I have left this forum with my victory & have started another one titled "the Awdal Revival..." Uncle Toms beware, your days our number on SOL. You have one of your own (reer waqoyi) who will air out the dirty laundry...Somaliland never existed and never will...I stand corrected, it did when the British controlled the territory. If you like to exist, I guess you will have to give authority back to your masters

About an earlier argument SNM=SOMALILAND & SOMALILAND=SNM Keep the liberation struggle for a United Somali Republic alive!

This is an article I found on the website "awdalrevival.com" "The Awdal Of Today Is The Adel Of Yesterday" Adel, a renowned empire in the Horn of Africa, had far-reaching repercussions in the history and culture of the Horn. From the 11th century to the 14th century, Zeila and Harar were cosmopolitan towns sitting at the top of a dynamic empire stretching from the Red Sea to the Hawas Valley. The success of Zeila as a trade centre with Arabia, the Indian Subcontinent and East Africa is the result of an empire with mixed economy; agriculture, livestock and trade. As a port, the city of Zeila grew to be a commercial centre but more importantly a centre of education and multiculturalism. Knowledge acquired through trade with a variety of cultures and peoples elevated the city’s stature in the Horn of Africa. Awdal’s connection to the most famous trade routes of the ancient world is evidenced in the lyrics of the preeminent folklore dance, the Zeili’ {Zaylici} which still dominates the stages and theatres in the Horn of Africa. The Somali lyrics have incorporated Hindi, Turkish, Arabic, Oromo, and Afari words and tones and adopted them into the basic structure and rhythm of the Somali Heelo – a precursor to the present day rich mosaic of Somali songs and poetry. A page in this website will be dedicated to this amazing folklore dance. By the 14th century, Adel Empire was the envy of nations. Despite the progress and development that Adel was making, all was not well. Abyssinia and Adel where at war in which over two-thirds of Abyssinia was captured. Abyssinia appealed to the Europeans for help and as a result Adel’s charismatic leader, Ahmed Gurey, was killed in battle with the help of the Portuguese. The expansion of Adel was driven by religious fervor. The spread of Islam and the betterment of life were the ultimate goals in distinct opposition to the Abyssinian expansion driven by an unquenchable thirst to bring more land into the domain of the feudal kings. As people converted into Islam the Adel Empire never looked into ways to entrench the permanence of their power base in the newly captured lands. This policy of laissez-faire became easy prey for Abyssinia which took advantage of the absence of centralized control and formal political strategy; factors that may have played a large part in the demise of Adel. A number of authors on Adel dwelled on the role of education in the Empire. Two centers of education, Zeila and Harar, developed formal and informal educational institutions. These institutions conveyed deep ethical values and morals crucial to the proliferation of enlightened citizenry. The codification of a culture conducive to the propagation of higher standards of ethics and morals uncommon in the vast majority of the Somalis at the time has been and is both an opportunity and a threat to the well being of Awdalians. These values have endured into the present and would bear out to be a liability in the Somalia dominated by a nomadic culture and a political atmosphere of despotism and dictatorship devoid of the requisite values and ethics necessary to nation building. In the 1800’s when Europeans made contact with the Horn of Africa, Awdalians had a skeptical view of them. European incursions into the Horn of Africa reminded them of old wounds especially the battles with Abyssinia acknowledging the European hand in the doom of Adel. European contact was shunned and despised. In Zeila, it was Haji Diide who demanded that Europeans “wash their feet before getting on their boats to avert taking our soil in their shoes”. The Haji represented the aversion of Awdalians towards Europeans who openly sided with Ethiopia. Awdalians resisted that contact with passion. Ethiopia, who as always, was keen on ensuring the death of Adel lobbied for the incorporation of Awdal into Ethiopia decrying the famous “Christian Island in a sea of Moslems” chant, and as a result Western Awdal was became Britain’s gift to Ethiopia despite the agreement between Awdalians and the British [The Gadabursi Treaty] “to respect the integrity of the land of Awdal”. Eventually, Awdal was divided among the three colonial entities: Ethiopia, Britain and France. In the face of more powerful enemy, Awdalians resorted to passive resistance such as ban on cooperation with the colonizers. Thus, British and the French in British Somaliland and French Somaliland were forced to down scale their colonial policies until they could come up with ways to bypass the Awdalian opposition. It took them several decades to understand the dynamics of old alliances and manufactured their own using tribal affiliations and blood lines as means to break down barriers to colonial resistance. Once they found the ropes, the politics of colonialism acquired satanic proportions in the Horn of Africa. The late 1800’s and early 1900’s was a period that put courage under fire; a period of controversy and contradictions; a period when massive propaganda was minted by the colonial powers and their stooges to put the last nail in the coffin of the Awdalian dream. Awdalians were ridiculed for standing up to the white man and demanding back their God given sovergnity. Loaded with resources unseen in the Horn of