I guess I am in as I work for an agency which has more power than TFG as far Somali affairs are concerned! Care to join? Gabal waa nin tol ah oo iga naxaya! Adiga hoos gelintii bari/maakhir ayaad bilowdey; waxaaan kuu heestey hawdo I must close my eyes and think happy thoughts so I fell sleep! Good night guys! S

Oomaar is pipe dream due to the powe sharing structure. As far as safe choices are concerned, he is a good bet along with the front runner! A senior politician was asked about the possiblity of him becoming the PM and his response was "Sheekhoow faan badanaa" Guys, it is late; off to bed. Cheerio. S

Abwaan, Abdikareem Buuhoodle iyo Marqaanweyne ayuu willal qoor dhaadheer ka keeni . About the post: Nice pics! Xiinnow: They are not allies matey; i tell you that. He has been a thorn and part of Sakiin's clique of late! S

Gabbal, I have realised (nay, internalised that I am Somali) thus I have to give back to my people in the small way I can. That being said, I am in no rush to going to dirty my hands as it were- politics in Somalia is not something to be desired as this juncture; things might change though . Generale: Saacid is from Cabudwaaq and has rather famous wife from Galgaduud- I can't remember er name- Abwan might remember the name?. He is not a serious contender! He is being campaigned for some guys with hidden agends- Ahmed Abdusalam who has been waiting to see Sharif last night more than couple hours is campaining for him as his political possition will be precarious if Mr Jama takes the seat. Al together not a serious candidate. S

I doubt Sicid Qorshel is in the running- in serious manner that is. He is a sports guy and will be lucky to get a cabinet role!. Goonjeex is out Mr Abwaan- no substance I am told plus he is close to Sharif Sakiin. From Geddo boys he is leading but we are not sure whether is the favourite. Puntland: Abdikareem seems to be in the lead. He has just sent a ship full of raashin from Dubai on behalf of the TFG. We will see where this saga ends. S

Too close to call but it is a between Mr Jama and someone from Geddo region. A friend called Mog and spoke to the chap who own Juba (Siciid) who confirmed that Sharif Called Sharif Sakin and communicated to him that he will appoint Mr Jama. Also, the list given to the Americans today (according to the interpreter of the Preseident) were: Abdikarim Jama Abdiqadir Jangeli Khalif Mudan Xalane Will update you as the news comes in. S PS: He might surprise us and name someone who is not part of the names people are mentioning.

Thierry, I am not privy to this information. I only know this because it is in the ICG Madrid communique. Anyhow, all shall be clear insha Allah by Thursday. S

Yes and no! He was quite possitive about transitional tasks which he needs to complete. He also agreed that Constitution is way forward though he expressed certain concerns- nothing serious I must admit! I think in terms of political Strat, he said he will leave that to the future PM and his lean and affective cabinet. There is a security plan in the oven too! S

^But Somalis are Muslims no? S

Xiin, Warka Nairobi yaala waa sidaas, laakiin Somali politics is indeed unpredictable. Abwaan: Gabadha iskadaa, caashaq wareer ayaa hayee . Hadii aan doono inaan senior Minister ka noqon karo ma oga kobtadatan I think Mr Jama would not cause profound disagreements with the President but undoubtedly, he will disagree privately on matters relating to administrative policy. Meesha shaqo ayaa taala, hadii la rabo in wax laqabto hade iska hor imaad waa iman. Generale: Most of the International community that I have met (colleagues and others) have a good opinion about this chap but are concerned for his Islamist tendencies. These folks are easily impressed- speaks well and is presentable is what they say!. But we shall find out what will happen by tomorrow insha Allah. S

Generale, Shariifka never grew up in Jawhar but a small village which has tuug in its name. Abdikareem didn't know Shariif before the war; tan aniga iga qor. S

Qoorsheelhas fans in the parliament but not a serious candidate- will not do well with the beesha shanaad: kuwa lacagta bixiya! s

Che, unwritten rule old chap, rules that digtate Somali politics!. Generale: If I was a betting man I would bet on the man whom I share my Surname. Couple guys and I had a quick meeting with him and he seemed self assured- "nin muufadiisa maraq ugu jirto ayuu u ekaa" was a remark made by one of the chaps who was with me. Generale: Are you reffering to Ali Isse, the former IMF country director? His name has been throwned around but he personally mentioned to me that he is not interested as this government "gabalkeedii waa uu dhacay". S

Good meeting, though was quite short for the Somali standards. What I have gleaned as far as the potential candidates are concerned: 1) Abduqadir Jangali (Geddo region) 2) Abdikarim Jama (Buhodle, current chief of staff) 3) Xalane (Jubada Hoose- current Finance Minister) 4) Edson (Mudug, current safiir in Kenya) S

Nomads, I have been informed that I will be one of small group of Somalis (7 people) who will will meet the el Presidente. Undoubtedly, one of the issues we will be asked to speak to him about will be the PM issue. What is SOL's thoughts on this? Any particular input you would like to put forward to your president regarding this matter? S PS: Meeting wiol take place in an hour half's time.

Waryaa Libaane adeeroow maxaad iiga carsho carsheyneysaa threadka? Boowe maad meel kale aado kheyr qabe! S

Abwaan, you are right Shariif Hassan swore that both candidates (Abdikareem and Moe Abdirisak) will not become PM- over my dead body was what he said according to some. However, the old horse is running out favours as it were!

Lol @ horseed media! As someone who is friend to one of the most closest people to El Presidente, Edson and his likes wont. There is a new horse on the course by way a chap from Campala from Mudug region of Somalia. Mohamed Abdirisak whom I would like him to become the PM (for reason known to many) is also a candidate. He is currently in Washington and is a colleague of mine. I think he could be an affective PM (whatever that means in this current sitution) but Puntland may not like him. He is also from Mudug. Likely candidates: 1. Abdikareem Jama 2. Mohamed Abdirisak Xiin's new Maths is a rumour too- strong one nevertheless! S

Nassir, I not campaign manager for AbdulKareem but I was telling you the news in Nairobi; he my dear friend is a front runner. He is insider and is from Puntland. Anyhow, I will let you guys know what is up by Saturday morning Insha Allah. S

Make sure you send me your number! S

Generale, I am in the middle of this and I assure you there is no such talk in Nairobi although most of those who apposed the PM also appose the President! One senior Ala Sheikh official I spoke to an hour ago confirmed that their political plan for the next three years is in motion! Of course, Somali politics is without a doubt unpredictable (as far as the musical chairs is concerned) but I dont think another reconcliation conference similar of the past would take place- but I shall never say never! Let me know your number; email is my first name. last name @undp.org Speak soon old chap! S

Why would you recommend him? The real question is what is expected of the new PM; would it change anything on the ground? S

In case someone of you are wondering, Goonjeex is from Caabudwaaq and C/Kareem is from Buhoodle! So, what is your take? S

The PM has resigned (forced to resign) couple hours ago. Sharif enroute to NY today. What is next? Goonjeex as a caretaker PM (mashqac weeye) and C/kareem Jama as a PM- this is the rumour in Mogadishu and Nairobi. Does it make any difference who becomes a PM? S

I had a dinner with the legend couple weeks ago at Westgate, Nairobi. I often see him on my way to and from work. Very nice Somali chap. S