two weeks ago, Ethiopian troops entered the relatively peaceful Somali district of Buhoodle to carry out military actions that resulted in the deaths of dozens of civilians. The human rights of these civilians are of paramount importance to the thousands of Canadian Somalis who maintain links with relatives residing in their ancestral homeland. Moving forward, the Canadian Somali Congress urges Prime Ministe r Harper to make it clear to Prime Minister Zenawi that Canada expects Mr. Makhtal to be released and be able to return to Canada by the time Prime Minister Zenawi travels here. Prime Minister Harper should also demand an end to Ethiopia’s violent and destabilizing incursions into Somalia and its violations of the UN arms embargo on that country. Failure to adhere to these demands should automatically lead to the withdrawal of Canada’s invitation to Ethiopia to attend the upcoming G20 summit in Toronto - 30 - For more information contact: Ahmed Hussen, National President Canadian Somali Congress Email: canadiansomalicongress@gmail.com Website: www.canadiansomalicongress.com

Great article by Isse. CAN K’NAAN “WAVING THE FLAG” EMOTIONS TRIGGER A NEW SOMALI RENAISSANCE? By Abdirahman Sheikh Isse June 13, 2010 Most Somalis around the world have joyously watched FIFA's World cup Kick off where the Somali singer, Keynaan Abdi Warsame, known as K’naan, has opened the musical concert with his worldwide famous song "Waving the Flag." K’naan was holding, higher-and-higher, the Somali Flag, our beloved Blugley. Somalia is soon approaching its 50th anniversary of independence, it would have been a significant milestone, if it wouldn’t be for the tears and toils that our people have endured undeserving in the past two decades, a painful humiliation inflicted by its own sons. To add an insult to the injury, the shameful invasion of Ethiopia and the subsequent occupation of Mogadishu, the capital city, left an awful stain on the annals of Somali history. After the long and persistent outcry of the Somali flag to her sons and daughters fell onto deaf ears, the scream for resurrection and the destiny- call of the quasi-moribund flag, our “Blugley,” was finally answered by an unexpected brave young man called K’naan. K’naan, unfortunately was pushed out of his country of birth at early age, as such, he did not experience the opportunity to enjoy the fervor and passion that many of us from the older generation have enjoyed. Yet, because of his multilayered identity and intellectual reach, he understood the thirst of his people, thus he answered the momentous call of history. That is why at the opening of FIFA's World Cup K’nan using his iconic position he lifted up the “Somali flag” in unison with the whole world. K’naan, God bless him, has given all of us a lull from the pain of the “Reign of Terror,” even if it was just for a moment. He allowed our people whether they live inside Somalia or in the Diaspora a sense of pride and nationhood. He also reminded us and, the entire world, that Somalia, notwithstanding its failed state label, WE AS PEOPLE still exist. Likewise, K’naan’s tacit message has eloquently conveyed to all Somalis, the hope they aspire and the self-determination is still recoverable , and more importantly he underscored that our “Blue Flag,” is still the symbol of our collective and imagined nationhood, as well as, the carrier of our identity and history. Thus, our flag is and will remain the single most powerful weapon that can rally patriot Somalis as a whole. Many Somalis still believe that in spite of the confusion and crisis of identity that has befallen on us, yet we Somalis are still fascinated by the power, intensity and the meaning of our Somali flag. Hence, if we will be able to focus on our similarities and common denominator, as our fathers did during the struggle for independence, we will be able to finish this “genealogy of hate,” called tribalism that has imprisoned our people in a cage, and gave our enemies the force to manipulate us and keep or contain Somalia under its knees. In my view, one of the invincible weapons available to us, right now, is our common identity and of course our flag is the one symbol that can command that very authority and motivate our people to stand as one. Because our flag and its intrinsic meaning carry with it the muscle that can win against those lukewarm child-soldiers, who naively and maybe unsuspectingly wave, in vain, that “black flag” while being drunk with the ideology of slaughter and the utopia of their perceived religion. As we approach the 50th Anniversary of our statehood and the “Kanna-Siib-Kanna –Saar, Somali unity, let us hope that K’naan’s waving the flag song may trigger a new wave of emotions that will unchain all people of good will and those rusted patriots who are intimidated, encircled and suffocated by the ocean of tribalist, turncoat-opportunist and profiteers, and pave the way to a “Somali Renaissance.” At this juncture, most Somalis are really fed up with the status-quo, but will they be able to say enough is enough, and stand for their rights and be in words and deeds part of the change they want to see? If we can dream for a moment, and make our dreams our goal and act upon. If, we can force our heart and mind and as a generation we decide in unison to stand for our right, for our self-respect and self-determination, then we can also dare to take our own destiny and historical responsibility for change. If we will be able to imagine a Somali Renaissance, for a moment and realize the meaning and achievability of what most Somalis are longing deep down in their heart, then we can take the first step and reach the 1000 miles journey. Abdirahman Sheikh Isse E-Mail:cadissa@hotmail.com

