Medeshi Sept 17, 2008 Abdulazez Al-Motairi
As I promised to my readers, this analysis will enlighten the real situation inside Somalia and Somaliland, the fall and rise in the horn of Africa in addition to foreign hands in Somali Affairs.
Many Somalis, mainly from fake state "Puntland", call Somaliland secessionist state and accuse Somaliland for dividing the failed state of Somalia; they accuse Somaliland for failing the unity of greater Somalia; they accelerated their hate after Somaliland Armed Forces secured its borders in the east with Somalia. However, "Puntland" supports the leaders of Transitional Government of Somalia (TGS) in Mogadishu who kills the innocent people and even led the Ethiopian invasion.
The human trafficking and Hijacking the International Vessels and Aid Workers is best business in fake state of "Puntland".
Moreover, the Al-Shabab and remaining of Islamic Courts Union (ICU) captured the port city of Kismayo in Jubbada Hoose Region from Warlord Barre Hiirale. The question is, Will Islamist resist the Ethiopian Forces and rule the city? Hassan Turki, leader in Islamists in Kismayo, is referred as Mad Mullah Junior by many Somalis.
ARS disintegrated into two groups led by Sheikh Aweys and Sheikh Sharif Ahmed and Islamist fighters in Somalia disown the two leaders. The analysis focuses the below points:
I. Fall of Kismayo to Al-Shabab and Islamic Courts
II. The return of Mad Mulla
III. Crumbling ARS and Djibouti Peace Deal
IV. TGS bridges the gap in Addis Ababa, why not in Mogadishu?
V. Puntland and hijacking business
VI. Somaliland – A hostage for failed Somalia
I. Fall of Kismayo to Al-Shabab and Islamic Courts
KISMAYO City was small village used by fishermen mainly the Bajun tribes of Somalia; the city is located on Indian Ocean. The Sultanate of Zanzibar came in Kismayo on 1872 and passed to Great Britain in 1887 and Italia took over on 1924. Than the other Somali tribes started moving into Kismayo.
Ogaden tribe emigrated from Kenya due to starvation and bad weather in addition to fighting between Ogaden subtribes in the Northern Frontier Districts of Kenya. There is little water as the area is semi desert. Also, Mareehaan of Darod and Cayr of Hawiye occupied the city very recently and call themselves as Brothers of Galguduud (Walalaha Galguduud). Galguduud is region in central Somalia dominated by Mareehaan and Cayr tribes.
Kismayo attracted aforesaid tribes due to its beautiful and green nature; the three tribes killed and displaced the Bajun tribes, forcing them to relocate to other regions in Somalia. Bajun are Somalis with African origin, as other major Somali tribes are Arab descendants. All Kismayo warlords are neither Kismayo sons nor born in Kismayo.
Today, the city is under Islamist control after terminating warlord Barre Hirale of Mareehaan tribe. The fighters instated Islamic rule in the city similar to that of Taliban in Afghanistan, which restricts the personal freedom.
The Islamist appointed administration council to run the local affairs of the city led by Islamist from Hargiesa, Somaliland. This is to avoid tribalism, win local support and downgrade Somaliland as an integral part of Somaliland. Warlords Xasan Turki, Maxamad Saciid Xirsi Morgan, Cabdurazaq Afguduud, Barre Hirale and Seeraar are warlords in Kismayo starting from the fall of Siyad Barre Administration in 1991.
Turki uses religion as shield to achieve personal interest and others use tribalism as tool to achieve their personal interest.
Morgan, Afguduud, Hirale and Seeraar support TGS Warlord Abdullah Yusuf (Known Butcher of Mogadishu) because they mainly belong to Darod tribe. Morgan was General in Somalia Army Forces and committed genocide in Hargiesa on 1988. He is wanted in Somaliland for such killings. Morgan, who is practicing beard, tried to join the ICU in 2006 but failed to adjust with lifestyle of the Islamist.
The Ethiopians and TGS are preparing to take back Kismayo from the Islamist, and Islamists are preparing to defend the city. The civilians moved out of the city due to danger.
