Maasha Allah! hereos aren't they? Foreign-Educated Somalis Give Up Lucrative Incomes Abroad to Serve Homeland Three years ago, two Somali doctors gave up their lucrative practices and comfortable lives in Persian Gulf states, and returned to Mogadishu to set up the hospital. The two doctors brought with them much-needed skills to treat widespread illnesses, such as tuberculosis, malaria, and respiratory diseases. The doctors could not afford to build a new hospital. But, working with friends, they pooled enough money to purchase some high-tech diagnostic equipment to support their work in gynecology, urology, obstetrics, and other key medical specialties. They charge patients $1 per visit, and the price includes 10 days of follow-up care. But that is as much as many Somalis earn for a full day of work. So, on Thursdays, consultations and treatments are free. Read more here

thanx all of you who posted these very nice pics.

Statistically irresolvable: The Nairobi Conference Somalia remains to be ‘the only country in the world without central government' for over a decade. Attempts to cure the grassroots of the problem failed one after another, presumably for unknown reasons. Currently, a national reconciliation conference is undergoing in Nairobi , Kenya for over a year. For many, the result is already clear: failure . The key word failure, in my opinion is the product of accumulated three major factors: The growing number of warlords, the public's blind support to the warlords and the neglecting international community. The number of warlords is skyrocketing by the hour. A decade ago, when the first Somali reconciliation conference was held in neighboring Djibouti , major warlords were only handful. Little by little, the number kept increasing drastically as nearly every warlord trained even more brutal ex-deputy. Today, Nairobi is filled with former friends and current co-chairs of two-sectioned Somali-Something organization. Not only the warlords are increasing by the number, but also they are forming geographical fractions of the land they operate in – A fact that will further complicate the reconciliation process. And that is a major factor contributing to the continuation of the conference, despite its desperate level. For the public and the media, the name of a new self-nominated war mentor is to be learned. For IGAD administration, a substantial number of interpreters are to be hired to facilitate the communication between IGAD presidents and a new an alphabetic man. While the growing number of warlords is indeed disappointing, The Somali people are to be blamed for much of the failures of these conferences. Do you wonder why? Well, I'll narrate a story and you decide why. A month ago, one of the most merciless warlords decided to finally accept IGAD's appeal to have ‘his honor' in the conference. Dressing up in a western style, the warlord landed in Wilson Airport with handful of his future member of cabinet wanna-be's. Outside the airport, tens of Somalis were lined up, waving Somali flags to the warlord. Not only that, but they eventually lifted the heavy man for the ground. As I was glancing those images at one of the websites, I was questioning myself; why in the world an immigrant who is probably in Nairobi to make it to the west, would ever choose to jubilantly welcome the man who forced him/her out of their land? What is the ultimate price of showing warm desire to those merciless men? For a second, I thought about the possibility that those people were paid, but when I double-checked the line-up, the reality commenced to unfold in my mind; that those are ordinary Somalis with extra-ordinary tribe attachments. Thus, I came to the conclusion of labeling the public as part of the obstacle. The obstacle is not limited to the warlords and the public, but the international community is ought to be blamed significantly of the failure phenomenon. A phenomenon that started back in 1993, when over a dozen American soldiers were perished in the dusty streets of Mogadishu . And angry Somalis recklessly dragged one of them. Since then, the world's hegemony, the U.S. led the international community to ghost Somalia . From that day, Somali is missing in action from the international radar. One might wonder why the international community's attention is a factor contributing to the failures of the conferences, but its mathematically impossible to rebuild a nation with such a magnitude without the international community. Other conflicts in the world are good example of the vitality of the international community. Although the European community is said to be partially paying the daily costs of the Nairobi conference, their political role is almost invisible, with the exception of sending the locally corrupted Italian ambassador. Finally, Somalia is attempting to heal despite 14 national reconciliation conferences that resulted nothing but more jam for the ‘Black House' (Aqalka Madaxtooyada). The number of presidential wanna be's is also a record high. The people are still enthusiastic to blindly support warlords, even if they are in refugee camps. The International Community is busy with terrorists and WMD. Thus, it's statistically impossible to turn the one year-old Nairobi conference fruitful. In fact, future attempts are likely to also fail when those obstacles pre-exist. C/raxman Ceynte Minnesota click here for link

thanx sxb for remainding us what happened and still is happening in somalia. although i watched this video and others two weeks ago but it seems fresh and sickining all over again.

