Originally posted by A.J.: Im not too sure what significance the capture of one vehicle has in the long term but it is evident that more and more signs are surfacing which indicate that the Puntland militia is on its last legs which is good news for the people of East Somaliland. Previously, the people who used to cross cars and teknical vehicles were the locals of Laaska but in the last couple of events that was not the case. These men hail from Col. Yey's very own subclan. It is something new which hasn't happened before.

Washington Post; State Department dispatched a team of contractors to Somaliland The Security Council is considering the deployment of a 27,000-member peacekeeping force after a power-sharing agreement is reached. Many analysts say, however, that the United Nations, already struggling to muster a force to deal with the crisis in Sudan's western Darfur region, would have trouble gathering that many troops. Critics of the idea also say a neutral military force is needed before political negotiations in order to establish security and replace the Ethiopian troops, thus creating the conditions for peace ahead of a peacekeeping force. "It's impossible now to wait for peace," said a Somali doctor who has been treating the wounded in Mogadishu, speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons. "The United Nations needs to contemplate making the peace." A second proposal for such a force -- an 8,000-member coalition -- has not garnered much support, either. Even a proposal to provide U.N. security for Ould-Abdallah during his visits to Somalia has not gained much traction. The United States, meanwhile, has remained focused mostly on counterterrorism goals, which critics say is working against the longer-term project of nation-building because it provides a cause for more radical elements in the Somali opposition. The United States this month conducted its fourth airstrike inside Somalia aimed at al-Qaeda associates whom U.S. intelligence officials blame for the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania. The strikes have failed to hit any of their intended targets, however, and have increased resentment toward the United States among Somalia's moderate Muslims. Pentagon and State Department officials are debating whether to shift U.S. support from the transitional government to the relatively stable region of Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has yet to receive international recognition. In recent weeks, the State Department dispatched a team of contractors to Somaliland to explore the idea of establishing a military presence at an old airstrip there, according to members of the team interviewed in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa. Somaliland's government, eager for recognition, welcomed the possibility. "If the U.S. wishes to have a military presence in Somaliland territory, we will welcome them and accept them," said Somaliland President Dahir Rayale Kahin. "There are discussions, and we agreed to work together toward mutual ends. But things have not materialized so far." Somalis eager to resolve the conflict are not optimistic that any of the plans on the table will amount to much. A peace activist who shares a name with the Somali president, Abdullahi Yusuf, said international support for the transitional government -- and, by extension, the Ethiopian troops backing it -- is making the situation worse. "The occupation is coming not only from Ethiopia but from the international superpowers, and that is making everything difficult," he said from Mogadishu. "The solutions are difficult, and the problems are increasing day by day. Everything is getting worse." Special correspondent Kassahun Addis in Hargeysa, Somaliland, contributed to this report. Published on Wednesday,

^^ why don't you share with us what you have on your file?

Gaarigii Taliyaha Daraawiishta Puntland iyo ilaaladiisii oo u galay Somaliland+ Madaxweyne ku xigeen Axmed Yasin oo Laascaano+Madaxdii *********** oo Garowe isaga baxay. source Gaarigii qaaska ahaa ee taliyaha Ciidamadda Daraawiishta Puntland Korneyl Cali Baadiye oo ay la socdaan ilaaladiisii gaarka ahayd ayaa markii ugu horeysay lagu arkay gudaha Magaaladda Laascaano isagoo gaaf wareegaya. Gaarigga oo nuuciisu yahay Land Cruiser iyo labo qori oo nuuca daba jeexa loo yaqaan ayaa lagu wareejiyay Madaxda Nabadsugida Somaliland. Gaariga Taliyaha Ciidamadda Daraawiishta Puntland waxaa Somaliland la soo galay darawalkiisii iyo sedex ka mida ilaaladiisa oo la sheegay inuu dhamaan adeer u yahay Inkastoo ragga la soo goostay gaarigga Taliyaha ay isku yihiin juffo hoosaad ka mida Beesha ********** hadana waxay warar hoose sheegayaan inay la soo baxsadeen dukumiintiyo muhiima. Gaarigga Korneyl Cali Baadiye oo ka dhigan midkii labaad ee rag ku heyba Madaxweyne Yusuf kala soo goostaan Puntland ayaa ku beegan xilli Madaxweyne ku xigeenka Somaliland Axmed Yusuf Yaasiin uu socdaal kedisa ku booqanayo Magaalo madaxda gobolka Sool ee Laascaano. Sida uu ku waramayo Weriyaha Waagacusub ee Laascaano waxaa soo dhaweynta Madaxweyne ku xigeenka Somaliland iyo wafdiga la socdo loo diyaariyay boqolaal fardo ah,sidoo kalana waxaa la filayaa inuu khudbado xamaasad leh u jeediyo dadweynaha Magaaladaas oo isugu soo baxay Wadooyinka si ay soo dhaweyn ugu sameeyaan. Inkastoo Axmed Yusuf Yaasiin yahay masuulkii ugu sareeyay Xukumadda Somaliland ee booqda Laascaano tan iyo markii ay gacan ku heynteeda kala wareegeen Puntland hadana wuxuu socdaalkiisa ku beegan yahay xilli Madaxda beesha *********** ee hore uga tirsanaa Puntland ku shirayaan Boocane oo la filayo inay kaga dhawaaqaan isbedelkooda siyaasadeed ee ay ku shaacinayaan inay guud ahaan isaga baxeen Maamul goboleedka Puntland ee uu hogaamiyo Cadde Muusse boqor. Salaadiinta iyo Garaadyadda *********** ee Boocane ku shirsan waxaa la soo weriyay inay ku wajahan yihiin Magaalada Hargeysa sida ay Waagacusub u sheegeen ila wareedyo lagu kalsoon yahay. Amar seefla boodnimaa oo ka soo baxay Madaxtooyada Garowe ayaa qaab hanjabaada loogu amray Madaxda *********** inay ka baxaan Magaaladaas waloow aan la ogayn waxa uu kala socda Madaxweyne Cadde Muusse oo socdaal shaqo ugu maqan Itoobiya. Sida laga helayo ila wareedyo lagu kalsoon yahay todobaadkaan ayaa loo badaniyaa inay garabyada beesha *********** si cad u shaaciyaan qadiyadooda ka mid ahaanshaha Somaliland,waxaana Madaxweyne ku xigeenka Somaliland Sheekh Axmed Yusuf Yaasiin uu socdaalkiisa Sool ku booqanayaa Magaalada Xadaariga ee Ceerigaabo,sida ay Waagacusub ugu xog warameen Saraakiil sare oo ka tirsan wafdiga la socda. Waagacusub Media Group