Africa or in the rest of Africa, the colonizers built alliances with tribes in British Somaliland, French Somaliland and Ethiopia. Legend has it that Awdalians are a jealous and envious people because the British and French would not promote them beyond the rank of inspector. As one colonial stooge whispered it to another, the legend became a household word to the extent that even the late dictator, Siyad Barre, is reported to have said that the Gadabursi are like “Indians”; meaning they work hard, do not steal. It is imperative to ask the question who would the British and French colonial masters promote? The answer invariably is: they will promote those who carry out the colonial agenda to its fullest without resistance in any form or shape. The division of Awdal between Ethiopia, French Somaliland and British Somaliland was the turning point in the history of the Awdalians. The physical division made Awdalians easy prey for political reprisals, under development and even mockery. Upon division, Awdal’s neighbors embarked upon a policy of encroachment which continues until today. In many instances, these policies are sponsored by government authorities either in Djibouti, Somaliland or Ethiopia. One example is the recent claim that Djibouti is hosting a large number of refugees originating from Awdal. The plan is to settle nomadic groups tribally affiliated with the government of Djibouti in Awdal. Ethiopia’s constant reshuffling of administrative regions has also been a source of ever–present dismay for the social and economic development of Western Awdal. The repression of Awdal is not limited to encroachment and economic exploitation. It has become a strategy to negate Awdalians any development. Despite the economic potential of Awdal, neither Somalia nor Ethiopia invested in its economic viability. The region, on both sides of the border, is rich in agriculture, livestock, minerals, fisheries and the prospect of oil and natural gas in commercial quantities is exceptionally promising. The aversion towards Awdal’s development has not gone unnoticed by the representative of International Aid Organizations in Somalia. A UN development Report on Somalia had this to say about Awdal and the Somaliland Administration headed by Egal: Access to international aid has proven to be a more complex issue in which Awdal has fared quite well despite the central administration. The Cigaal administration has consistently resented the relatively high levels of aid provided to Awdal since 1992. This has included the relocation of most aid agency compounds to Boorama during the civil war in Hargeysa in 1994-1995. Aid agencies have favoured Boorama because it had remained a peaceful, stable environment conducive to rehabilitation and development work. Agencies cite the absence of extortion and threats, excellent local counterparts and a culture of self-help in Awdal that stands in sharp contrast to many other operating environments in Somalia. This has, however, irritated Hargeysa. In 1994, the Cigaal administration went so far as to declare a popular and effective UNOPS official based in Boorama 'persona non grata', a move which led to street protests in Boorama. In 1997, aid agencies are again under strong pressure from the Cigaal administration to reduce their projects in Awdal and redirect efforts in Burco, where government needs to demonstrate that it can "deliver the goods" to the Garxajis clansmen agreeing to return to the Somaliland government fold. History is replete with examples of nations whose course has been diverted; on whose destiny befell a dark cloud of misery and misfortune. In history also abound examples of nations that defied the odds and ultimately reached the pinnacle of the infinite potential endowed in the unison of a society’s will to stand tall and proud. In its long history Awdal has seen the ravages of war and the perils associated with social chaos. A society needs a degree of enlightenment to comprehend the setback of war and its inherent vices. But that enlightenment comes with a degree of humility that can easily be misinterpreted. To the arrogant nomad, humility is seen as state of being intimidated and this has on many occasions in history soured the relationship between Awdal and it neighbors. Awdalians need to be persistent, consistent and constant in their determination to return to greatness. The road of persistence is arduous; however, it pays off for those who dare to travel it. Awdalians have the tools and the equipment for that road. They have to realize they need to make that journey. It has been observed by some that Awdal today, in the absence of government, is more developed than during the reign of the previous two governments in Somalia. This has given many Awdalians a false sense of security and pride. The Awdalian situation may in some cases be better off than that of most Somalis. But it is by no means close to what it should be or where it should be. Can we argue that being dead is better than being terminally ill? Awdal is terminally ill. The cure for this terminal illness is known and available. Awdalians have ignored the distinctiveness that made the Adel Empire. They opted to be blind in order to blend-in but failed to comprehend that blending-in takes you out of your elements. The strengths and the values that made them great 11 centuries ago are still the ones that make nations; they are the same values preached to the societies of the developed world, taught and encouraged in their schools. The revival of Awdal is in the hands of Awdalians who can change the status quo. It begins with a realization of who you are and the state of your affairs; followed by a commitment to the cause of revival with a relevant plan and a road map.