CAN K’NAAN “WAVING THE FLAG” EMOTIONS TRIGGER A NEW SOMALI RENAISSANCE? By Abdirahman Sheikh Isse June 13, 2010 Most Somalis around the world have joyously watched FIFA's World cup Kick off where the Somali singer, Keynaan Abdi Warsame, known as K’naan, has opened the musical concert with his worldwide famous song "Waving the Flag." K’naan was holding, higher-and-higher, the Somali Flag, our beloved Blugley. Somalia is soon approaching its 50th anniversary of independence, it would have been a significant milestone, if it wouldn’t be for the tears and toils that our people have endured undeserving in the past two decades, a painful humiliation inflicted by its own sons. To add an insult to the injury, the shameful invasion of Ethiopia and the subsequent occupation of Mogadishu, the capital city, left an awful stain on the annals of Somali history. After the long and persistent outcry of the Somali flag to her sons and daughters fell onto deaf ears, the scream for resurrection and the destiny- call of the quasi-moribund flag, our “Blugley,” was finally answered by an unexpected brave young man called K’naan. K’nan, unfortunately was pushed out of his country of birth at early age, as such, he did not experience the opportunity to enjoy the fervor and passion that many of us from the older generation have enjoyed. Yet, because of his multilayered identity and intellectual reach, he understood the thirst of his people, thus he answered the momentous call of history. That is why at the opening of FIFA's World Cup K’nan using his iconic position he lifted up the “Somali flag” in unison with the whole world. K’naan, God bless him, has given all of us a lull from the pain of the “Reign of Terror,” even if it was just for a moment. He allowed our people whether they live inside Somalia or in the Diaspora a sense of pride and nationhood. He also reminded us and, the entire world, that Somalia, notwithstanding its failed state label, WE AS PEOPLE still exist. Likewise, K’naan’s tacit message has eloquently conveyed to all Somalis, the hope they aspire and the self-determination is still recoverable , and more importantly he underscored that our “Blue Flag,” is still the symbol of our collective and imagined nationhood, as well as, the carrier of our identity and history. Thus, our flag is and will remain the single most powerful weapon that can rally patriot Somalis as a whole. Many Somalis still believe that in spite of the confusion and crisis of identity that has befallen on us, yet we Somalis are still fascinated by the power, intensity and the meaning of our Somali flag. Hence, if we will be able to focus on our similarities and common denominator, as our fathers did during the struggle for independence, we will be able to finish this “genealogy of hate,” called tribalism that has imprisoned our people in a cage, and gave our enemies the force to manipulate us and keep or contain Somalia under its knees. In my view, one of the invincible weapons available to us, right now, is our common identity and of course our flag is the one symbol that can command that very authority and motivate our people to stand as one. Because our flag and its intrinsic meaning carry with it the muscle that can win against those lukewarm child-soldiers, who naively and maybe unsuspectingly wave, in vain, that “black flag” while being drunk with the ideology of slaughter and the utopia of their perceived religion. As we approach the 50th Anniversary of our statehood and the “Kanna-Siib-Kanna –Saar, Somali unity, let us hope that K’naan’s waving the flag song may trigger a new wave of emotions that will unchain all people of good will and those rusted patriots who are intimidated, encircled and suffocated by the ocean of tribalist, turncoat-opportunist and profiteers, and pave the way to a “Somali Renaissance.” At this juncture, most Somalis are really fed up with the status-quo, but will they be able to say enough is enough, and stand for their rights and be in words and deeds part of the change they want to see? If we can dream for a moment, and make our dreams our goal and act upon. If, we can force our heart and mind and as a generation we decide in unison to stand for our right, for our self-respect and self-determination, then we can also dare to take our own destiny and historical responsibility for change. If we will be able to imagine a Somali Renaissance, for a moment and realize the meaning and achievability of what most Somalis are longing deep down in their heart, then we can take the first step and reach the 1000 miles journey. Abdirahman Sheikh Isse E-Mail:cadissa@hotmail.com

Well said C&H. We can still bear with the Geeljire-'Somalilanders'...

