Total’s Action Is An All-Out War Against Somaliland’s Economy Somaliland Times, Issue 176, June 4, 2005 Total’s Action Is An All-Out War Against Somaliland’s Economy Berbera, Somaliland, June 4, 2005 (SL Times) – TOTAL, the oil company that provides oil to Somaliland, suddenly stopped selling oil to its customers on June 2nd 2005. Gas stations in Berbera and around the country and individual customers complained about TOTAL’s behavior, and the absence of any information to explain their sudden decision to stop selling oil to the public. A source close to the oil company, who wanted to be anonymous explained, how the company was busy lately to root out any competition from other companies. For instance, he mentioned how TOTAL demanded from RED SEA Company; a small privately owned oil company will be allowed to use the fuel tanks only, if they paid $500,000 or deposited oil of equal amount in the fuel tanks. At the beginning of March this year, RED SEA Company decided to bring a tanker to the Port, in order to use the fuel tanks, following TOTAL’s initial demands. TOTAL refused to allow the tanker to use the fuel tanks. According to our source, the Port Manager, Mr. Ali Xoor-xoor intervened and gave permission to the tanker, after two days. Another bizarre act by TOTAL was to dismantle five sophisticated, state-of-the-art oil pipes, built by the Soviet Union during the late seventies in Berbera for refueling purposes and later rebuilt by the United States military to refuel, during the 1980s, when they used Berbera as a military base. The pipes were built to provide quick supply of fuel to tankers, vehicles and aircraft all at the same time. According to some political analysts, the EU advised TOTAL and its government sponsors about the high cost of repair and maintenance of oil pipes. In addition the EU estimated that Somaliland uses only 2000 tons of oil each month and that small amount of oil can be used by only one pipe, they argued. TOTAL decided to dismantle the sophisticated system, in order to use an old system, built by the British Shell company in the 1950s. Other analysts, call the dismantling of the 5 pipes high noon robbery. They accuse TOTAL of selling the five sophisticated oil pipes to the Arab Financiers of the Port in Djibouti for the amount of 90 million dollars. How else can you justify the elimination of such incredible oil pipes and replace it for an old pipe that has to be maintained once every five years, they say. Many intellectuals call TOTAL’s action an economic war, geared towards hurting the Ethiopia – Somaliland agreement on May 28. According to these groups, TOTAL, which is based in Djibouti has an economic stake in the area. They argue that TOTAL was the only oil company serving Ethiopia’s oil needs from Djibouti, during the past decade, and that Ethiopia will be free to deal with other oil companies, if it uses Berbera as her main port of entry. . Therefore, when Ethiopia decided last week to use Berbera port, TOTAL began to sabotage the agreement between the two countries, by destroying the main oil pipes and, essentially forcing Somaliland's government to use its oil fuel tanks for local consumption purposes only. Furthermore, Somaliland’s inability to handle Ethiopia’s economic needs, will force her to use Djibouti facilities. This will in turn, force Ethiopia to use TOTAL as its main source of oil, they maintain. TOTAL will not only dominate Ethiopia’s oil needs but the company’s aim is to control Somaliland’s economy by becoming the only company that owns both the wholesale and retail of the oil in the country, the intellectuals conclude. According to reliable sources, TOTAL rented several gas stations around the country already. They are also in the process of eliminating the competition entirely through their refusal to use the fuel tanks. If they succeed in doing that, they will become the only source of oil, which makes them a monopoly. In a free market economy, monopoly is not allowed, because it cripples the economy which leads to stagnation and political instability. The economic ties between Ethiopia and Somaliland will come to a standstill, if TOTAL gets away with its sinister moves, many analysts argue. It also reminds many people of the economic and political hurdles that Somaliland went through during her recent past, including the international ban of Somaliland livestock, and the role EU played. It was the EU’s research claims about Somaliland’s livestock trade, which was published on March 1997 that led to the livestock ban on November 1997. Many people are wondering if TOTAL’s war on our economy is a result of EU’s advice to limit Berbera Port for local consumption only.

