Horn of Africa Horn of Africa In Darfur, Sudan, the security and humanitarian situation re-mained dire. The African Union mission (AMIS) continued to deploy forces, but protection for civilians was fleeting and divisions among the rebel movements hampered efforts to broker a settlement. At year-end, moves gathered pace to ‘re-hat’ the beleaguered AU force as a UN mission, with many more foreign troops. The January 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) formally ended the war between the Khartoum government and the insurgent SPLM. However, implementation remained fragile and the sudden death of SPLM leader John Garang was a serious blow. Conflict simmered in eastern Sudan, where the planned withdrawal of SPLM forces in early 2006 threatened to leave a dangerous security vacuum. More than a year since the formation of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), the situation in Somalia remained highly unstable, with the TFG divided into two armed camps: one, led by the president and prime minister, based in Jowhar; the other, led by the speaker of parliament and a coalition of faction leaders, based in Mogadishu. In Somaliland, parliamentary elections on 29 September 2005 took place peacefully, reinforcing moves for the region’s independence. The border dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea deteriorated steadily in 2005, with both sides increasing their military preparedness, and Eritrea escalating tensions late in the year by banning helicopter flights by the UN monitoring force and demanding that Western peacekeepers leave the country. Ethiopia’s violent suppression of internal dissent weakened its international support. Crisis Group played a decisive role in Somalia in 2005. In February, our intervention, by way of tar- geted letters, press and personal advocacy in the region and New York, was influential in causing Somalia’s transitional government to step back from the rushed deployment of a controversial regional peacekeeping force not approved by the Somali parliament. The parliamentary speaker, Eu- ropean Commission, U.S. Mission in Nairobi and Ethiopian sources all emphasised our major role in defusing an explosive situation. A second tar- geted intervention in July played a critical role in persuading the UN Security Council not to modify the arms embargo on Somalia to enable a regional military intervention. Two reports on Islamism in Somalia in 2005, Counterterrorism in Somalia: Losing Hearts and Minds (July) and Somalia’s Islamists (December), have since become acknowledged essential reference works for policy-makers and journalists. Key issues for Crisis Group in 2006 Sudan # Security in Darfur: The AU deployment has made only a limited impact, as violence against civilians continues. International political will must be mobilised to deploy a more effective multinational force. # Comprehensive peace in Sudan: Peacemaking in Sudan has long suffered from a piecemeal approach. A common framework is required – building on the north-south agreement (CPA) as a point of departure – that addresses power and wealth-sharing across the country. #CPA update: The implementation of the CPA lagged in 2005. More support is needed for the Government of Southern Sudan in 2006 in the development of basic administrative structures, representative institutions, revenue manage- ment, and demobilisation and reintegration of security forces. #Chad: The Darfur conflict has spilled over into Chad and threatens to destabilise the regime in N’djamena. Internal dynamics in Chad are likewise complicating the pursuit of a politi- cal settlement for Darfur. Close attention is needed on the linkages between Darfur and Chad and how the deteriorating situation can be addressed. Somalia # The Transitional Federal Government: More than a year since the TFG was formed, a number of key obstacles are preventing progress, demanding attention from both local and international actors. # Somaliland and the African Union: Somaliland is expected to apply for membership in the AU during the course of 2006: the merits of its claim to independent statehood will have to be squarely addressed by regional and international actors. Ethiopia/Eritrea # Where next in the border dispute? With the ever-present risk of war again breaking out, new international incentives and pressures will need to be devised to resolve the boundary demarcation issue once and for all and secure normalised relations. source

There are other issues involved. Issues like Insurance, Banking and the like... The WB & IMF work hand in hand with the UN and only do business where the UN gives the greenlights... Anyways... I think SL doesn't need any WB or IMF "hoo oo ku go' " loans. Hadii dal meel ku gaadhi lahaa, Afrika ayay ka muuqanlahayd.