^^What was done to that girl if you can remind us?

puntlandpost.com GAROOWE : Gaarigii khaaska u ahaa ee Taliyaha Ciidanka Daraawiishta puntland oo S/Land loola galay Garoowe: - Gaarigii uu sida gaarka ah u lahaa Taliyaha Ciidanka Daraawisihta Puntland Cali Baadiye ayaa xalay Wiilashii waday ay ula galeen S/land. Gaarigan oo ahaa nooca loo yaqaan Langurusar ayaa wiilashii waday ay xalay la galeen magaalada Lascaanood oo ay imika ka arimayaan S/land. Dadwaynaha ku dhaqan Caasumadda Garoowe ayaa si wayn u hadalhaya la ******ada gaarigan waxayna u arkaan arin wajigabax ku ah madaxda maamulka Puntland. Dhawaan ayay ahay markii ay sidan oo kale ay wiilashii watay ay u galeen Gaari takniko ah oo uu lahaa Taliyaha Canshuuraha gobolka Mudug. Puntlandpost.com

-- Somaliland Police Arrests 5 Men Suspected Of Involvement In Piracy Attacks Off The Coast Of Puntland The detainees were seized while trying to cross into Ethiopia via Wajaale border town in Somaliland and include Nephew of Puntland’s ruler, Adde Musa Hargeysa, Somaliland, March 29, 2008 (SL Times) – Somaliland police on Wednesday arrested 5 men suspected of taking part in last month’s hijacking of a Russian ship off the coast of Somalia’s autonomous region of Puntland. Puntland pirates released the captured vessel and its crew after being paid US$700,000 ransom by the Russian owners of the vessel earlier this month. The five suspects have been identified by the Somaliland police authorities as Abdirahman Ahmed Mohamed, Omer Mohamed Mussa Boqor (nephew of Puntland ruler Adde Musa), Abdi-Aziz Abdi Ahmed, Mohamed Hassan Saeed and Mustafa Abdulla Ahmed. All are from Bossaso, Puntland’s main port town. According to the police the 5 men have entered Somaliland from its eastern border with Somalia’s Puntland region before being seized, as they attempted to cross into Ethiopia via the border town of Wajaale. But it wasn’t known how and whether the Somaliland authorities would be competent to bring charges against the 5 suspected pirates in respect of events that took place outside Somaliland’s territorial waters. Although police investigators say they have strong reasons to believe that the 5 men in question may have participated in at least a dozen of ship hijackings and several incidents involving the kidnapping of foreign aid workers in Puntland, however no country has yet come forward to ask for their extradition. Piracy has been rife in the waters off Puntland since the toppling of Somalia’s dictator Siyad Barre in 1991. Unlike the rest of Somalia which rocketed from crisis to crisis since the collapse of Barre’s regime and despite being called as the ‘preferred venue’ for piracy, semi-autonomous Puntland has remained relatively peaceful. However the region’s relative stability onshore has been dealt devastating blows in the last several years by an unprecedented rise in the level of piracy attacks, hijackings and kidnappings for ransom. Puntland’s minister for Fisheries Ahmed Saeed Aw Nur has recently admitted the involvement of senior security officers in the piracy and hijackings for ransom that take place in the region. However as Puntland’s most senior warlords, both Abdillahi Yusuf and Adda Musa were known for not only condoning the business of hostage-taking but also receiving their share of the spoils. In the last 17 years that Somalia has been without a central government, Bossaso became the main port in the region for human trafficking and smuggling of contraband goods, such as illicit drugs and arms. Somalis and Ethiopians fleeing their homelands in search of safety or better economic conditions flocked to Bossaso port where they waited for smuggler boats to take them to Yemen. However tens of thousands of those people are believed to have drowned either after being forced off the boats by the smugglers or the small vessels carrying them capsized during the perilous passage across the Gulf of Aden. Smugglers at Bossaso charge about $50 per person for the voyage up to Yemen. An undisclosed portion of the money went to Abdillahi Yusuf before he became president of Somalia’s so-called Transitional Federal Government in 2004. Source: Somaliland Times