LINK

Originally posted by Jacaylbaro: quote: Somalia will never ever be dismembered. It has already been dismembered if u know what i mean........ Well JB, any Somali warlord can carve out a piece of territory, recruit members of his family as his own militia, print counterfeit money as commodity, set up check points that even asks hefty ransom from UN agencies delivering food to the poor, and hoist a phantom flag. It does not mean Somalia is already dismembered.

A quote from former president of SA. Somalia Needs African Solidarity Thabo Mbeki President of South Africa " For many years afterwards Mogadishu and Somalia remained in our memories as African places of hope for us, a reliable rear base for the total liberation of Africa, including our liberation from apartheid. Indeed, in later years, others of our comrades returned to Mogadishu, this time to work with the Somali government "

^I was really shocked @ the News. Ilaah ha u naxariisto the innocents killed..

Originally posted by chocolate & honey: Seeing that Flag made me cry. It was a beautiful performance! Ka'naan, you did us proud! Somaliya ha noolato! Beautiful! . Indeed C&H, God bless our flag. Like Thankful said, this single performance will be remembered for generations to come. Who has ever thought that a young man would triumphantly rise from a ruined society, draw millions of spectators attracted to his music from around the world, and attach the blue flag of his country to his big drums and wave it on stage in a spirit of patriotism, pride and great hope? Who has anticipated this great moment in this difficult time. As for Oodweyne and the rest of the gangs of SOL from the secessionist camp of Northwestern Somalia, I'll say to them there is still light at the end of the tunnel. Somalia will never ever be dismembered.

A repeat of a Rwanda like genocide. Kyrgyz riots get bloodier, toll 97

i though it was about what somalis want? the world can't not force itself onto somalia nor can they bring peace it's all up to somalis to sort the deep mess they got themselfs into Isn't it the world or community of nations that your fiefdom asks for recognition? Yes minimal intervention is very much desired by the vast majority of Somalis and yes we have to sort out our differences and bridge our deep schism, but we can't do it all alone. Neither policies of detachment nor containment can keep Somalia's brewing troubles under the lid. In fact, it has already burst and spilt over our borders: Somali refugees crossing the Gulf of Aden (SL, PL), piracy, terrorism, are all symptoms of an internationalized conflict. The chief cause is our present-day Somalia.

^Our flag is a symbol of peace and unity. Alas, you are speaking for the actions of a few interested parties that emerged out of the wreckage of Somali government, be them secessionists, islamists or regionalists. But to be fair to your concerns, we have been in a catch-22 situation. The mistrust in our disparate communities is so entrenched that the call for centralization brings up bad memories of maladministration and the abusive behavior of our past leaders. On the other hand, federalism perpetuates our social division. It is not a system designed for a homogeneous nation unless we adopt the American system of governance in which the power to coin money, make treaties and create an army is vested with the federal government whereas the power to create law enforcement, provide for education, zoning adminstration and issuance of driver's and business licenses is vested with the state. Still, where to draw borders will be a thorn issue to deal with as tribal lands overlap and conflict. I think the Security Council of the United Nations should continue to support the territorial integrity of Somalia and a strong central or federal government. Our constitution must guarantee every Somali citizen equal rights as to whereever he or she wishes to run for an office, buy home or business. I know for sure all of these tribal regions that agitate for secession or self-autonomy will be back to the practical reality that the world wants to see: one nation under one flag, not a government within government.

Originally posted by Meiji: K'naan Warsame has written history for himself and our nation. Even in these dark times the sight of seeing the blue and white flag brings joy to our hearts. . Very well said, Meiji. One key point of resistance we must overcome is the chain of division within our aritificial borders....a psychological chain that has kept us locked in the dark. It is this societal ill that accelerate the decline of our brain cells, makes the experienced sound novice and gives the ignorant unearned chance to lead a country in ruin, a divided society yearning for solidarity and viable institutions (cultural, economic, education, medicine, polity, etc.) Every Somali should feel free to reside anywhere in SOMALIA and be involved in any developments or participate in any local issues that matter to his or her residence. But when a Somali from the south feels alienated and unwanted in another region and when a northern Somali speaks as though he or she shares nothing in common with their people, our existance as a nation is so in deep trouble. We have institutionalized discrimination and segregation.

A great moral and political advice for the people ofSanaag and Sool regions and any other Somali group that wish to avoid political and economic marginalization. LINK