II. The return of Mad Mulla
In 1899 Mad Mullah, Mohamed bin Abdullah Hassan declared a Jihad on Somaliland and led the Somaliland-British forces to dismiss Hasan as a religious fanatic, calling him the "Mad Mullah." and drove his forces into dust. However, his return was noticed in Kismayo. His grandson follows his footsteps, calling Somaliland as land of "Kefirs", exactly as Mad Mullah Sr. did in 19th century. The grandson considers his warrior the Mad Mullah as father of modern Somalia, unofficially.
Sheikh Hasan Hersi "Turki", "the grandson and Mad Mullah Jr." describes himself as liberator of Kismayo and future warrior, who will drive the kefirs out of Somaliland (Kefir means unbelievers; Senior Mad Mullah described Somalilanders as Kefirs). The media reported the warlord of Kismayo, Barre Hirale fled without major resistance against ousted Islamist militia. The Grandson, several times highlighted his willingness to fight against Somalilanders in their homeland. But the question remains unanswered! Will he defeat Somalilanders inside Somaliland or he will follow the footsteps of his lost grandfather…?
Today, Mad Mullah Jr. in middle of Islamists wants to reprint the black pages of his grandfather´s history, as he applies, the same ideology of using religion to achieve his personal and tribal achievements. The junior will be defeated just like his grandfather, the Mad Mullah Sr.
The conservative Sufi leader Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah Hassan as "the Mad Mullah," though he was neither mad nor a mullah (traditional religious scholar); he considered him self as angel, who will save Somalia from attacks of kefirs. The literature of Sufism that began to be produced in the tenth century CE employed the term Sufi in a deliberate and self-conscious fashion to orchestrate the ethical and mystical goals of the growing movement in a prescriptive fashion.
The Mad Mullah Sr. who armed his tribesmen and cronies could not win support of Somalilanders as they were more educated than rest of Somalia; they rejected his campaign against Britain. UK signed an agreement with Somaliland and stayed in Somaliland based on these predefined terms and conditions. Both sides Somalilanders and UK government respected the agreement, which led UK to leave Somaliland peacefully in 1960 without bloodshed. These agreements are kept in Somaliland Museums as a part of Somaliland history.
At end of Mad Mullah Sr., UK-Somaliland coalition started bombing the Mullah and his tribesman that resulted the end of his era. The Mad Mulla could not bear the sound of the aircrafts used against him and fled to unknown.
III. Crumbling ARS and Djibouti Peace Deal
KISMAYO City was small village used by fishermen mainly the Bajun tribes of Somalia; the city is located on Indian Ocean. The Sultanate of Zanzibar came in Kismayo on 1872 and passed to Great Britain in 1887 and Italia took over on 1924. Than the other Somali tribes started moving into Kismayo.
Ogaden tribe emigrated from Kenya due to starvation and bad weather in addition to fighting between Ogaden subtribes in the Northern Frontier Districts of Kenya. There is little water as the area is semi desert. Also, Mareehaan of Darod and Cayr of Hawiye occupied the city very recently and call themselves as Brothers of Galguduud (Walalaha Galguduud). Galguduud is region in central Somalia dominated by Mareehaan and Cayr tribes.
Kismayo attracted aforesaid tribes due to its beautiful and green nature; the three tribes killed and displaced the Bajun tribes, forcing them to relocate to other regions in Somalia. Bajun are Somalis with African origin, as other major Somali tribes are Arab descendants. All Kismayo warlords are neither Kismayo sons nor born in Kismayo.
Today, the city is under Islamist control after terminating warlord Barre Hirale of Mareehaan tribe. The fighters instated Islamic rule in the city similar to that of Taliban in Afghanistan, which restricts the personal freedom.
The Islamist appointed administration council to run the local affairs of the city led by Islamist from Hargiesa, Somaliland. This is to avoid tribalism, win local support and downgrade Somaliland as an integral part of Somaliland. Warlords Xasan Turki, Maxamad Saciid Xirsi Morgan, Cabdurazaq Afguduud, Barre Hirale and Seeraar are warlords in Kismayo starting from the fall of Siyad Barre Administration in 1991.
Turki uses religion as shield to achieve personal interest and others use tribalism as tool to achieve their personal interest.
