Somalia PM Hard Talk Interview

[Dr_Osman]

Prime Minister Ahmed: Working towards a democratic, federal Somalia by 2016

Interview conducted by Abdi Moalim in Mogadishu

May 19, 2014

 

Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed assumed office in December last year amid difficult circumstances after parliament voted out his predecessor Abdi Farah Shirdon.

 

Somalia's Vision 2016 is top government priority, minister says AMISOM, Somali forces work in tandem in areas liberated from al-Shabaab Somali prime minister outlines 2014 work plan for parliament

 

Nearly six months in, Ahmed's government is facing many of the same challenges that Shirdon had faced, including insecurity in Mogadishu, reforming the judicial system, establishing federalism and good governance, rebuilding the national army, and holding general elections in 2016.

 

Despite the challenges, Ahmed says his government has made tangible progress on many of those priorities.

 

In an exclusive interview with Sabahi, the prime minister discussed a range of issues, including the federal government's talks with the Somaliland region, its relationship with Puntland and the case of former al-Shabaab leader Hassan Dahir Aweys.

 

Sabahi: Tell us about the progress your government has made during your six months in power?

 

Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed: My government has succeeded in making good progress in security and ousting al-Shabaab from [parts of the] country in 2014 when we retook towns under its control. That was the most important issue to me that I presented to parliament.

 

We also made a lot of progress in the security of the capital city, which is better, even though al-Shabaab will continue to cause trouble for a long time. We foiled many attempted attacks [by al-Shabaab] aimed to cause harm to the Somali people, we stopped numerous vehicles they had filled with explosives.

 

In addition, [al-Shabaab] has also been weakened economically. We liberated nine important districts located in the south and central regions from al-Shabaab. It used those districts to collect money, conduct trainings and mislead youth. Since then, we have been working on stabilising the districts that have been liberated and we have made significant progress.

 

Our [other] achievements include having each of the 25 ministries the administration is comprised of prepare a clear work plan that shows what work will be done in 2014. It clearly lays out the government's objectives on economic development, service [delivery], justice and security. The ministries are working on implementing these clear plans. Therefore, a lot of work has been done, and we still have a lot left to accomplish.

 

Sabahi: In the nine districts liberated from al-Shabaab, what has your government accomplished in terms of stabilising those regions and extending social services?

 

Ahmed: We are pushing the stabilisation efforts forward and have created a comprehensive plan to address that. [Local] administrations and police have been established in many of the [liberated] districts. Currently, individuals and police officers who will work in those administrations are undergoing training at the police academy.

 

We have also supplied food. There are about 18 [food] trucks in Baidoa that were to be taken to Wajid and Hudur. However, because the roads have been cut off by flooding, as of [May 14th] we are sending a plane loaded with that food aid to Wajid and Hudur. Al-Shabaab blocked the road leading to some of the other [liberated] areas, and we are working to re-open the roads they have closed as soon as possible.

 

We have also taken food to Qoryooley. I visited the town and saw the need for services that exist there. We are working on re-building the hospital there and re-organising the police and intelligence forces. The [government] agencies that are responsible for that work are currently engaged in it and we will hold them accountable. I expect them to complete their work soon.

 

Sabahi: Can you give us a specific timeline for when you will complete the stabilisation of the liberated regions?

 

Ahmed: Stabilisation will be an ongoing effort with incremental changes each year, but the foundation is ensuring that each town has police and intelligence forces, an administration and critical services such as health and education. We are planning to achieve that in the coming two months. [The plan] is underway now and is being carried out by district.

 

Nonetheless, al-Shabaab's wickedness is still an existing challenge. They carry out operations off the roads and have blocked some of them. We are planning to end that and open the roads within a month. Also, there are rains in some of the locations so transporting supplies and logistics are difficult.

 

Sabahi: What is the biggest challenge that stands in the way of the government's ministries doing their work?

 

Ahmed: The biggest challenge is funding. The country's economy is weak and we are engaged in [consultations] with donors about this issue. The funds that we were expecting, and needed, have not reached us as fast as we would have liked. However, we are still advocating for this and we want to receive the aid and assistance that we need.

 

Sabahi: What are you doing to shift the government's reliance on international donors to being self-sufficient?

 

Ahmed: We are engaged in efforts to be self-reliant. We are the ones carrying out and pushing all of the current activities. We are working for our people with the little that we have. We also want to create awareness among the Somali people and in the business community so they can be a part of our efforts to be self-reliant.

