Somalia: join the online dialogue

53 comments on “Somalia: join the online dialogue”

1. I am glad to have such an open dialogue with a high profile representative like you. Please read my blog especially the piece that is titled “an advise to Obama administration,” and give me some feed back. I belive that one has to understand the sosciodynamics of Somalia in oder for one to help.

   1. Somalia is a failed ettasd mismanaged by its own people and others. The country is entering its 21-year of instability. The beleaguered population had lived under enduring anarchy and violence for 7300 days (20 years). So many reconciliation conferences missed the opportunities to address the root cause of the conflict in the Horn of Africa. The conflict in Somalia has passed through different stages. There was a time when the clans fought bitterly for hegemony under powerful warlords. During which time Somalia had witnessed the greatest social turmoil in its history: secession of the ex-British Somaliland, loss of sovereignty, widespread clan hostility, appalling atrocities and forced displacement. Then in 2006 the warlord epoch ended abruptly. The Union of Islamic Courts rose to power and replaced the notorious warmongers. For the first time since 1991, Somalia tasted 6 months of unprecedented peace and tranquillity. To date, the country is still in turmoil.Nowadays, there is no obvious clan hostility in Somalia. The clan tension has naturally died down after twenty years. Nonetheless, there is an ongoing conflict between the Transitional Authority and religious zealots. Presently the TFG is fighting against a relentless, formidable opposition that does not give in. Five months ago, the insurgents retreated from their stronghold in Mogadishu, calling it a tactical manoeuvre. Mogadishu residents rejoiced at the news. Pockets of Al Shabab snipers still remain in some parts of Mogadishu imposing the greatest risk to the TFG. Increasing deadly clashes occur almost every day in Mogadishu. The insurgents are not simply giving up. They come and go tactically frustrating the TFG’s ambition to recapture the capital city completely. Since October 16, 2011, Kenyan troops have been attacking the insurgents’ depots and training camps in South Somalia only killing scores of al shabab fighters. No major town has been secured by the Kenyan troops yet. Kenyan air force raids might have killed more civilians than Al Shabab fighters. Jilib district near Kismayo received direct aerial bombardment in which 7 young children and their parents had been killed. Similar casualties were reported in Kudhaa, Hosungow villages. . Al Shabab might have been weakened, but they still talk tough and appear to have fighting capabilities.Five African nations have deployed troops to Somalia. Comparatively speaking, these troops have superior arsenal, but they are making progress at snail’s pace. The operation is long, costly and unwinnable. Military option without a parallel political solution may not be the right policy to end the crisis in Somalia. A quick look at the history of foreign troop’s involvement in Somalia shows that military interventions had always ended in fiasco. The London Conference in February 2012 is not reconciliation but it is for the international community to explore means of strengthening the existing TFG institutions and to coordinate their efforts. Only heads of states and other agencies are invited to the meeting. For this reason, no UK Diaspora is invited to the conference. I propose that London conference should minimize the military option and maximize the political solution and social aspects of the conflict. It should find means of bringing the TFG and its opposition at the negotiation table whatever it takes. It should urge participating countries and agencies to consider non-military option as a matter of urgency. Insurgency is the major obstacle to lasting in Somalia. Let’s end it.In the past, Alshabab turned down the government’s offer to reconcile. TFG has been criticised for failing to push the case forward. The rebels have not been given any significant political or material offers. It all seemed a lip service and useless rants. There may be certain neutral bodies somewhere in the world that the rebels could trust. For instance, some highly revered Islamic clerics in the Arab world have expressed willingness to mediate between the TFG and Alshabab. Renowned preachers from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt and Kuwait have expressed interest in mediating the TFG and Al shabab. Nevertheless, the TFG looks unprepared to take advantage of this free service. TFGIt is challenging to convince the rebel leaders to attend a peace dialogue, but it is not entirely an impossible task. Clearly, the TFG is not committed to do so. Al Shabab must accept 3 crucial pre-requisites to peace in Somalia. Al Shabab must:b7 Relinquish hostility, in another words, stop the war with the TFG;b7 Hand in to the authority the foreign criminals fighting along with them;b7 Come to the negotiation tableIf they accept these three conditions, the world will de-register them and offer them an international pardon provided that they would never engage in any form of hostilities. Piracy in Somalia flourishes under the watchful eyes of the world’s mightiest navy and battleships patrolling Somali’s coast lines. It has been reported that piracy in Somalia is a lucrative business that enjoys national and international protection of some kind. Pirates may have closer ties with the local residents for safe passages or sanctuary. Poverty stricken residents can see the financial advantages of collaborating with the pirates. Dislodging pirates from their land-bases is perhaps a better strategy than attacking them in the sea. Moreover, creating some local developmental projects to alleviate poverty in the pirate-concentrated regions could bring long term benefits to these abandoned coastal towns. Another international conference that fails to address these crucial aspects will be futile and waste of time. For the conference to achieve its objectives it must consider the following:b7 Minimise beating war drums and maximize finding other political options;b7 Find means to get the TFG and its opponents to have peace dialogue;b7 Ensure that the TFG is ready to accommodate the most important demands of the opposition;b7 To assist the TFG to come up with its long term plans to tackle continuing insurgency in Somaliab7 To force the TFG to accept the involvement of international Islamic clerics in the mediation process;b7 Seek voluntary collaboration of local residents to crush piracy. Create opportunities for the local population who live in the pirate-invested regionsb7 Hunt down those who support and facilitate piracy: locally and internationally and bring to justice;b7 Offer an international pardon to the rebel leaders.Somali Think tankmahamed get intouch on

2. British legacy in Somalia:

   • Colonized northern Somalia and left without development or functioning institutions 1884-1960.
   • Gave the reserve area to the Ethiopian kingdom; a land that belonged to the tribes under the British protection – 1954.
   • Annulled the NFD referendum because the people voted overwhelmingly for Somali unification – 1963.
   • Dismember what is left of Somalia? – 2012

3. Hi, Matt. It’s a good news the international community have finally woken-up to Somalian problem spear-headed by Uk government, which we all “welcome”. I would also welcome your new Job-title for incredible nation who are resourcful in all aspect. That would only emerge given the space with no meddling from IGAD attached & its basic requirment & must be respected. As the saying goes:” There is no such as free launch”. I ougt to share this book with: Getting Somalia wrong.
   Written by: Mary harper

   Note: The west have to stop humiliating the somalian people for Ethiopia & kenya when we are more resourcful.

   1. January will mark the 21st of the civil war. Meaning 2decades of fighting and fgerion failed interventions. Trabalism hasn’t been the cause since 2004 when the first TFG was elected (by thenselves). UIC was reletively moderate by any definition and their downfall was advocating greater somalia which alermed ethiopia which recently has chinese investment for odagenia oil reserves which was the british governments error for giving it to them in the first place. This lead to the downfall of the UIC and was the nursing bed of the al shabab a violent criminal gang of fanatics. Kenya’s incursion is nothing but humanitarian and was long coming since 2009 when they asked the common wealth to lobby on their behalf to decrease somalia’s EEZ from 200 nm to just 12 so they cn exliot the oil from the lamu-kismayu basin. KEnya and ethiopia do not have the somali people best intrest which will give al shabab added propaganda to further recruit or conscript youth. Eritrea is another country that is derailing the peace process with arm shipments to al shabab. America has long had an eye on somalia’s gas reserves and potential oil fields. Iran is also accused of supplying weapons to al shabab in 2009 in exchange of urenium to further use it to enrich the nuclear program. And with david cameron having taste for african expeditions who knows britain’s stake in somalia. Franch oil company shell recently aqcuired 14 plots in lamu basin to explore for oil. UN organisations and employees for somalia based in nairobi are accused of doing nothing to stop the conflict as it ment they would lose their high paying salaries. 2011 saw the worst humanitarian disaster in modern history un fold in southern and central somalia. With US war on terror preventing NGOs from sending food to people in al shabab area to al shabab banning NGOs and conscripting farmers to UN flooding muqdisho market with food which made farmers lose income and stop doing their jobs and ofcourse the weather. If 2012 is the year the conflict ends in somalia this would only happen if the international community approach somalia honestly and without ulyterior motives.

4. Dear Sir

   I am Somali-Australian and I watched the debate or the discussion opened for Somali migrants (Somali-Britons). Honestly speaking, I did not like what most Somalians had said and this was a clear indication of where Somali people are heading. Sir with all due respect, I would suggest to the British government, specially those who put together this program to know and do the following.

   Somali people is seriously sick patient and they need medical attention. Therefore, I would advise you to get an specialist of African social disease and qualified interpreter/translator. The doctor has to interview the patient, and try in his/her utmost to understand the actual disease. Make sure that the interpreter/translator is qualified and not related to the patient or has a grudge against him. Make sure the question or the answer is not lost in the interpreting/translating process. Then after proper diagnosis prescribe the right and the most effective medication that the patient need – not what he/she want but he/she need. Remember, UK has some responsibility to address this issue as they, to some extent, has contributed our woes and failures in the past. I hope you all the best and good luck.

   Thank for all
   Omar Farah
   Chairperson of Somali-Australian Advisory Group

5. Britain is cutting back bilateral aid for projects in developing countries by almost a third over the next four years, according to data from the Department for International Development.
   I think sow That britain is looking funds for its beloved ‘ Somaliland’ and That Somalia conference is only a Commonwealth covert project .
   Why is Djibouti not invited?

   A somali djiboutian national

6. Dear Ambassador,

   Can I introduce you to the Somali Ecological Society ? http://www.somaliecologicalsociety.org Formed in Mogadishu in the early ’80s it has been going ever since.

   Our chairman, Mohamoud Omer Sh. Ibrahim B.Sc (For), MA (Conservation), just the other week submitted a report on his recent fact finding visit to Somaliland to assess the state of the environment to the Rt. Hon. Andrew Mitchell, Secretary of State DfID.

   Mohamoud’s firm desire is to support the country of his birth.

   And Im sure he would be delighted to support you in any way he can.

   Please get in touch.