Gaurdian Unlimited Hargeisa dispatch Somaliland: Another country Somaliland is a beacon of stability in Africa but lack of international recognition is holding it back, writes Xan Rice Wednesday April 19, 2006 It was the little things: smiles; handshakes; driving from the airport without an armed escort; seeing a traffic warden, a public library, a government ministry building; not seeing a gun or hearing a gunshot. Even the weather seemed pleasantly different: a cool breeze floated over Hargeisa at night. According to the map, this was still Somalia. Yet it felt like another country. "Because it is!" said Abdirahman Awil, a small, balding man who had invited me into his restaurant, suddenly becoming animated. "Somaliland is not Somalia - 100% of us know that, even 120%!" The rest of world, however, is not so sure. Since 1991, Somaliland, the former British protectorate perched awkwardly on the north-western shoulder of Somalia, has claimed independence - and seen its claims ignored. Yet each year, the call for sovereignty grows louder and the case grows stronger. For while Somalia continues to display all the signs of a model failed state, setting a post-second world war record for a country without an effective national government (15 years, three months and counting), Somaliland has achieved a level of stability and governance that puts many African countries to shame. Since its split from the rest of Somalia in 1991, there have been three democratic elections in the breakaway state, the latest, in October last year, witnessed and commended by international observers. Clan divisions have been softened, and 50,000 fighters disarmed. Somaliland also has its own currency, its own passport and a growing economy that is not dependent on donor aid. A quick glance at its history shows why Somaliland is so desperate to be on its own: having gained independence in June 1960, the former British Somaliland had six days of sovereignty before embracing the dream of a "greater Somalia" in the horn of Africa, formed by merging with Somalia, which had shaken off Italian rule. The marriage soon soured, however, and then deteriorated rapidly under the reign of Mohamed Siad Barre, who took over the Somali presidency in a 1969 coup. Power, and the plum jobs, remained in the capital, Mogadishu; in Somaliland's capital, Hargeisa, resentment and armed opposition grew to the marginalisation by Barre. Chastened, Barre decided to teach the Somalilanders a lesson. In 1988, bombers started taking off at Hargeisa's main airport and then dropping their payload on the homes below; artillery finished the job. About 50,000 people died, killed by their own government. Today, Hargeisa has been completely rebuilt, largely with money from the diaspora in the US and Europe. But memories of 1988 will not fade soon. Perched on a plinth in the middle of town is a MiG fighter shot down during the fighting. It is a symbol of fierce intent. For Somalilanders, who formally asserted their desire for independence in a 2001 referendum, there is no going back. "We are free and will remain so," said the Somaliland president, Dahir Riyale Kahin, last year. "My country will not talk to Somalia about unity, but we may talk about being good neighbours." But will international recognition ever arrive? Opposition from Somalia's fragile transitional federal government is a significant stumbling block. Several African states, including South Africa and Ethiopia, are sympathetic to Somaliland's claim but reluctant to cause a diplomatic ruckus. Western nations are even more cautious. So it is left to the African Union (AU) to take the lead. The AU's charter includes a provision that colonial-era boundaries should not be redrawn without consent from all the parties - in this case, Somalia and Somaliland. The clause was designed to prevent a flood of applications from secessionist movements around the continent seeking to redraw the often bizarre and illogical colonial borders. But as Somaliland's foreign minister, Edna Adan Ismail, frequently points out, there is a way around this. During Somaliland's few days of independence in 1960 - before it merged with Somalia - it had the very colonial-era borders to which it now seeks to return. This means that, technically, the AU could recognise Somaliland without breaching its charter. Recently, the AU has made some very positive noises. Last year it sent a delegation to Somaliland, and the team concluded that the claim for recognition was "historically unique and self-justified in African political history. As such, the AU should find a special method of dealing with this outstanding case." Despite the progress, Somalilanders remain a frustrated lot. Until there is formal international recognition, there can be no access to lenders such as the World Bank and the IMF (though there are some who say aid may harm the momentum achieved so far through self-sufficiency). For Mr Awil, the lack of international investment is more of a problem. Rumours abound of possible oil reserves, but no foreign company has stepped in to examine them. "Who wants to invest in a country that is not internationally recognised?" asked Mr Awil. "No one: it is too risky. That's what is really holding us back."

^^ cajiib it should be in everyone's priority to have a unified nation that regulates under the Islamic law Anagaa wax aragnay... Sxb, if you were talking about a grand Islamic global nation, then yes, Somaliland would be happy to join such a nation. But, Somalia iyo Somaliland, I think they are better off having their own seperate sharii'a government, that is if it had to come to that sort of system. Besides, if you could volunteer and tell us more about your sort of system that you have in mind. Give us a good working example that we can refer to.

Animal Farm was this about Somaliland or Hargeisa? Nicely put together though. I liked the choice of articles published there. *Thumbs up* LOL @ the Brandning of Qat

^^ I certainly wouldn't want to be on the same side as the defeated lott and the warlord cheerleaders... I am really amazed at these Yahoo’s who claim to speak for Somaliland! Don’t you sometimes wonder who called them to action? When would they realize that they represent only one prevailing views in Somaliland. Please stop that nonsense and speak for yourselves. This is what happens when a fool opens his mouth. Please re-read the article once again and tell us who the author is addressing? Which of the views iz he talking to? And comeback and lets know if you were meant to be here in the first place.

[qoute] An example of influence is the foreign-introduced addition of letter 'kh,' which had in a way changed the formalities of Maxaa dialect The language changes and takes different forms if you go up North when you compare the South. There is also big use "kh". Baydhabo [pronounced sometimes Baydhawo] Dirirdhabo [or Dirirdhawo] Bandhawoow [a Reer Xamar sub-clan] Gugandhabe [A large clan that lives in Hiiraan] hmm.... the only "Dhab" we have is the "Dhab" as in " Dhab ahaantii" or "Surely".... and "Dhabta" as in "Dhabta i saar" or "put me on your lap". There is very few or even nonexistant usage of "Dhab" in its sex related form. In the case of "Diri Dhaba", I heard of a different story. The "Dirr" in "Diri-dhaba" is derived from the associated clan name.