 

Sabahi: What is the government's plan to achieve the Vision 2016 goals and holding independent elections?

 

Ahmed: The government is currently working on how it can engage the general public in politics because in 2016 Somalia will transition to a democratic federal government where people will have to go to vote in the election.

 

The government contacted the regions, and interacted with them in order to find out what they understand about democracy and federalism as well as the services they require. Ministers visit various regions, and I do as well. For example, I visited Kismayo, Jowhar, Bulo Burde, Marka and Qoryooley. The purpose was to have consultations with the public.

 

We are also improving security. We are reforming the justice system and are working with the parliament to enact many laws. We want to have good relationships with the regional governments and to support them because it is the federal government that is leading the process to form a democratic federal government.

 

Sabahi: Regarding the reconciliation process, what progress has your government made in the relationship it has with the federal state of Puntland?

 

Ahmed: Somali people are [the same] and will not separate from one other. I will visit Puntland on [May] 23rd. We have a good relationship and Puntland's president [Abdiweli Mohamed Ali] visited us here before. They also participate in all of the work we are doing.

 

Sabahi: What can you tell us about the 45 traditional elders from the southern regions who recently went to Somaliland for "peace talks"?

 

Ahmed: There are many ongoing efforts to reach an agreement on the Somaliland issue, and the elders are part of those efforts. They are elders who have gone to [a part of] their country, who are visiting their people and negotiating with them about the unity of Somalia.

 

Sabahi: Is there any plan to have elders from the Somaliland region visit Mogadishu?

 

Ahmed: That is an available option. We hope they come, but there is no such plan at this time.

 

Sabahi: Many people are wondering what is going on with the case of former al-Shabaab leader Hassan Dahir Aweys, who surrendered to local authorities and was arrested. What are the government's intentions regarding this case?

 

Ahmed: We welcome anyone who joins [the side of] the Somali government and is willing to engage in dialogue. So, Hassan's case is being handled by the government. It is progressing well and we expect it to end well.

 

Sabahi: What progress has been made in rebuilding the Somali National Army?

 

Ahmed: Rebuilding the army is of special importance to us because security is our first, second and third priority. The forces are three security forces: the police, the national armed forces and the intelligence service.

 

With the national armed forces, we want to integrate them in order to move away from the clan-based militia and to get a competent national army. Therefore, we are working on training, equipping and integrating them and we are hoping that they will secure the country and prepare the country so elections can take place.

[Hawdian]

Su,aal to Doktoore osman? 1 . How do you see

Federalism working in Somalia. 2.Do you accept other Federal states equal to Puntland such as Galmudug, Ximan iyo Xeeb, Banadir state , Southwest (Baydoia) Jubba . 3 . Do you honesly think A free and fair one man one vote election would be possible in Moqadisho city of 2 million letalone other " Federal States" . 4 . What would be Puntland plan if Xassan only conduct mini election in Xamar and ignores Puntland as now .5 . How does u see the future plan for beesha Sahal since their political and enonomic collaps due to Guulwade Pappi Siyad Barre and Mama Khajidha , Xoosh, General Samatar and Colonel Matu,kade ( burned Northern children alife wth petrol famous man ) and the other Booli qaran " Golden Generation. Lastly Is their any plans among beesha to return to the Ancestoral land between Yemen and Oman and leave the somali people alone who are exhausted by Beesha Sahal insane obession with power, Politics and to rule . Than you for what im sure would be " wisdom words " from SOL truely only Genious Political Analyst.

[Hawdian]

DR_Osman where are you buddy? Taking the day Of, dont blame ya Somali siyasad is dark tunnel no light at the end :-) - bal kaso jawaab suaasha deeeeeee saxib- Boowe.

[Tallaabo]

^ Leave Sahal alone, they are just as bad or as mad as any other Somali group.

[Dr_Osman]

Hawdian if you want real political answers or do you want more huuhaa answers? If it's real political answers your seeking they are very simple;

 

1. How Do I see Federalism working? Very simple as the constitution stipulates 2 or more states that willingly thru consensus join together based on 1991 borders(not half 1991 districts). I also expect it to follow the vision 2016 vision document as a guideline on what is required of those administration like economic viability(airport, port) and geographic proximity(the states neeed to be near each other). The federalism I envision based on those considerations will be JL consisting of lower jubba, middle jubba, gedo, with a port at kismayo. South West region consisting of bay/bakool/lower shabelle, with a port at marka. A central region consisting of hiiran, galgadud, middle shabelle, with a port in Barawe.