Mudane Madaxweyne Ku Xigeen, ku soo dhawoow Laascaanood.

Originally posted by Gediid: JB I understand he was elected but he was chosen by Silaanyo to run with him. Oodweyne It seems the contest has ended before it even began for Kulmiye.Biixi choice as VP sealed that deal.UDUB is unpopular but with them at least the nation enjoys peace.Biixi and his calan cas friends cant quite say the same and as such people will vote for UBUD en masse come election time..... ^^ Now does this mean, Ahmed Siilaanyo will be running for President and Biixi will be running for VP?? If so, I think Kulmiye Party hasn't learned an oita of the last elections. Since Gabiley provides a bedrock support for Kulmiye Party, I think he would have gotten away if he elected Mujaahid Ibrahim Dhegoweyne instead. At least, if Ibrahim Dhegoweyne was elected, Ibrahim would've guaranteed to sway supporters from Ahmed Yusuf Yasin's Berbera electorate. But as it stands now, Kulmiye is not going to get any new supporters. My two cents.

^^ Togwajaale is a trans-shipment boarder point between SL and Ethiopia. They were most likely organising their next consignment of humans that they were going to dump in the high seas. Poor people from Ethio and Kilka5aad are lured to be taken to Arabia and when they pay all their little money they had to these heartless traffickers, these poor people are dumped in the seas to die. Too bad, xabsiga ayay liinta ku cabayaan caawa.

Wiil uu adeer u yahay Madaxweyne Cadde Muusse oo Somaliland ku xiran”Cumar Max’ed Boqor Muusse,Ina Shaf deero” Afar ka mida hogaamiyaasha burcad badeedka goboladda Puntland oo lagu qabtay xadka Somaliland la wadaagto Itoobiya ee Wajaale xilli ay ka tilaabayeen ayaa la xaqiijiyay in mid ka mida uu adeer rasmiya u yahay Madaxweynaha Maamul goboleedka Puntland Jeneral Maxamud Muusse Xersi. Wiilka uu adeerka u yahay Cadde Muusse oo Weriye ka tirsan Waagacusub ugu waramay Xabsiga Mandheere ee Somaliland wuxuu qirtay inuu ka mid yahay madaxda sare ee Burcad badeedka afduubta Maraakiibta,wuxuuna dhinaca kale xusay inuu adeer laxmiya u yahay Madaxweynaha Puntland. “Anigu waxaan ahay nin la yaqaan,waxaana magaceeygu yahay Cumar Max’ed Boqor Muusse,ina Shafdeero”ayuu yiri wiilka uu Cadde Muusse boqor u yahay adeerka. Saraakiil ka tirsan Nabadsugida Somaliland ayaa Waagacusub u sheegay in afarta burcad badeeda ay u dhasheen Puntland waxayna qirteen inay gacanta ku hayaan lacago ay wateen oo dollar,bir isugu jirta iyo weliba jeegag Xawaaladaha qaar ay ku dhigteen lacagahooda. Saraakiisha Somaliland waxay afarta nin ee reer Puntland ku sifeeyeen rag aan Somaliland dimbi ka gelin balse galay dimbiyo Caalamiya waxayna dabacsanaan ka muujiyeen hadii Ciidamada Nabadsugida Puntland kala wareejiyaan qaab cad oo Saxaafadda goob ka tahay. Saraakiisha sare ee Nabadsugida Puntland ayaa Waagacusub Media ugu xog waramay inaysan jirin rajo la xiriirta in afartaas nin ay kala wareegaan gacanta Somaliland iyagoo taas sabab kaga dhigay Madaxweyne Cadde Muusse oo amar ku bixiyay inaan la fara gashan ragga burcad badeeda ee lagu qabtay Wajaale. Siyaasiyiin ku sugan Garowe ayaa sababta uu Cadde Muusse ku diiday in Puntland la wareegto afarta wiil ee uu mid adeerka u yahay ay tahay cabsi la xiriirta inuu badbaadin waayo maadama ay ku jiraan dimbiyo Caalamiya. Diblomaasiyiinta reer Galbeedka ayaa la soo weriyay inay ku hoowlan yihiin sidii afartaas wiil loo saari lahaa Maxkamad Dimbiyeed Caalamiya si loogu qaado xukunka xeerka afduubka Maraakiibta. Inkastoo aysan jirin cadeeymo loo hayo inay afarta burcad badeed ee lagu hayo Somaliland ku lug lahaayeen dhamaan Maraakiibtii lagu afduubtay Xeebaha Puntland hadana waxay qirteen labo ka mida oo ay wateen qalabkii ay ka qaateen sida kaamirooyin. Burcad badeeda uu hogaaminayay Cumar Maxamed Boqor Muusse(Ina Shafdeero) waxay qorsheeynayeen inay Itoobiya uga duulaan Uganda si ay ugu dhoofaan dalalka Yurubta ama Carabaha,waxaana jeebkooda laga helay lacag ku dhaw sodon kun oo dollar iyo labataan iyo dhowr kun oo birta Itoobiya. Sedexdii sano ee la soo dhaafay waxaa xeebaha Soomaaliya ku sii badanayay afduubka Maraakiibta Shisheeyaha iyadoo afduubyadaasna ay geeysanayeen Burcad Soomaaliya oo Maraakiibta iyo shaqaalaha la socda ku qaadanayeen Malaayiin dollar laakiin xaga sharciga falalka nuucaasa waa fal dimbiyeedyo culus oo aan la dhayalsan Karin xukunka ay xambaarsan yihiin.