Sheekh Abbas says: However he has a point if the ANC of Nelson Mandela took revenge on the repressive white regime would South Africa be what it is. (I am in no way saying that it is a beacon of success) would it have been worse or better. A better example did our Rasool SAW take revenge on Quraish’s for the persecution of the Muslims, no he forgave and for that they and the rest of the world admired his mercy, what other human and society are more worthy admiration than Muhammed SAW and the Madineeyts. Bro, sorry to say this, but you seem to lack a great deal of backgrounder info about Somaliland. Sxb, if you didn't know, the old regime of Siyad Barre, tried many ugly things. One of them was igniting an ugly clanish war between the different clans of Somaliland, arming certain clans against one clan that opposed that regime. When that regime was toppled, the fervor of clanish revenge was very high. Some wanted "revenge" against those clans that supported the toppled regime. But it was the Somaliland elders and political leaders who said "NO TO REVENGE" and instead opted for a peaceful path. This is the reason why today, Dahir Rayaale is the president of Somaliland. Dahir Rayaale is accused by the likes Mr. Abdulla of being one of the old regime's "YES MEN". You see, when the people of Somaliland have forgotten about that history, it is the likes of Mr. Abdulla who are never far away from reminding us. Comprison between Somaliland and South Africa is like comparing apples to oranges. One was under minority white rule, the other was under a Dictatorship. Had the White South Africans consituted a majority, it would have been a different story. But, the fact is, the white South Africans are a minority in a Black Country. The two are not the same. Somaliland is about a country that wants to dissolve a failed union that it had with a failed country that existed 1960-1991. And if you look back into the history books, Somaliland never wanted to unite with Somalia alone, in the first place. The union was meant to just be a starter for a greater Somaliweyn. That dream is dead. The union failed. And Somaliland wants to go it alone. PS Pres. Riyale could rule the south too a suggestion I don't know if you had known this but back in 2000 just before the Artha Peace Conference convened in Djibouti, many delegates from the UN, Arab League as well as delegates from Southern Somalia came to the then President of Somaliland Marxuum Mohamed Hajji I. Egal. They proposed to him to become the head of state of a united Somalia, Whatever he might have felt about the offer, I really can't tell, but he declined it. One of the reasons many cite is that, he didn't want to shoot himself in the foot, knowing that how unpopular the offer was to the wider Somaliland populace. Hence, I don't think the people of Somaliland want to do anything with Somalia. The 30 or so years of union have thaught them a great deal of lesson. "A mu'min doesn't get bitten twice from the same hole" ps Best of luck with your Islamic state

Waxa hore loo yidhi, lax dhukani abaar moog. This is a good example of junior high school level sophistry...This is the sort of "emotional rollercoaster" and "wishful thinking" far removed from the realities on the ground that Faysal Diriye was talking about here when he says "...the rest of the article, usually, describes the author's emotions--a river of tears ". He seems to be ducking from addressing key issues as to what led to the downfall of the old Somalia. And he didn't even had the minute to ponder as to what led, the Somaliland people who were once the vanguards of "Somaliweynism" to today totally shun it and instead op for restoring their lost soverignty? Surely it is a big change of heart, and surely it is not something that you can simply brush it aside or reduce it to a simple reasons. And his attempt to present a case for a "united Somalia" is very poor to say the least. What else can he bring to the table besides talking about a wishful "Strong" and "United" Somalia? If this guy was trying to reply to Mr. Ahmed M.I. Egal's respose to his early post. Then it looks like Mr. Abdulla has either not read very well Mr. Ahmed's reply or that he is just turning blind eye to the facts. Here is few quotes I want to map between the two articles.... Mr. Abdulla wrote: We have all suffered under the corrupt civilian government and the dictatorial repressive regime. If we can find forgiveness in our hearts for some of those who govern us today and who were part of the repressive regime, then we should be able to find room in our heart for forgiving our other Somali brothers most of whom had nothing to do with the repression and destruction.. I know that wounds take a long time to heal but 15 years is long enough to forget and to embark on a healing journey that brings us all back together under one roof but with different terms. Terms that will guarantee the non-recurrence of the hell that we have all been through. We should learn from South Africa and other countries who managed to heal their wounds. We should seek the help of the likes of Mandela to achieve unity instead of seeking the help of those who are keen on our divison. Mr. Ahmed M.I Egal wrote: "Somaliland’s claim to nationhood does not rest upon the fact that it was persecuted by Afweyne and his junta, however, that persecution brought home to its people that recovering their sovereignty required, in effect, the toppling of that evil regime. Indeed, the people of Somalia owe Somaliland a debt of gratitude for initiating the demise of the Afweyne cabal" Now, one has to wonder... how on this earth can one communicate that to the likes of Mr. Abdulla? cajiib Why do western scholars and those emulating them call for dividing us when Europe is heading towards a united entity with a single currency called the Euro, a European Parliament and a European Central Bank? Did he ever ask himself that no single EU country was forced being part of the union? Each state joins it willingly, not forcefully. And besides, Mr. Abdulla must realise that although the Europe might be uniting in many ways, yet politically each is soverign of the other. No Englishman will ever secede his soverignty to an French for example or Italy for that matter. Somaliland on the same token doesn't mind if we have some sort of close cooperation on many fronts including the economy and maybe security... but politically, we will not let ourselves ruled from the South, once again. Those who call for dividing Somalia do not realize that they are advocating the creation of small banana republics that are weak enough to be exploited by powerful multinational corporations. The best definition I could find for a banana republic is “a small country (especially in Central America) that is politically unstable and whose economy is dominated by foreign companies and depends on one export (such as bananas)†Somalia fits this description. Banana and livestock used to be and will probably remain for a long time our main exports. The danger of depending on one commodity for export is made painfully clear by the ban imposed by Saudi Arabia on Somali livestock leading to economic hardship to our people. A united Somalia would be able to diversify its economy and embark on a program that makes it the Singapore of Africa as Ambassador Sahnoun predicted in a Reuters interview recently. Somali people are dynamic entrepreneurs who with unity and good governance will fulfill this prophecy. The other problem with a banana republic is that a few privileged groups enjoy all the benefits of the state while the majority remain in abject poverty. Ma talyaaniga mahadiya, tanina waa yaabe So, our rocket scientist, Mr. Cabdulla thinks, "A United And Strong" will fight off the multinational monsters? I would love to know more...