 

2. Do I accept the current administrations in Somalia as equal? of course not, Abdiqaybdid or ximin and xeeb doesn't get the red-carpet when he comes to Garowe, they come as locals. I do consider Jubaland as an equal though which has fulfilled constitutional requirements, vision 2016 guidelines. I will also consider a Central and SW3 region as equal once completed.

 

3. Will a one man one vote happen in Somalia by 2016? of course not, but their is a system to fall back for elections.

 

4. What if Hassan does a mini election in mogadishu? I don't think he will even get to that stage.

 

5.How do I see Sahal outlook? I see it as very strong, we own the two most active ports in the nation(dominate trade), we will dominate agriculture in the south and livestock in the north which are 2 economic GDP lifelines. PL is also seeking FDI into it's fishery to make it a sector that can rival livestock. We enjoy a large business community abroad. PL/JL own the major corporations in Kenya. PL dominates Tanzania, zambia and other east african markets. This began back in the 70s with the truckers now multi millionaire owning corporations. We also got the qandala boys who have dubai and oman on lockdown. Plus the largest diaspora among somalis becuz minneapolis is the largest somali diaspora city and dominated by Puntland, coupled with the fact we have locals who are well off and local business community that helps itself and a population that is well endowed with livestock, all those factors added together can only equate to a powerhouse.

 

6. Regarding 1988 stories your trying to sell won't wash. If 50,000 was killed how is it possible 100k died with 3 years constant bombing, chemical warfare, and sophisticated weapons in syria? are u saying 1988 population of hargeisa was the size of syria? the evidence of pictures being shown of 88 doesn't show any city levelled but a few bullet ridden homes, this indicates low intensity, where-as hamar homes show high intensity. Untill you show evidence 4 such claim, you can keep Flying your nonsense in the skies. Heck I can even show pictures of italians bombing calula and bargal and thats back in the 20s and u cant in the 90s thats say enough.

 

7. Your last point will Sahal return to Yemen? Sahal is not power obsessed, we gave mogadishu the capital, presidency, foreign aid, equal mp/ministers, embassies, plus our homes. We just want to rule our land and that's what their trying to stop now. We want everyone to stay where they are and help themselves, were sick of this inferior mindset of non darods needing sahal. U see this inferior complex in SL needing SSC, SW3 needing JL, Central regions needing PL as shown thru abdiqaybdid visit at gaas inaugration. You guys need to stop having such an inferior complex and basically isbixiya.

 

.

[Dr_Osman]

Hawdian, lets just deal with it. PL is moving forward

 

The govt is on the move.

 

 

The business community is on the move, the sporting sector is on the move, infrastructure is on the move with roads, airports all being rehabilitated or constructed. Foreign investors are on the move like china, thailand, and turkey. Diaspora is on the move around the world. You got to accept it, Puntland is just gone, its to late to come back from this now

 

 

[Dr_Osman]

Hawdian, lets be real for one second, your just mad that I helped other somalis, if it wasn't for 'YEY' they're would be no federalism, no region would be building anything but destroying. Your mad Farole spent 5 good years with the legend abdi jimcale AUN to create the constitution we have so there isn't chaos. Your mad that gaas ended the transition and delivered a recognized GOVT to hassan sheikh.

 

If it wasn't for Puntland do you honestly think from 1991-2004 the HAGS were up to much? the only thing we have left from that era is genocide, bloodshed, rape, looting, warlords, destruction, islamists, The only contribution that was taken from that period and still here today is 4.5, amazing isn't it? from 1991-2004 the only thing we have to show for IRIR era is 4.5 which in itself is a disgusting system.

 

If it wasn't for me you know their wouldn't be this in hamar

 

 

There wouldn't be no turkey

 

 

PPL in hamar wouldnt be doing this today if it wasn't for the contribution I left behind.

 

They would be doing this

 

 

 

Their simply wouldnt be this in baydhabo

 

 

 

Do you honestly prefer this man and his legacy 4 somalia the genocides, the division, the destruction

 

 

 

OR

 

 

[Dr_Osman]

Talaabo dont group sahal with those savages. Every tribe will be judged by what he leaves behind 4 the nation and will be remembered for it by our future generation, you guys can just imagine the bragging rights of my descedants 100 years from now slamming yours down with history

[Hawdian]

^ :-) :-) A member of Mensa like all of the blessed Beel hahahaha , :-) bragging rights mawahahahaha kkkkkkkk. Sweet.

