Oodweyne, The TFG seems more informed than other parties about the agenda of the Conference. The official disbanding of the little power they hold through the TFI's is not a pleasant future from their vantage point. The official loss of Somali sovereignty through an official UN-AU mandated trusteeship should, also, be a matter of concern for all Somalis. Anyway, the story is developing...

Two things stand out here: A- The repeated attempts by all parties in Somalia to have the international community drag Somaliland into the Somali quagmire/fiasco. This would negate the 'defacto' independence (as opposed to 'dejure') of Somaliland in its dealings with international actors. B- The pushback within the TFG against the looming trusteeship being mapped for this conference. Something for the nomads to ponder....

TRANSITIONAL FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, REPUBLIC OF SOMALIA’S POSITION PAPER ON THE LONDON CONFERENCE: EMERGING THOUGHTS I. BACKGROUND: The United Kingdom government has recently announced a conference on the Situation in Somalia to be held on February 23, 2012 in London. Subsequently, certain statements were made by British officials to pave the way for the said conference. The British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, said: "Somalia poses significant threats to international security, as a base for terrorists and pirates who threaten the security and prosperity of people around the world.” Furthermore, British Prime Minister, David Cameron, issued a statement calling Somalia a “failed state that directly threatens British interests.” It is imperative to underline three particular facts. First, threats that have been emanating from Somalia are currently in declining trend. Second, these threats are symptoms, not the core problems. Third, political instability and underdeveloped and mal-equipped security apparatus are the real problems. The aforementioned statements stand in sharp contrast to the current situation in Somalia and do not seem to take into considerations recent development that occurred in the latter half of 2011. Despite the enormous and agonizing difficulties encountered mainly on the security front, Somalia has certainly been bouncing back from the dark security challenges of the past two decades, thanks to the extraordinary determination and perseverance of the Somali TFG and AMISOM forces. Though sporadic armed clashes still occur, the TFG and AMISOM forces have defeated Al-shabaab and cleared them from the capital city. As a result, today the ordinary residents of Mogadishu are able to get around and resume their normal lives in safety and security once again. Moreover, recent visits by the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in August 2011 and the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in December 2011, demonstrate Mogadishu’s strides in security. The Al-shabaab’s forces are now on the run and its reign of terror is precipitously withdrawing from many cities and districts under the coordinated joint military pressure. The process of eradicating Al-Shabaab is already underway, and the total liberation of the country from the clutches of Al-shabaab terrorism is soon to be a reality. For the past year and half, the TFG faced the worst famine in Somalia in sixty years and with backing of the international community and our Turkish friends, we have made some progress in reaching those affected by the famine. This famine created new challenges and many TFG resources were diverted to tackling its consequences and ensuring effective delivery of aid. Additionally, on the security front, Somalia has developed a comprehensive medium term National Security Stabilization Plan (NSSP) that outlines clearly benchmarks and responsibility for its implementation. The NSSP, which has been already passed by the TFG cabinet aims at stabilizing the country in the next three years 2011-2014. II. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE LONDON CONFERENCE: In our view, the recently announced February 23, 2012 UK government conference on the Situation in Somalia should build on recent TFG accomplishments and support a more lasting solution for Somalia. The agenda should not be limited to the issues of piracy and international security. Rather, it should include addressing the root causes of those security concerns. For the London Conference to be successful we are putting forth the following recommendations: 1- Reconciliation: We believe that a military victory leading to a durable peace is unlikely. Therefore, we seek a comprehensive peace process that includes all stakeholders at all levels and has international guarantees. a. Primary focus should be on facilitating a Somali-led national all inclusive reconciliation effort. b. The British government should use its diplomatic and political weight in bringing Somaliland to the table; not as an observer, but as a partner in peace. c. Strategize ways to address the range of driving factors fueling the conflict in Somalia and help prevent recurring conflict. 2- Security: Highlight the importance of national security mechanisms to enhance the legitimacy of the national government. a. The only lasting solution to the complex security problem is to rebuild a credible Somali national army, police, and intelligence security force capable of guaranteeing Somalia’s internal security and territorial water. b. Lift the current UN arms embargo resolution to allow the Somali armed force import the required weaponry, mobility and military supplies that would enable their combat readiness to totally disrupt and defeat Al-shabaab and carry out their defensive mandate. c. Build a viable Somali navy and strengthen the Somali national coast guard with efficient operational capacity, training; armed and equipped with adequate weaponry, technology and supplies (i.e. adequate patrol boats, ships, radar and radios) that would allow them to protect our coastal and maritime security, including piracy, toxic waste dumping, illegal fishing, and armed robbery in the Somali coast. d. Finalize the enlistment and training of the 30,000 troops; guarantee their continuous and incessant stipend payment and the refurbishing of troops’ barracks, headquarters and training facilities, so that the command and control of the army units is secured, troops are provided with adequate quarters; the routine trainings programs are regularly and frequently carried out. All this will come to the same cost as 12,000 AMISOM troops. e. Re-institute and revitalize the law enforcement agencies and their facilities, including the police stations in all urban centers, the custodial corps and court system. This to guarantee the competent fulfillment of law enforcement agencies responsibility. f. While monitoring continuously any financial transactions to and from Somalia is critical and taking actions against terrorist financing is key to defeating terrorist organization, we should also refrain from a wholesale halting of the Diaspora remittance, which is today (in the absence of the national financial institutions) the lifeline of the country. 3. Financial Management: a. Create an independent Joint Financial Management Board presided by a former Head of State to ensure and monitor mutual accountability between Somalia and donors. b. Greater transparency and accountability on the financial management is required. Therefore, while developing and following the standard fiscal framework and improved budgetary process for the entire budget cycle is critical, it is likewise necessary to install internal financial control, accountability and reporting structures, as well as a parliamentary oversight of the budget process. c. To that end, to show more accountability and transparency, the TFG should open its books for auditing to the International community and likewise, the UNOS, UNDP, WFP, etc., should also open their books for auditing to account how and where they have devolved and spent the money earmarked for Somalia. Bi-monthly financial reports should be published. III. CONCLUSION: The timing of the United Kingdom’s conference on the situation in Somalia is critical. Consequently, while the British government and the International Community seek this opportunity to coordinate and improve their policy toward Somalia and bring about a lasting solution, we urge them to base their decisions on TFG’s recent accomplishments. Second, as we recognize the AU countries’ brotherly sacrifices in blood and financial resources and their utmost role in enhancing security, which has certainly prevented our nation sovereignty to succumb under the pressure of the terrorist forces, we also believe that the only lasting solution to the complex security problem of our country and by in large to counter the piracy and terrorism question, is to rebuild a credible Somali security sector capable of guaranteeing the country’s law and order and internal security, secure good neighborhood, and provide a long-term deterrence to the issue of piracy and terrorism. Notwithstanding the current difficulties, Somalia is striving to maintain its inalienable right as a sovereign state and territorial integrity; as such any attempt that would limit or denigrate its self-government will unnecessarily generate another dangerous cycle of conflict.