I laught at you people who twist my words, and who claim that I'm making a new history...please go read about Somali history. I'm done with these ego-manics who can't handle the truth, an Uncle Tom will always defend his fellow Uncle Toms. I have accomplished what I wanted to accomplish. I leave with my Victory.

Listen I did not disrespect no clan, nor am I trying to use universal Somali figures for my clans interest. This is concrete facts that your "books" will tell you. The British were welcomed at Berbera, and it was those who reside in the "triangle" who assisted the British during the fight against our beloved hero, Sayyid M.A. Hassan. As aforementioned, please don't get emotional behind your cpu looool, seriously. If you side with the Imperialist you are an Uncle Tom, those who sided with the British are Uncle Toms, those who sided with the Ethiopians, during the recent invasion, are Uncle Toms, if you do not side with your Somali Muslim brothers and sisters, than YOU ARE AN UNCLE TOM! I'm not generalizing no tribe, no clan, but folks who side with the enemy.

1st, I would like to say that I appreciate all the responses to my article, both for and against the Awdal Movement. 2nd, Those who are not Awdalites, please don't try to speak on our behalf...stick to Hargaysa, Burco, or Berbera, but don't speak as you know what we're thinking in Awdal. 3rd, Yes, we Awdalites are being opportunistic, I will admit that. I guarantee that once we lose our power position you will think differently of us, b/c of our subsequent actions. 4th, This article was not intended to convince you Uncle Toms about our position. Therefore, relax this has nothing to do with you, as you will see in the future what we Awdalites will do. There is no reason to get all emotional over the internet, while you hide behind your cpu. 5th, and lastly, I don't expect you Unlce Tom Somalilanders to understand the position I'm taking, this is a position of liberation and unity, one against imperialism. Must I remind you that you Uncle Toms fought against our beloved Somali hero Sayyid Mohamed Abdilahi Hassan, on the side of the British! Must I remind you Uncle Tom Somalilanders, that it was YOU who welcomed the British at Berbera! So it doesn't surprise me that the descendants (Berbera-Burco-Hargaysa triangle) of these traitors (who sided with the British Colonialist) are now justifying their very existence to European Imperialism (by stating that the British ordained the Somaliland jurisdiction). I'm from Awdal, the "Home of Ahmed Guray" and we Awdalites will never succumb to European Imperialism. We will never turn our back on our Somali brothers and sisters, who are also our brothers and sisters in Islam!