nasir sxb its almost certain that if this peace talk in kenya fails the world will not have a choice but to give recognition to somaliland. the process is already started by the British parliamentarians and recent invitation of somaliland officials namely the president or the ms adna to british parliament.

is this the next asylum seeker to somaliland on the line? Mid ka mid ah wasiirada Puntland oo ka hor yimid kordhinta xukuumada Garoowe Sida uu qoray maanta wargeyska shacab ee ka soo baxa Garoowe waxaa si toos ah uga horyimid kordhintii xukumada Puntland loo kor dhiyey wasiirka maaliyada C/raxmaan Faroole oo ku timamaay mid Barlamaanka keligiis watay oo aan golaha xukuumada waxba kala socon ,hadalka xiligaan kasoo yeeray wasiirka ayaa u eg mid lagu kala qebsan yahay oo xiligaan dawlada ku ah falaar ku gaadsan, sidoo kale waxuu ku tilmaamay wasiirka madaxwayne ku xigeenka nin wada in Puntland mar kale qasanto sidii ay u qasantay xiligii hore ee kala guurka. Dhanka kale maanta ayaa baarlamaanka Puntland ku kala dareeray doorashada xisaabiyah guud ee Punland ka dib markii uu saakay soo hordhigay qareenka guud ,arinkaasi oo aad moodid mid siweyn loogu kala qeybsanyihiin xubnaha Barlamaanka Punland. click for link

Boqor Boormadow is one of few good men in Horn of Africa who sacrifice his life to safe others. surely he deserves medel of honour for his tireless peace activities and doesn't deserve in to be lock away in that jail. Afrikaay magacaa ba'a ninka ugu qiimaha badan bey iska curyaamisaa. I hope somaliland government listens plea from all corners of the world to release that honorable man.

thanx sxb this is another good development and certaily helping the local people.

well done all of you pics are nice and keep posting them.

i think the debate was very moving and although there are some wrong informations whatever the reasons might be in its totality favourable to the people of somaliland. the questions they raised are very similar to what fair minded people were already asking. One of those questions is if international community doesn't reward success should they reward failure? should this peace talk in kenya fails not only british goverment but the intire international community will face very big dillema and i think the consensus will fall apart eventually. one serious note though is that the conflict in Las Anod may jeopardies 12 years or so of positive image of somaliland in the international community. Its upto the political elite in Somaliland and their skills to avoid to shatter that image as recognition comes nearer.

is this the reason why they signed the peace accord? They said they signed the latter one because they did not want "to cause an embarrassment to President Kibaki". click here for link

Annan hails agreement on new transitional charter for Somalia 30 January 2004 – United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today welcomed the accord signed by Somali leaders on the political transition of their country, which has long been wracked by war and poverty. Meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, on Thursday, they reached agreement on a charter that would help lay the foundations for an effective, working system of government after years of civil conflict. Mr. Annan "encourages Somali leaders to build on the progress achieved and swiftly conclude the Somali National Reconciliation Conference with the establishment of an inclusive government," he said in a statement issued by his spokesman in New York. The Secretary-General also praised the work of Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki, Uganda President Yoweri Museveni, other leaders of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and international supporters of the Somali peace process for their perseverance. Mr. Annan's statement came as the UN refugee agency called for "a drastic increase" in support for the UN's programmes in Somalia to take advantage of the progress in the peace talks. A high-level team from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) today concluded a 20-day mission to Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Kenya. Senior UNHCR officials reviewed the existing refugee schemes in Somalia and neighbouring countries. An estimated 200,000 Somali refugees are spread across Kenya, Yemen, Djibouti and Ethiopia. UNHCR spokesman Kris Janowski said more than half the country is enjoying a period of relative peace and stability. He told the press in Geneva that this "window of opportunity" should be exploited to promote the return of up to 30,000 refugees to the Somaliland and Puntland regions of Somalia. Somalia remains one of the world's most destitute countries, ranking third poorest out of 174 nations surveyed in the latest UN Human Development Index. The UNHCR estimates that more than 90 per cent of returning refugees do not have enough money to meet their basic needs. click here for the source