   Yours sincerely,

   John Jenks
   TCO in Mogadishu / Afgooye ’83 – ’86

7. Dear Matt
   Congratulation to your new job.
   We (somali patriotic)welcome this new relationship between two countries and would like see UK government who is ready to contritute positively not negatively as we have in rcord,however what we can’t forget is UK’s policy towards to Somali republic,starting from colonial era such as Berline conference etc until now,anyway we see what UK government came with and situation is depend on which way UK government choose.

8. The Somali state has become an object of charity after two decades of political crisis; multiple actors claim that Somalia needs international humanitarian assistance and military intervention due to terrorism, piracy and famine. For over twenty years these pleas led to no progress and the Somali people have seen continuing death and destruction and as a result continue to suffer the consequences. The Somali people feel humiliation despite claims of international generosity towards the Somali people. The United Kingdom has now decided to host a conference on Somalia and Prime Minister, David Cameron said in his speech to the Lord Mayor’s banquet on 14 November 2011, “that Somalia is a failed state that directly threatens British interests. Tourists and aid workers kidnapped, young British minds poisoned by radicalism, mass migration, and vital trade routes disrupted.” This statement does recognize that there is a problem in Somalia that threatens the security interests of the United Kingdom and some argue that this recognition to change the conditions that contribute to the Somalia quandary gives a new purpose and opportunity to resolve this problem. Moreover, others go even further and say that this constitutes an act of generosity. But others characterize the prescription of the London Conference a testament of the Eurocentric neocolonial mentality of the 21st century as the Somalis were never consulted with about the scope, nature and intentions of the Conference. They point to the sketchy non-paper diplomatic details released so far as having colonial intentions. They warn that the London Conference creates the illusion of acting but will not be different than that of the 19th century colonial rule that gave Africa its current political configuration. They propose that real change must come from the society itself by rejecting tribal politics, religious extremism, foreign domination and becoming real actors in pursuing an authentic political change by restoring justice, freedom and unity.

   The intention of this paper is to make the London Conference an object of reflection for my beloved Somali brothers and sisters and for those who are truly in solidarity with the Somali nation. In doing so, I want all to reflect on the current conditions of Somalia. In this perspective, the Somali people SHOULD NOT BE TREATED to be mere objects and this is to urge the Somalis to respond to the changes occurring around them and question whether the London Conference is an act of love and generosity or whether it is another grand design with predictable dire consequences . To verify this, we must examine first the current condition of Somalia and contrast it with the proposals of the London Conference, good intentions notwithstanding. In doing so, we will discover the intentions and designs of the London Conference and arrive at objective discovery after thorough examination. Moreover, this paper will project a vision for Somalia in its conclusion that reflects the desire of the Somali people, hoping that the London Conference will make an effort in this direction.

   The State of Somalia

   Reality in Somalia today is very grave in economic and political terms; there is widespread poverty and sporadic famine crises. The country is in political crisis characterized by multiple foreign actors and visions reflective of personal and political desires that are not anchored with the will of the Somali people.

   The TFG has not evolved to a legitimate institution despite international support owing largely to a lack of vision and its lack of responsiveness to societal needs. It is a well known fact that people in Somalia feel safer under Al-Shabab controlled areas as they face greater risks of robbery and rape in areas managed by the TFG/AMISOM authorities. Targeted killings of reporters and other local leaders are exceptionally high in these areas. Socially, there is awareness among the Somali people that tribal politics (4.5 federalism) and religious sectarianism have failed the nation and overcoming both of these dogmas are urgent priorities for the Somali people. The current Somali leadership have become pawns of these deterministic views and the agenda they push inside and outside Somalia is reflective of the political disconnect and lack of legitimacy these leaders find themselves in Somalia. The 4.5 power-sharing formula and the foolish actions of Al-Shabab do show this divide. However, the 4.5 clan power-sharing formula and its new political dispensation, Federalism, are as oxymoron as crash-landing is in the Somali political landscape. They are designed to reshape Somalia into smaller controllable clan based states. The proponents of the Somali Federalism project are three groups. First group includes neighbouring countries of Somalia; these are Kenya and Ethiopia, which due to their selfish state interests oppose a strong Somali state with robust central authority. In their view, a weak Somali state is antithesis to Somali nationalism that may pursue the restoration of ‘Greater Somalia”, which calls for the unification of the Somali territories in Ethiopia and Kenya with the contemporary Somali Republic. They fear a strong Somali state and pursue policies that maintain the current “weakened state” status of Somalia. The second group entails individual Somalis who are blinded by clan hatred and desperation for power. They believe that the devolution of power benefits them as they will have power to advance clan interests. The third group, the U.S. and the EU is the most dangerous as they fund this project and have a long-term strategic interest in the entire region. In this respect, the U.S.A. and EU are facilitators of the humiliation and suffering of the Somali people as they continue to empower Kenya and Ethiopia to engage in the destabilization of Somalia. In this way, a system of domination is created where the Somali people find themselves powerless and on the periphery. Decisions are made without the Somali people through subservient tribalist “Somali leaders”.

   The Kampala Accord and its subsequent Somalia roadmap marginalize the sovereignty of Somalia as its proponents, IGAD and UNPOS dictate to the “Somali leaders” as a result of the mandate of the Accord. The United States attaches greater values to democracy while it is strangely supporting this oppressive roadmap. This contradiction supports the argument that this Accord precisely endorses their agenda in Somalia. As a result of this, the wider Somali public feels humiliated. This disgraceful action will lead to Somali nationalism as history shows and evidenced by the rise of German nationalism after WWI. It is already taking shape around this circus of “Somali Conferences”. How long can the Somali people continue to live in this oppressive reality and remain impotent?

   The London Conference

   As announced last November, 2011 by the U.K. government, “over 40 countries and multilateral organizations will come together in London with the aim of delivering a new international approach to Somalia”. From this view, it is evident that there is a recognition that there is an opportunity to build an international consensus to “tackle both the root causes and effects of the problems” in Somalia. The British government is convinced that Somalia represents a security risk, not only to Britain but to the International Community as evidenced by the growing radicalization and piracy in Somalia. London views Al-Shabab, a group listed as a terrorist group, as representing a growing security concern due to a large Somali community presence in England. Similar concern is shared by other countries such as Canada, U.S.A, and others in Europe and Africa. Similarly, the growing threat of piracy in Somalia impacts many more nations around the world. Moreover, recurring famine and other humanitarian needs in Somalia represent no less important challenges. These factors are additionally complicated by the weak institutions and complex political environment in Somalia. Currently there is a Somali peace process that has its contradictions. The new roadmap calls for ending the transitional political arrangement and the recently concluded Garoweh meeting which was scheduled to formally do so has produced another four years of transitional period and institutions. The announcement of the London Conference comes in the midst of this confusion.

   Recently released documents show an intense consultation and communication from U.K. government with other relevant countries, individuals and groups. These papers show the political mindset of the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, and the United Nations Political Office for Somalia, Italy, Kenya, Ethiopia, some Muslim and Arab countries and the Transitional Government of Somalia and other Somali regional stakeholders. Remarkably, these consultations show that the Somalis were not consulted with prior to the announcement. This shows that the intention of this conference is not to empower the Somali people to make a collective decision that the world can support, because if that was the case the logical approach would have been to consult with the affected people, that is to say initiate a consultative phase with the people of Somalia before embarking and announcing the London conference. It is absurd not to realize that though Somalia is shattered they still have the capacity to understand and be resilient and often international actors who lack the knowledge of local terrain discount such positive aspect of local knowledge by imposing their will and Western values as reflected in this upcoming London conference. Moreover, the proposal from Italy bizarrely advances a neocolonial agenda that puts Somalia under trusteeship. This is an affront that outraged the Somali people inside and outside the country. It similarly shows why the Somali people do not and should not trust any foreign intervention. Wholesale euphemisms such as “piracy threats”, “terrorism”, “and humanitarian intervention” are used to malign and discredit, with the intention to erode the self-determination and sovereignty of the Somali people. The Somali people are deprived of their voice and unjustly dealt with over the years by the U.S. and its European allies of France, Italy and England by continually supporting the destabilization of Somalia by Kenya and Ethiopia. For these states to affirm the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia over and over again in their communications and support the continuing invasions of Ethiopia and Kenya is an extreme contradiction. Can the London Conference be in solidarity with the Somali people who are yearning to address their political, social and economic problems and at the same time continue to support the war crimes continually committed by Ethiopia and recently joined by Kenya? The Eurocentric approach that is expounded in the popular press with slogans such as “the Somali people cannot handle democracy and civilized constitutionalism” as one recent “Somalia expert” purports in her latest book, Somalia: “Getting Somalia Wrong? – Signs of Hope in a Shattered State – a Realistic but Empathetic Analysis.” must be totally rejected and discredited. Edward Said must be rolling over in his grave every time a European scholar with his/her Eurocentric biases and through field observation writes as an expert on cultures of other people.

   The Somali people have been traditionally making collective decisions in their communities for centuries. Similarly, Democracy is a rational or idealistic concept which endorses the idea of collective decision making freely in areas of mutual interest such as law and order, quality of life, culture and distribution of wealth. Given that democratic decision making is not an alien concept to the Somali people, why is it that irrational discriminatory political dispensation such as 4.5 power-sharing clan formula is advanced in Somalia with the financial support of the international community?

   Conclusions

   The aim of the London Conference is to “pull together international effort” in order to make sure that the current international effort in Somalia and the Somalia peace process succeed according to the U.K. government. This Conference has surely spurred the interest of the Somali people. Many hope that this Conference may offer a new direction and bring an end of two decades of failed international policy. Others are skeptical and are worried that the U.K. is not driven by generosity and has its own selfish agenda. However, the Somali people are better positioned this time as there is genuine will to transcend the tribal politics that has undermined the State sovereignty and the unity among the people for the past two decades. The London Conference should capitalize this goodwill and move to:

   * Provide guiding principles, or terms of reference to make this conference more transparent, so far as the Somalis are concerned, they are suspicious of this conference due to its secrecy and lack of transparency.

   * Have a clear detailed consultation framework at the outset; the fact that this conference will address agendas set by outsider with no clear framework will only complicate its outcome.