Loool nice propaganda people. Truth is, currently, we Awalites hold the presidency, hence the rulers, and will play along as long as we hold this high position. So out of respect of Riyaale, we act accordingly, but lets see whats happens once Riyaale is out of office, and say Silaanyo wins. I'm a full blooded Awdalite so I know what my people are actually thinking, I get front seating during the "behind closed doors" conversations. I attend all the conferences we have in N. America, and I'm a leader of the new Awdalite generation here in N. America. I KNOW whats on their minds. So continue with the propaganda, as we will continue to act accordingly to fulfill our "short-term" strategic interest PS Fellow Awdalites be aware that there will be a youth meeting (young adults) in the UK in the near future. I had a conference call today with 3 comrades, from the UK, who are proponents of the AWDAL MOVEMENT, and they informed me that the meeting will take place some time this summer, Inshallah.

Let me remind ALL: All I did was publish an article I wrote a year ago, you guys decided to respond. I'm mobilizing Awdal youth in the US, CANADA, & UK mainly right now, and mediocrely back in Borama. You can get angry at me and try to say this or that, but know that the Awdal Movement has been started. Kool_Kat thank you for welcoming me huno, know that I'm here to tell the truth about SNM and Somaliland.

You speak of the real world...well the real world DOES NOT recognize Somaliland nor do the recognize any such nationality called Somalilander. You can say what you like, but the truth will always be the truth. You founding father (Egal) even said himself that this experiment called Somaliland is a temporary solution until the brothers in the south get their act together. I suggest you follow his lead.

Insha'llah I'll try to find something. PS Its funny how my intellectual arguments got these Uncle Toms Somalilanders frighten. They claim that I'm someone else, no bogeyman here looooooool.

To the Uncle Tom Somalilanders: 1st) I am my own man, I don't hide behind the internet...if you google the article "The Awdal Movement" you can find my real name, as I have published this article on Awdalitian websites. 2nd) It is my fault for expecting some type of intellectual capacity from you Uncle Toms. The Somali Republic is two separate colonial entities, British and Italian, so by merging them, the Somali Republic became a unique country NOT drawn by white men BUT drawn by Somalis. The European colonial borders don't exist in the present-day Somali Republic, but the other three territories are still under the imperialist grasp. Adam-Zayla, thank you for understand what I meant, as you are aware of the history of our people, unlike others who claim this to be a "new history" lol. To you Awdalites who are so-called pro-Somaliland, you are entitled to your opinion but know that it is better to be a semi-autonomous province than to be a slave-province in a make-believe country. We give our tax money to the central government in Hargaysa, but don't get no assistance for development projects. Please study the history of the "Awdal Road Company", and see how these people were denied to build a port in Awdal b/c the Somaliland government disapproved and insisted on them investing there money in Berberea. I know one of the founding members of the Awdal Road Company. Know that the Awdal Movement is here, the Revolution is already in the process. You Uncle Toms will be defeated, and the Union shall WIN!

*Ibtisam* Let me hip you to a little SNM history. In 1984 Ethiopia's leader bombed four elementary schools in Borama, Awdal. Later in 1992, the SNM invaded Awdal with this same Ethiopian army, on the basis that we were hiding OLF fighters (which was founded later to be untrue). They invaded Awdal with Ethiopians and massacred civilians, killed children, and raped women. You think that conference of 1993 was real reconciliation, we didn't have a strong enough army in Awdal to defeat the Ethiopians, so our signature was strategic. I'm an Awdalite and I tell you that most of us are against Somaliland, we are just keeping quiet b/c we hold the presidency at the moment. WE don't adhere to the separatist ideology of Somaliland. I understand that the Berbere-Burco-Hargaysa triangle have always colluded with the British, as during the fight against our beloved hero, Sayyid Mohamed Abdilahi Hassan, than later during the colonial administration. Don't forget that Awdal is the Home of Ahmed Guray and we were, we are, and always be Pan-Somalist! Listen to our anthem please: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWYn_nhOSB0

SNM was formed in London, UK 1981 than transfered their headquarters to Addis Abba in 1986 or 87. How can you be a TRUE Somali liberation front and be headquartered in the capital city of the Somali Enemy? Somaliland is a make-believe country and every nation-state in the world knows this loooooool

I read this article when it was first published, this was during the parliamentary election. There is a triangle of dominance in Somaliland: Berbera, Burco, & Hargaysa. If you don't lie in this triangle than you are second class citizen. What Awdal wants is fair representation (the same thing that Sool & Sanaag wants), hence why I'm a proponent for Awdal to be semi-autonomous. The SNM massacred thousands of people for one reason, to bully them into the colonial inspired, separatist entity known as "Somaliland".