Important announcement: Ogeysiis muhiim ah: Ma tahay dhakhtar (Doctor) ama kalkaaliye caafimaad Support Somaliland: Ogeysiis muhiim ah Ma tahay dhakhtar (Doctor) ama kalkaaliye caafimaad (Nurse) ka shaqeeya mid ka mid ah cusbitaalada NHS UK? Ma doonaysaa in aad dalkaagii hooyo (Somaliland) aad aqoontaada iyo xirfadaada aad u gudbiso oo aad ka qayb qaadatid tayaynta iyo tababarida shaqaalaha caafimaadka Somaliland? Haddii aad (HAA) kaga jawaabtay labadaa su’aalood ee kor ku xusan, fadlan si degdeg ah noola soo xidhidh. Waxaa Support Somaliland la soo xidhiidhay Save the Children UK oo maal gelinaysa mashruuc la doonayo in lagu tababaro ardayda kuliyada kalkaaliyayaasha caafimaad ee Burao (Burao Nursing College). Mashruucan oo u shaqayn doona sida kan King’s THET Somaliland Partnership (KTSP). Waxa uu mashruucani aad ugu baahan yahay muwaadiniin ka soo jeeda Somaliland oo iyaga oo shaqadooda halkan (UK) iska wata si tabarucaad ah dalkoodiina wakhtigooda inyar ka siiya. Hay’ada THET (Tropical Health & Education Trust) oo waayo aragnimo u leh sida la iskugu xidhiidhiyo cusbitaalada UK iyo kuwa dalalka soo koraya ayaa gacan ka siinaysa Save the Children oo mashruuca maalgelinaysa. Haddaba haddii aad doonaysid in aad mashruucan ka qayb qaadatid fadlan si degdeg ah noola soo xidhiidh: info@supportsomaliland.org

A FRUITFULL VISIT source The president of Amoud University, Borama, Somaliland Prof. Suleiman Ahmed Guleid and the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of Amoud Dr Said Ahmed Walhad have arrived in London, UK on the 27th of March 2006. Prof. Guleid and Dr Walhad were invited by The Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET) and Kings College Hospital (a medical School) of London University. These two organizations are partners to Amoud University’s Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Borama General Hospital as well as Edna Child and Maternity Hospital and Hargeisa Group Hospital. The purpose of the invitation and the visit of the President of Amoud University, Prof. Guleid and the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery Dr Walhad by these two organisations was to further the link between Amoud University and these two organization and to participate THET Annual Conference, in which Prof. Guleid was requested to deliver a key note speech. During the first week of their stay, from the 29th of March to the 6th of April 2006 the delegation from Amoud had extensive as well as intensive discussions with Key officials at Kings College, Guys and St. Thomas Hospitals, which constitute the largest medical centres in London. During these discussions officials from these organizations indicated their willingness to further strength the partnership. The two sides have also explored and identified areas of further cooperation. With regard to this objective, Senior members of the management of Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET) and Kings College London representatives will visit Amoud University in May and June of this year. The annual conference of the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET) was held on the 7th of April 2006 at the headquarters of the Royal Society of Medicine in central London. Also the World Health organization (WHO) used this occasion for the launch of its Annual Report of the year 2006. In this well attended and well organized meeting Professor Suleiman Ahmed Guleid delivered a keynote Speech in which he addressed the political transformations and accomplishments of Somaliland, the steady restoration and improvements of basic social services and the achievements of Amoud University in general and that of the Faculty of medicine and Surgery in particular. Prof. Guleid who is well known for his ease with words and grip of his audiences, whoever they may be, delivered his well anticipated speech with an impressive eloquence and lucidity, fascinating fervour and spellbinding enthusiasm that received a well deserved ovation. It is noteworthy to mention here also that Professor Guleid had briefed numerous media organizations and attended various interviews including the flagship BBC-Radio Four Today programme. At present the enrollment of Amoud University, which was established in 1998 , stands at over 600 students in five faculties, namely: • Faculty of Education; • Faculty of Business and Public Administration; • Faculty of Medicine and Surgery; • Faculty of Agriculture and Environment; and the • Faculty of Distance Learning and Information Technology (IT). On the 18 – 21st of April Amoud delegation will also visit the city of Henley-on-Thames on the invitation of Borama Henley Friendship Association. They will hold discussions with members of the association, city authorities and other organizations in Henley-on-Thames and its environs. Amoud delegation, Prof. Guleid and Dr Walhad, will tour major cities in the United kingdom in which there are sizable Somaliland communities and supporters of Amoud University. During their working tour they will be briefing the communities on the recent political achievements and present situation of Somaliland. They will also explore other potential linkages for the Somaliland health and educational institutions and their UK counterparts..

So, are you saying that Af Maay is the parent language to the Somali language? Very interesting indeed. I see you said Hiraab = Aroorta hore, well there is the Somali word "Hiirta" as in "Hiirta Waabari", it certainly looks like that it decended from that Maay word. Af Somaligu waa af la soo bililiqaystay intiisa badan. A frustrated Siid finally said, "Fad ama ha fadin, waa lagu fadsiin." And left. I've known of that ugly act of murder of Sheekh Aweeys by the Crazy Mullah, but I didn't know the phrase originated from that incident. I also heard the Mad Mullah uttered "Af Gaalo iyo Mid Muslim, miduun aan idinku soo noqdo"... Xarafyada see u qoran yihiin ama see ugu eg yihiin af Maxaaga ha u fiirin. It works sometimes, but it may mislead you other times. Geegii mariidi = waayadii hore ama maalmihii hore [xarafka gee means maalin] Shalmeey geerad = maalin dhawayd ama maalin hore ama saa hore ama daraad LOL Its harder than I thought. Waxaan islahaa "shaqalada" iyo "xarfo" ayuunba yara silane. How does this sound: Ariirow, meey faday shalmeey geerad? Does it sound right?