Morgan, Afguduud, Hirale and Seeraar support TGS Warlord Abdullah Yusuf (Known Butcher of Mogadishu) because they mainly belong to Darod tribe. Morgan was General in Somalia Army Forces and committed genocide in Hargiesa on 1988. He is wanted in Somaliland for such killings. Morgan, who is practicing beard, tried to join the ICU in 2006 but failed to adjust with lifestyle of the Islamist.
The Ethiopians and TGS are preparing to take back Kismayo from the Islamist, and Islamists are preparing to defend the city. The civilians moved out of the city due to danger.
II. The return of Mad Mulla
In 1899 Mad Mullah, Mohamed bin Abdullah Hassan declared a Jihad on Somaliland and led the Somaliland-British forces to dismiss Hasan as a religious fanatic, calling him the "Mad Mullah." and drove his forces into dust. However, his return was noticed in Kismayo. His grandson follows his footsteps, calling Somaliland as land of "Kefirs", exactly as Mad Mullah Sr. did in 19th century. The grandson considers his warrior the Mad Mullah as father of modern Somalia, unofficially.
Sheikh Hasan Hersi "Turki", "the grandson and Mad Mullah Jr." describes himself as liberator of Kismayo and future warrior, who will drive the kefirs out of Somaliland (Kefir means unbelievers; Senior Mad Mullah described Somalilanders as Kefirs). The media reported the warlord of Kismayo, Barre Hirale fled without major resistance against ousted Islamist militia. The Grandson, several times highlighted his willingness to fight against Somalilanders in their homeland. But the question remains unanswered! Will he defeat Somalilanders inside Somaliland or he will follow the footsteps of his lost grandfather…?
Today, Mad Mullah Jr. in middle of Islamists wants to reprint the black pages of his grandfather´s history, as he applies, the same ideology of using religion to achieve his personal and tribal achievements. The junior will be defeated just like his grandfather, the Mad Mullah Sr.
The conservative Sufi leader Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah Hassan as "the Mad Mullah," though he was neither mad nor a mullah (traditional religious scholar); he considered him self as angel, who will save Somalia from attacks of kefirs. The literature of Sufism that began to be produced in the tenth century CE employed the term Sufi in a deliberate and self-conscious fashion to orchestrate the ethical and mystical goals of the growing movement in a prescriptive fashion.
The Mad Mullah Sr. who armed his tribesmen and cronies could not win support of Somalilanders as they were more educated than rest of Somalia; they rejected his campaign against Britain. UK signed an agreement with Somaliland and stayed in Somaliland based on these predefined terms and conditions. Both sides Somalilanders and UK government respected the agreement, which led UK to leave Somaliland peacefully in 1960 without bloodshed. These agreements are kept in Somaliland Museums as a part of Somaliland history.
At end of Mad Mullah Sr., UK-Somaliland coalition started bombing the Mullah and his tribesman that resulted the end of his era. The Mad Mulla could not bear the sound of the aircrafts used against him and fled to unknown.
III. Crumbling ARS and Djibouti Peace Deal
After Ethiopians ousted the Islamic Courts Union in 2006, The Islamists seek support of Eritrea and established their office in Asmara to remote control their fighters inside Somalia against Ethiopia. Eritrea supplies full support to fail the traditional foe -Ethiopia. The Islamists established Alliance for Re-liberation of Somalia (ARS) on 2007.
The Warlords like Hussein Aideed joined ARS, which led many fighters in Mogadishu to disown ARS including Sheikh Sharif and Sheikh Aweys. The Official Spokesman of Al-Shabab Abu Mansour officially announced the disintegration of Al-Shabab from ARS. This was beginning of ARS disintegration.
Apparently, Sheikhs Sharif and Aways lost the credibility and support of the people of Somalia after they entered the politics. According to Somali Culture, Religion and Politics cannot share under single roof. Sheikh Sharif and Sheikh Aweys even disagreed over political issues which resulted in the disintegration of ARS into two wings: Djibouti and Asmara Wings. Also, the constant interference of Asmara regime in ARS affairs angered Sheikh Sharif.