Reer Hargeisa joke that Kismayo practice sixir on them. LOL heard that one too

Lions and Stories Gacan (hands) Libaax (Lion) is aptly translated as Lion’s paws is the legendary meeting spot of lions, hyenas, cheetahs as a far from Ethiopia. Gazelles still roam the fields of Gacan libaax, people say cheetah’s still walk around, but rarely seen. One particular animal, playful and fast is what the Somalis call digdig, it’s a tiny deer looking creature that could dash like a road runner! All the residents that welcomed us in the village warned us of hyenas, they said that there’s a hyena quarter where the caves are located. We didn't dare to explore. The evening was cold, luckily not so dark, because the moon was friendly enough to shed light that night. It was so peaceful, no phones, no internet, no TV and radio, just the crisp wind and the hymn of birds. You need light, there's the moon. You need to get warm, you can always make fire. Simple and basic. We gathered around the fire, sipping tea and coffee as we listened to stories. Stories about Warabe la hadal, someone who could communicate with hyenas. Hyenas are said to be very clever that they can tell the future.They could talk to them and tell you your future. The civil war in Burao is said to be predicted by hyena's as one warabe la hadal told one of his friends about the hyena's message. True? magara nayo (I don't know). Apparently, Gacan Libaax is not only famous among lions, it was also a critical spot to rebel fighters during Siad Barre's time. It is said to be the camp site of the country's liberation fighters, the Somali National Movement (SNM) before they launched their attack to Mandeera prison and they released all the political prisoners. Local residents said there's a secret road all the way to Berbera that will only take you 1 hour to reach the coastal town. Again, we didn't dare to discover. There are still a lot in store in gacan libaax, places to explore, people to meet and stories to be told. Well, maybe some other time, there's always a next time. Posted by Yvette Lopez

Walk in the woods: The view: A good climb for rock climbing enthusiasts. The Night Sky

Gacan Libaax I gazed at the green trees sporadically laid on barren hills and realized that the desert presents a serene and comforting beauty. Orange and yellow flowers stood gracefully amidst the rocks, confident, proud and still. Our engines roared through the desert dusty tracks; suddenly a pack of baboons ran wildly, surprised and disturbed. Gazelles walked slowly, peering through the bush seemingly curious about these giant vehicles intruding their space. Nomad boys in their teens wave, their camels, black headed sheep and white goats in tow. It was a long journey to Gacan Libaax, the legendary meeting point of lions coming from as far as Ethiopia. After four hours of travel the company of 14 people, 4 vehicles and 5 police escorts were all relieved to make that final stop, we've arrived. Lunch under the tree. After a hefty Somali lunch of goat meat, rice and pasta, we proceeded to explore what this place has to offer. British ruins: Caves:

Here are some of the sites perhaps mentioned above.

Thou I didn’t understand one word out of the article except the topic name, which is a funny coincidence that I’ve just finished watching a movie about llaria Alpi titled “The Cruelest Day †on SVT (Swedish Television). The Italian journalist llaria alpi was killed in 1994 along with her camera man in an ambush in Mogadishu. She was investigating hazardous waste dumping in Mogadishu, Garowe-Boosaaso, Kismayo and dozen other places in south and north Somalia when she was assassinated. I advice everyone to go and rent this movie if you can, its very informative and beautiful. Black hawk down doesn’t even come close to the environment and the surroundings the movie was shot in.

Originally posted by Psycho_Sue: What are you on about? You can even watch MTV base in Somaliland. And no the satellite dishies don't have be some massive monstrosities, Somaliland isn’t on Mars. What really matters is which satellite the channel is on and the satellite focus region, the farther you are from the focus region the bigger satellite dish you would need to pick up the signal. As for MTV Base, well that channel is on the NSS 7 satellite at East hemi.

Fyr, Sky Sports is available in the UAE Northerner I really don't know how people in UAE can get Sky Sports but according to these maps they can’t. Astra 2A/2B/2D Eurobird 1 at 28.2°E

The Birth of the Somaliland Protectorate's own Postage Stamps For those of you whom don’t have Adobe Acrobat Reader click on the link below to download it or you could just read the whole story in text version. Adobe Acrobat Reader Text Version

Originally posted by Northerner: ps can one recieve Sky Sports there? you would need one hell of big satellite dish to get sky my friend

LooooooooooooooooooooooL Can’t wait until tomorrow when I show these pictures to my father and stepmother. They gave 30min speech for noting yesterday, man somalis are easily to deceive.

I’ am too surprised brother Abwaan, I was so eager to debate with my fellow nomads at that moment about the effects of khat on our social and economical life and ways of stopping this drug from consuming our future. I would be happy if someone could jumpstart this topic which is a very interesting and crucial subject concerning our future.