I've talked to family members who reside close to the area where this incident happened and they say the neighborhood is terrified to go out at night. Minister Mr. Whitespear needs to properly secure his private zoo and not let this shocking thing ever happen again.

I've talked to family members who reside close to the area where this incident happened and they say the neighborhood is terrified to go out at night. Minister Mr. Whitespear needs to properly secure his private zoo and not let this shocking thing ever happen again.

^^ I am impressed with the Kulmiye convention. Its openness, its transparency and the level of public participation are all par excellence! Somaliland satellite TV channel (SLSC TV) has been covering it. Kulmiye has displayed once again that it is the most democractic of all the political parties in Somaliland. Sad that UCID which was regarded as the most advanced and most transparent party 5 years ago, has lagged way behind and has become a one-man-run show.

Ahmed-dou sounded like he has given up on the "elephant in the house" issue. He talks about only when "unity government" is formed will Ethiopia go out of Somalia, but he turns a blind eye to the fact that there won't be a unitary government so long that Ethiopia remains in the country. The guy who raised the Syria/Lebanon comparison has a good point. The lady from East Sanaag made the assumption that everybody knows about Badhan. I was surprised that no Somalilander was in that hall. But it is good that the lady from Eastern Sanaag raised the issue anyway. This is what they exchanged: Lady from East Sanaag: Thank you for coming and my question is regarding the recognition of Somaliland. I came from that area and I am not with the separatist agenda in Sanaag region, but we are doing very well without any assistance from the UN. So I am wondering about, from the political aspect, since we are really focusing on development at this point, focusing on a Port actually, raising 8 million dollars by our own, from the diaspora. But because of political instability and the Fear of recogntion, we feel that those resources for development and peace might be diverted to fighting and instability in the North again. So what do you have to say about my question? Ahmed-dou: On Somaliland, I tried not to go to Somaliland for awhile because it is so peaceful and safe. Everyone coming to Somalia/land, goes to Somaliland but I try to go to the difficult places and so I went to Mogadishu and Baidoa. And can I say when I went to Somaliland, I was really impressed, its peaceful and well organised - Sue was with me when I was driving around in midnight, all the streets were open, shops were open. The opposition parties who are running against the President and the President have the same approach - the President won by 200 or 300 votes. And they just don't want any contention from the rest of the country. I was even impressed, they have a WiFi enabled hotels and browse the internet without any connection. So, peaceful and no problem. I hope they can contemenate their brothers in the South - for the good I mean.