J.a.c.a.y.l.b.a.r.o, I suggest you go learn Somali history before you make ignorant comments. 1st) Somalis never gave the NFD to Kenya, it was awarded to them by the British in 1963. Matter of fact the NFD was part of "British East Africa". When the British gave this territory away to Kenyans, the Somali government at that time cut all diplomatic ties with Great Britian. And all the Somalis that lived in the NFD were repressed. 2nd) S/Galbeed was never given to Ethiopia by Somalis, but was officially given to them in 1954 by the British. The Somali government at that time went to war with Ethiopia in 1964 and again in 1977 to liberate the territory. Somalis still fight for liberation there till this day. 3rd) Nobody let Djibouti go away, Djibouti had a referendum in 1977, to see if they wanted to join the Union, they choose not to. Reason being, we (Somali Republic) was under a dictatorship plus we were a so-called Communist state, nobody will be foolish enough no vote them selves in this situation, hence why the Djibouti didn't. But it's worth noting that through out history the Somali-Djibouti relation was seen as a big-little brother relationship, with all Djibouti leaders yelling "Soomaaliya Ha Noolatoo" during speeches in Djibouti City. If there was a peaceful stable Somali Republic, they would vote to be with the Union. So Somalis stood there thinking where the borders should be placed ... It took them years to think and finally decided to give that NFD to Kenya and S/Galbeed to Ethiopia ? then they let Djibouti go away coz ... ehem .. ? i didn't know it was Somalis who drew the borders adeer ,Is it a new history ?? This is the ACTUAL history of the modern-era Somali Republic, not a "new history". I don't mean to be disrespectful, but I have never heard a Somali make such IDIOTIC comments about our history, you have really put yourself to shame "J.a.c.a.y.l.b.a.r.o "

Many folks here seem not to understand the underlying truth. Somaliland is a product of European Imperialism. The Somali Republic is the only African nation to draw its own borders, while every other African nations' borders were drawn by white men. You Uncle Tom Somalilanders will never understand where we African freedom fighters are coming from.