Declaration by the EU Presidency on the National Reconciliation Conference in Somalia Jan 31 2004 Brussels, (Somaliland Net) - The European Union welcomes the agreement signed on 29 January 2004 by all parties taking part in the "ten days consultation period" in Nairobi on outstanding issues concerning the Transitional Institutions for Somalia. Such agreement paves the way for moving to the third and final phase of the Conference, thus opening a window of opportunity to be seized upon without hesitation. The European Union commends the efforts of Somali leaders in order to attain this fundamental outcome by overcoming their differences and calls upon them to ensure that the same spirit of positive co-operation prevails during the third and final phase of the Conference, and that a comprehensive and all-inclusive solution is found to the long-lasting crisis in Somalia. The European Union reiterates its full and continuing support to the IGAD-sponsored national reconciliation process to which there is no alternative for the restoration of effective government, peace and stability in Somalia and commends all IGAD member States for bringing about real progress within the process. In particular, the European Union praises the successful efforts of the current Chairman of IGAD, President Museveni, the sustained engagement of President Kibaki and the tireless endeavours of Kenyan Foreign Affairs Minister Musyoka and the Presidency of the IGAD Facilitation Committee as well as the continued presence of the Foreign Minister of Djibouti, Ali Abdi Farah. The European Union calls upon members of the IGAD Facilitation Committee to further their joint efforts and to assist in the successful conclusion of the final phase of the Conference. The European Union stands ready to provide financial and technical support to a provisional allinclusive, broad-based Government for Somalia. The Acceding Countries Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia, the Candidate Countries Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this declaration. click here for the source

Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC January 31, 2004 Somalia Peace Agreement The United States commends the signing of an agreement by influential Somalis to establish a new national parliament in Somalia and begin the process of electing a president. By signing this agreement, the Somalis have demonstrated their ability to overcome differences, increase their capacity to formulate workable compromises and begin reaching out to former adversaries in the interest of providing a way forward for the Somali people. Somali citizens have suffered a great deal since the collapse of the central government in 1991. The United States welcomes the efforts of influential Somalis in forming a new central government and in working together to improve the quality of life for all Somalis. Although the January 29 signing was a significant event, it is just one critical step in what will still be a long and difficult process. We urge Somalis of influence to do all within their power to ensure that momentum is not lost. The United States also recognizes and appreciates the efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), particularly the recent efforts of the President and Government of Kenya and Ugandan President Museveni in reaching this agreement. We hope that all international observers will continue to play a positive role in this Somali peace process and support sustainable peace in Somalia. click here to see the source

Eid mubarak indeed to all nomads here. Ciidaan ciideeda Allaha nagugaarsiiyo bashbash iyo barwaaqo, Aamiin.

Ayoub sheikh Aaden Cadde and the other southern offered a take it or leave it deal to Somalilanders i think this statement is not right at all. the reason is that i heard Omar Arte Galib the formar somali foriegn minister who happen to be active in the politics back in 1960s said when the two sides met for the first time and we told our intention to create union between the two nations, Adan Adde's representives with the knowledge of the president request to see some conditions for the union. Ina Arte said then we came back to the somaliland parliment and told the Adde's position our parliment rejected setting any conditions for the union even when my party showed draft condition we prepared for the occation still the parliament rejected. this version of events also backed by Sheikh Mukhtar who was the speaker of the Parliament of the union in an interview he has given 2-3 years ago and also Jama Yare in his book the coast of dictatership. I think president Adde did his bit but northern politicians either lost the plot or where all satisfied with the political situation in the country. one of their political rights which they could do regtify the situation was to boycut the elections to highlight the situation but to my knowledge the didn't do that even ones.

i think horn is right the two guys are different one was the man who challenged Abdiqasim in Arto election while the other one shown his interest in politics in last summer. so which one you refering?

To Ayoub-sheikh sxb talking about early mistakes do you think only pres Adde made mistake or only southerns made mistakes. What about the somaliland parliment or the their excutives or polical parties and so forth? what happen to the great sland politicians like pres Egal and others. surely they had very big responsiblity for their people if southerns showed tendency of forcing their will to the somalilanders? i think as southern person we took too much blame and scapegoats of every mistake ever done by any somali politician. be fair to the Man and give credit where its due.

what is wrong if they are the best we have? in general we have to be positive and stay optimistic about the latest agreement. i really think we moving in the right direction but slowly.

Subsequently and more pertinently, consequentially to this day, there had been no legal "Act of Union" nor a legitimate "Constitution" ratified in both jurisdictional entities of --Somaliland State and the State of Somalia--, i think that is why the people of the Somaliland never accepted the union and never seen the first Republic as ligitimate one. what i think is that politicians of both sides of the border let thier people down by rushig the unity of the two independent states. Had they took thier time and let their prespective people discuss and vote the issue we would have been better off union or no union.