Pictures:1,2 Website: Kulmiye Party Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud's opening speech ------------- KULMIYE Party 2 Convention 29-31 March 2008 The Speech of the Chairman of the Party AXMED MAXAMED SILANYO, It is a pleasure and joy to welcome you at the 2nd anniversary of KULMIYE convention. At the same time, I am disheartened that many KULMIYE members, activists and distinguished statesmen and women, some overseas and some within the country were unable to attend and participate the convention for various reasons. Rest assured that you are in our hearts and minds even though you are out of sight. As you are aware, this convention was supposed to be held at an earlier date but due to prolonged negotiations about many issues that confront us as a political party and as a country, we were unable to hold it earlier but while some might have been displeased by the delay, one should take note that the delay has accorded the party an opportunity to welcome many communities who joined the party in droves but if it has caused inconvenience to anyone I say sorry and I take responsibility for the delay. KULMIYE Vision It is important to delineate what KULMIYE stands for and its vision. The cornerstone of KULMIYE’s vision is the development and the institutionalizing of a lasting organization that embodies the aspirations of the people: Peace and security, economic and social development, democracy, unity, justice underpinned by accountability and transparency and a relentless campaign towards political recognition that leads to UN membership KULMIYE History Of all the three national political parties KULMIYE was the last one to be established. KULMIYE Party was registered as a political association (temporary) on May 20, 2002. It was later, specifically on September 7, 2002 that KULMIYE was recognized and registered as a political party that met all the requirements and was given the go-ahead to participate the Local Government elections. As a result of its status on the local elections KULMIYE was recognized as a national political party on December 24, 2002 Immediately after the local elections, the party held its 1st convention whereby the party adopted its constitution, political platform and elected the political leadership of the party You recall that many of the leaders of the ill-fated political parties that failed to meet the criteria of National parties particularly “Hormood”, “Asad” and “Sahan” have joined and strengthened the party. It was at his juncture that KULMIYE blossomed as a formidable contender The Elections If we reflect and look back on the elections that were held particularly the presidential (2003) and the parliamentarian (2005) elections, KULMIYE got the most votes 4 out of the 6 regions( Hargeysa, Togdheer, Sanaag and Sool) while it got the second spot on the remaining regions (Saaxil and Awdal). If you take a good look at the map of the country, focus and analyze the pattern and distribution of voting you would come to the conclusion that KULMIYE and not UDUB enjoyed a better and more diverse allegiance. Alas, at the end, it came down to mere 80 votes. That is history today. Despite the loss KULMIYE is proud to have ceded victory to save the country from the political chaos that engulfed the region. That unwavering concession has earned KULMIYE accolades from the international community and the people of Somaliland. In fact it made the headlines on the news of some major countries. It is hard to fathom, what would have become of Somaliland today if I like other African leaders would have challenged the legitimacy of the election results. In regard to the Parliamentarian election, KULMIYE got the silver (2nd position) but have forged a political coalition with UCID party so as to take the leadership of the Parliament. This was a successful step that cemented the opposition solidarity and it was also an step that has shown the political maturity of KULMIYE Party once again KULMIYE Achievements KULMIYE is a national party that has succeeded in opening branches and offices in all over the country as well as branches that function and operate in Europe, North America, Australia and the Arabian Peninsula. It is satisfying to illuminate by citing below how and where the Party, its members and its activists have played a major role: Promoting sustainable peace and combating terrorism; KULMIYE by extension of its members of “Dhoqoshay” Township has captured and apprehended the foreign terrorists who have killed and wounded expatriates just to spat on the peaceful reputation of the country Supporting numerous self-help projects on infrastructure (cash and in-kind) including the construction and the rehabilitation of the bridges in Burco and Hargeysa as well as several incidents of natural disasters that affected many communities. The most recent assistance were that of Laascaanood hospital and the pharmaceutical equipment and medicines that came form KULMIYE Supporters from North America which KULMIYE have handed over to the Ministry of health so that it should distribute to the country. Campaigning relentlessly towards ascension to UN membership Promoting the development, the strengthening of the institutions and the civil society and the communities they live in Encouraging foreign and Diaspora investment in the areas of industries and education particularly higher education, health and other developmental projects Securing foreign non-traditional markets for our livestock and the promotion of market oriented economy and combating corruption Embracing and erring on the side of human rights and freedom of expression Supporting unconditionally the youth, women’s issues, and the associations of the SNM disabled freedom fighters Co-operating with the legislative branches of the government Supporting the armed and the security forces and congratulating them the victories they achieved and serving their country well Supporting and giving guidance to the youth, the civil society and the sports associations morally and financially in many ways Some Significant Historical Points Before I delve into the second section of my speech, I would like to comment briefly on the state of the country and the behavioral disposition of our people. Somaliland is the first place in all over the ethnic Somali regions where independence was first promulgated and a Somali flag was hoisted on June 26, 1960. Historically, Somalilanders were the first people migrated to overseas specially the Arabian Peninsula, the British Isles, the rest of Europe and North America. Somaliland is geographically located in a strategic position that is globally recognized and has significance for the Middle East stability and the shipping of oil cargo. It is pertinent to point out that, aside from its strategic