Nice read... And good luck to the Elders.

^^ Sxb I always hear about that phrase "fad ama ha fadin waa lagu fadsiin" but I never thought it was a Maymay one. Kuwaan isku deey inaad fahantid: Geegii mariidi. Shalmeey geerad. :eek: I have no idea... but let me take a wild wild guess: Geegii mariidi: Go'aygii maradii Shalmeey geerad: Shalmad iyo googarad

Horn, The issue of Lascaanod iyo eastern Sanaag are one that Somaliland needs to take its time to solve. You have to know that the process takes time. So give it time. Cheap.Talker My old pal, you never sieze to vomit nonsense, or do you? Mohamed Saciid, whether you like or not, is a man who hails from that region. And just like others who are in Biadoa, he has his own opinions about what is going on in that part of the region. Now, ma waxaad leeday, just because he is a minister in Somaliland, he has no say in it? Also, SULDAANKA, I remember asking you before in a diff debate if Mr. Qaybe could go to his constituent district of Buuhoodle and you gave me a series of unsatisfactory, mumbo-jumbo answers. Same question applies here: Can Mr. Maxamed Siciid go to Dhahar or Majiyahan? SL's Sool & Sanaag puppet-politicians amplify the meaning of "Habar fadhida lagdin la fududaa." Markii la arkaba Hargaysa bay ka soo ciyaan. Well... adiga in indhahaaga oo shan ah lagu tuso mooye wax kale lagugu aamusiin kari maayo, so I chose to not reply here. ps weren't you the one that used to preach here that, if Qaybe retires from Parliamentary Chairman, he will oppose Somaliland or something along those lines? :??:

Stop propagating nonesense, there is small border skirmishes. Sanaag is peaceful. "Xuduuda ingriisna ma xidhin talyaanina ma xidhine dadka ayaa xidhay... " Horyaal interview time:26:00 I've heard similar stories along those lines before. The locals were asked which of the two sides they wanted to join and they opted for the SL side. Waa waagii qabyaaladdu dadka aanay madaxmarin ee maskaxda dadku ku shaqaynjiray. Looks like people are beginning to using their brains once again.

^^good idea sxb koley af in la bartaa waa wax fiican. Laakin I don't think Afmaay inuu sidaa u adagyey. Waa af Somali in yar wax ka siyiin. Let me try and translate what you wrote: ariiroow meey kiin daary = Waryee maxaa ku daaray?? sow maha af-daboolung dahabu = (this is very obvious) MMA Sxb I know what you mean, but don't ask me. I am no the reporter nor the editor, but in any way the message has not been lost in translation or is it? Mise waxaad leeday Igaarka Marguus la yidhaa waa laga beensheegay? my bad, all along, I used think it was "fagaasa" thanks for the correction. Does it mean: Waryee maxaad leeday or something like that??

^^ I laughed hard at the prof. suggestion. Somalistan? Where is that... in South East Asia? If Somaliland had to change name, then I would suggest a name with no "Somali..." in it. Shankaroon would be a better name wouldn't ya say? MMA What did you expect sxb? Areero Ma fagaasa?

First Transit Office Opens in Somaliland By ISSAYAS MEKURIA FORTUNE STAFF WRITER The first transit, forwarding and customs clearance agent, Ethio-Somland Trading Plc has been opened by Ethiopian and Somaliland nationals to service Ethiopian goods that come through the Port of Berbera. The Republic of Somaliland, which has not been given recognition as a state by world governments, is now home to the first-ever commercial company opened by Ethiopian and Somaliland citizens, according to the head of the Somaliland Commercial Office in Ethiopia. Established by Farhan Haj Mohammed and Abdulahi Gamadid from Somaliland, and Al-Staz Plc from Ethiopia, the company has a capital of three million Birr. It received its trade licence from the government of Somaliland. Al-Staz Plc, established in 2004, imports vehicles and spare parts into Ethiopia. The company is also active in the transport sector. Keder Awel, owner and General Manager of Al-Staz said that he drove the entire 945Km route to the Port of Berbera to reassure himself that the route and the road conditions were safe. Having done that, he said, he then made the decision to establish Ethio-Somland. “Ever since the Ethiopian government announced that it would consider Berbera as an alternate port to Djibouti, I thought to myself that there is something to be done here,†he said. Although, there is little serious activity going on in the area at the moment, he said he was optimistic the situation would change over time and that there would be plenty of business to go around. Ethiopia signed an agreement with the self-proclaimed government of Somaliland in May 2005 after using Djibouti as its sole port since 1998. The first shipment of Ethiopian goods of 500 containers for the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation arrived at the Port of Berbera in October 2005 at the same time as 10 used cars of a businessman who resides in Dire Dawa. Although the shipments have arrived at the port, none have been brought inland. “I don’t think Ethiopian business men have heard all the full advantages of using the Port of Berbera. Furthermore, if they took the time to find out, I am sure they would understand that Somaliland is a nation of peace,†said the Chief Executive Officer of Ethio-Somland, Farhan. He added that businessmen in Somaliland, as well as the Ethiopian government should make more effort to sell the country and the port to Ethiopian businessmen. The agreement reached in May 2005, when Getachew Belay, former minister of Revenues, travelled with a delegation to meet Somaliland officials, stipulates that the port handling fee for 20ft containers is 160 dollars while 40ft containers cost 200 dollars. The same size containers in Djibouti would cost 275 and 556 dollars respectively. “These prices are low by the standards of any port,†said Farhan who added that goods that come into the port could stay there free of storage fees. “This has special advantages for Ethiopian businessmenâ€. The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has appointed Ambassador Wubshet Demmise, former director of the Diaspora Affairs Directorate, to head the Somaliland Commercial Zone Office for Ethiopia in Somaliland. The Ambassador said that he would be moving to the capital Hergessa next week and explained that “emphasis would be given to strengthen the relationship between the two nations and to allow for the use of the port to be smooth for Ethiopian businesses and businessmenâ€. A source at the Ethiopian Shipping Lines (ESL) told Fortune that the company brings shipments up to the Port of Aden and then has them transferred to smaller vessels that can be accommodated by the Port of Berbera. At least two ships will come in through the Port every one or two months to help ease the congestion that has occurred at the Port of Djibouti over the last two months, he said. “There is also a plan to bring fertilizer through the Port of Berbera†said the ESL source, adding that it would be important for the port to be able to handle that type of traffic and all the transit work. The Head of the Somaliland Commercial Office in Ethiopia, Yusuf Jamac told Fortune that the government of the state would give a trade licence to any Ethiopian that wanted to come and work in Somaliland. Although Ethio-Somland has opened its offices in Hergessa, it will use the Al-Staz offices for its base in Addis Abeba, according to the CEO.