Due to the disagreement and nosiness of Asmara regime in ARS affairs led Sheikh Sharif to shift his office to Djibouti. Somali websites reported that Sheikh Sharif took all official stamps of ARS without the knowledge of Executive Committee of ARS including Sheikh Aweys. This enabled Sheikh Sharif to sign agreements with TGS in Djibouti without consulting ARS members in Asmara and having admiration between the Islamist fighters.
Djibouti Peace Deal between the TGS Prime Minister Nur Adde and Sheikh Sharif has increased the difference between Sharif and Aweys. Sharif conditioned Ethiopian withdrawal from all Somali areas in the agreement.
Moreover, TGS President Abdullah Yousuf disliked the peace deal and even asked the parliament to "Vote on No Confidence" for Nur Adde government. Ethiopia and the Western governments welcomed the deal but unfortunately the deal failed due to Sherif inability to control the Islamist in Mogadishu.
This unveiled to the international communities that neither Sheikh Sharif nor Sheikh Aweys can influence the Islamist fighters inside Mogadishu. Recently, Hassan Turki – The Mad Mulla Junior in Kismayo – asked both Sheikhs to fear Allah the Almighty and clean their souls from the dirty politics.
Today, the power isn´t in the hands of ARS Wings in Djibouti and Eritrea. The situation in Somalia is deteriorating day after day, as the leaders of the militias´ loose control. The fighting in Somalia will be independent guerrilla war, where every fighter will kill whom he sees as infidel. This is the beginning of new era of fighting in Somalia, and Ethiopians and TGS will remain as long as there is no stability in the country.
USA described Sheikh Sharif as modern Islamists, and blacklisted Sheikh Aways as hardliner. Sheikh Aweys is wanted in USA
VI. TGS bridges the gap in Addis Ababa, why not in Mogadishu?
The Warlords like Hussein Aideed joined ARS, which led many fighters in Mogadishu to disown ARS including Sheikh Sharif and Sheikh Aweys. The Official Spokesman of Al-Shabab Abu Mansour officially announced the disintegration of Al-Shabab from ARS. This was beginning of ARS disintegration.
Apparently, Sheikhs Sharif and Aways lost the credibility and support of the people of Somalia after they entered the politics. According to Somali Culture, Religion and Politics cannot share under single roof. Sheikh Sharif and Sheikh Aweys even disagreed over political issues which resulted in the disintegration of ARS into two wings: Djibouti and Asmara Wings. Also, the constant interference of Asmara regime in ARS affairs angered Sheikh Sharif.
Due to the disagreement and nosiness of Asmara regime in ARS affairs led Sheikh Sharif to shift his office to Djibouti. Somali websites reported that Sheikh Sharif took all official stamps of ARS without the knowledge of Executive Committee of ARS including Sheikh Aweys. This enabled Sheikh Sharif to sign agreements with TGS in Djibouti without consulting ARS members in Asmara and having admiration between the Islamist fighters.
Djibouti Peace Deal between the TGS Prime Minister Nur Adde and Sheikh Sharif has increased the difference between Sharif and Aweys. Sharif conditioned Ethiopian withdrawal from all Somali areas in the agreement.
Moreover, TGS President Abdullah Yousuf disliked the peace deal and even asked the parliament to "Vote on No Confidence" for Nur Adde government. Ethiopia and the Western governments welcomed the deal but unfortunately the deal failed due to Sherif inability to control the Islamist in Mogadishu.
This unveiled to the international communities that neither Sheikh Sharif nor Sheikh Aweys can influence the Islamist fighters inside Mogadishu. Recently, Hassan Turki – The Mad Mulla Junior in Kismayo – asked both Sheikhs to fear Allah the Almighty and clean their souls from the dirty politics.
Today, the power isn´t in the hands of ARS Wings in Djibouti and Eritrea. The situation in Somalia is deteriorating day after day, as the leaders of the militias´ loose control. The fighting in Somalia will be independent guerrilla war, where every fighter will kill whom he sees as infidel. This is the beginning of new era of fighting in Somalia, and Ethiopians and TGS will remain as long as there is no stability in the country.