[Tillamook]

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@Dr_Osman

said:</cite>

 

6. Regarding 1988 stories your trying to sell won't wash. If 50,000 was killed how is it possible 100k died with 3 years constant bombing, chemical warfare, and sophisticated weapons in syria? are u saying 1988 population of hargeisa was the size of syria? the evidence of pictures being shown of 88 doesn't show any city levelled but a few bullet ridden homes, this indicates low intensity, where-as hamar homes show high intensity. Untill you show evidence 4 such claim, you can keep Flying your nonsense in the skies. Heck I can even show pictures of italians bombing calula and bargal and thats back in the 20s and u cant in the 90s thats say enough.

 

.

 

So Doctor, how do you explain all the skeletons these mad habros dig up every year?

[Hawdian]

Haha Also Osman Do you Accept that Abdullahi Yusuf Was Smacked by General Gabre after he did not behave.

[Dr_Osman]

Tilmamook those skelatons are infact the siyad govt civilian workers mainly puntlanders and other sahal folks, the SNM put them in mass graves and put searchers in the right area to look. Because 50 civilian workers all from Puntland were killed one day in berta xoriyada and this was replicated across Berbera also. The funny thing is not ONE USC OR SNM civilian worker was harmed either in hargeisa or mogadishu, it was a pure clan genocide. Thats why the 88 thing is easy to resolve and dealt with by the SFG at turkey talks cause it was a government and that government isn't here today for SNM to hold any grievance, but what happened to sahal folks is at a community level by HAGS-SNM who slaughtered us and it's hard to reconcile when its a social level, u know a neighbor, a friend, these ppl weren't govt who come and go they are here forever so the reconciliation is to difficult. To makes matter worse those same ppl are leading us today which we can use as a case for a fear of another genocide which somaliland cant use since siyad isnt here and its his irir brother in power whom both shared excellent links during the 90s and didnt harm each other.

[Dr_Osman]

Tilmamook it is crucial somalis address the SAHAL genocide. We need to revisit January 26 1991 and assess what happened, their is no point hiding from it, denying it, ignoring it thinking it will go away. It's not going away, books have been written, documentary interviews done.

 

What we do know for a fact is SSDF didn't kill anyone, loot, rape, etc. Not 1 person has raised a complaint, but thousands raise complaints about USC/SNM which shows their has to be truth behind such a large amount of ppl saying the same thing.

 

If this issue isn't addressed it can lead to a SAHAL seccession on the grounds 'we were genocided by IRIR community indiscriminately at a social level, those same ppl are leading us today and we fear another genocide' it can serious repercussions not addressing 1991. Somaliland seccession falls on it's face because USC is leading who didn't harm SNM or vice versa they had an agreement of cooperation to genocide one clan. Plus the fact siyad govt is gone resolves it all for SNM since it was at a govt level, govt come and go but the community doesnt thats why 91 is to hard for SNM AND USC to speak on since other factions didnt do genocides like them.

 

1991 is the true genocide it was purely based on clan, we have proof that USC/SNM didnt kill each other and cooperated to exterminate one clan, they weren't governments either but the community and their whole tribesman slaughtering us for hate. Siyad has evidence that he killed anyone that was a rebel not a specific clan the filthy jabhads of USC AND SNM.

 

Puntland people are the only ones with a right to claim a genocide. From sayidka who genocided eyl folks he never commited such a genocide against others, then siyad barre in mudug under the leadership of ina askar, dhegawayne, ina kahin, tansaniya exterminating our main population NOMADS. Then USC/SNM a clan genocide in mogadishu, galkayo, kismayo and also in the north on civilian govt workers and SSC. Followed by al-ithaad massacres in bosaso and not to mention italian/britissh bombings of the bari region and its sultanate in baargaal,calula, iskushuban and taleh. Noone has suffered as much as and yet the most nationalist, I am fed up personally. We do most for somalia and when ask for our share of foreign aid were told no. When SFG is handing the airspace to somalidiid its saying to JL you cant have your port. When its saying to SL welcome to turkey taks, its saying to JL welcome to my bullet. We created everything the SFG stands the federalism, the constitiution, and ended the transition to be sidelined and fought once again while the HAGS support the somalidiid who have done nothing except destruction and division

[Adnan1508736697]

This Dr fellow is a troll, to my fellow landers avoid reading his threads, because he wants tool get reaction. Any body can write crap, it's us if we accept to play their game.

[Dr_Osman]

Adnan u ignore the 91 genocide all u want but the book is out there for our kids to never forget. It will be a day of national mourning in Somalia, you can mark my words on that