This is an article written a year ago. It is intended for those Somalis from the Awdal province, but all is welcomed to read and comment. ______________________________ The author puts Somaliland in quotations because he does not believe in such an entity. Our elders fought and died to make the Somali people free from the colonial grasp. As of 1960, Somaliland was defeated and the Somali people were once again independent. The quotations are out of respect for the brave men who are not here no more, may Allah (swt) bless their souls. ______________________________________ The Awdal Movement To my fellow Awdalites, a semi-autonomous Awdal province (emirate or state) is the only solution to enhance our standard of living. Economic development is impossible, unless we control our destiny. It is time for the worldwide Awdal community to realize this undisputed truth and push forward for a plan: the Awdal Movement. If Somalia were a tree, than we, Awdalites, are the roots. The whole world knows about our previous civilization, the glorious Awdal Empire (Adal or Adel Empire). This was the first documented history of Somalia. Prior to the Awdal Empire, there was a land that Pharaoh Hatshepsut called The Land of Punt, which geographically lies in what would become the historic confines of the Awdal Empire. If she, Hatshepsut, or our beloved forefather, Sultan Ahmed Guray, were capable of seeing our current situation, they would be disgusted! Why would they be disgusted? Reason being, a once proud and prosperous people are presently at the margins of history. How did we reach such inferiority? There are three main reasons. First, the Awdalites are disunited; bickering over petty inter-tribal problems (what I call Micro-Tribalism). Second, the Awdalites are unorganized, unable to move forward with a coherent plan for self-improvement. Third, and most importantly, the Awdalites have yet to be free to control their destiny. After our glorious empire fell, we were viciously colonized. After that, we became the most ignored region in the Somali Republic, and presently, we are the poorest region in the unrecognized, separatist entity, colonial inspired, “Somaliland”. We Awdalites love to brag about our intellect and how we are the most educated region. Some might even say that we are the highest per capita degree holders. But what good is knowledge when you are not conscious! Comrades please do not misinterpret me, I am a huge fan of education, but what sense does it make to be educated and not truly conscious? Any economist will tell you that the most educated classes are usually well off, and conversely, the less educated are poorer. The more educated one becomes, the higher his income will be, and vice versa. So why does this economic law differ in Awdal? The answer is simple, presently Awdalites are second class citizens, and semi-autonomy is the only solution to fix our numerous problems. As aforementioned, Awdal is currently the least developed province in the colonial inspired “Somaliland”. “Somaliland” is not recognized by any nation in the world, and rightfully so. International recognition is not only given to countries, but is also given to provinces and cities within countries. Since “Somaliland” is not internationally recognized neither is Awdal or any cities within our province. What does this mean? This means that Awdal is hindering her economic development for the sake of the SNM agenda. How many Awdalites have died by the hand of the SNM, and how many women were raped? And we are hindering our economic development for the sake of the SNM, shame on us! We all know about the human rights violations the SNM has committed against the humble people of Awdal. Every Awdalite has a family member who has died in the SNM “War of Atrocities”. We all know about the SNM inviting the Ethiopian enemy for assistance to rape our Awdal women and kill our Awdal children. We will never forget the ignominious invasion! So I ask again, why are we Awdalites hindering our economic development for the sake of the SNM and its agenda? What is the SNM agenda? The SNM agenda is the colonial inspired “Somaliland”. The flag, army, institutions, and ambitions of “Somaliland” are those of the SNM. “Somaliland” is the SNM and the SNM is “Somaliland”, this is a fact accepted by every conscious Awdalite. To “Somaliland”, the SNM are heroes, but to conscious Awdalites, they are war criminals. So readers are you conscious or still asleep? The proponents of SNM/”Somaliland” say that they have a right to independence because they were attacked by the Barre regime. In that case, so does Awdal! Was she not attacked by the SNM? To say she does not deserve independence and “Somaliland” does is hypocritical. And if any Awdalite disagrees, than I charge him/her with flamboyant cowardice! There is another reason why the proponents of SNM/”Somaliland” claim independence. This reason is based on the British ordaining the jurisdiction. So my African brothers are using European Imperialism as justifications, how shameful. Nothing more needs to be said. In conclusion, Awdal will never reach her potential and she will remain impoverish as long as she remains a “slave-province”. Slaves never reached their potential, not because they did not want to, but because their masters would not allow this. We must break our chains and free ourselves from the masters that lie in Hargeysa. We must only give our tax money to Borama (our capital and the “heart” of Awdal), never to Hargeysa. From this day on we must only follow Borama, never Hargeysa. Awdalites must become conscious of their situation and start to look after their interest. Hargeysa will never build a port in Awdal, they will never build a road in Awdal, so quit begging them like cowards! WE must build roads connecting Awdal cities and towns to each other and the rest of Mother Africa. WE must build a port in the “pride” of Awdal, Saylac. We must look within! We must declare Awdal to be semi-autonomous! __________________________________________________ ____________ Food for Thought Currently, the UN, AU, and all international organizations and every country officially sees Awdal as a province in the Somali Republic. We can not get any international aid or assistance as a province in a “make believe country”. We must declare Awdal a semi-autonomous province (emirate or state), within the Somali Republic. By doing this, we can lawfully secure loans, aid money, and international assistance, to help enhance our living standards. If we try to do this under the guise of “Somaliland”, we will be denied, because this will go against international law and regulations. Awdalites do not destroy the future of Awdal and her children for the sake of the SNM and its agenda!