How many times does one have to tell you to google before you post things you don’t know zilch about? Until next time please contract between SL and Total before you post. Sample contract between Somaliland and Total Company.

Yes STOIC! it's owned by the government.

I make prank phone calls form my cell phone to my relatives in Hargeisa and Mogadishu, call it bizarre/expensive I call it once in a life time moments.

What a waste! couldn’t you find better things to do rather then dedicating an entire topic on a typo? What a lame attempt to humour SOL user, truly pathetic.

Video Version (Starts: 1:30) Text Version

Duke you either post something to praise or to despise, and I’m confident you can all guess which one the above fits in to.

This is a internal Puntland matter, and Somaliland doesn’t room in this particular issue Good enough SOO MAAL, next time I better not catch you posting another Somaliland topic you hear? At least, Puntland security services don’t kill civilians, unlike Somaliland security services that slaughter Non-isaaks indiscriminately in the streets of Hargeysa. Most recently, Innocent Khadar Osman Dhabar (m), late 20s, married with 3 children was killed in daylight in the streets of Hargeysa, and Up to 100 demonstrators from the Gaboye minority group were arrested. Lets see how wonderful puntland really is ok! Human trafficking Piracy Kidnappings Criminal gangs Some areas people walk around with guns (law?) Killing of Imam in the mosque Dumping of hazardous waste Corruption Not safe enough for UNICEF Shutting down newspaper network Etc ect …… I can mention this in every thread but unlike you guys I utilize my precious time wisely. don't blame you when you defend Somaliland. But don't defend FYR when he pastes false reports. Wind no one is defending anyone here so chill out please! Now how is it that you can post an article containing misinformation but not me? Every time I posted inaccuracy information I’ve apologist for it, but you aren’t even a man enough to bring yourself to do it.

Where did I say that Barre Hiiraale was near Baydhabo? I was merely referring to JVA as a hole or part of it, but accept my apology for my misinterpretation and for not checking the thread itself. Now Wind, you didn’t have any problems post the Borama article wish contained misinformation about the town and its citizens, but you do have problem me posting one? And please don’t tell me your reason as to why you posted the article. If the information in the article isn’t accurately then don’t post it right Wind.Talker? P.S. I'm surprised you even know who Col Barre Hiiraale is. I thought referring to such men (for sub-clan reasons) was treason in your democratic Somaliland. Generalizing Somaliland won’t make your resentment any less good Wind it just fuels it. I suppose nowadays the enemy isn't Hiiraale's sub-clan (as you feel you've defeated him in your so-called war of liberation ), but rather is Puntland. As I said before Somaliland has its share of enemies both internal and external and I wouldn’t go so far as to call puntland an enemy, it’s more like a obstruct on the road to success.

Listen here buddy. This is what you wrote first: quote: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tension is reportedly high in Laas Caanood...after two men from Somaliland were arrested -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I responded by highlighting the fact that these dead men (alaha u naxaristo) can't be "from Somaliland" because they were part of Puntland security services. Hence, highlighting the flawed part of your report. Then, defeated, you desperately write: When I posted this BBC Monitoring report ‘hence not written by me. It was the only report that I could find on the net at the time plus I couldn’t find any collaborating story in puntlands news outlets. You on the other hand didn’t post any news article to collaborate with your story which led me not care were they were from and who the they work for and directed my views unlike you on the unlawful killing at hand. It doesn't matter where or from which tribe they hailed from. What matters is presenting the information accurately. Remember a discussion about Barre Hiiraale in mid may, you posted an article from Allgedo which said Barre Hiiraale was near Baydhabo but turned out to be false? Funny, how that doesn’t apply to you my dear friend. However, like I said, the killing was unjust and wrong - and the culprits will be brought to justice. Unlike Somaliland, Puntland (the people and the government) has dignity. The illegal torture and rape of a Somali woman will never be tolerated. Nor will the illegal detention of over 100 peaceful protestors (for reasons of clan marginality and deep-rooted animosity). There you go again “unlike Somaliland this unlike Somaliland that†come on! I thought SOO MAAL was no. uno on this subject guess I was wrong again! We could sit all day and talk nonsense about Somaliland this Puntland this but it isn’t worth my time Wind.talker.