geographical location, Somaliland is endowed with natural resources such as coveted minerals, oil and more. On top of that it is blessed with abundance in livestock, fishery and a promising agriculture. Somaliland has once foolishly gave away its golden opportunity to become a UN member by handing over its sovereignty but it has restored back the lost opportunity after a long costly struggle that is punctuated by the loss of its sons and daughters and the destruction of its cities. SNM has not only succeeded in restoring Somaliland’s independence but it has also succeeded in enshrining the Constitution of the country the principles it fought for: peaceful co-existence, democracy, market-oriented economy, economic development. Furthermore, it continues to contribute and strengthen the development of the civil society and more importantly it continues promoting and engaging the crusade of UN ascension. The public deserves praise for the manner and the role they played in the reconstruction and the rehabilitation of the country and the strengthening and the sustainability of the peaceful co-existence and its positive outlook that defies and overcame hardships that are debilitating and sometimes demoralizing be it in the form of long periods of drought, rains that come in the form of storms, other ecological disasters and pandemic diseases. The State of the Country But the sad thing is the Nation that has survived all of these hardships by its own resilience; the Nation that has contributed effortlessly in the rebuilding of its country and its economy; the Nation that has enshrined the tenets of good governance on its constitution has been short-changed and derailed by an unscrupulous and incompetent administration that has reversed the economic gains, paralyzed the legislative institutions, demoralized and diminished the aspirations of its people. It is my obligation to mention the unspeakable acts of mismanagement and the egregious policies, which this administration has time and again practiced without shame. It is a travesty that has dampened the goodwill and dimmed the hope. The constitutional infractions, the lack of due process and the mockery of the judicial system that has become a rubber stamp for the executive; the gross human rights violations; the muffling and the suffocation of the freedom of expression and the media; the endemic corruption that has become the norm; the commandeering of the market-oriented economy into monopolization and the marginalization of the entrepreneurial spirit that our people are known for have all become too familiar. What could be a better example than the livestock trade, which such policies are emblematic in the once thriving livestock trade that has now migrated to Bosaaso and Djibouti. Moreover, the Nations budget has become a figment of the past since the government abandoned it two years ago. The intentional marginalization of the legislative branch and other government agencies and institutions is a deliberate design to frustrate the legislative oversight. The numerous cooperative and commercial agreements that defy transparency and accountability, which this administration contracts with foreign entities clandestinely without first bringing it to the attention of the legislative branch much less securing its approval is a gross constitutional violation. Sadly, they are busy in beefing up their pockets while the suffering of the people goes on and on. Highlights of KULMIYE Agenda This brings me to expound the policies of KULMIYE Party on a wide range of issues. Firstly, it must be understood that as an opposition party KULMIYE has an obligation and a responsibility to identify, to poke and to disclose the mischievous behavior and the transgression as well as the shortcomings of this Administration without malice. KULMIYE has kept its responsibility of strengthening, fostering and nurturing the peace and contributing to its economic development so as to build a viable Nation that speaks in one language when it comes to its political development. Secondly, KULMIYE would present to you today its political and economic platform that would be adopted as soon as it comes to power. If I may I would like to list in a general manner the highlights of KULMIYE’s agenda: Complying and adhering closely and protecting the Constitution Correcting the abuses and flagrant mismanagement that this Administration has exacted on the socio-economic and political fronts would be a priority. Safeguarding the independence of the judiciary and the facilitation of its necessary requirements Streamlining and improving the institutional capacity of all the government agencies and entities Strengthening free enterprise and market oriented economy Applying transparency and accountability in all government dealings and transactions Implementing financial regulations so as to ensure accountability Restructuring of tax laws and the streamlining or reducing tariffs and the rates that apply to the stable foods and other necessary consumer items. Facilitating and removing the bureaucracy and complications in Import and Export trade Designing and implementing a business plan that could raise the service level of Berbera Port to a level that is competitive and comparable to other Ports in the region and building the capacity of the civil servants Appointing independent Boards, including but not limited to, the Central Bank, Berbera Port and the government run media after evaluating and reviewing the policies, regulations and all the procedures that govern authorities and independent agencies. Developing the infrastructure and the communication by giving priority to regional roads that connect Hargeysa to Burco, Hargeysa to Awdal and Burco to Ceerigavo Giving priority to education, health services; develop the skills and the capacity of the youth and the civil society and women Sool and Sanaag Regions The people of Somaliland are bound together not by choice but by destiny. Today, fortunately, both the people of Sool and East Sanaag are fully incorporated into the rest of the country, which they share with family ties, cultural values and more importantly a boundary that can’t be negotiated. We appeal to the Administration to assist the people of Sool and East Sanaag morally and financially as have been promised. We are also congratulating the armed forces at the Eastern frontier for their heroism and we applaud the manner and the humane treatment they have shown to the people of both areas. It is our hope that the independent media would have a great role to play to advance the democratic process over those regions. KULMIYE has friendly relationship with the people of that region and it is KULMIYE’s intention to increase its support and earn the trust of those regions at all times. KULMIYE’s policy