   * Provide clarity of what an end result would look like. The government of UK can only facilitate but let Somalis decide the best approach to address the Somali conundrum. Somalis and other participants of conference have common objectives to address security, terrorism and piracy; it is in the best interest of all to address a common problem collectively.

   * Make the Conference a two round process to develop ideas and refine them; let this be a brainstorming exercise and set up another conference inside Somalia. It is illogical to be holding conferences outside of Somalia while addressing security problems pertaining to Somalia. A serious action plan to address piracy and terrorism needs to be inside Somalia and supported by the Somali people inside the country.

   And finally any outcome must make sure that Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is maintained and individual freedom and choice is guaranteed.

9. We the Somali men need to pursue a parliament consisting of 50% Women parliamentarians
   A balanced Parliament is surely an effective parliament a healthy parliament and a progressive parliament, thus we hope the London conference sets the foundation, for hat everyone is aware is the healthiest plan for a healthy country.
   the Somali Women Street Sweepers have been targeted Since 2008, and many intellectuals Minister and head of NGO’s and yet they prevail, Many a times Our Heroes Our Somali women (our mothers and sisters and daughters) have comeback and risked their lives, only to be targeted by extremist maimed and murdered, thus far they still persist and prevail equipped with their intellect, Energy and ambition for peace they arm us (the Nation) with Hope, in a country where they hardly get their fair share. Many of them sweep the streets, while many of us shelter in anti-mine vehicles crossing them as these streets get safer today, it is a must, we remember those who fought with their hearts and smiles, those who paved the way for normality to return without resorting to violence.
   Our women tended to these streets, tended to our wounds and tended to programs to prevent war and underpinned all reconciliations, with their courage and hopes, which mended our hearts, our Somali women are everything to Somalia. They are our hearts and our minds, we have tied their hands yet they free us, we have tied their tongues and yet they speak for us, we have deprived them of education yet they teach us and heal us, we have striped all rights from them yet they defend us with their minds, hearts and smiles, we surely have shot ourselves in the foot as men, when we chose not to recognize the better halves of us, and an important half of us, we have to thank the Somali Women ,our women, apologize to them and allow them to take, their rightful chair in our decision making process, they have more than earned it, they died for it and they have given birth to it, and yes they are over half of the population, however our Somali women don’t even have 10% of the parliament, in our future plans it may be worse, for example:
   over 500 self-pay Somali students in China 90% medical student the female students are less than 30 students, that’s less than 6% of the overall students hopping to become doctors graduating from china in the next six years.
   we have to understand not allowing over 50% percent of the community to participate in all aspects of decision making is not only a present crisis but future obstacle to progress, if we don’t change our current way of thinking we will be a society intentionally inducing a type of stroke to themselves.
   We have to change this, not because of our women alone but because of the nation thus this cause is not a women’s cause but a nations pursuit to progress and happiness, What we need to do is, We need to balance our Parliament, not for the reason to be fair alone but to utilize the strength we have, to utilize the diversity we consist of as a nation, they have a parliament that serves a nation represents a nation and therefore can be the cross-section of the nation it represents.
   So it’s the duty of all to seek such a balance, it’s the duty of all to pursue these changes, and currently it should be the responsibility of us (the Somali men today) to understand the reasons for the balance of the parliament and to free over half our minds and hearts, and allow over half our society to inflict Change and to contribute to leadership which is long overdue from our women, it’s time for the men to seek this change to welcome it to nurture it and to protect it.
   So thanks to our women and sorry to our sisters because we have not fought for them as they have done for us. For this reason all men have to celebrate the mother’s day the women’s day because it’s time to stand by them as they always stood by us, and balanced the parliament with 50% women parliamentarians because we the Nation need them.

10. Somalia is a failed stated mismanaged by its own people and others. The country is entering its 21-year of instability. The beleaguered population had lived under enduring anarchy and violence for 7300 days (20 years). So many reconciliation conferences missed the opportunities to address the root cause of the conflict in the Horn of Africa. The conflict in Somalia has passed through different stages. There was a time when the clans fought bitterly for hegemony under powerful warlords. During which time Somalia had witnessed the greatest social turmoil in its history: secession of the ex-British Somaliland, loss of sovereignty, widespread clan hostility, appalling atrocities and forced displacement. Then in 2006 the warlord epoch ended abruptly. The Union of Islamic Courts rose to power and replaced the notorious warmongers. For the first time since 1991, Somalia tasted 6 months of unprecedented peace and tranquillity. To date, the country is still in turmoil.

    Nowadays, there is no obvious clan hostility in Somalia. The clan tension has naturally died down after twenty years. Nonetheless, there is an ongoing conflict between the Transitional Authority and religious zealots. Presently the TFG is fighting against a relentless, formidable opposition that does not give in. Five months ago, the insurgents retreated from their stronghold in Mogadishu, calling it a tactical manoeuvre. Mogadishu residents rejoiced at the news. Pockets of Al Shabab snipers still remain in some parts of Mogadishu imposing the greatest risk to the TFG. Increasing deadly clashes occur almost every day in Mogadishu. The insurgents are not simply giving up. They come and go tactically frustrating the TFG’s ambition to recapture the capital city completely.

    Since October 16, 2011, Kenyan troops have been attacking the insurgents’ depots and training camps in South Somalia only killing scores of al shabab fighters. No major town has been secured by the Kenyan troops yet. Kenyan air force raids might have killed more civilians than Al Shabab fighters. Jilib district near Kismayo received direct aerial bombardment in which 7 young children and their parents had been killed. Similar casualties were reported in Kudhaa, Hosungow villages. . Al Shabab might have been weakened, but they still talk tough and appear to have fighting capabilities.

    Five African nations have deployed troops to Somalia. Comparatively speaking, these troops have superior arsenal, but they are making progress at snail’s pace. The operation is long, costly and unwinnable. Military option without a parallel political solution may not be the right policy to end the crisis in Somalia. A quick look at the history of foreign troop’s involvement in Somalia shows that military interventions had always ended in fiasco.

    The London Conference in February 2012 is not reconciliation but it is for the international community to explore means of strengthening the existing TFG institutions and to coordinate their efforts. Only heads of states and other agencies are invited to the meeting. For this reason, no UK Diaspora is invited to the conference.

    I propose that London conference should minimize the military option and maximize the political solution and social aspects of the conflict. It should find means of bringing the TFG and its opposition at the negotiation table whatever it takes. It should urge participating countries and agencies to consider non-military option as a matter of urgency. Insurgency is the major obstacle to lasting in Somalia. Let’s end it.

    In the past, Alshabab turned down the government’s offer to reconcile. TFG has been criticised for failing to push the case forward. The rebels have not been given any significant political or material offers. It all seemed a lip service and useless rants. There may be certain neutral bodies somewhere in the world that the rebels could trust. For instance, some highly revered Islamic clerics in the Arab world have expressed willingness to mediate between the TFG and Alshabab. Renowned preachers from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt and Kuwait have expressed interest in mediating the TFG and Al shabab. Nevertheless, the TFG looks unprepared to take advantage of this free service. TFG

    It is challenging to convince the rebel leaders to attend a peace dialogue, but it is not entirely an impossible task. Clearly, the TFG is not committed to do so. Al Shabab must accept 3 crucial pre-requisites to peace in Somalia. Al Shabab must:

    · Relinquish hostility, in another words, stop the war with the TFG;
    · Hand in to the authority the foreign criminals fighting along with them;
    · Come to the negotiation table

    If they accept these three conditions, the world will de-register them and offer them an international pardon provided that they would never engage in any form of hostilities.

    Piracy in Somalia flourishes under the watchful eyes of the world’s mightiest navy and battleships patrolling Somali’s coast lines. It has been reported that piracy in Somalia is a lucrative business that enjoys national and international protection of some kind. Pirates may have closer ties with the local residents for safe passages or sanctuary. Poverty stricken residents can see the financial advantages of collaborating with the pirates. Dislodging pirates from their land-bases is perhaps a better strategy than attacking them in the sea. Moreover, creating some local developmental projects to alleviate poverty in the pirate-concentrated regions could bring long term benefits to these abandoned coastal towns.

    Another international conference that fails to address these crucial aspects will be futile and waste of time. For the conference to achieve its objectives it must consider the following:

    · Minimise beating war drums and maximize finding other political options;

    · Find means to get the TFG and its opponents to have peace dialogue;

    · Ensure that the TFG is ready to accommodate the most important demands of the opposition;

    · To assist the TFG to come up with its long term plans to tackle continuing insurgency in Somalia

    · To force the TFG to accept the involvement of international Islamic clerics in the mediation process;

    · Seek voluntary collaboration of local residents to crush piracy. Create opportunities for the local population who live in the pirate-invested regions

    · Hunt down those who support and facilitate piracy: locally and internationally and bring to justice;

    · Offer an international pardon to the rebel leaders.

    Somali Think tank
    mahamed get intouch on tevinm2001@yahoo.com

11. The chronic instability of most of the country and the attendant daily threats to life mean that the risks associated with piracy can be seen as little worse than those faced every day.

    Pirate bosses have little difficulty recruiting to fill any gaps in their crews. In this context a solution based on security systems and guns will not address the root causes of Somali piracy.

    There are ways that navies from around the world can plaster over the problems of Somalia but as long as a state with grinding poverty, hunger, no law enforcement and no effective government sits beside a rich trading route, piracy will continue.

    The outside world has for too long seen Somalia only in terms of threats to their own security.

    Targeted missiles and interventions have been used to remove threatening individuals or groups but there has been no serious engagement with the political and developmental problems that allow those threats to take root.

    If there is a silver lining to the piracy issue it may be that a deeper, broader and more imaginative engagement with Somalia develops.

    Piracy is difficult for the nations of the world and disastrous for sailors – but for millions of Somalis the problems of their homeland are catastrophic.