USA described Sheikh Sharif as modern Islamists, and blacklisted Sheikh Aways as hardliner. Sheikh Aweys is wanted in USA
VI. TGS bridges the gap in Addis Ababa, why not in Mogadishu?
Two months ago, TGS President Abdullah Yusuf and Prime Minister Nur Adde visited Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to settle their differences. Djibouti Peace Agreement between Adde and Sheikh Sharif triggered the disagreement between Yusuf and Adde, because Yusuf did not want negotiation with the Islamists until they stop the fighting against Ethiopia and TGS.
Also, Sheikh Sharif, who signed the deal on behalf of ARS, and TGS Prime Minister Nur Adde are from same tribe "Hawiyo". Hawiyo are dominant of Mogadishu City and its suburbs. This elevated the fear of TGS President Abdullah Yusuf that if Sharif and Adde sign the peace deal, they will win the support of Ethiopia and if so, TGS President will not be required anymore.
Mogadishu residents nicknamed Adde as peace-man. TGS President Abdullah Yusuf is from Majeerteen tribe of Darood Clan: an old foe of Hawiyo tribe.
The leaders of Somalia, Abdullah Yusuf and Nur Adde could not settle their differences on Somali soul due to fear of Abdullah Yusuf from Hawiyo tribe and Nur Adde´s desire to establish peace in vicious Somalia.
Addis Ababa was trusted destination for both leaders, because Ethiopian Prime Ministers Melese Sanawi is the man in command in Somalia. He installed Abdullah Yusuf and Nur Addein in their current posts. Sanawi instructed both Yusuf and Adde to end their differences in 24 hours else they will not go back Mogadishu, and Ethiopia will appoint another administrator to Somalia. Highly reliable sources said that Ethiopian Military Commander in Mogadishu General Gabre slapped the TGS President Abdullah Yusuf on the face.
This is the first time that Ethiopia runs the Somalia affairs; starting from 16th to 20th Century Ethiopia was in defense from attacking Somalia. In 1977, Somali Forces captured many parts of Ethiopia, and Addis Ababa asked Russia for help.
The unfortunate of Somalia started after collapse of Siyad Barre, and rise of General Mohammed Farah Aideed – nicknamed Lion of Africa – and Ali Mehdi. The civil war spread across the southern parts of the country until today.
V. NO "Puntland", NO Piracy in Somali Water
Also, Sheikh Sharif, who signed the deal on behalf of ARS, and TGS Prime Minister Nur Adde are from same tribe "Hawiyo". Hawiyo are dominant of Mogadishu City and its suburbs. This elevated the fear of TGS President Abdullah Yusuf that if Sharif and Adde sign the peace deal, they will win the support of Ethiopia and if so, TGS President will not be required anymore.
Mogadishu residents nicknamed Adde as peace-man. TGS President Abdullah Yusuf is from Majeerteen tribe of Darood Clan: an old foe of Hawiyo tribe.
The leaders of Somalia, Abdullah Yusuf and Nur Adde could not settle their differences on Somali soul due to fear of Abdullah Yusuf from Hawiyo tribe and Nur Adde´s desire to establish peace in vicious Somalia.
Addis Ababa was trusted destination for both leaders, because Ethiopian Prime Ministers Melese Sanawi is the man in command in Somalia. He installed Abdullah Yusuf and Nur Addein in their current posts. Sanawi instructed both Yusuf and Adde to end their differences in 24 hours else they will not go back Mogadishu, and Ethiopia will appoint another administrator to Somalia. Highly reliable sources said that Ethiopian Military Commander in Mogadishu General Gabre slapped the TGS President Abdullah Yusuf on the face.
This is the first time that Ethiopia runs the Somalia affairs; starting from 16th to 20th Century Ethiopia was in defense from attacking Somalia. In 1977, Somali Forces captured many parts of Ethiopia, and Addis Ababa asked Russia for help.
The unfortunate of Somalia started after collapse of Siyad Barre, and rise of General Mohammed Farah Aideed – nicknamed Lion of Africa – and Ali Mehdi. The civil war spread across the southern parts of the country until today.
V. NO "Puntland", NO Piracy in Somali Water
The fake state of "Puntland" was established on 1998 by current ailing leader of TGS Abdullah Yusuf Ahmed. The state was based on tribes and even describes its citizens on tribe bases. The tribalism ideology led "Puntland" to claim some parties of Somaliland.