UN condemns killings of women and children NAIROBI, 27 Jan 2004 (IRIN) - The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia has condemned the recent killings of women and children in the south, according to a press statement issued by his office on Monday. Maxwell Gaylard said that during a visit last week to the southwestern villages of Xudur and Waajid villages, UN officials had received confirmation of several such incidents, including the killing in December 2003 of 10 women in the vicinity of Baidoa town. "This is a very disturbing trend and one that has shocked the communities themselves for both the unusual brutality of the killings and the intentional targeting of women and children," said Gaylard. The atrocity was reportedly committed by a militia group of one of the two major subclans of the area, apparently in revenge for earlier killings. Other incidents of abduction and rape of women and children had also been reported to the UN and local human rights organisations, said the statement. Fighting between factions of the ********* Resistance Army (RRA), which controls the Bay and Bakol regions, has been going on since July 2002, when a power struggle erupted between the RRA chairman, Col Hasan Muhammad Nur Shatigadud, and his two deputies, Shaykh Adan Madobe and Muhammad Ibrahim Habsade. Traditional elders who were trying to broker a peace deal have reportedly negotiated a ceasefire. Gaylard called on Somali leaders to take all possible steps to end the cycle of violence, and in particular to safeguard the security and welfare of unarmed civilians, including women and children, and to bring to justice those who had committed crimes against unarmed civilians. click here for the article

Miyadan dhiig lehyn?? Goor hore ayaa nalaga miirtay. "It is a compromise agreement, and we welcome anything that will bring the Somali people together," this is why we support this agreement and its our hope that it makes more success how little it might be to keep our spirit high. i think these warlords are showing some leadership signs and we have every right to be optimistic about it. who knows maybe they are making history!

Somali Warlords In Painful Dilemma: Time To Decide! Ethiopian foreign minister Soyuim Mesvin, has arrived this week in Nairobi probably to push top Somali warlords to derail the seemingly successful retreat talks in Kenya! His unexplained visit and secret meeting with Somali Warlords, has stirred deep rooted suspicions and will almost certainly do little to enhance the already fruitful Igad and international community endeauvors. Ironically, some of these present day warlords, might be "the wannebe" leaders of an imminent United Somali government, now visible no the horizon, should the talks succeed. But their ally," Ethiopia" now opposes the compromise and therefore denies them the chance to become the legetimate leaders of their country "Somalia". Paradoxically, their close ties with Ethiopia becomes a boomerang that hits themselves! To day Ethiopia's interest " not to form a unified strong government in Somalia" is diametrically opposite to the interest of her allies in Somalia. Therefore, the concerned Ethiopian supported Somali warlords face a painful dilemma- they do not dare to tell Ethiopia the bitter truth and take a patriotic stance. And they can not afford to waste the tantalising chance which alures them back in villa Somalia, (the bone of contention). Since they can not eat and have their cake at the same time, it would be wiser for them to Choose between Addis and Mogadishu. They can not ride both horeses simmulteanously. They should decide before it is too late! Time and tide wait for no man. My advice is: "home is best." click here for the articale

Lord of the Rings star attacks Muslims ONE of the biggest Welsh movie stars in Hollywood kicked off a race storm last night after making anti-Muslim remarks. Outraged Islamic leaders in Wales demanded an immediate apology from Lord Of The Rings actor John Rhys-Davies, who claimed an increase in Europe's Muslim population was a "demographic catastrophe" threatening "Western civilisation". The 59-year-old Ammanford actor's comments were originally made in an interview with American journalists from World magazine, but this week they were used by the far right British National Party in a leaflet to campaign for support among cinema-goers. Last night Rhys-Davies stood by his views which follow Robert Kilroy-Silk's inflammatory anti-Arab column. But he criticised the BNP for hijacking his words for their own ends. click here for full articale

Originally posted by Maahir: But my Question to you is Do u think the people of LA would agree the comparison of LA to Kashmir?? Btw, Hargeisa and Garowe are one the former Somali Repulic cities and so is LA.God Help sxb i don't know whether they would agree or not. what i know is that all those massive problems be in Kashmir or NI or Badme started small arguement of some sort and they end up unsolveable international crisis. Kashmir was under brithish colonial power so India and Pakistan. there were no problems under british rule. the problem started after creation of Pakistan. in similar tokan LA problem started after distruction of the Old union and the creation of Somaliland. that is where similarities come to play.