12. Congrats Hon Embassodor..uk govt..I am asserting that the moment to stabilize Somalia is ripe and called on the international community to take advantage of the opportunity…appealed to the international community to consider availing more support to frontline nations like Kenya,uganda,burundi n dhjiboiti in the stabilization process of the war ravaged nation…..there is need to utilize the safe havens so far created in Somalia through the ongoing military intervention so as to provide social amenities such as water, health services and schools to Somali refugees currently hosted in the country.
    How can we move on Somalis with the help of My UK government?I am Somali citizen too…I am ready to work with any to stablise our dying nation?

13. Hi All,
    Do you know that China and Russia are leading a new effort at the United Nations to curb the threat of piracy off the coast of Somalia and defeat al-Qaeda-linked terrorists fighting to seize control of the Horn of Africa nation.

    Russia has circulated a draft resolution that would commit the UN Security Council to “urgently” begin talks on creation of three courts for piracy cases. The measure also would urge construction of two prisons for convicted pirates, and demand that all nations enact laws to criminalize piracy.

    “We are trying to take the lead on tightening up the legal mechanisms for fighting piracy,” Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said. “Some very serious thinking needs to be done.”

    U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told a Senate committee on March 3 that the Obama administration was “fed up” with the piracy, and that “we need to make it clear that the entire world had better get behind whatever we do and get this scourge resolved.” The U.S. is in the midst of a policy review on Somalia, and Clinton promised a “much more comprehensive approach.”

    Clinton’s remarks followed the killing on Feb. 22 of four American hostages by pirates who seized their yacht.

    China, as president of the Security Council this month, plans to lead a meeting on March 10 to call for a more comprehensive international strategy for dealing with political instability, piracy and the threat posed by the Islamic al- Shabaab militia. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is scheduled to brief the council on the latest developments.

    Al-Qaeda Links
    Al-Shabaab, which the U.S. accuses of having links to al- Qaeda, controls most of southern and central Somalia, and the transitional government led by Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed holds only parts of the capital, Mogadishu. Somalia has been without a functioning central administration since 1991, when ruler Mohamed Siad Barre was ousted.

    China has circulated a draft statement that “recognizes the ongoing instability in Somalia contributes to the problem of piracy and armed robbery and stresses the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle piracy and its underlying causes.” The statement would be considered at the March 10 meeting of the Security Council.

    The statement “strongly urges” Somalia’s transitional government to operate in a more “constructive, open and transparent manner that promotes broader political dialogue and participation.” It also asks UN member governments for greater support for the 8,000 African Union troops trying to defeat the insurgents.

    African Union Peacekeepers
    African Union peacekeepers supporting government troops have driven out Islamic insurgents from several key positions in Mogadishu since Feb. 19, the mission’s force commander said on March 5. The two-week offensive “helped to stabilize a large part of the city,” Major General Nathan Mugisha, who heads the mission, known as Amisom, told reporters.

    The Russian draft resolution acts on the recommendations made to the Security Council on Jan. 25 by Jack Lang, the special adviser on piracy to the secretary-general. Lang, who said nine out of 10 captured pirates are released because there isn’t sufficient capacity to prosecute or incarcerate them, recommended establishment of specialized courts in semi- autonomous Somaliland and Puntland, and a third with Somali jurisdiction in Tanzania.

    Piracy in the region costs as much as $7 billion a year in lost shipping revenue, higher insurance premiums and the expense of deploying naval warships to the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, Lang said. He also warned of growing links between pirates and terrorists in Somalia who have been tied to al- Qaeda.

    Pirates hijacked a record 53 ships and 1,181 crew members in 2010, most of them off Somalia, according to the London-based International Maritime Bureau.

14. Dear Embassodor/UK Gvernment

    I would to comment about the The Somalia Economy,
    Somalia has a surprisingly strong economy. Make no mistake the country is still quite poor but given that they have virtually no government they are doing remarkably well. Admittedly a large part of the income in the country is the result of criminal activity but there is also a remarkably strong informal economy. This is mainly based on agriculture but there are also a number of small scale industries being run. The bulk of Somalia foreign exchange comes in the form of remittances from Somalis working abroad, mainly in Middle East. Again this is quite an accomplishment given that there are no banks in the country. An informal banking sector has sprung up to handle these transactions. The Somalis have proven to be remarkably resilient.

    I can tell you that The majority of Somalis are working in the agricultural sector. This is mainly subsistence farming but livestock is one of the few exports from Somalia. Most of the livestock that they export goes to countries in the Middle East. The industry that does exist is almost all small scale and produces products that are sold at local markets rather than exported overseas. In a lot of ways Somalia may well be a model for how to build an economy in a very poor third world country. The total lack of government involvement has proven beneficial in a number of ways.

    Believe me or not,A surprisingly strong area of the economy in Somalia is the telecommunications sector. The country has a surprisingly strong infrastructure in this area and it has managed to survive all of the fighting. The result is that Somalia has one of the strongest telecommunications sectors in Africa. It is also possible to buy brand new high tech gadgets at the markets in Somalia. However most of these are stolen as a result of the piracy that is rampant in the area.

    Clearly the prospects for the Somali economy to grow are severely limited by the internal fighting and the total lack of a government. At some point they are going to have to move beyond the formal economy that they currently have. This is going to require them to become involved in international trade but that won’t happen unless there is a stable government. Since this looks unlikely to happen anytime soon Somalia is likely going to struggle along for many years to come. They have been remarkably resilient but clearly things need to change.

    Other countries in similar economic circumstances would be receiving large amounts of foreign aid. Somalia hasn’t been so lucky. The problem they have is the total lack of a government and the fact that foreign aid workers can’t safely enter the country has made this impossible. In many ways this makes the achievements of the Somali economy even more impressive. However this is another thing that is going to have to change if the country is ever going to get back on strong economic footing.

    Lets think about the somali economy…

15. Somalia has spent almost 20 years in a state of civil war, and shifting alliances, international interventions and a steady supply of unemployed young men and cheap guns have acted against any tendencies towards stabilisation.How can we solve all this problems?Somalis and British governmenrt?

16. Congratulation for this post, that you’ve been nominated for you last year, and wish you all the best of luck and success. Hope you’ll get more supportive..I am Somalian-British citizen,Somali think tank,Somali Analyst,Human Rights Activist,Journalist….I am concern about UK Somalia involvement…do you know the real problems in somalia..Somalia is one of the poorest, most violent, least stable countries anywhere on Earth. It suffers from severe drought and its people face hunger and violence on a daily basis. This is not a new situation, Somalia, especially the south, has been in this state for many years. What is new is that the world is now once again concerned with the goings on of this collapsed state.

    Somalis have learnt to live in circumstances under which many might be expected to give up.
    In the face of overwhelming adversity they have created thriving businesses, operating entirely in the informal sector, and hospitals built and maintained with money sent home by the diaspora.

    However, people who have been forgotten by the world and who hear of toxic waste being dumped on their beaches and foreigners stealing their fish have difficulty being concerned when representatives of that world are held to ransom.

    And for many who have grown up surrounded by constant insecurity and bloodshed, violence and the risk of death are unexceptional hazards.

    For this reason the current attempts to fight piracy from the sea are only dealing with symptoms. They do not address the reasons why young men are prepared to risk their lives chasing ships around the ocean.
    Piracy is in essence a law and order issue, and in Somalia there is virtually no authority to carry out the kind of policing that could effectively disrupt pirate operations.

    What government there is in Somalia has bigger problems.

    The ongoing battle with the hard line Al Shabaab militia that controls Kismaayo and the deep south threatens not just the security of the state but has made Mogadishu one of the deadliest places on earth
    Do you think ypu can tackle all this problems..if you need any support or advices I amto support you and my British Government and Somali people..on my email tevinm2001@yahoo.com

17. Hello Matt Baugh,

    My name is Ahmed Osman, and based in Addis Ababa and Somaliland and would like to introduce myself as regional political analyst and regional entrepreneurs. First of all, I wish to thank the British government for their efforts of contributing the peace and political stability in Somalia, but there is something that needs to be considered when-so-ever a conference is to be organized.
    1. First of all, I believe that the discussions of the conference are mainly related on the road map, but note that Somali land is not part of the road map, somaliland is a sovereign and Independence state seceded from the rest of Somalia after when they proclaimed their independence.
    2. In respect with international law, somaliland has its own population, territory and entered bilateral relationships with Ethiopia, China and Kenya.

    However, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda as well as the British government were recognized as de-facto or de-jure government which shows that Somaliland will never go back to its position.

    Somaliland did not get respect with European countries especially the UK and Turkey to provide substantial support and listen their case, the question is that how somaliland can be part of the rest of Somalia which is the safe haven of terrorist, piracy, bandits, gangs, mafia etc.

    I think one must have to understand that there is a cultural difference between the two states for example, Somaliland has tribal genealogical in which can traced the person among the society, while, southern Somalia doesn’t have such structure and difficult to identify who is he? (Yam yam iyo qaddadwayn).

    Therefore, in conclusion, Somaliland must be a separate country from the rest of Somalia, then, if Somalis are willing to build common forum let them organize to form Somali union like the European Union model. I think this can a solution in which all part of Somalia can leave in peace and prosperity.

    I strongly advise, the British government to help in mining sector, fishery and exploitation of natural resource to eliminate poverty, for example, the British government can help the export of frozen fish to UK markets and rehabilitation of Berbera Cement factory, these are the key things in which Somaliland needs for rehabilitation.

    Somaliland’s role in contribution to the road map is to allow Somali police to be trained inside Somaliland and establish a broad-based reconciliation efforts led by elders, sheikhs, Sultans, women groups to be held in Hargiesa and sponsored by Somaliland government to take the same model for peace and reconciliation system.

    If the brutish government supports such efforts in terms of economical development of Somaliland and the local peace process then, a lot could be achieved and the rest of Somalia will recognize somaliland, otherwise, such obstacles shall remain forever, and terrorist group will expand in number if the role of Somaliland is ignored by both Somalis and International community.

    All in all, bear in mind all these challenges and triangulate information into so many angles, and note that Somaliland did not get the attention of international community for more than25 years, while, Somalia was receiving the largest Aid ever paid in a country like UNISOM, AMISOM and others, but all these efforts became fruitless and exacerbated the situation, and why all these are happening is that Somaliland was completely being ignored.