In "Puntland", piracy, kidnapping and hijacking of ships is the best profession. The leaders of "Puntland" including Adde Mouse take loin´s share in the revenues from the kidnapping the foreigners and hijacking the ships from international water. "Puntland" administration allows human trafficking to Yemen, where thousands of poor Ethiopians and Somalis carried in small wooden boat. The "Puntland" human traffickers charge from $50 to $100 per person. Human Rights accused "Puntland" for the illegal business.
For more information please read: http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/72198
In "Puntland", piracy, kidnapping and hijacking of ships is the best profession. The leaders of "Puntland" including Adde Mouse take loin´s share in the revenues from the kidnapping the foreigners and hijacking the ships from international water. "Puntland" administration allows human trafficking to Yemen, where thousands of poor Ethiopians and Somalis carried in small wooden boat. The "Puntland" human traffickers charge from $50 to $100 per person. Human Rights accused "Puntland" for the illegal business.
For more information please read: http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/72198
French Forces in Djibouti used force to release the hijacked French ship and arrested about 6 pirates. All six pirates were very close relatives of TGS Leader Abdullah Yusuf and are all from "Puntland".
In 2007, Somaliland Forces with support of people of Sool expelled the "Puntland" militia from eastern regions of Somaliland including Sool and Eastern Sanaag. The Laasanood city is very stabilized and well-run by local authority appointed by Somaliland government. The services restored in the city including clean drinking water at the first time of the history of the city, even Somali governments failed to provide clean drinking water. Somaliland arrested thousands of pirates in Sool region of Somaliland, who came from "Puntland". For more information read: http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/60246
Taking control of Lasaanood, by Somaliland Forces, triggered anger between supporters of "Puntland" who roar with revenge but they will fail against the well-trained soliders of Somaliland. There are misled citizens of Laasaanood who support "Puntland" on tribe bases. They call Somaliland "The Secessionists" and "Isaaq-Land". They believe in tribalism rather than democracy. In Somaliland democracy and voting is backbone of the system in the country, where only elected ones can lead the country.
However "Puntland" and misled citizens of Lasaanood, Somaliland support TGS Leaders Abdullah Yusuf and his Ethiopian backers in Mogadishu. The revenge killing of innocent citizens of Mogadishu is victory for people in "Puntland" and the misled citizens. They, blindly, support Abdullah and Ethiopians because they hate Hawiyo – the residents of Mogadishu – due to old bad feelings between them.
This reveals that "Puntland" supports Ethiopian occupation in Mogadishu because the man who invited the Ethiopians to occupy Somalia is from their tribe. At the same time, they oppose Somaliland after securing its borders because the Somaliland citizens in Sool and Eastern Sanaag share same tribe with Puntland. The questions lingering in my mind are:
1. Can tribe be a nation? NO, it can´t.
In 2007, Somaliland Forces with support of people of Sool expelled the "Puntland" militia from eastern regions of Somaliland including Sool and Eastern Sanaag. The Laasanood city is very stabilized and well-run by local authority appointed by Somaliland government. The services restored in the city including clean drinking water at the first time of the history of the city, even Somali governments failed to provide clean drinking water. Somaliland arrested thousands of pirates in Sool region of Somaliland, who came from "Puntland". For more information read: http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/60246
Taking control of Lasaanood, by Somaliland Forces, triggered anger between supporters of "Puntland" who roar with revenge but they will fail against the well-trained soliders of Somaliland. There are misled citizens of Laasaanood who support "Puntland" on tribe bases. They call Somaliland "The Secessionists" and "Isaaq-Land". They believe in tribalism rather than democracy. In Somaliland democracy and voting is backbone of the system in the country, where only elected ones can lead the country.
However "Puntland" and misled citizens of Lasaanood, Somaliland support TGS Leaders Abdullah Yusuf and his Ethiopian backers in Mogadishu. The revenge killing of innocent citizens of Mogadishu is victory for people in "Puntland" and the misled citizens. They, blindly, support Abdullah and Ethiopians because they hate Hawiyo – the residents of Mogadishu – due to old bad feelings between them.