Jijiga-Togochalle Road Gets Consultant The Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA) has awarded a 19 million Br design and construction supervision contract for the 74Km road from Jijiga to Togochalle to Intercontinental Construction and Technocraft (ICT), an Indian firm. The contract is to upgrade the existing gravel road to concrete asphalt. ERA did temporary repairs on the 74Km stretch from Jijiga to Togochalle in June 2005, immediately following the decision of the government to use the Port of Berbera. Although the repairs were done, the road has now returned to its previous depreciated state. This led to ERA receiving a mandate from the Office of the Prime Minister to build the road according to international standards. The entire project covers 184Km and is divided into two parts. The 106Km stretch from Harar to Jijiga was awarded to Hunan Hunda, a Chinese firm, at a cost of 346 million Br. The most recent award to ICT, to cover the 74Km from Jijiga to the Somaliland border town of Togochalle, will complete the road upgrade. The first consignment of 250 containers belonging to the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation was brought in through the Port of Berbera in October 2005. Problems were encountered while it was being shipped inland due to the poor condition of the road. Local transporters, such as Comet Transport that had begun moving the goods inland, refused to return to the job for a period of time, stating the road conditions as a reason. Samson Wondimu, Information and Public Relation Services head at ERA, told Fortune that ICT is expected to complete the design work in six months. When the construction of the road is completed, it will have the capacity to handle 400 heavy trucks a day, said sources from ERA. He added that a tender to select a contactor would be floated within the coming three months. Samson said that until the design has been completed, the exact cost of the project cannot be determined. However, sources close to the situation told Fortune that the estimate is over 200 million Br. The cost for the construction is being covered by the government, and the project is expected to be completed within three years according to Samson. Of the 945Km route from Addis Abeba to Somaliland, 785Km are in Ethiopia, while 160Km are in Somaliland. A member of the Berbera Corridor Committee which is chaired by Kassahun Hailemariam, head of the Ethiopian Transport Authority, said that the government’s plans to use the Port of Berbera to import fertilizer and food aid to supplement that coming turough Djibouti. “The three year plan ERA has developed is a long term one that does not adhere to the government’s immediate wish. The project is expected to be sped up and completed before then,†said the member.