    I suggest the Somali warlords, TFG delegates that Britain could not impose peace and security in Somalia, but its people has to come with ever-lasting solution and they must take the same model as Somaliland. All tribes that do not have genealogical order must be established to distinguish from Al-Qaeda or terrorist group from the rest, this must be the center peace of open dialogue, debate and complete social reform.

18. Dear Matt,
    I decided to post an article I have recently posted on one of Somali New Websites. I feel this will be educational and will inform you how to deal with the Somali warlords-cum-politian. It is worth reading because it will give you a a reflection of where Somalia political episodes are descending and where they are heading…….. Please read.
    Any way all the best for new assignment…..

    A reflection on our political journey
    I am suffering from severe political and social paranoia. My gloom and doom is all about the unrelenting horrific situation of humanitarian crisis and political distress in which my country – Somalia – is bogged down for 20 years. My optimism is quickly giving way to pessimism.
    Myopic and tribal politicians have taken us long for ride. The future of our country is bleak and never bright again.
    In my Islamic faith, it is nasty for one to give up hope but it is becoming impossible to envision immediate workable solution for our problem. Yet, we have nothing to justify for the mess-up.
    This begs the question, why don’t we reflect by the book to spot where the rain started beating us?
    I was closely studying the hypothesis and assumptions behind the various transitional governments “artificially inseminated” in the neighbouring countries and where we are politically headed with duo of Sharifs. And these are my findings.
    In 2001, the Djabouti peace process which gave birth to the Transitional National Government (TNG) led by Abdikasim Salad Hassan emphasized the role of traditional elders (Isimo). Tribal chiefdoms and weak civil society charlatans have taken the centre stage. The process employed traditional poets, famous Somali composers and singers to hoodwink the boarder public perception. It was a well orchestrated, colourful, flamboyant and sensational peace conference that created euphoria of hope and attracted the attention of the common man.
    The tribal chieftains flexed their muscles to post a clear warning to the warlords – who far and wide boycotted the process. They boasted, “The problem of Somalia is a clan based civil war” and the traditional elders are very instrumental in making peace among their warring tribesmen. They vowed to discipline the warmongers to make peace and bring the lost sanity back to the country. Their claims were proven wrong by warlords.
    The warlords – whose roles were large undermined in Arta peace conference- regrouped and launched lethal retaliatory attack that brought the TNG into its knees.
    With the support of the Ethiopian government and Anti-Islamic sentiments that followed the 9/11 terror attacks in New York, the warlords manipulated the momentum and branded the elected officials “Islamists who enjoy close links with terrorist organizations”. This worked well for the warlords and the TNG was starved to death.
    In 2004, Embekassi peace conference, the triumphed warlords dominated the process from the onset. They convinced the world that they are the ones who call the shots in Somalia and any process that does not recognize their role is doomed to fail.
    On the pretext of quick stabilization and reaching out to warring function, the International Community pressurized other stakeholders to lose ground to ferocious warlords and at some point of time, civil society organizations and intellectuals were locked out of the process.
    Foxes took full charge of guiding the chicken coop
    Belligerent warlords took the centre stage and whole process turned out into battle field. The foxes took full charge of guiding the chicken coop.
    The high and mighty warlords fought for the top seat and the most veteran, supremely self-assured and the de facto leader of the warlords who defeated the TNG carried the day. The rest assumed key Ministerial positions.
    Because of his track record in opposing Siyad Bare’s regime – who never entertained conscientious objectors – and marshalling north-eastern region of the country to a stable and viable administration, his election was welcomed with mixed reactions of hope and fear in equal measures.
    Islamist groups joined hands with suspicious tribes in the South of Somalia to vanquish the Transitional Federal Government (TNG), whose leadership was apparently dominated by powerful warlords.
    The little known Islamic courts of Mogadishu unite and transformed themselves into a formidable force under the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) umbrella that quickly overran the strongholds of the powerful Mogadishu warlords.
    Mr. Yusuf first played politics with the victorious ICU leadership. He extended an olive branch to the Islamist and dispelled the defeated warlords from his government to posture disdain. He sacrificed his close allies to win the hearts and minds of Islamists and their supporters.
    But unfortunately, ideologically disunited leadership of the ICU failed to agree to take peace with him and Hardliners in the loose fraternity declared unprecedented war against the TFG and its close ally – Ethiopia.

    On August, 2009, Reconciliation meeting in Djibouti between the remnants of the TFG and RBS faction led by Shariif Sh. Ahmed emphasized the role of the religious leaders. For the first time in the history of Somalia, people with religious epithets dominated our political arena and the word “Sheik” – prominently popular in the Mosques in the context of Somalia – become part of our daily political lexicon.
    Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed was elected presidents. Sharif Hassan Sheik Adan crafted a plot to push aside Sheik Adan Madobe from the Speaker of the Parliament that suited him right down to the ground. A handful of Sheiks were pointed to key ministerial positions. Sheiks also dominated in the parliament.
    Somalia Diaspora communities grip on power was also tested.
    After squandering a goliath of financial aid and energy from the international community, we achieved little of significance in practically testing these hypothesises. Somalia still remains characteristically failed state with no functioning government for more than 20 years. The net-result of the random sampling of the various groups to probe their leadership capabilities is next to nothing – zero- Things are not adding up.
    The Sharifs on the driving seat
    Let us change the course and make a reflection based on our past experience to sketch out a map of where we are politically headed with Sharifs on the driving seat.
    I don’t want to inundate you with boring background details of Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed – the president – who mysterious turned into a western lapdog and “traitor” to his former colleagues.
    In this article, I will consider revealing the intention of the Speaker of the Parliament – Sharif Hassan Sheik Adan. Let me tell you about this man who is becoming larger than life in our politics before I reveal his intentions.
    The biography of the Speaker is a rages-to-riches history. He was not born with silver spoon in his mouth. He achieved unbelievable success by dint of drag trafficking and political hawking with a ragtag collection of political gangsters and warlords. No formal figures of his wealth are available but Millions of $ is in the public guessing.
    The interesting part of his biography is that he never bothered attending any kind of formal training. Whether illiterate or with minimal reading and writing skills is question with no immediate answer. All his success is attributable to native smarts and crafty natural abilities of getting round the rules.
    The former poor boy from Tayeglow is steadily climbing up the ladder in the shark infested politics of Somalia. He is well placed to excel where there is no rule of law.
    From the look of things, he is the one calling the shots in the TFG. He tightened his grip on the nerve centre of power when he technically moved aside the politically ineptitude former Speaker of the Parliament Sheik Adan Madobe and assumed his role with ease despite strong opposition from president Sharif.
    As a speaker of the parliament, Sharif Hassan Sheik Adan believes that he controls both legislative and the executive arm of the government. This was evident when he mobilized the members of the parliament to reject the appointment of Prime Minister Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo in protestation. Why? Because, He was not consulted – This is not a constitutional requirement. It is squarely the constitutional prerogative of the president to appoint a prime minister whoever he wants. He used a delay tactics to create constitutional crisis.
    Sharif Hassan Sheik Adan overstepped the role of the president and prime minister when he participated the consultation meeting in Nairobi on April 12 to 13, 2011. It is worth mentioning that the government officially boycotted its participation. This begs the question, who is political in charge? Who is supposed to lead the TFG in making strategic politic decisions? The president, prime minister or the Speaker..
    Those with relatively long memories recall Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed– the then TFG President – accusing the Sharif Hassan Sheik Adan of transgression. Yusuf was referring when Sharif Hassan manoeuvred cohabiting with TFG leaders, then the warlords and later with ICU leaders in a row. A move political scientist described “desperate political prostitution”. We are all now convinced that Mr. Yusuf was spot on in allegations that the speaker was mixing roles and responsibilities.
    What a shrewd
    Sharif Hassan Sheik Adan is shrewd, ruthless and cunning political gunslinger. He is bent on becoming a president. But it will be an insult to our intelligence to have such dubious character in the history of our country as a “president”. It is simply unacceptable.
    But there is no reason to doubt the possibilities of his intentions, because everything is possible with our current cheap gluttonous members of the parliament, whose vote are out there for sale.
    The political intrigue to make Sharif Hassan a President is part of larger scheme by our enemies to bog down this country in the current political darkness. The actors of this plot are not clear to me but Ethiopia is my prime suspect.
    I am not going to be alarmist but things come to my head. We need to stop this juggernaut to spare our face from another embarrassing decade of political darkness.
    The brave and patriotic hearts of this country needs to rise up and defeat these myopic characters. It is high time to say enough is enough….

    The author, Mr.Faadi, is respected Somalia political analyst and Social commentator

    1. Hello Matt Baugh,My name is Ahmed Osman, and based in Addis Ababa and Somaliland and would like to introduce eylmsf as regional political analyst and regional entrepreneurs. First of all, I wish to thank the British government for their efforts of contributing the peace and political stability in Somalia, but there is something that needs to be considered when-so-ever a conference is to be organized.1. First of all, I believe that the discussions of the conference are mainly related on the road map, but note that Somali land is not part of the road map, somaliland is a sovereign and Independence state seceded from the rest of Somalia after when they proclaimed their independence.2. In respect with international law, somaliland has its own population, territory and entered bilateral relationships with Ethiopia, China and Kenya.However, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda as well as the British government were recognized as de-facto or de-jure government which shows that Somaliland will never go back to its position.Somaliland did not get respect with European countries especially the UK and Turkey to provide substantial support and listen their case, the question is that how somaliland can be part of the rest of Somalia which is the safe haven of terrorist, piracy, bandits, gangs, mafia etc.I think one must have to understand that there is a cultural difference between the two states for example, Somaliland has tribal genealogical in which can traced the person among the society, while, southern Somalia doesn’t have such structure and difficult to identify who is he? (Yam yam iyo qaddadwayn).Therefore, in conclusion, Somaliland must be a separate country from the rest of Somalia, then, if Somalis are willing to build common forum let them organize to form Somali union like the European Union model. I think this can a solution in which all part of Somalia can leave in peace and prosperity.I strongly advise, the British government to help in mining sector, fishery and exploitation of natural resource to eliminate poverty, for example, the British government can help the export of frozen fish to UK markets and rehabilitation of Berbera Cement factory, these are the key things in which Somaliland needs for rehabilitation.Somaliland’s role in contribution to the road map is to allow Somali police to be trained inside Somaliland and establish a broad-based reconciliation efforts led by elders, sheikhs, Sultans, women groups to be held in Hargiesa and sponsored by Somaliland government to take the same model for peace and reconciliation system.If the brutish government supports such efforts in terms of economical development of Somaliland and the local peace process then, a lot could be achieved and the rest of Somalia will recognize somaliland, otherwise, such obstacles shall remain forever, and terrorist group will expand in number if the role of Somaliland is ignored by both Somalis and International community. All in all, bear in mind all these challenges and triangulate information into so many angles, and note that Somaliland did not get the attention of international community for more than25 years, while, Somalia was receiving the largest Aid ever paid in a country like UNISOM, AMISOM and others, but all these efforts became fruitless and exacerbated the situation, and why all these are happening is that Somaliland was completely being ignored.I suggest the Somali warlords, TFG delegates that Britain could not impose peace and security in Somalia, but its people has to come with ever-lasting solution and they must take the same model as Somaliland. All tribes that do not have genealogical order must be established to distinguish from Al-Qaeda or terrorist group from the rest, this must be the center peace of open dialogue, debate and complete social reform.