NASSIR;782800 wrote: Mintid, Xaduuda ma Mexican baa laga xirayaa? A better question for you: Are there Mexicans at the Djibouti border? No, of course not. Yet there are still border controls between the two different Somali administrations at the Djibouti border.

The old story of Somaliland being the glue that holds Somalia together... ...... If only our brothers in Somalia would first learn to love each other and stop killing each other, then maybe they could be taken at face value in their love of 'Somalinimo' (and the need for dialogue on future relations/association). Until then, 'xuduuda ayaa la soo xidhayaa'. Coming to a village near you soon.... By the way, do any of you even know that Buhodle sits directly on the border and that parts of the town are actually in Ethiopia proper? Mise qolooyinkii aan ka hadlayey baad tihiin - From Xamar straight to Qurbaha...?

As long as all 4000+ stay in Minnesota all will be OK...

Xaaji Xunjuf;782342 wrote: adna waad qod qodaysa manad ogayn sol Xirsi ba akhriya. Wallee, Xaajigu waa nin waalan :D

Xaaji Xunjuf;782376 wrote: Carafaat stop focusing on Mintid farayars personal profile but come with real sensible arguments to back up you're claims. Xaaji, it's all good. Frustration comes to many when their arguments are taken apart. Especially when they're very out of touch with the people they claim to know. Here are two contradictory statements to show a lack of knowledge of who's who in Somaliland (a Somalilander will see the contradiction). Carafaat;782365 wrote: Mintid, and I really doubt if you belong to the noble Sulantan lineage . Cant belief that brave men Like Jamac Qaaliib, Buuba, current Min of Dec of Somalia, Sultan Abdiqadir and Faisal Waraabe, xaji Waraabe and you belong to the same family. You dont sound brave. Laga yaaba inaa abtiyashaa raacday, from the other side. That would make sense. and Carafaat;782374 wrote: Never mind. The rhetoric non-intellectual scribt and little content ayaan gartay, the Haatuf kind . And the kid wants us to believe he knows Somaliland, let alone being from there...

I think you must have me confused with someone else. For I'm far from belonging to any Sultan lineage you're alluding to. Just a poor Somalilander burnt by the mirage of Somaliweyn, just like the rest of his people... But nice attempt at fishing for lineages.

Well put, Xaaji. Carafaat, I still don't believe you're an ethnic 'lander, as you put it - but that's irrelevant to the argument at hand.

