Hales Posted November 4, 2010 I'd just got back into my taxi when word reached me that the son of the famous warlord, General Mohammed Aideed, who was blamed for the gruesome deaths of 18 US servicemen during the ill-fated Operation Restore Hope, might be available for interview. It was suggested that after seeing Hussein Aideed, I could stop by at the Wagon Wheel restaurant to meet the warlord who killed his father. It was then that the man with Essex connections leaned in through the window and whispered the name "General Morgan." The infamous General Morgan can currently be found at a pokey hotel about 10 minutes' drive out of town. Clad in designer sunglasses and paramilitary top and trousers, this bald-headed warlord looks like he's strolled off the set of a Mad Max movie. In real life he stands accused of murdering scores of innocent civilians during fighting in the Somaliland capital, Hargeisa. Self-Defense Perhaps reading my thoughts, the general began to smile almost warmly and spent the next 15 minutes insisting that he's only ever killed in self-defense - and that was a long time ago. Perhaps reading my thoughts, the general began to smile almost warmly and spent the next 15 minutes insisting that he's only ever killed in self-defense - and that was a long time ago. "In fact", he went on, "I'm now more of a peace-lord than a warlord." Given this reassurance it seemed safe to ask him how he felt about being nicknamed "The Butcher of Hargeisa". My translator stared back at me as if I'd lost my sanity. I repeated the question and finally, after a lot of nervous fidgeting and chewing of biros, he translated. Looking surprised, if not a little hurt, the general's face made clear that he wasn't too happy about his alias. Before he could respond any further, a tray full of coffees arrived. During the rush for cups, he suddenly became agitated and started shouting. Two of his aides shouted back. Through the jumble of foreign sounds two words kept emerging, at regular intervals. Each time, they were followed by bangs on the table and more heated exchanges. Universal Language I began to wonder whether it was time to beat a hasty retreat after perhaps going a question too far. Then, slowly two words emerged through his thick Somali accent: "Michael Owen, Michael Owen." With the assistance of my translator, it became clear that this group of lawless warriors were not debating claims of genocide, or what to do with BBC men bearing troublesome questions. They were locked in debate over who was the star of the recent World Cup. General Morgan adores Michael Owen. The Butcher of Hargeisa is an England fan. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hales Posted November 4, 2010 http://www.somalilandtimes.net/Archive/48/4804.htm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Zack Posted November 5, 2010 An eight year old article? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