This reveals that "Puntland" supports Ethiopian occupation in Mogadishu because the man who invited the Ethiopians to occupy Somalia is from their tribe. At the same time, they oppose Somaliland after securing its borders because the Somaliland citizens in Sool and Eastern Sanaag share same tribe with Puntland. The questions lingering in my mind are:
1. Can tribe be a nation? NO, it can´t.
2. Laasaanood belongs to whom? It belongs to Somaliland
3. Who overtook the administration of Lasanood? It is Somaliland – the Owner.
4. Mogadishu belongs to whom? It belongs to Somalis
5. Who captured Mogadishu? Ethiopians supported by "Puntland" tribesmen
The surprise is, "Puntland" is opposing Somaliland and supporting the Ethiopians by the name of tribe. "Puntland" says ´We love Ethiopia because they support our tribesman Abdullah Yusuf´ and ´we hate Somaliland because they took our tribesmen away´…This is the ideology of "Puntland". It starts with tribalism and ends with tribalism. At the end, Somaliland is Somali people but not Ethiopians.
Somalis support Somaliland because it protects its border integrity. In other hand, Somalis hate "Puntland" because they handed over the entire country to Ethiopians.
VI. Somaliland – A hostage for failed Somalia
The surprise is, "Puntland" is opposing Somaliland and supporting the Ethiopians by the name of tribe. "Puntland" says ´We love Ethiopia because they support our tribesman Abdullah Yusuf´ and ´we hate Somaliland because they took our tribesmen away´…This is the ideology of "Puntland". It starts with tribalism and ends with tribalism. At the end, Somaliland is Somali people but not Ethiopians.
Somalis support Somaliland because it protects its border integrity. In other hand, Somalis hate "Puntland" because they handed over the entire country to Ethiopians.
VI. Somaliland – A hostage for failed Somalia
Starting from 18th May 1991, Somaliland has made notable progress in building peace, security and constitutional democracy within its de facto borders. Hundreds of thousands of refugees and internally displaced people have returned home, tens of thousands of landmines have been removed and destroyed, and clan militias have been integrated into unified police and military forces. UN, AU, IGAD, USA and Great Britain supported Somaliland peace process and supply aid to Somaliland government.
A multi-party political system and successive competitive elections have established Somaliland as a rarity in the Horn of Africa and the Muslim world. The African Union (AU) needs to engage in preventive diplomacy now, laying the groundwork for resolution of the dispute before it becomes a confrontation from which either side views violence as the only exit.
Unfortunately, Somaliland is waiting diplomatic recognition from international community in order to do business with them. Somaliland cannot trade with outside world, Somaliland banks cannot exchange transactions with other banks, and certificates of Somaliland students are not accepted. These are result of diplomatic embargo.
IGAD and AU sent fact-finding mission to Somaliland on 2005, and report was very positive and even asked both organizations to consider the case of Somaliland. US Assistant Undersecretary for African Affairs Dr. Friazer visited Somaliland on 2007 and she was very happy with the progress made in Somaliland.
Somaliland is not asking aid or loans to the international community, it only needs to do business with them. But the world is taking too long to response to freedom voice of Somaliland and its self determination.
A multi-party political system and successive competitive elections have established Somaliland as a rarity in the Horn of Africa and the Muslim world. The African Union (AU) needs to engage in preventive diplomacy now, laying the groundwork for resolution of the dispute before it becomes a confrontation from which either side views violence as the only exit.
Unfortunately, Somaliland is waiting diplomatic recognition from international community in order to do business with them. Somaliland cannot trade with outside world, Somaliland banks cannot exchange transactions with other banks, and certificates of Somaliland students are not accepted. These are result of diplomatic embargo.
IGAD and AU sent fact-finding mission to Somaliland on 2005, and report was very positive and even asked both organizations to consider the case of Somaliland. US Assistant Undersecretary for African Affairs Dr. Friazer visited Somaliland on 2007 and she was very happy with the progress made in Somaliland.
Somaliland is not asking aid or loans to the international community, it only needs to do business with them. But the world is taking too long to response to freedom voice of Somaliland and its self determination.
By Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi
