AN HONOR VISIT

[Jacaylbaro]

Hargeysa (Qarannews) - Duuliye sare Axmed Maxamed Xasan oo ka mid ahaa ciidankii cirka ee Soomaaliya, Islamarkaana ahaa Bayloodkii diiday inuu fuliyo amarkii lagu siiyay inuu duqeeyo Magaalada Hargeysa 1988-kii, diyaaradii uu wadayna ka dejiyay Jabuuti, ayaa labaatan sano ka dib hadda booqasho ku yimi magaaladii uu xiligaa uga tudhay duqayntii qayrkii fulinayay.

 

Axmed Maxamed Xassan oo hada degan Hoteel Imperial waraysi dheer oo uu shalay siiyay Wargeyska Ogaal waxaa uu kaga hadlay arrimo badan oo la xidhiidha duruuftii wakhtigaas, go’aankii uu qaatay, wixii ku kalifay iyo wixii uu ku danbeeyay-ba.

 

Waraysigaasina waxaa uu u dhacay sidan:

 

S: Duuliye sare Axmed Maxamed, bal waxaad ka warantaa xaalada magaalada Hargeysi ku sugnayd 1988-kii, xiliga aad diyaarada dagaalka ka dejisay Jabuuti iyo wakhtiyadii ka horeeyay, sidee dareenku ahaa, jawiga kugu gadaanaa bal faah-faahin naga sii ugu horayn?

 

J: Dalka Soomaaliya wakhtigaas 1988-kii ee halkan dagaalada cul-cusi iyo weeraradu ay ka socdeen, waxa ka horeeyay dhibaatooyin fara badan oo muddo soo socday, laakiin waxay ahayd markay ugu darayd oo dagaal sokeeye ayaa socday oo shacbiga lagula dagaalamayay, waxaanay ahayd meel shacbi lagula dagaalamayo halkii ugu horeysay ee aan imaado. Markaa xaalada Hargeysa iyo nawaaxigeedu ku sugnaayeen cida joogtay oo indhohooda ku aragtay mooyaane wax la sifayn karayo maaha.

 

S: Goorma ayaa laguu soo bedalay Hargeysa ama lagugu amray inay diyaaradaadu ka hawl-gasho?

 

J: Anigu bedal kuma iman halkan, dagaalkaa markaa socday, waxaana la noo soo diray inaanu ka qayb-galo dagaalkii socday, waxaana iga soo horeeyay diyaarado kale iyo rag duuliyayaal iyo farsamo-yaqaano ah, kuwaas oo halkan joogay muddo. Intii dagaaladu socdeena marba waxa la soo dirayay diyaarado cusub iyo raggii ka shaqaynaayay. Aniga iyo duuliye kalle oo kala wadanay laba diyaaradood oo Miig 17 ah, waxaanu ahayn xoojin lagu xoojinaayay ciidamadaas halkan dagaalka ka waday, diyaaradaha miig 17-ka ah ee aanu wadanayna waxay ahaayeen diyaaradaha kaliya ee qaadi karayay Bambooyinka culus, sidaas darteed ayaana naloogu soo diray inaanu u isticmaalo Bambooyinka 500 ee Kiiloo ah Hargeysa. Markaa waa nasiib-darro, arrin aad u fool-xun ayaanay runtii ahayd, markaan xasuustana runtii aad iyo aad ayay ii dhibaysaa, laakiin xaqiiqada in laga hadlo waa wax loo baahan yahay.

 

S: Markaa, goorma ayuu go’aankan ah in aad Jabuuti ka dejiso diyaarada aad duuliyaha ka ahayd kugu dhashay?

 

J: Waxay ahayd maalintii aanu nimid bishii July, laakiin taariikhday ku aadanayn hadda si fiican iiguma saxna. Waxaanse qiyaasayaa inay ahayd 10-kii July, maalintaas waxaanu ka soo baxnay Muqdisho anaga oo laba diyaaradood ah, waxaanu ku degnay Gaalkacyo, oo aanu muddo ku nasanay, shidaalna ka qaadanay, Hargeysa waxaanu nimi qiyaastii illaa 5:00 Galabnimo, habeenkii waanu hoyanay, maalintii ka dambaysay waxay ahayn hawshii naloosoo diray inaanu bilawno. Markaa anigu cilado ayaan safarkaa dhexdiisa diyaarada ku soo arkay, waxaan idhi waa in cilada laga saaraa, maalintaasna diyaaridii anigu aan waday way fadhiday, tii kalena waxay bilawday hawshii markaas loo soo diray (Duqayntii). Maalintaa markii hawsha la dhameeyay, maalintii labaad waa maalinta aan tagay Jabuuti, illaa 12:00-kii ama 13;00-kii maalinnimo inay ahayd ayaan filayaa marka Jabuuti aan ka dagay ee 1988-kii.