19. Hellow Matt Bauugh,

    We thank the british goverment and the international community the five hours conference for the somalia and somaliland on 23 feb 2012 but just to remind you we have to make correction point on 1960 dilomatically clear and cut if you succeed on that point then the game of 20 years is over and diffrent concerts will colapse immediatly .

20. Hello Matt Baugh,
    I would like to express my support not only that will be held in London on 23th Feb, 2012 but all conferences in which somalia’s problems are identified and their solutions are reached. But the final solution of somalia has not yet been seen by the eyes of the international communities including the UN.

21. Hello Matt Baugh,

    I have one of tough task and hope you succeed it. Just one to remind you and UK gov that you represent, Somalis have 20+ of injustice, fimane, on going civil disorder. Latest are those happening in Mogadishu and Northern Somalia known Somaliland where Somaliland militia attacked not once but more than three or four times in the last couple of years to a peaceful cities causing death, wounds and large number of IDP.

22. deat Matt in all fairness somali people want to rejoice their former somalia before the civil war. But why the interest now.

23. Hello Matt

    Ambs. Matt London conference on Somalia its near, and as Somalian we all want to see to be success full on this conference, Many expect to send their most senior representatives. you also inviting representatives of Somalia’s Transitional Federal Institutions, as well as the Presidents of Somaliand, Puntland, Galmudug, and representatives of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah (ASWJ)”. Mrs Ambs did you inviting like Khaatomo State Of Somalia and Awdal state of Somalia so that we can united tha Somalia as one nation.

    Thank you
    Abdiqafar Ahmed canada.

    Khaatumo State of Somalia London conference on Somalia should be encouraged to administer and run their own affairs in Khaatumo State of Somalia, as the United Invite Khatumo State of Somalia leader and Awdal State president to the conference. Thank you.Nations and United Stated of America is looking into new approacheThe seriousness of the upcoming Conference on February 23, 2012 is to be seen in your restless and continues efforts to make it happen, appreciated very much.

24. Hi Dear Matt i really love to see all Somalia to be back as 1990.

25. dear mr mat i hope u know somaliland history and every one know that somaliland never kill innocents people like children or women in buhodle or lascanod and every body know that somaliland has pardoned former enemies and if somaliland has today beautiful pic is that beacuse somaliland it’s never hurt innocent people and i would like to say those who accused somaliland of jeaoulysy or heatred that history is written and the can not affect democracy and tolerance of somaliland to its people wiht out discrimination but it will continue to fight all those who will want to threaten our sovereignty and our stability wiht all the means necessary and somaliland will forever be and indivisible democratic country god bless somaliland and it’s people

26. mr matt im somalilander if you wana see one day somalia peace ur governement and the rest of international community must reconigze somaliland as independent state the somaliland wiht her experience can help somalia building stable country but before u refuse to reconigze somaliland independence i promise u somalia never gonna have peace because we are the only people who can help somalia to have peace and stability and somaliland has nothing to do uk conference bacause somaliland is not somalia who have extremis al shabab and piracy and somaliland dont need to explaine her history and what somaliland people need beacuse we are explaine 21years our history and what we need this time is the time ur governement and international community give clear answear to somaliland mr mat u have to face the reality and accept what somaliland people need but if u wana talk piracy and terrorist invite somalia not somaliland who have peace and stability and reconigze somaliland as independent state is the only solution for somalia to have peace and i tell u somaliland continue to building peace and democratie that we star 20years a go somaliland people can live wiht out international recognition we already live in 20years but is good for ur personality and for ur job to face the reality that international community that unclude ur governement you can not build peace in somalia before you reconigze somaliland as independent country thank u and god bless somaliland and its people

27. First i salute &congratulate uk goverment for the bold and noble initiative aimed at restoring stability in somalia that had no functioning goverment for 2 decades now, this will be a lesson to emulate for other powers that are known to only intervene in the affairs of countries that has resources to give back instead of doing so out of humanity and goodwill, my advice to uk goverment on somalia reconciliation effort is as follows 1. The post conference framework must only recognise a unitary state of somalia as the only legitimate country hence disregard all other small self proclaimed regions like somaliland, puntland etc 2 uk must build concensus by the international community (countries) on acommon political will to stabilise somalia agreed in principle by all countries 3. A bottom -up approach must be employed by uk if the conference is to yield fruits unlike the previous initiatives by educating, sensitising, &encouraging communities at grassroot on the need to reconcile, co-exist peacefully and form a goverment based on democratic principles/ values and not based, on ethnic or tribal basis, this can be undertaken by ngo’s, cbo’s and u.n agencies. 4 finaly i wish to conclude by urging uk to lobby support for Amison and kdf forces military incursion into somalia to liberate the country from alshaabab militias activities and control.

28. Dear Matt Baugh,
    We have all known there were a dosen of Somali conference held in the past two decades and all of them yeid no friut.And the London conference seems to me a unique a opprotunity and last hope for the many Somalis arround the the world.I would like to ask everybody involved why every conference in Somalia has failed? I am sure everybody will answer this question differently,but few will address the Epi-centre and the core issues of the Conflict in Somalia and the Horn of Africa.If the UK Goverment want to resolve the problems and Conflicts in Somalia and the Horn of Africa at large,they have to address the Issues of Ogaden as a centre of the Conflict . Because, the Ogaden Conflict has a direct ramification(co-relation) in the instability and conflict in Somalia.In short,if the Issues of Ogaden is not resolved,the instability in Somalia will continue for the years to come and the London Somalia Conference will not be different from the past confrences which all ended up in failure.I hope the The UK Goverment will take my advice and will look the issues in a broad prespective in order to regain the point missed all the past conferences on Somalia.
    Thank you/

    I

29. Dear Dr Matt;

    It is remarkable your visit to Mogadishu and the press release that you and the Somali PM have conducted.

    The seriousness of the upcoming Conference on February 23, 2012 is to be seen in your restless and continues efforts to make it happen, appreciated very much.

    Having said that, on behalf of the Somali population that are desperately in need of Peace and lasting solution I would like to express our sincere thanks to Prime Minister HE David Cameron, to the UK Government as well as Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth and the United Kingdom’s population for this initiative that fills hope in our mind and soul.

    It is moral responsibility if not legal to solve Somalia problems in order to save the Somali people from their own Warlords, religious armed Lords, War Business Tycoons, and the current Piracy groups that are challenging the normal maritime Business, which have contributed much in the current World Financial meltdown.

    Hoping that this Conference shall succeed in its Objectives , please accept my regards and thanks for what you are doing to save Somalia and the Horn Region from its self inflicted catastrophe that is ending up into the whole region and into the World affairs security and business wise.

    Dr Apollo

30. Dear Mr. Matt baugh,

    As a Somalilander, I hope you have the full history of Somaliland…..
    I bellieve that if the british prime minister did not invite Somaliland as a soveriegn country, the Somaliland government must not attend this meeting..

31. Very good initiative if supported by practical and concrete action.

    Security, Piracy and Terrorism who flourish in the anarchic situation can only be won if Somali could get strong serious leadership accountable to the international law with a real backing of the international community in single front.

    Instability and humanitarian crisis can be averted in that respect but it is easier said than done as front line and further afield stakeholders in different vested interested meddling in Somalia.

    Somali central government would be feasible if the following among other factors should be addressed.

    1. International community coordination in every front to with one single consistent policy and good governance to build security and financial institutions with close supervision to rid corruption and quick rich schemes in the administration.

    2. To address the question of Somaliland which is really important.

    3. Western country led international vocal point to coordinate and pressure any outside and inside interference and get rid of these many Somali politicians and international professional beggars roaming in Nairobi.

    The clan structures in Somalia is not that important as many of them belong to the same family tree reside in different countries particularly in the Horn.

    Regards

    1. Dear Matt Baugh
       I’m really very grateful to see British government to get involve Somalia politics,and the future stability for that region as a whole. There is no any other country whom can be able to do more political progress than United Kingdom.

       But the reality and the major problems that we have right now are not only extremist,but what so call Somali and. This is the vocal point of Somali problem,and they believe they get benefit from it. They have been killed more than thousands people in Sool,Sanaag and Cayn region last year,and as we all know they have killed more than 20 people last week alone in the city of Lasanod the capital city of Khatumo State of Somalia. That people had a peaceful demonstration against secessionist ideology, and they supporting Khatumo State of Somalia, that base on Somali decentralized government, and also against the occupations and aggression of what they call somaliland Militia from Isaaq tripe. I believe this is the time that British government to either stop funding this killers or force them to except to go back negotiating table and leave Khaatumo State of Somalia land and Territory alone. I also encouraging the British government to invite upcoming conference,Awdal State, and Khatumo State of Somalia.