Mogadishu:Haatuf reporter interviews RRA official source S-Sida aad ogtahay sanadkii 1991kii ayay Somali-land ay ku dhawaaqday inay ka go’dey Soomaaliya inteeda kale, markaa arrintaa siday kuula muuqataa adiga? J: Anigu horta Somaliland waxaan u arkaa dal dulman xuquuqdoodiina la duudsiyay xiligii taliskii Maxamed Siyaad Barre, waa dadkii horseeday midnimada iyo dawladnimada oo markii ay xoroobeen Muqdisho la yimid iyadoo ayna jirin cid u yeedhay, raggii iyaga ahaa waa la xumeeyay si xun baa loo galay dawladdii kacaanka ahayd ee Siyaad Barre ayaa fogeysey rag baa ka soo hor jeedey gooni isu taagga Somali land oo lahaa khalad weeyaan, laakiin aniga marna qalbigayga soomay galin, xaq bayna u leeyihiin inay goostaan oo gooni isu taagaan haddii ayna sidaa yeeli lahayna waa lagu tuman lahaa, koofurtu shan iyo toban sano ayay dawlad la’aayeen, hadda Somali landna dawlad baa ka jirta, nidaambaa ka jira, haddii anaguna aanu ku khasbi lahayn oo aanu odhan lahayn, sida dadka qaarba hadda ay leeyihiin midnimadu waa muqaddas maxay muqaadas ku noqoneysaa, gurigaaga haddii aanad wax ka qaban Karin, nin gurigiisa samaystay oo ku tala galay sababta loo bi’inayaa maxay tahay, anigu fakir ahaan waxaan qabaa way ku sax san yihiin, kuwanina (koonfurta) ma aha kuwo heshiis noqonaya, lagamana filayo, haddii ay dadkaasi isku tashadeen waxa ila haboon in lagu raaco oo sidooda loo daayo. S: Ma jiraa wax xidhiidh ah oo idinka dhaxeeya Somali land haddaad tihiin siyaasiinta Digil iyo Midhifle? J: Dadka reer Somaaliland iyo dawladoodaba anagu markuu Caydiid na haystay oo aanu gobolada dalka Soomaaliya oo dhan aanu marayney, waxaanu tagnay Harggaysa, si weynna waa naloogu soo dhaweeyay, gacan aad iyo aad u wanaagsan baa nala siiyay xag siyaasadeed iyo xag dhaqaalaba iyo mid milateriba, xornimada aanu iska xoreynay raggii na qabsadayna gacan wayn bay ka gaysteen, abaalna waanu u haynaa, aniga keligay ma aha ee dhamaan Digil iyo Midhifle oo dhan ayaa abaalkaas u hayana markaa markii ay wax nooga bahdaan hiil iyo hooba diyaar baanu ula nahay,anagu waxaanu waligayo ahayn dad Fedraalka jecel oo lixdameeyadii ayaanu ka hadli jirnay iyaguna caynkaas oo kale ayay ahayeen markaa iyaguna dulmigii way ka baxeen anguna waanu ka baxnay markaa hadii midnimadii la waayey raali ayaanu ka nahay sida ay doonayaan in loo yeelo.

^^Haduu Afweyne gobyahay, I think the warlords too should be included in that list. Horn I wasn't defending anyone here, I was merely pointing out the hypocrisies that some people in here practice. I am neither obsessed with British this or that, or Italians for that matter. But there are some dudes in here, and let me mention one of them is your sidekick, who can not live a life without mentioning "British" this or that, when the topic is neither colonialism nor about "British". It is quite absurd. You just watch these forums, ileen bahal caydhin madaayo ninna caddadii ma baaje. Anyways.... you said that the British were never interested in Somalia. If that is the case, where does this passionate hate for the British is stemming from? I await for your reply.

ugu danbayntii waxay tidhi hadii ticket iyo fiisa la iisiiyomeel kasta oo aduunka mid ah waxaan ka jecelahay gobolkayga iyo magaaladayda Boorama iyo Dalkayga Somaliland