 

S: Markaa, maalintaa aad halkan ka ambabaxday, hawshii lagugu soo amray ee ahayd in aad fuliso weerarada ayaad u anbabaxday oo kaga duushay madaarka Hargeysa?

 

J: Maalintaa waxa lagu xidhay diyaaradii aan waday Bambooyinkii kuwaasoo magacooba la yidhaahdo FAB 500. Markaana waxaa la noo diray inaan fulino hawshii, garoonka Hargeysa ayaanu ka kacaynay, isla Hargeysa ayaa la doonayay inaanu hawsha ka filino oo aanu duqayno. Waxa kale oo aanan kuu sheegin, waxa nala tusay Galabtii aanu Hargeysa nimi meelaha la doonayo in la garaaco, iyada oo naloo tilmaamay magaalada qaybo ka mid ah. Markaa ka dib-na waatan subaxnimadii labaad ee danbe, markii diyaaradaydii ciladii laga saaray waxa naloo diray in aanu meelihii nala tusay garaacno. Markaa waanu kacnay labadayadii diyaaradood oo wada socona, waxaananu u kacnay Jahada qoraxdu u dhacdo, iyadoo laga duulayo hawada caadiyan waxay diyaaraduhu ka kacaan hadba dhinac, markaanu kacnay waxaanu u leexanay dhinaca midigta, si aanu hawshii magaalada u galo. Anigu, waxaan qaatay markaa kooraska lagu taggo Jabuuti, iyada oo aan go’aankaygaasi ahayn mid wakhtigaas hawada aan marayay igu dhashay, balse uu ahaa mid aan hore u qaatay, oo aan samaystay Safarkii iyo tubtii aan ku tagi lahaa Jabuuti, Bambooyinkii 500 ee Kiiloo ahaa ee aan sidayna waxaan ku riday Naasa-hablood waxyar marka la dhaafo meel ah, iyaga oo ah markaa hab aanay qarxaynin ah oo wata amaankooda iyo fuyuuskoodii, si aan u helo Shidaal igu filan, oo isticmaalkii shidaalku iiga yaraado, waayo markaan culayska iska rogo waxa badanayaaya madhaxa shidaalka. Markaan iska dejiyay Banbooyinkii, safarkiigii ayaan halkii ka sii watay, sidaas ayaanan ku tagay Jabuuti. Safarkaygu waxa uu ahaa ugu yaraan 15 daqiiqo, illaa 18 daqiiqo ayaan ku tagay, ka dib waxaan bilaabay in aan isu diyaariyo degitaankii, Shiidaalkiina wuu iga sii idlaanayay, dabadeedna waxaan u degay si deg-deg ah. (Emergency land), meel Xeebta ah, oo aan Madaarka ahayn.

 

S: Markii aad dulmaraysay magaalada Hargeysa, sidee ayuu ahaa jawiga dadka, magaalada iyo deegaanka guud ahaanba maxaad dareemaysay?

 

J: Magaalada waa la arkayaa oo, taawarka Madaarka Hargeysa mar’aan dushiiska koray intii aanan ka duulin, oo aan halkaa ka eegay magaalada iyo sida ay wax u socdaan, Magaalo Xabaalo u soo eegaatay, oo gubanaysa, oo muuqaal ahaan murugo badan leh, isla markaana badhkeed bur-buray welina bur-burkii ku socdo ayay ahayd, wax la sifayn karana ma aha xaqiiqdii. inkasta oo ay Xasuustuna aad iiga fogtahay oo labaatan sanno inaan Cajalada dib u celiyo ay ugu khasbayso, si aan u xasuusto, hadana meelaha qaar ayaan la ilaabi karin, oo aad u murugo badanayd, oo ayaan-darro ahayd.

 

S: Meelaha aan xasuustaada ka go’in maxaa ka mid ah?

 

J: Meelahaa waxa ka mid ah, oo xusuustayda ku qoraa oo aan ka go’in, nin aanu saaxiib ahayn oo ila soo balamay, oo yidhi meel magaalada ka mid ah meeshaa waxa ku jirra Sodagay, ee bal soo eeg oo ka soo saar, meeshuna waxay ahayd meeshii naloo diray in aanu bur-burino. Markaa waxay ahayd shay uu qof waalan oo kaliyi samayn karo, meel dad ay ku jiraan, oo la doonayo inay diyaarado ay garaacaan. Markaa, hadii aan jawiga soo koobo waxa uu ahaa caam ahaan mid aad iyo aad u murugo badan, oo aan marnaba sife iyo sheeko laga sheekeeyo lagu koobi karin, cidii arkaysay ayuun baana ogaan karta.

 

S: Diyaaradan Miig 17-ka ahayd, duuliye ahaan kali ayaad ku ahayd miyaa?

 

J: Haa, diyaaradaha mid tababar ah iyo mid dagaal ayay kala leeyihiin, ta tababarku laba Kursi ayay leedahay, ta dagaalkuna waa Kursi kaliya. Markaa labada diyaaradood ee Miig 17-ka ahaa hal-hal Kursi ayay lahaayeen oo kuwa dagaalka ayay ahaayeen.

 

S: Markaa, markaad Jabuuti u sheegtay inaad soo degayso, maxay dareemeen, xaaladu-se siday noqotay?

 

J: Wallaahi, Jabuuti xidhiidh (Communication) maanaan lahayn, sababta oo ah aniga waxaanu isku xidhnayn kaliya Taawarka Ciidamada, inta kale ama Taawarka Jabuuti Raadyahaygu kamuu soconaynin ama iima suurtageli karayn inaan la hadlo. markaa haba yaraatee wax xidhiidh ah lama lahayn Jabuuti. Sidaa darteed, waxaan ku talo-jiray in aan hadba iska dago hadii ay ii suuragasho in aan Garoonka helo, hadii kalana aan ku dego meeshii kale ee suuragal ii ah, amaba aan ka baxo diyaarada oo goosto. Waxyaabo badan ayaan ku tala-galay, oo xisaabaad badan ayaan sameeyay iyo qorshayaal, ka hor wakhtigaas, si aan hadba mida ii suur-tagali wayda mooyee mid kale aan uga gudbo.

 

S: Markaa, ku tala galkaagu ma wuxuu ahaa, markaad diyaarada dejiso inaad ka boodo?

 

J: Haa, waxaan ku talagalay markaan diyaarada dejiyo inaan ka boodo. Markaa xeebtii ayay noqotay inaan ku dego, oo taas ayaa ii dhaantay, maxaa yeelay, guluubkii Shidaal la’aanta ee digniinta ayaa ii baxay, degitaankiina si wanaagsan ayuu ku dhamaaday, wax dhibaato ahina ma jirin.

 

S: Intii aad dhexda ku sii jirtay, ee aad xaga Jabuuti u sii jeeday, Ciidamada aad ka tirsanayd miyaydaan kala warqaadan oo aanay kula soo xidhiidhin?

 

J: Ciidamada way illa soo xidhiidheen markii aan magaalada ka baxay ee aan qiyaas ahaan Naasa-hablood wax yar dhaafay, waxaanan ninkii xidhiidhiyaha ahaa u sheegay in ay diyaaradu xuntahay, isla markaana Raadyihii ama is gaadhsiintii ayaan iska damiyay, maxaa yeelay safarkii iyo hawshii aan ku talagalay ayaan sii watay.

 

S: Dawlada Jabuuti, siday kuu qaabishay wakhtigaa?

 

J: Waxaanu is helay niman Kaluumaysato ah, iyaga ayaana aan doonyohoodii raacay, oo aan ku tagay Jabuuti. Isla markaana dawlada Jabuuti si wanaagsan oo wallaaltinimo ah, oo xaqiiqdii amaan iyo sharaf mudan ayay ii soo dhawaysay.

 

S: Diyaarada aad dhexda kaga tagtay, miyaanay arag Ciidadamada dalkaasi, oo aanay ku fahansanayn markaad degaysay?

 

J: Ciidamada, anigu waan u sheegay in ay diyaaradu meesha taalo, laakiin ma xaqiijin karo inay arkeen iyo inaanay arag. Laakiin, markii anigu aan tagay, warbixin ayaan siiyay, taas oo ahayd meesha ay diyaaradu taal iyo halka anigu aan ka imi inay Soomaaliya ahayd, oo warbaxinta waxaan siiyay Telefishanka, oo aan wax walba ku bayaamiyay iyo si kasta oo ay wax u dhaceen, iyaguna markaa si walaaltinimo leh oo amaan mudan ayay ii soo dhaweeyeen.

 

S: Ka dib, markaa aad Jabuuti ka degtay, ee ay dawladii Jabuuti ku qaabishay, maxaa dhacay?

 

J: Dawladii markay I qaabishay, waxa la igu wareejiyay Hay’ada Qaramada midoobay. In kasta oo ay xusid mudan tahay, in ay dawlada Jabuuti ay wadanka ii fasaxday, oo ay tidhi waad joogi kartaa, wadanku waa wadankaagii ee ku soo dhawaw. Laakiin, nabadgalyada darteed ayaan u doortay in aan wadan kale raadsado, taasna waxa qayb laxaad leh ka qaatay Xafiiskii Qaramada midoobay ee Jabuuti.

 

S: Dawladii Soomaaliya, ma soo dalbatay in dib luguugu soo celiyo?

 

J: Haa, inay soo dalbatay waan maqlay, laakiin dawlada Jabuuti waxay ii sheegtay in aanay marna igu wareejin doonin, oo aanay dib iigu gacan-gelin doonin ayay hore iigu sheegeen oo waxa ay yidhaahdeen mar hadaad wallaalahaa nabadgalisay anaguna waanu ku nabadgelinay, sidaas ayuu ii sheegay Wasiirkii arrimaha guda ee Jabuuti. Markaa taas ayaa damaanad ii ahayd.

 

S: Markii ay Qaramada midoobay ku qaabileen, xageed tagtay, ee aad uga sii gudubtay dalka Jabuuti?

 

J: Qaramada midoobay (United nation-ku) way I qaabileen, ka dibna waxay ii raadiyeen wadan saddexaad oo I qaabila, isla markaana waxa ay I waydiiyeen wadanka anigu aan doonayo. Ma kala dooran, oo aniga wadan inaan tago markaa ii cayinaa ma jirin, laakiin waxaan idhi hadba wadankii ii suuragala, waxaana ii soo baxay wadanka hada aan deganahay ee Luxermburg, isagaan markaa sidaa ku tagay oo ilaa hada aan deganahay, carruurtayduna ku sugan tahay, waana wadan yar oo u dhexeeya Faransiiska, Jarmalka iyo Biljam.

 

S: Hadiiba, aad fulin lahayd hawl-galkii laguu diray, intee in le’eg oo khasaare ah ayay geysan lahaayeen markaad qiyaasto gantaalaha aad siday?

 

J: Khasaarahay gaysan lahaayeen ma yaraadeen. Mida kale, ma ahayn kaliya inta aanu markaa sidno, waxay ahayd markaanu intaa ridno, in aanu kacno oo aanu soo qaadano hubka duqaynta loogu talagalay, oo aanu dhawr duulimaad oo kala dambeeya soo qaadano ridno, hadana soo qaadano ridno maalin kasta. Markaa, mar kaliya looma baahnayn, ee waxay ahayd Bambooyin badan oo yaalay inaanu soo qaadano oo Magaaladda ku asqayno. Markaa, khasaaraha aanu gaysan karaynay mid la qiyaasi karo ma ahayn, oo magaalo dad iyo wax waliba joogaan, oo lagu garaacayo Bambooyin aan lahayn wax difaac ah, waayo difaaca waxa loo isticmaalaa in ay wax ka taraan marka magaalo sidaas oo kale ah la duqaynayo, marka la eego dadka iyo Guryahana waxay gaysan lahaayeen dhibaato aad u badan.

 

S: Awooda dawladii Soomaaliya, wakhtigaa aad umay bur-burin , oo Sirdoonkeedii iyo Safaaradeheediba way shaqaynayeen, markaa dalkaa aad tagtay, ma ku dareentay cabsi, dhibaato ah ama ugu yaraan wax shaki ah oo ay kugu soo gaadhsiisay ma jirtay?

 

J: Maya, baqdin sidaas ah ma qabin, maxaa yeelay wadankaan joogay Soomaali badani ma joogin, aniga iyo dad tiro yar ayaa daganayn, cid sidaa warar iiga soo tabinaysaana ma jirin, awooda Soomaaliyana ma ahayn awood heerkaa gaadhsiisan, oo ay dhibaato Yurub dhexdeeda iigu gaysan karto, baqdin badanina iguma jirin.

 

S: Jabhadihii dagaalamayay adiga ma kula soo xidhiidheen, oo ugu yaraan ma kuugu mahad-celiyeen talaabada aad qaaday?

 

J: Wallaahi runtii, Jabhadihii ma wada arag, shaqsiyaad ama dad ka mid ah oo aanu isku aragnay Yurub, oo hambalyo ii soo jeediyay way jireen. Aniga oo markaa isku arka, inaanay jirin wax la iigu hambalyeeyaa, laakiinse gutay waajibkii la iiga baahnaa ee dadnimo, oo ahayd in aan shacabkayga bad-baadiyo, oo dadka walaalahay ah aan ka daayo dhibtii ay gaysan lahayd diyaaradii aan waday. Waayo maan ahayn Aalad sidii la doono loo adeegsanayo. Markaa, wax dheeraad ah, oo aan u sameeyay ma jirin, laakiinse dadku waxay igu geesinimo galiyaan waajibkaygaa aan gutay.

 

S: Saaxiibadaadii kale, ee diyaaradaha waday ma jireen, qaar ka mid ah, oo ku dhiiraday talaabadaa adigu aad qaaday oo kale, ama isaga oo aan diyaaradaba soo fuulin baxsaday?

 

J: Waxaan maqlay diyaarad Ciidanku iska lahaa taas ayaa jirtay, oo nin duuliye ahi Jabuuti ka dejiyay iyada oo markaa meel kale u socotay. Dabadeed diyaaradii iyo dadkii la socday inta duuliyeyaal kale loo diray dib loo soo celiyay, isagiina uu halkaa ku hadhay. Markaa waxa diyaarada la socday Qolooyin dhinaca Ciidanka Saadka ah iyo Qorshaynta dagaalka ah. Markaa taas ayaan maqlay intii iga dambaysay.

 

S: Haatan goorma ayuu ahaa imaatinkaagan Hargeysa, maxaase dareemaysaa aragtidaadan cusub?

 

J: Hargeysa waxaan imi shalay, aad iyo aad ayaanan ugu faraxsanahay nabada iyo horumarka laga sameeyay Somaliland, oo qalbiga qofka walaalka ah aad u farax-gelinaya, waxaanan ugu tahniyadaynayaa, kuna dhiiri-gelinayaa in halkaa laga sii wado nabada, horumarka iyo shaqo abuurida iyo hawlahaas oo dhan oo aan u arko wax aad loogu farxo, waxaan rajaynayaa in ay ka sii horumarto.

 

Waxaan ka tagay Magaalo baaba’day, waxaanan imi Magaalo nololi ay ka muuqato, waana wax lagu farxo. Waanan ku tahniyadaynayaa walaalaha madaxda ah iyo shacabkaba.

[RedSea]

Allee lahee sifican bay yeelen reer Somaliland. Soo dhaweeya ninka oo caleemo saara walibana.

 

taariikhda baal dahab ah ayuu kaga jira, and surely reer somaliland maysan ilaawin wixii abaal ugalay.

[Suldaanka]

^^Gobonimo

 

Ninka maalinta ay qadhaadhay garabkaaga istaaga, dadka kale lagama mid dhigo. Pilot Ahmed Mohamed waxaan leenahay Hargeysa ku ilaabi mayso.

[Jacaylbaro]

Ahmed Mohamed Hassan, a former Somalia Air Force pilot who refused an order to bomb the civilian residents of Hargeisa in 1988 and instead decided to defect to Djibouti returned to Hargeisa after 20 years overseas. The following are excerpts of an interview Ahmed Mohamed gave to Ogaal newspaper recently whilst staying at Imperial Hotel in Hargeisa.

 

Question: Ahmed Mohamed thank you for taking the time to answer our questions, I wonder if you could give our readers a brief background of the situation in 1988 which forced you disobey orders to bomb Hargeisa and subsequently defect to Djibouti with your plane?

 

Answer: It is my pleasure and I want to thank you for this opportunity. In 1988 there was a civil war in Somalia, but the period in question, the time of my defection, was the time of the heaviest fighting between the government forces and the opposition forces of the Somali National Movement. It was a time of fierce battles and I think only those who had experienced this first hand can attest to the situation in Hargeisa and its surrounding areas.

 

Q: When where you first transferred to Hargeisa to take part in the fighting?

 

A: I was not transferred to Hargeisa, I and another Somali pilot were ordered to fly our Mig 17 jets to Hargeisa to take part in the bombardment of the city. There were already air force technicians in Hargeisa, but other pilot and I were ordered to fly to Hargeisa to take part in the bombardment of the city and its residents. The Mig 17 jets were the only planes in the Somali Air Force that could carry the heavy 500 kilo bombs intended for the bombardment of the city. Unfortunately, this was a sad chapter in my life and in our history, and it pains me to remember, but it is an issue that needs to be discussed.

 

Q: When did you decide to take your plane to Djibouti instead of bombarding Hargeisa and its residents?

 

J: It was the day I arrived in July, 1988; I think it was on the 10th of July 1988. On that day we departed from Mogadishu air force base and headed north, we landed in Galkaico, for refuelling and rest. We arrived in Hargeisa around 5pm on the same day. After spending the night at Hargeisa airport, we were told to get ready for bombing sorties the next day. The next day, I reported a technical problem on my plane, whilst the other plane began to bombard Hargeisa and its residents. The second day, after the technicians had finished checking my plane, I was ordered to prepare for my mission, and it was on this day that between 12-1pm that I headed for Djibouti.

 

Q: So, on this second day, as you departed Hargeisa airport you were under orders to complete your mission by bombarding the city and its residents?

 

A: Yes, on this day my plane passed inspection and was fitted with FAB 500 bombs. I also want to mention that on the previous afternoon, were given a briefing on the areas in Hargeisa which we were to bomb. In this briefing, certain parts of the city were of a high priority targets. We therefore took off in tandem from the airport and headed for city below in order to commence bombing of the city. We headed west in order to begin our approach from that direction towards to the city. At this time, I set a course for Djibouti. The decision to fly to Djibouti was not made in mid-flight, but it was a decision I took previously. In order to reach my Djibouti I needed to preserve fuel, so I decided to jettison the FAB 500 bombs on the plane. I dumped the bombs just beyond the Nasa-Hablod mountain range towards the east of the city. The bombs fell harmlessly because they were not primed. After dumping the bombs, I headed west toward Djibouti. It took around fifteen to eighteen minutes to reach my destination. As my intended destination grew closer, I began to prepare for landing. I was running out of fuel, so I decided to make an emergency landing on the beach instead of an airport.

 

Q: When you flew over Hargeisa, what was the situation on the ground like?

 

A: As you know Hargeisa airport overlooks the city and before I took off, I went up to the tower to take a look at the city. At that time the city was burning, there was heavy destruction in every section, frankly, to me, it looked like a cemetery. Although it was almost 20 years ago, it was an unforgettable sight, it was a terrible sight.

 

Q: What were some of the areas you recall from looking across the city?

 

A: I recall that a friend of mine requested my help in assisting his father-in-law to try and leave the city. My friend told me the area of his in-laws residence. It was in one of the priority target areas. In my mind this was madness, this was only something a mad person can do, bomb innocent civilians. Really, it was tragic time which is beyond comprehension, only those who were there can describe the magnitude of the situation.

 

Q: Were you the only pilot abroad Mig 17?

 

A: Yes, the Mig 17 has a training plane and a fighter plane. The training plane has two flight cockpits. The fighter has only one. So, I was the only person on the plane.

 

Q: Did you contact Djibouti tower prior to your arrival?

 

A: By Allah, I had no communication with Djibouti; the communication on my plane was linked to Hargeisa tower controlled by the Somali armed forces at that time. I was unable to contact Djibouti tower. Therefore it was my intention to land the plane in Djibouti, if I could find an airstrip or not, even if I had to parachute out of the plane! I had several contingencies, but really, it was a case of whatever it takes to get to Djibouti.

 

Q: So, your plan was to land the plane if possible and jump out?

 

A: Yes, that was the plan. But, when it becomes necessary to land on the beach due to the fuel situation which had by then finished, it was an easier landing without serious difficulties.

 

Q: During your flight to Djibouti did you not receive any communications from the airport in Hargeisa?

 

A: Yes, the airport in Hargeisa did contact me just I had passed over the Nasa-Hablood range, but I informed them that my plane had developed technical difficulties and then I switched off the radio link to the airport because I was already preceding with my own plans.

 

Q: How did the Djibouti government receive you?

 

A: After landed, I came across some fishermen who took me to the city (Djibouti) in their boats. At the same time, I was received by the government of Djibouti in a cordial and brotherly manner.

 

Q: Didn't the Djibouti forces monitor your incursion into their airspace?

 

A: Perhaps they did, but I did advise the Djibouti authorities of the location of the Mig 17. I was de-briefed by the Djibouti forces and was interviewed by the local media including the television service.

 

Q: What happened after your reception by the Djibouti authorities?

 

A: After my reception by the Djibouti government, my situation became the responsibility of the United Nations offices in Djibouti. However, it is worth mentioning that was I not detained by the Djibouti authorities and was free to go about my business in the country. But, due to security reasons, I decided that it would prudent to find a new country of residence with the help of the United Nations offices in Djibouti.

 

Q: Did the Somali government request your repatriation?

 

A: Yes, they did. However, their request was rejected by the Djibouti government. I was informed by the Djiboutian home affairs minister that since I decided not to bomb innocent civilians: they will also save me from any harm.

 

Q: After your transfer to the United Nations agencies, where was your next destination?

 

A: The United Nation agencies decided to find a third country that will accept me as a refugee. I had no preference and I was happy with any safe place. After a short period, I was fortunate to receive acceptance from Luxembourg, where I still live today with my family.

 

Q: If you did carry out your mission to bomb Hargeisa, considering the amount weapons abroad your fighter jet, what do you think that damage may have been?

 

A: It would have been extensive. Furthermore, the plans were, and as we now know, not just one sortie, but several, as many as possible. There was no anti-aircraft fire from the residents of Hargeisa; they were civilians in their homes.

 

Q: At that time, the defunct Somali government still had some power, therefore, was there any attempt against you in your new home in Luxembourg?

 

A: No, really, there was no fear because there are not many Somalis in Luxembourg, and to be frank, the ability of the Somali government was not at that level. I really felt safe in my new home in Luxembourg.

 

Q: Did any of the opposition movement contact you? Or at the very least praise your actions?

 

A: By Allah, I never met any of the opposition movements in an official capacity, I did meet one or two members who praised my action. But, really, I don't see anything that requires praise; it was my duty as a human being to save the lives of other defenceless and innocent people. I refused to be vessel for destruction. It is only other people who make my actions seem heroic.

 

Q: To your knowledge, did any other fellow air force pilots follow your example?

 

A: I had heard that another plane from the Somali air force landed in Djibouti on its way to another location. However, the plane and its passengers who included members of the army logistic and supply corps were returned to Somalia. That is the only other incident I recall.

 

Q: Now that you have returned to Hargeisa, what are your memories and impressions?

 

A: I arrived in Hargeisa yesterday, and I am very, very happy to be here. I am also touched by the reception from the people of Hargeisa and Somaliland. I am grateful to see the peace and stability in Somaliland, and I encourage the people of Somaliland to maintain it. It is an example to all the nations in the region.

I had left a city in ruins and returned to a risen city. I thank and praise the people of Somaliland.

[Jacaylbaro]

[AYOUB]

If was the mayor of Hargeisa, Axmed Maxamed Xasan would be given freedom of the city. The sight and words of this man of honour must be a pain in the backside of many ex-f*qashman in Hargeisa.

[STOIC]

I didn’t know there was a Somali person that ever walked on a razor edge to protect the life of his fellow Somalis. It seems like this guy took responsibility to act against a subversive tyrant regime orders to protect the helpless citizens. Accustomed as we are to pointing fingers and blaming the collective insanity of the former regime to everyone from Southern Somalia I’m pleased to know there were heroes even back then. Moved by his optimism for humanity this man acted out of courage and decency for respect for human life. Perhaps today increasingly in the future we would see more Somali people who will defy the logic of collective insanity and stand up for the right of every human soul. His keen sense of justice and unwavering courage is something to be honored.

[Jacaylbaro]

I'm now going to a conference of this guy. Will share you the photos tomorrow Insha Allah. The conference should start in 15 minutes.

[AYOUB]

^^ Take as many people as you can with you, preferably the UDUB leadership. They'll learn a lot from this man.

[Jacaylbaro]

Not many of UDUB leadership were there ... but the event went really GOOD. It made some ppl cry and the guy could not give a proper speech coz he was he was so excited.

 

Lemme sort out the photos bal .......

[AYOUB]

G.Wakiillada S/land Oo Shahaado Sharaf Guddoonsiiyay Duuliye Sare Axmed Maxamed Oo Diyaaradii La Yidhi Hargeysa ku Duqee Jabuuti ka dejiyay 1988-kii

 

(Muuqaalka Shirgudoonka Wakiillada Somaliland oo Shahaado Sharaf Gudoonsiinayaa Duuliye Sare Axmed Maxamed )

 

 

hadhwanaag 2008-06-24 (Hadhwanaagnews) Hargeysa(HWN):- Shir-guddoonka Golaha Wakiillada Somaliland Cabdiraxmaan Maxamed Cabdillaahi (Cabdiraxmaan-cirro), Cabdi-casiis Maxamed Samaale iyo Baashe Maxamed Faarax, oo ay weheliyeen Mudanayaal ka tirsan labada Gole Baarlamaan Guurtida iyo Wakiillada, ayaa Shahaado Sharaf maanta guddoonsiiyay Duuliye Sare Axmed Maxamed Xasan, oo ahaa Duuliyihii 1988-kii lagu amray diyaaraduu waday inuu Hargeysa ku duqeeyo, isla markaana amarkaa geesmaray ee diyaaradu waday ka dejiyay Xeebta dalka Jabuuti, oo wakhtigan booqasho ku jooga dalka.

 

Shahaado Sharaftan, oo loogu talagalay in loogu mahad-naqo Duuliye sare Axmed Maxamed Xasan, laguna guddoonsiiyay maanta Xafiiska Guddoomiyaha Wakiillada, ee Xarunta Baarlamaanka Somaliland ee Hargesan, isla markaana Xoghayaha Wakiillada Maxamed Xasan Kaahin (Kayse), ayaa sheegay in ay Shahaado sharaftani tahay tii ugu horeysay ee nooceeda oo kale ah, ee Golaha Wakiillada Somaliland cid guddoonsiiyo.

 

Guddoomiyaha Golaha Wakiillada Cabdiraxmaan Maxamed Cabdillaahi (Cabdiraxmaan-cirro), oo ay weheliyaan labaddiisa Guddoominye ku-xigeen Cabdi-casiis Samaale iyo Baashe Maxamed Faarax, iyo xubno Xildhibaano ah oo ka tirsan labada Gole Baarlamaan, ayaa saaka Shahaado Sharaftan Xafiiskiisa ku guddoonsiiyay Duuliye Axmed Maxamed Xasan, oo dhawaan Caasimadda Somaliland ee Hargeysa booqasho ku yimi, isla markaana Taariikhda dadka reer Somaliland kaga jira Baal Dahab ah, gaar ahaan dadka reer Hargeysa.

 

Ugu horeyna Guddoomiyaha Wakiillada, oo hadal soo dhawayn ah ku qaabilay Duuliyaha ayaa yidhi, “Duuliye Axmed Maxamed Xasan, waa nin abaal wayn ku leh ummada reer Somaliland meel kasta oo ay joogto, gaar ahaan dadka reer Hargeysa, aad iyo aadna waanu kuug mahad-naqaynaa Axmedaw. Abaal-gudka aad Ummada Somaliland ku leedahayna waa mid ka wayn Shahaado la isu dhiibo, ee tani waxay muujinaysaa, oo aanu ku leenahay waad mahad-santahay. Laakiin, marka nala Ictiraafo ayaanu abaal-gud intan ka badan ku siin doonaa.” Ayuu yidhi Guddoomniyaha Wakiilladu.

 

Isla markaana Guddoomiye Cabdiraxmaan-cirro, isaga oo la kaftamaya Duuliye Sare Axmed Maxamed Xasan, waxa uu yidhi, “Axmedaw, aan kaftama’e, berigii aanu Muqdisho ka shaqayn jiray, ee dagaaladii ka hor waxa nala odhan jiray reer Waqooyi, laakiin imika waxa nala yidhaahdaa reer Somaliland, adigana waxaanu kugu soo dhawaynaynaa Gacmo furan, waxaananu ku leenahay ku soo dhaway Somaliland iyo Hargeysadaad bad-baadisay.”

 

Duuliye Sare Axmed Maxamed Xasan, ayaa isaguna munaasibadaa ka hadlay, isla markaana sheegay in aanu samaynin wax loogu mahad-naqo, balse uu gutay waajibaad isaga saarnaa, “Wallaahi anigu ma garanayo wax la iigu mahad-naqo oo aan sameeyay, balse waxa aan sameeyay waxa uu ahaa waajib aniga isaaran in aan shacabkayga bad-baadiyo.” Sidaa ayuu yidhi Axmed Maxamed Xasan.

 

Waxaanu u mahad-naqay dadka reer Somaliland sida ay Magaaladda Hargeysa ugu soo dhaweeyeen Masuuliyiin iyo Shiciba, isaga oo arrintaa ka hadlaayana waxa uu yidhi Duuliye Axmed, “Aad iyo aad ayaan idiinku mahad-naqayaa hadaad tihiin reer Somaliland, sida aad ii soo dhawayseen Masuuliyiin iyo Shiciba, iyada oo soo dhawayntu ay ka mid tahay dhaqanka Soomaalida, gaar ahaan wallaalahayga reer Somaliland ay dheeryihiin Wallaalohooda Koonfureed. Farxad wayn baanay ii tahay in aan maanta Hargeysa oo sidan u qurux badan arko.” Ayuu yidhi Duuliye Axmed.

 

Sidoo kale, Guddoomiye Ku-xigeenada 1aad iyo 2aad ee Golaha Wakiillada Somaliland, Cabdi-casiis Maxamed Samaale iyo Baashe Maxamed Faarax iyo Xildhibaan Siciid Cabdillaahi Yasir, oo ka tirsan Mudanayaasha Golaha Guurtida Somaliland, ayaa iyaguna hadalo soo dhawayn iyo mahad-naq isugu jiray ka jeediyay madashii Shahaado Sharafta lagu guddoonsiinayay Duule Axmed Maxamed Xasan, oo ay si weyn u soo ugu soo dhaweeyeen dalka Somaliland, gaar ahaana Caasimada Hargeysa.

 

Ugu dambayntii, Guddoomiyaha Golaha Wakiillada Cabdiraxmaan-cirro, ayaa gacantiisa ka guddoonsiiyay Axmed Maxamed Xasan Shahaado Sharaftan ay Golaha Wakiilladu u sameeyeen, oo ay sheegeen in ay tahay Shahaado Sharaftii ugu horeysay ee nooceeda ah ee Golayaashii Wakiillada, ee ay Somaliland yeelato inay jirtay ay cid guddoonsiiyaan. Waxaana gacantiisa kaga guddoomay Duuliye Axmed Maxamed Xasan.

 

Hadhwanaagnews.com

Hargeysa/Somaliland.

[Xidigo]

Originally posted by AYOUB:

If was the mayor of Hargeisa, Axmed Maxamed Xasan would be given freedom of the city. The sight and words of this man of honour must be a pain in the backside of many ex-f*qashman in Hargeisa.

So who are the ex-fa*qahsman? :confused: Ala maxaa qudad kaa buuxda.