towards these regions is to give priority to nurture and foster lasting peace and earn the trust of the people. Along side the promotion of goodwill, it is imperative that tangible comprehensive assistance be given without delay. I am also sure that these two regions would participate and play a greater role in the political setting of the country. Foreign Policy KULMIYE strongly believes that the campaign towards ascension of UN membership is a national duty that eclipses party affiliation but we must remember that what we do at home; how we govern our selves; how we utilize our resources; how we uphold universal principles such as human rights and the freedom of expression; how we apply the rule of law and how we hold elections timely. All of these good or bad would reflect and count towards or against Somaliland’s record. In short we must do our part and not fail. KULMIYE believes that major issues such as the campaign towards recognition must be treated as a national issue and should be treated as such by bringing in and consulting with the political parties, the parliament and other people who know better to portray a common stand. Presently, it has become a common practice to evoke the stark difference between Somaliland and Somalia, a Somaliland that has sustained peace and some economic development and Somalia that is mired with violence and civil war. It is precisely because of that difference that the international community is paying a long awaited attention to Somaliland’s claim of sovereignty and Somaliland must capitalize that flicker of hope by uniting; by upholding universal declarations and by doubling its effort concertedly with the intention to transform that flicker of hope into a full recognition. KULMIYE wholeheartedly welcomes the recent gestures and developments emanating from the Europeans, the Americans and some African countries. It is worth noting that the African Union (AU) has already removed a hurdle that was blocking the political recognition of Somaliland, which was that the geopolitical borders inherited from the colonial powers can’t be tinkered with. Some might have interpreted this as unfavorable to the Somaliland’s claim. On the contrary, Somaliland is in compliance. it is commonly agreed that it in fact bolsters Somaliland’s situation since Somaliland’s claim isn’t to redraw the boundaries. As a political party KULMIYE advances and promotes peaceful co-existence with neighbors and respect of the UN Charters and its declarations. KULMIYE is against anything that might disturb the regional peace and stability and all forms of terrorism. KULMIYE underlines the respect and the mutual interest of all governments concerned Somalia KULMIYE is wishing that all violence exacted on the people of Somalia be ceased immediately and is urging all sides to restrain themselves and protect the lives of the innocent people that has suffered so long. We encourage the international community to put pressure on all sides and explore any means that can bring a lasting peace and durable reconciliation that is fair. Current Issues and Conclusions Before I conclude I would like to comment briefly about three issues that are currently being debated vigorously: The chance that the election could be postponed The announcement of new regions and districts Voter-registration On the 1st issue, let me make it clear that there wouldn’t be any more deceptions and that patience is running thin and any effort to delay the Presidential election would be met with stiff resistance. As is stipulated on the Constitution, the term of the President and his vice-President would end five years after its inauguration, which is May 16, 2008, from the day the President sworn into office. We emphasize that according to the Constitution the term can be extended only under emergency circumstances such as war, a circumstance that doesn’t exist today. Therefore, KULMIYE would neither entertain nor accept any election postponement. Period. If for any reason, the term expires before holding an election, it would be treated as vacant and the current Administration would cease and desist by default in which case an election would be deemed appropriate before chaos sets in. In our view, in the interim, transitional administration of a national coalition should be formed to hold elections immediately. On the 2nd issue regarding the hastily announced regions and districts, it must be recalled that it came as a response to stem the droves of communities across the country that continue to join KULMIYE Party in their own volition. The most recent group that joined KULMIYE were “ The H/Awal agents of change” group. Just before that KULMIYE held welcoming ceremonies for three communities namely the “Garxajis”, “reer Nuur” and “Maxamed Case” both from Awdal who joined the party on their own volition as well after assessing and concluding that this Administration’s record is dismal. The creation of new regions and districts without comprehensive consultations and without addressing the thorny issues that might pit one community against another and without addressing its fiscal implications might present unintended consequences and challenges. KULMIYE isn’t against the creation of new regions and districts, it questions the sensibility of announcing new ones at this sensitive election year while the other 20 districts or so announced more than five years ago hasn’t been demarcated nor has been bestowed the benefits that come with it (if at all there is any). Regardless, it goes without saying that KULMIYE congratulates the newly announced regions and districts. On the 3rd issue of voter-registration, KULMIYE understands that voter-registration is necessary for fair and free elections but if it is concluded, after consulting with the stake-holders, that the voter–registration process might take longer than expected which would in turn impact and delay the election itself, then it is necessary to give priority to the timely election and scrap the voter-registration. It is imperative that the elections (presidential and the local) be held on time without delay. Similarly if holding the local elections might delay the presidential election for some reason or the other, the presidential election should be given a priority. In short, delaying the holding of the Presidential election could have grave consequences for the stability of the country and the campaign towards recognition; hence it shouldn’t be delayed at all. I would like to conclude my remarks by wishing the convention all the success, likewise, I wish a better future for the people of Somaliland, a future marked by peace, prosperity and expedient UN membership For more on the agenda, please visit: www.KULMIYE.Org WA BILAAHI TAWFIIQ MD: AXMED MOHAMED MAXAMOUD ( SIILAANYO).