32. Comment on the London Conference for Somalia

    I am very delighted that UK is seriously trying to contribute to the Somali Problem by mobilising international and Somali efforts in the London Conference.

    The opportunity to reinforce the relative stability in Puntland and Somaliland is welcome and very much needed as suggested by the article. In this respect,disarmament in Puntland and South of Somalia, after the defeat of Shabaab in this case) are of utmost importance. Formation of political parties and elections are expected to take place in Puntland in the near future, but I can not imagine such things happening when clans are armed to the teeth.

    One can not and should not turn a blind eye to the rampant corruption (political, economical and social) in Somalia as a whole, fueled sometimes by the collusion of certain international organisations. Somalia has been and still is No. 1 in corruption in the world. Something should be done about this too.
    ,
    Mogadishu, with the civil war, has become a township of one clan. there must be a special law governing the capital to encourage former Mogadishu inhabitants or their offspring to return.

    War crimes have been committed since beginning 1991such as genocide, mass killings and clan cleansing. This matter should be discussed in the Conference. Criminals should not get away with the blood they shed. Somali victims also deserve justice like other human beings.

33. hi Matt

    you may not know what is happening inside so called somaliland.
    *there is not freedom
    *there is democracy
    *lots of innocent people is geting killed each day if the speak the true.
    * lots of people of awdal state are sufferring with anger
    *lots of lifes are at risk every single day

    So my advice to you is to invite Awdal state, Khaathumo state, Putland state and all other states etc…. into the Somalian peace procees in Feb. You have big responsibility to safeguard these innocent people who needs help. Think for a moment and put uself where they are.

    1. I concur what Mohamed Ali said above.

       There is no peace or democracy nor a freedom in Somaliland. They a fascist juntas that need to be stopped. As I type this, Somaliland murderers are attacking and killing the peaceful civilians of Buhodle, Khatimo State of Somalia.

       They are attacking Bohodle because they dared to say that they are not part of their racist one-clan administration. The Somaliland militia are waging wars against the rest of none-Isaaq clans, Dhulbahante and Samaroon, because of the financial aid they get from UK. This money is my money and all UK tax payers.

       It is Somaliland regime that is threat to the stability, humanitarian and piracy that you are trying to deal in your conference.

       I urge you to cut the UK government aid to Somaliland which they divert to arm their militia to attack the people of Awdal and Khatumo State of Somalia.

       Invite Khatumo State of Somalia leader and Awdal State president to the conference. Thank you.

34. Peace through fair clan and regional based reconciliation and peace building

    Somalia has always been a nation of clans. Clans are not only the core units of Somali social stratum but they are also political constituencies that made up and break up Somali state. In the last two decades, they have been the sole internationally recognised entities in Somalia. None of the major Somali clans has succeeded to invade and control another clan since 1960. Any attempt to do so now is a reckless and inhumane political plunder that often backfire and bound to fail.
    Somaliland and Puntland have both born out of individual entities of egalitarian clans, each of which has own members and territories, who reached a voluntary or goodwill agreement to live together, side by side peacefully. The new Somaliland authority could not wait to exploit the clan system to impose its new single clan agenda driven by vested interest to other unaware and uninterested clans. There is no political agreement among northern Somali clans and there has never been one, at least since the collapse of the Somali state. What become atrocious act is Somaliland’s recent misguided and deceptive misinterpretation of that gentleman’s agreement as a legally binding agreement covering political and institutional matters although, satirically, concerned clans (i.e.Dhulbahante, Warsangeli, Gadabiirsi etc) have never addressed, discussed or endorsed any agreement of this nature. This is merely a wishful thinking of clan extremist group united by redundant racist ideology.
    The repeated attacks of Somaliland army to Dhulbahante clan and its territories is cowardly act of forging democracy by force against innocent civilians in their own homes. Somaliland’s recent appalling attacks against innocent civilians in Buuhoodle area were driven by ethnic hatred and fascist ideologies which totally disregard human rights, ethnic or racial harmony and socio-political stability. It exposed a catalogue of lies and deceit that Silanyo regime preached since came to power over a year ago. This pegs the question of – how a regime like this, which is formed and working for few specific clans, can claim to be democratic and get away with serious crimes against humanity.

    The word democracy is comprised of two Greek words, demos (people) and kratos (strength or power). It means “we the people” have the power to create the government and laws under which we shall live.

    Somaliland have recent displayed ideal examples of misuse and abuse of democracy and democratic system. One cannot achieve democracy through gunpoint. Somaliland’s recent appalling attacks against innocent civilians in Buuhoodle area were driven by ethnic hatred and fascist ideologies which totally disregard human rights, ethnic or racial harmony and socio-political stability. It exposed a catalogue of lies and deceit that Silanyo regime preached since it came to power over a year ago. The Somaliland’s gamble of ‘gunpoint democracy` went disastrously wrong after heavy losses in Buuhoodle attack. A secret mission against innocent communities turned into Somaliland’s doomed policy. The only thing it achieved is to destroy trust and co-operation between affected clans and two decades of peace in the region. It is all apparent that the current Somaliland administration is still deploying functional, clanist and post-colonial policies of 20th century. Such outdated practices coupled with equally old my clan first tactic are too biased, too corrupt and too weak to survive in today’s world – in 21st century. In the current situation in Somalia, outlined policies are too risky contemplate.

    1. Mr. Warsame,

       If you are really from this region, you have to be proud to yourself, we are all Somalilanders we built our country from scrach, those who attack as from out side will be back from where they come, we will always be the same land,
       we will always be one family, we will always be one country. So please keep your heat clean.

35. Dear Matt Baugh,
    On behalf of the Consortium of Somali Organisations in Luton, we would like to thank you for your efforts to organise for the incoming conference for the Somali people, both North and South. Our Consortium consists members of Somali and Somaliland and we are all interested to effectively participate the Somali conference in London and would like as diaspora community in bedfordshire to contribute all we can and help the conference to achieve its long lasting objectives.
    We would highly appreciate if you could possibly send invitations for 20 people.
    Kind regards
    Ismail Hussein
    Chair

36. APPEAL

    I am off the spotlight on Somalia. Women and men of a country steeped in history have been erased from the interest of public opinion. They remember them only when terrible tragedies tear the continent. It ‘true. There is a sore Somalia in which life is made worse by war, tribal hatreds, ethnic, economic conditions impossible. There are millions of Somali refugees who, for political or economic reasons are prevented from returning to their homes. And ‘derelict in Somalia, the people who have no homeland, no food, which is even robbed of their dignity’, Somalia does not count.

    But there is also another Somalia: those people who every day, amid enormous difficulties’, is the means and reasons for living. Somalia, poetry, art, music and dance. Somalia is proud of its roots and its culture: The company of Somalia ‘organized civil knows, who knows how to resist the colonialists, the faction leaders to dictators, who insists, nonstante all, to design a different future.

    This intellectual Somalia living online can ‘become a great laboratory research and testing of the new. Can ‘be the cradle of a new strategic planning’. For this company to launch ‘civil a great challenge in this new century is the year of reconciliation and peace in Somalia. The time that separates us from this date is, therefore, engaged in a great effort to achieve this goal.

    We turn to the United Nations and International Organizations in 2012, is declared the International Year of solidarity ‘with Somalia. ChiediamoUfficio British Somalia is an international initiative promotes face to find a just solution to the Somali problem and to raise, in new terms, the development of Somalia. Launched a joint appeal to the European Union, the British Government, to the Holy See, the churches and to all humanitarian organizations and intellectuals to conflicts.

    Stop all traffic of weapons and increasing the number of peacekeeping missions and political mediation. We need, in fact, to enhance the lives of the Somali forces to establish a new covenant of understanding and cooperation and achieve peace.

    We ask the media to call the front page this forgotten part of the world. In all then, each according to their roles and responsibilities’, to mobilize for decent accommodations Somalia, which, through immigration, comes to live in the West, and to design ways of life, politics, economy and solidarity ‘to return to the Somali people the dignity’ of which they were robbed.