Carafaat;782290 wrote: Minti, inadeer, kumaan caayin. sidaan ku caaya, ileyn Suldaan baad ii tahaye. I only said. I have always supported the policy of Somaliland of non-intervention with Somalia. Up to this year, I think Somalilands needs to change its position, make the people ripe for re-attachment and prebare for a deal. You'll excuse me if I don't believe your statement of past beliefs....

Carafaat;782277 wrote: They might have not much to offer. As TFG's perios is ending. But there is more space/political vacuum then ever before, to influence things in Somalia. But you with your little/narrow horizon rather sit, wait and blame others. rather then taking matters in own hands. that is the diffrence between me and you, Minti. And you assertions that they are being led to the slaugher, is incorrent this time. In fact things are changing and people are willing to accept any positive steps. Minti, belief me I for one have always supported Somaliland's foreign policy and opposed Dhirta waqooyi going to TNG/TFG like Buuba, etc. Up to this year, because I belief there is changing coming and we have a momentum. So wake up, smell the coffee and get to work even if it was for recongnition. Saaxiib, ha xanaaqin when the fallacies of your different arguments are pointed. Don't do a Xiin routine and resort to name-calling when you're losing the argument. I'm just showing you the logical progression of Somaliland's path thus far, as opposed to the paths the other Somali political actors have taken. Regroup and try again...

Carafaat;782240 wrote: Mintid, previous goverments of Somalia Manifesto ignored Somaliland actors or like the TNG were not prebared to sit down with Somaliland and even denied its existence. So the policy of isolation was back then not by choice but by the southern political situation. Today the landscabe has changed and SL existence and its domestic souvereignity are hardly in question. Do you think its sensible to remain on the same track? see the comments made by another uncle of yours, Faisal ali Waraabe. I clearly agree with him and with Sifir that Somaliland needs to revieuw its policies regarding Somalia. Once again, incorrect, Carafaat. You're confusing talking to Somaliland with accepting its independence when it comes to the positions of the various pseudo-administrations in Mogadishu since 1991. They had all expressed a great willingness to sit down with Somaliland and talk about previous transgressions against Somaliland (during the military regime), but did not accept the independence of Somaliland. Sharif's gov't is no different in that belief. Rather it was the Somaliland administration that always refused to meet with them. What do the different political actors in the former Somalia have to offer Somaliland? I believe (currently) nothing. They're slowly being led to the slaughter and they don't even realize it (i.e. a creeping, stealth trusteeship). Even the Ethiopians officially said last week they are willing to hand over control of the Hiiraan regions they control to AMISOM when the time is right - no mention of handing it over to the TFG and its forces. The international community is more conversant than you are (it seems) with the capacity/non-capacity of the different administrations.

I completely understand your point, Oodweyne. But they are politicians at the end of the day in a vote-based system and, like all such systems, are always vigilant to which direction the popular wind is blowing. We will see how this plays out. The UK is pulling all the stops to get the attendance of all Somali stake-holders to the Conference. Your point in previous posts re:the UK's motivation for the Conference was spot on!

Option A, with all the risks it brings in displeasing the UK, has brought some tangible benefits for the people of Somaliland - which is uncontested peace, governance, and a strategic space to achieve more than the rest of the former Somalia has achieved. Some choose to ignore the fact that 20 years ago, the official government of Somaliland only controlled a few sectors of Hargeisa and has been gradually expanding its writ throughout the land it claims step-by-step. So if Somaliland is to attend this conference, the guarantees of certain incontestable parameters must be clearly ironed out for all to see in advance.

Oodweyne;782199 wrote: And that is why the Khaatumo concoction, and its political progenitor, by the name of Taleex Conference, were allowed to happen. Or at least, by default (in the sense of not sending the army to disrupt it, when it was happening) was allowed to go ahead, indeed. Hence, the political “prize” we are currently paying from that “close relationship”, in which the highest leadership of our nation have with those who are intend in creating a standing havoc in Somaliland. Or to put it, differently, I very much doubt, that UDUB leadership (in their day at leadership of Somaliland), would of have been so “openly nonchalant” about this thing, as the current leadership of the current elected government seemed to be. Particularly about this nuisance of a political agenda, in which, the enemies of Somaliland are concocting in here in so open manner indeed. But, for what is worth, we shall see whether the political hand in which the current loeadership of Somaliland are trying in here (a softly-softly version of a political conduct); coupled with a diplomatic “hide-and-seek” (or at any rate not full-throatily defending) Somaliland’s central independence argument, where our friends are concern, is likely to be any more fruitfully for them, come next year this time around.. In other words, we shall see how the “leadership” square these issues. Guru Oodweyne, Don't be fooled by the diatribes you read here on SOL or on the Web. Remember the former Somalia has had 3 power poles of gravity since independence and the bulk of the diaspora for the last 20 years has been mainly composed of those hailing from one of those 3 power poles(those you famously coined as "the defeated lot"). They often paint a picture quite different from the realities on the ground. The Somaliland leadership is fully aware of the sensitivity of the current situation and is engaged in consultations with those who matter on the ground.