Nimanka xaflad dhan ayaa loo sameeyey. Maxa la sharfay.

Well done to Lieutenant Mahad Anbaashe.

Gediid LOL Waaga ayuu dagaalku xaraame lahaa. I was too young for that, laakin filim cajiibleh ayaa i dhaafay.

^^1991kii SNM nabad ayay ka talinaysay yaa cammi. It was busy disarming the melitia and building peace from the ground up. He actually did. Perhaps it is your poor knowledge of anywhere south of Burco but he did mount a counter-attack and came to mere km of Mogadishu. It was at Afgooye where a coalition of USC, RRA, and the SPM of Cumar Jees (whose defection to the USC side was not known then) stopped his momentum and forced him to retreat back to the border, forcing him into exile, with most of Gedo region being occupied for a brief period of time. So it took two painful defeats for the old man to go into exile? What was different the second time round that he couldn't get right the first time when he was still in "Villa Somalia" and hence "The President" of the Somalia government? Mise reer tolkii ayuu ku dhex dacay oo tolaayay ayuu badiyey? I reckon the first defeat was a national one and the second defeat a personal one on his face. What do you say Hornow?

This is great news. Now that he is free, Col. Dayr iska Toos waxa looga fadhiya inuu dalkiisa iyo dadkiisa dhinac ka raaco.

The most anti-state elements were present-day Puntlanders. Even before your own folk, they were in the bush rebelling to install a 60's era administration overran by their sub-clannish groups. If the USC was a legitimate anti-state rebel group, they would not have went after innocent civilians of Puntland-origin and others who were anti-state even before them while men such as Cabdullahi Caddow, Cabdiqasim Salaad, and Kulmiye Afrax walked free! It was designed to ethnically cleanse a whole Somali make-up from the capital they were a minority in irrespective of their support of the state or not. Get your facts right adeer...although one admits your position is not very surprising considering the clannish animosities amongst SOmalis. Horn, What facts awoowe?? All I said was that the civilwar in Southern Somalia had a meaning and purpose when Siyad Barre was being chased out of Southern Somalia. I mean, after all, this was a man who dared that the only way that he will leave was through the barrel of the gun. He got that and more. As for the unfortunate thing that happened in Mogadishu when the USC liberated it. I think that was more to do with poor planning on the part of the USC as much to do with the former regime's ugly record. Firstly, if the USC had a clear political plan it would have called for a peace conference between all the clans involved and specially those in Mogadishu first. From there spread the peace to all the communities. Secondly, if Siyad Barre didn't turn the fight into a clannish war, the south could have escaped the civilwar. We all know that Siyad Barre's battlecry was "Tolaayay" and those from Puntland equally answere the call. Rumour has it that when all else seemed a cakewalk for the USC fighters, it was the folks from Laaska that gave USC fighters a good fight. But let me ask you, after being humiliated and defeated, why was Siyad Barre still adamant to coming back to Mogadishu? I've seen a video recorded somewhere near the Kenyan border where he was talking like he would rebel against the rebelion and mount a counter attack of some sort. Dabshid, Waar ninyow sidan isu dhaan. If you want to say something, say it. Otherwise iska aamus oo niicda meesha kala tag..

Originally posted by AfricaOwn: quote:Originally posted by Suldaanka: ^ How so? Instead of hiring new "Governors" and "District Commisioners", what the people that live in those areas need is "teachers" and "health workers" and new schools etc etc. Goboladdi hore ayaan wax laga qaban marka gobolo cusub oo la sameeyo wax macno leh oo samaynaso ma jirto. It will bring more trouble then good. I hope this is rejected by the parliament b/c we can't afford 12 gobols with 12 governors and 100 of beaurocrats whose only job they do is stamp a paper and that is it. It will bring more good then trouble trust me on this. They had clans in mind while drawing those new provinces but the gov wont admit to it (especially breaking Togdheer, Sanaag, Sool up). Plus some of those regions were asking for their own self-administered province. I was favouring the breakage of Sool & Sanaag heavily. Erigavo and Bhadan are no longer in the same province. Back in 2003 campaign trail, Daahir Riyaale arrived in Odweyne and promised the locals that he will build the road that connects Odweyne to Hargeisa. That never materialised. It was all election hoobla nonesense. What will be different this time? What is the next step for the government?

^^ Belo Malaa waxaad ka jeclaan lahayd dagaalada macno darada ah ee koonfurta ka socda inuu Waqooyi'ga na ka socdaan oo maalinba warlord soo ifbaxo? Raganimo iyo geesinimo ka dheer taasi awoowe. Laakin waxa aan ka hadlay waxa weeye dagaal Koonfurta Somaliya wuxu sharaf lahaa markuu hadafka lahaa. Hadafkii USC ee dowladda Mogadishu iyo koonfurta ka saara, waxa ka iloobeen talaabadii ka danbayssay marka arinka lagu guulaysto. Waa Qorshe nabadeed lagu soo dabaali lahaa oo aan laga sii fakarin. Wixii intaa ka danbeeyey raganimo iyo geesinimo ka dheer dagaalada koonfurta ka socdaa.

Dagaalkii Koonfurta Somaliya markaa ayuu sharaf lahaa. At least, a united rebel group was chasing a toppled dictator out of the country. But, markii USC isku soo jeedsatay ee jabhadii kale isku jeedsadeen ee meeshi qasantay ayuu sharaftii beelay oo wax laga yaxyaxo noqday.