[Jawaahir Aadan Cashuur oo Boorama ugu warantay shabakadda wararka ee Lughaya.com] Source] Boorama-(Lug)-fanka iyo suugaanta soomaalidu hido iyo dhaqan ayay u leedahay waxaanay had iyo jeer lagu cabiraa waayaha iyo marba xaalada deegaanadaasi ka jirta iyo qofka mu'alifka ahi waxyaabaha uu qalbigiisa ku hayo haduu jacayl ka hadlayo, Barwaaqo, dagaal iyo dagaal galinba dhiiri galin IWM oo saameeya wax kasta oo nolosha bili'aadamka ayay fikirkooda ku cabiraan waxaana lasoo qaataa qaar gabayo , heesho iyo ruwaayado iyadoo waliba fanaaniinta ama abwaaniinta somaalida hal abuurkooda intooda badan la jeclaysto waxaana jirta in fanaantiinta laftigooda codadkooda iyo habka jilida masraxa loo eego. Hadaba maanta waxaan qormadan ku eegaynaa Jawaahir Aadan Cashuur iyo waayaheedii fanka Jawaahir waxay ku dhalatay oo ay ku barbaartay magaalada Boorama iyada oo yar ayaa waxay tagtay magaalada Jabuuti waxaanay halkaasi ka bilawday dhinaca ka qayb qaadashada heesaha iyo ruwaayadaha. masrixii ugu horeeyey ee ay istaagto waxaa uu ahaa mid ku yaala Jabuuti sanadku markuu ahaa 1983 kii. Jawaahir Aadan Cashuur waxay ka qayb qaadatay ruwaayadii la odhan jiray markii ugu horaysay “sadexbaa isku faantay†oo ay dhigayeen fanaaniintii Jabuuti ee waqtigaas waxaanay qaadaysay heesta la yidhaahdo “doqon raysay oo roob yar u da'ay lama raacee tu kale raac†waxaana ruwaayadaasi jilayaasheedii ama dadkeedii matalayay ee waday ka mid ahaa fanaanada la yidhaahdo Nimco Jaamac, Cabdinuur Alaale Iyo Aamina Faarax, Jawaahir Aadan Cashur mar ay ka hadlaysay sida ay fanka kusoo gashay waxay ka warantay oo ay cadaysay in aabaheed uu ka mid ahaa fanaaniintiii Kabacada la odhan jiray waa Aadan Cashuure (Kabacad Group) oo uu ka mid ahaa C/Laahi Xuseen (Dabshid) mar ay ka hadlaysay in uu aabaheed u diidanaa iyo siduu u arkayay gabadhiisa ka qayb gashay fanka waxay iyadoo dhoola cadaynaysa tidhi "aad ayuu ugu farxay kamana aanu xumaanin galistii aan soo galay fanka sababta oo ah aabahay wuxuu ka mid ahaa fanaaniintii ugu horaysay ee fanka ka qaybqaata waayadii hore iyada oo aanay dadku aqoonba fanka' aabahay waxa kale oo uu ka mid noqday Walaalaha Hargeysa fanaaniintii la odhan jiray isagoo markii danbana ka mid ahaaba fanaaniintii hidaha iyo dhaqanka ee Waabari waliba aabahay aad iyo aad ayuu iigu dhiiri galin jiray aniguna waxaan ku dadaali jiray inaan hablaha ugu codka fiican ee waayadaas fanaaniinta ahaa ee ka jiray Jabuuti inaan ka mid noqdo inkasta oo aabahay ahaa dhanka Somalida. Jawaahir Aadan Cashuur waxay mudo badan ka dib qaaday heesta la yidhaahdo "kaalay laabta igu qabo laydhkaad igu abuurtaa maankayga ladayee". waxaana heestaas u sameeyey Aadan Daahir Obsiiye. Jawaahir iyo waayaheeda fanka markaan sii tix raacno waxaa dhinaca heesaha iyo alifaaadooda iyo ruwaayadaha samantooda iyo ku dhiiri galinta fankaba iyo hab masraxiyeedkaba gacan ka siinayay oo ka caawinayay Xasan Clmi oo fanaaniintii Jabuuti ka mid ahaa iyo Xasan Ganay oo isaguna fanaaniinta Somalida ka mid ah. waliba Xasan Ganay wuxuu ii dhiibay hees ka hadlaysa deegaanka iyo gobolka aan u dhashay ee b]Awdal[/b] oo magaceeda la yidhahdo Doobir taas oo uu ku cabiray bilicda gobolka ee deegaanka buuraha iyo beeraha uu leeyahay iyo dabeecada dadka oo uu ku tilmaamay inay yihiin dad aad u wanaagsan. Jawaahir waxaytidhi markii aan mudo kusoojiray fankii ee aan la qabsaday kadibna ruwaayado iyo heeso badan aan in lay barto aan gaadhay ayaan guursaday nin ka mid ah fanaaniintii Jabuuti ninkii markaan guursaday ee aan mudo isqabno een caruur yeeshay ayaa waxa igu adkaatay sidaan isugu wadi lahaa fankii iyo gurigii aan isu wadi kari waayay taasoo ahayd mar ay ka jawaabaysay bal in wax dhibaatooyin ahi ka hor yimaadeen fanka mudadii ay ku dhex jirtay fanka ayaa waxay sheegtay iyada oo ka xun hadalkeedii kusii dartay ninkaygu muu shaqaynaynin aniga ayaa qoyska masruufayay oo u shaqaynayay markaan isu wadi kari waayay waxay igu kaliftay inaan fankii ka yara hakado si bal aan ilmahaa u koriyo waxaana igu dhacday dhib kale oo ah inaanu odaygaygii oo la odhan jiray Cabdi Xuseen Hande oo ka mid ahaa kuwa muusikada garaaca inaan kala tagno waxaanan imika hayaa oo aan u dhalay shan caruur ah oo isugu jira gabdho iyo wiilal taasina waxay ii keentay inaan fankii aan ku jiray ka dhex baxo mudo dheer oo aan ka maqnaa. Balse Jawaahir waxay tidhi bari dhawayd ayaankusoo noqday fankaygii oo aan doonayo inaan gobolkayga oo ka midah goboladii uu kasoo aasaasmay fankuba oo aan lahayn fanaaniin imika ruwaayado ama heeso u sameeya dadka aan dib usoo nooleeyo magacii iyo maamuuskii dhinaca fanka Awdal ku lahayd waxaa kale oo carqaladaha i haystay ka mid ahaa ee iga horjoogsanayay ka mid ahaa qalab la'aan inkasta oo aan qaar imika hayo kuwa kalana la iigu maqanyahay waxaanan imika duubay alban cusub oo heeso cusub ah waxaanan ka mid ahay hada Fanaaniinta Qaranka ee Somaliland waxanan ka qayb qaatay ruwaayado badan oo laga dhigayay Hargeysa iyo Booramaba, waxay tidhi waxa aan aad u jecelahay oo aan ku rajo waynahay in fanaaniin qalab haysata oo macruuf ah gobolka laga helo dhawaan. ugu danbayntii waxay tidhi hadii ticket iyo fiisa la iisiiyomeel kasta oo aduunka mid ah waxaan ka jecelahay gobolkayga iyo magaaladayda Boorama iyo Dalkayga Somaliland oo aan gacan ka gaysto dhinaca ka qayb qaadashada dib udhiska iyo habaynta xaga fanka waxanan ugu baaqayaa fanaaniintii caanka ahayd ee waabari oo kale ee rag iyo dumarba leh inay dalkooda kusoo noqdaan si haybadii iyo suugaantii dalkeenu lahaa ay marlabaad dib ugu soo cusboonaysiiyaan umadeena dib u dhiskana ay ka qayb qaataan waxaana u mahad celinayaa C/Raxmaan Cali Xirsi (Sakhraan) Xasan Cilmi, Maxamed Aadan Dugsiiye Iyo Cabdi Nuur Alaale oo ah kuwii fanka inaan ka qayb galo ii suurta galiyay. Abubakar Hassan Afi Borama LughayaNews

These pictures are from a new Blog from Hargeisa by an Italian Expat working for Care Office in Hargeisa. [Relaxing on Berbera's beaches] [italian expat on top of Nasa Hablood] more