Mart Twain, the American author, once said: "The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated"

Once again, Carafaat, you must learn to get your facts correct. Sifir is a former, long-term UN technocrat who joined the TFG under Abdullahi Yusuf's administration. He was closely aligned with Sharif Hassan, the current Speaker of the Parliament, during his time in Xamar and Nairobi. He was never a Somali ambassador nor ever a member of the collapsed military regime.

Carafaat;782168 wrote: it clearly shows the west orientated Borama-Hargeysa folks dominate the SL politics rather the eastern folks, who have the most interest in good relations, trade links and peace with Puntland and Somalia. Once again, Carafaat, you show how out of touch you are. Current Somaliland leadership hails from the Eastern regions and has close, personal links with the East. But that's politics all over the world, as JB said. Why doesn't the U.S. have political relations with Cuba instead of the strong alliances it has with Japan and South Korea?

Kamaavi;782077 wrote: Ciidamada gaarka ah ee Dowlada Deegaanka Soomaalida ee loo yaqaano Liyuu Booliska ayaa si nabad ah ku soo gudbiyay waftigii qaban qaabada ee shirkii Taleex ee hogaaminayay Prof. Cali Khaliif Galaydh. Maamulka Somaliland ayaa aad isugu dhabar jabiyay in xubnahan ay gacanta ku dhigaan waxayna maalmihii u dambeeyay dagaalo ka dhacayeen aaga Buuhoodle oo uu wafdigan ku sugnaa. Wararka saaka naga soo gaadhay magaalada Jigjiga ayaa noo xaqiijiyay in wafdiga ay soo gudbiyeen ciidamada Liyuu Booliska iyagoo badqabana la keenay magaalada Jigjiga oo la dajiyay Hoteel. Wafdigan ayaa loogu magac daray G6 waana gudigii iska lahaa fikira iyo dadaalkii lagu dhisay maamulka Khaatumo State of Somalia ee dhowaan lagaga dhawaaqay magaalada Taleex. Wixii kasoo kordha arintan kala soco Dhanaan.com Source: Dhanaan.com While many painted my assertion regarding the reasons for the Somaliland operation in Buhodle, even the opposing camps are corroborating that news. While many on SOL strongly disagree with my positions, at least my track record in reporting the real situation cannot be tainted by cheap, emotional postings.

Carafaat;781911 wrote: Most of them never lived in Sool, Snaag or Cayn. Its me like claiming villages frm Toghdheer cause sub-clan is from there. Pure form of unnecessary form of clannism. Precisely my point. Many on this Forum have caught the 'Born-again' fever with their respective clan without understanding the accompanying culture, regional situation, environment, limitations, links, etc. From Xamar to where ever in the Western World the family was able to get asylum is the lifestory of this type of individual. So their main exposure to Somali culture is the stunted example of the frustrated diaspora community. Like I've said countless times, the Somali situation is complex and the further North you go, the more intricate and complex the relationships get - this is b/c the further North you go, the more you find the original Somali xeer (less interfered by foreign forces) - some might prefer to call it 'Reer Miyi' way of doing things, but it's still the authentic (and quite complex) Somali way of doing things. Anyway, didn't mean to hijack the thread. Carry on...

Caaliya, You are right on some of what you said. Not all, but some... In all honesty, though, the situation of Sool and its inhabitants is a lot more complicated than either of the warring parties are making it out to be. Insha'Allah, kheyr for everyone and may we all learn to live in peace!

Aaliyyah;781819 wrote: ^lol you have the wrong perception of dialects and think its easy as white and black..MMA is not from hamar but was raised there and you clearly think hes from hamar simply cuz his dialect is southern.. marka dadka kala gurasid jooji. ...at the end of the day we are somalis. period. salaam Caaliya, caawa waad yara degdegeysaa. Where did I say he's from Xamar. I just pointed out the Waqooyi accent like all other Somali accents is not so easy to copy outside of saying a few words. As for your other question, I decided to sidestep that, inaabti, b/c aad baad u xanaaqsantahay and if I make you more angry, I would have to pay massive 'Xaal'! And I'm currently very broke....

Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar;781810 wrote: Taleexi, walaal, dee waa saa, waa runtaa, saas weeyaan . MMA, You made me laugh. But if you were Reer Waqooyi, you would have said: "Waar Taleex, dee waa sidaa, waa runtaa, sidaa weeyaan." - so as you see, it's not so easy for any region to easily copy the other. Little things give it away...

Just on a side note, for some of my Sool brothers and sisters: Many of you when you write in Af-Somali come across as Reer Koonfur. Sool inhabitants normally speak & write with a pure Waqooyi accent. What's the deal? Just wondering. Otherwise carry on...