37. Hello Matt Baugh,
    First and foremost, I want to thank for your efforts and that of your government. I am Somali-Canadian who hails from Khaatumo State of Somalia. Today, the people of Sool, Sanaag and Cayn regions have spoken loud and clear. They have established their own government and dubbed it Khaatumo State of Somalia.
    On January 15, 2012 Somali-land Militia attacked the city of Buhodle, Khaatumo State of Somalia, the same day the people of Sool, Sanaag and Cayn announced the great news that they have been waiting for 21 years. Somaliland militia killed innocent folks inside the city of Buhodle. Fortunately, the local residents defended their properties, lives, and removed them inside the city of Buhodle, Cayn. However, the Somaliland militias are mobilizing their militias outside of the city and are planning to attack it again. They should be told not to do again.
    They already occupy several cities in Sool, Sanaag and Cayn regions. Khaatumo State of Somalia is facing an enemy that is claiming ownership of its land, enemy occupying parts of her land. Four years ago, to be exactly Somaliland have forcefully occupied Khaatumo State of Somalia territory and have violated the rights of the citizens. Since then they have killed many people, they forced so many people out of the Khaatumo State of Somalia and within the country as refugees. As we all know, all politics is local. Khaatumo State of Somalia is representing her people and it is working from a bottom up approach to empower the people of Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn.
    Khaatumo State of Somalia’s objectives meets that of the United Nations bottom up approach mechanisms that has been implemented throughout Somalia proper. The United Nations agencies are operating in a similar fashion in Hargeisa, and Garowe based on the United Nations – Bottom up approach initiative. The United Nations initiative should be extended into Khaatumo State of Somalia as well. All UN Agencies should immediately start their operations in the Khaatumo State of Somalia territory, as they currently do in Somaliland, the secessionist entity and Puntland, which supports the TFG administration in Mogadishu. All receive assistance from the United Nations, even though they are based on tribal/clan homelands.
    Khaatumo State of Somalia wants neighborly coexistence with neighboring clans, trading with them and co-operating with other Somali clans and other entities that exist on Somalia soil. Khaatumo State of Somalia’s objective is to make their territory peaceful and prosperous and to be part of a federal government of Somalia that respects rule of law, and constitution, which is based on decentralized structures and a system that empowers the localities that promotes democracy, consultations and due process. The main reason the Somali clans destroyed the central government was lack of decentralization structures.
    As you know, the chaos and anarchy continues throughout Somalia. But the real question Matt Baugh we need to ask ourselves is who is behind the chaos in Somalia. In the South of Somalia, it is the warlords, pirates, and Islamic extremists. However, in Khaatumo State of Somalia, it is Somaliland militias who are occupying Khaatumo State of Somalia territory and claiming ownership of the land and the people of Khaatumo State of Somalia. Therefore, Somaliland is the one who is forcing the Khaatumo State of Somalia to defend her people from Somaliland’s aggressions and occupation. As we all know, Somaliland invaded on October 15, 2007 in Lasanod, the capital city of Sool region of Khaatumo State of Somalia, and is still occupying other parts of Khaatumo State of Somalia territory.
    Khaatumo State of Somalia should be encouraged to administer and run their own affairs in Khaatumo State of Somalia, as the United Nations and United Stated of America is looking into new approaches of solving Somalia’s crisis. Empowering regional governments, and allowing regional administrations throughout Somalia to work together in a more respectful way that encourages peace, equality, cooperation and a better reconciliation that benefits everybody. And it should be told Somaliland and Puntland to leave alone Khaatumo State of Somalia, and respect their wishes of governing themselves. Khaatumo State of Somalia best represents their interest and what is best for her people and that should be respected by all including other regional authorities in Somalia. Democracy should be encouraged everywhere including Khaatumo State of Somalia in particular and in general the rest of Somalia proper.
    London Conference should focus how to help Somalia became more decentralized structures that help regional authorities. It should look answers a federal system that is decentralized from Mogadishu is the way to go about solving Somalia’s crisis. Mr. Baugh, this is how I see Somalia today and its solutions. It is way forward and a reality on the ground. Central government is not going to work.
    Khaatumo State of Somalia should be invited in this upcoming meeting in London, The United Kingdom. And I am confident that you will invite as they will propose an excellent ideas to solving Somalia’s crisis.
    Thank you for your great work.
    Faisal Hassan
    Radio Journalist and Writer.

    1. Good Jobs Faisal.

    2. Dear Faisal Hassan,
       I think it is good to understand that Somaliland territory is uncompromising, and note that Dhulbahante clan are Somalilanders, therefore, we are building a nation not clan, and note that tomorrow you might lead Somaliland as Rayaale was led.

       All Somaliland community were agreed in 1991 May to secede the rest of Somalia and this agreement was signed in Burao (The second capital of Somaliland)

       This is impossible for all other parts of Somalia to rule by small clans in the country and consider yourself to lead the nation to peace, prosperity and unity, not division, destruction, disintegration and so on.

       1. Peace is the essential need for everyone, but I wonder why those people who was considering opperessee themselves during the last legitimate of Somali government becoming oppressors and killing civilians in Sool and Other regions.

          1. The Somali state has become an ebjoct of charity after two decades of political crisis; multiple actors claim that Somalia needs international humanitarian assistance and military intervention due to terrorism, piracy and famine. For over twenty years these pleas led to no progress and the Somali people have seen continuing death and destruction and as a result continue to suffer the consequences. The Somali people feel humiliation despite claims of international generosity towards the Somali people. The United Kingdom has now decided to host a conference on Somalia and Prime Minister, David Cameron said in his speech to the Lord Mayor’s banquet on 14 November 2011, “that Somalia is a failed state that directly threatens British interests. Tourists and aid workers kidnapped, young British minds poisoned by radicalism, mass migration, and vital trade routes disrupted.” This statement does recognize that there is a problem in Somalia that threatens the security interests of the United Kingdom and some argue that this recognition to change the conditions that contribute to the Somalia quandary gives a new purpose and opportunity to resolve this problem. Moreover, others go even further and say that this constitutes an act of generosity. But others characterize the prescription of the London Conference a testament of the Eurocentric neocolonial mentality of the 21st century as the Somalis were never consulted with about the scope, nature and intentions of the Conference. They point to the sketchy non-paper diplomatic details released so far as having colonial intentions. They warn that the London Conference creates the illusion of acting but will not be different than that of the 19th century colonial rule that gave Africa its current political configuration. They propose that real change must come from the society itself by rejecting tribal politics, religious extremism, foreign domination and becoming real actors in pursuing an authentic political change by restoring justice, freedom and unity.The intention of this paper is to make the London Conference an ebjoct of reflection for my beloved Somali brothers and sisters and for those who are truly in solidarity with the Somali nation. In doing so, I want all to reflect on the current conditions of Somalia. In this perspective, the Somali people SHOULD NOT BE TREATED to be mere ebjocts and this is to urge the Somalis to respond to the changes occurring around them and question whether the London Conference is an act of love and generosity or whether it is another grand design with predictable dire consequences . To verify this, we must examine first the current condition of Somalia and contrast it with the proposals of the London Conference, good intentions notwithstanding. In doing so, we will discover the intentions and designs of the London Conference and arrive at ebjoctive discovery after thorough examination. Moreover, this paper will project a vision for Somalia in its conclusion that reflects the desire of the Somali people, hoping that the London Conference will make an effort in this direction.The State of SomaliaReality in Somalia today is very grave in economic and political terms; there is widespread poverty and sporadic famine crises. The country is in political crisis characterized by multiple foreign actors and visions reflective of personal and political desires that are not anchored with the will of the Somali people. The TFG has not evolved to a legitimate institution despite international support owing largely to a lack of vision and its lack of responsiveness to societal needs. It is a well known fact that people in Somalia feel safer under Al-Shabab controlled areas as they face greater risks of robbery and rape in areas managed by the TFG/AMISOM authorities. Targeted killings of reporters and other local leaders are exceptionally high in these areas. Socially, there is awareness among the Somali people that tribal politics (4.5 federalism) and religious sectarianism have failed the nation and overcoming both of these dogmas are urgent priorities for the Somali people. The current Somali leadership have become pawns of these deterministic views and the agenda they push inside and outside Somalia is reflective of the political disconnect and lack of legitimacy these leaders find themselves in Somalia. The 4.5 power-sharing formula and the foolish actions of Al-Shabab do show this divide. However, the 4.5 clan power-sharing formula and its new political dispensation, Federalism, are as oxymoron as crash-landing is in the Somali political landscape. They are designed to reshape Somalia into smaller controllable clan based states. The proponents of the Somali Federalism project are three groups. First group includes neighbouring countries of Somalia; these are Kenya and Ethiopia, which due to their selfish state interests oppose a strong Somali state with robust central authority. In their view, a weak Somali state is antithesis to Somali nationalism that may pursue the restoration of ‘Greater Somalia”, which calls for the unification of the Somali territories in Ethiopia and Kenya with the contemporary Somali Republic. They fear a strong Somali state and pursue policies that maintain the current “weakened state” status of Somalia. The second group entails individual Somalis who are blinded by clan hatred and desperation for power. They believe that the devolution of power benefits them as they will have power to advance clan interests. The third group, the U.S. and the EU is the most dangerous as they fund this project and have a long-term strategic interest in the entire region. In this respect, the U.S.A. and EU are facilitators of the humiliation and suffering of the Somali people as they continue to empower Kenya and Ethiopia to engage in the destabilization of Somalia. In this way, a system of domination is created where the Somali people find themselves powerless and on the periphery. Decisions are made without the Somali people through subservient tribalist “Somali leaders”.The Kampala Accord and its subsequent Somalia roadmap marginalize the sovereignty of Somalia as its proponents, IGAD and UNPOS dictate to the “Somali leaders” as a result of the mandate of the Accord. The United States attaches greater values to democracy while it is strangely supporting this oppressive roadmap. This contradiction supports the argument that this Accord precisely endorses their agenda in Somalia. As a result of this, the wider Somali public feels humiliated. This disgraceful action will lead to Somali nationalism as history shows and evidenced by the rise of German nationalism after WWI. It is already taking shape around this circus of “Somali Conferences”. How long can the Somali people continue to live in this oppressive reality and remain impotent?The London ConferenceAs announced last November, 2011 by the U.K. government, “over 40 countries and multilateral organizations will come together in London with the aim of delivering a new international approach to Somalia”. From this view, it is evident that there is a recognition that there is an opportunity to build an international consensus to “tackle both the root causes and effects of the problems” in Somalia. The British government is convinced that Somalia represents a security risk, not only to Britain but to the International Community as evidenced by the growing radicalization and piracy in Somalia. London views Al-Shabab, a group listed as a terrorist group, as representing a growing security concern due to a large Somali community presence in England. Similar concern is shared by other countries such as Canada, U.S.A, and others in Europe and Africa. Similarly, the growing threat of piracy in Somalia impacts many more nations around the world. Moreover, recurring famine and other humanitarian needs in Somalia represent no less important challenges. These factors are additionally complicated by the weak institutions and complex political environment in Somalia. Currently there is a Somali peace process that has its contradictions. The new roadmap calls for
             ending the transitional political arrangement and the recently concluded Garoweh meeting which was scheduled to formally do so has produced another four years of transitional period and institutions. The announcement of the London Conference comes in the midst of this confusion.Recently released documents show an intense consultation and communication from U.K. government with other relevant countries, individuals and groups. These papers show the political mindset of the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, and the United Nations Political Office for Somalia, Italy, Kenya, Ethiopia, some Muslim and Arab countries and the Transitional Government of Somalia and other Somali regional stakeholders. Remarkably, these consultations show that the Somalis were not consulted with prior to the announcement. This shows that the intention of this conference is not to empower the Somali people to make a collective decision that the world can support, because if that was the case the logical approach would have been to consult with the affected people, that is to say initiate a consultative phase with the people of Somalia before embarking and announcing the London conference. It is absurd not to realize that though Somalia is shattered they still have the capacity to understand and be resilient and often international actors who lack the knowledge of local terrain discount such positive aspect of local knowledge by imposing their will and Western values as reflected in this upcoming London conference. Moreover, the proposal from Italy bizarrely advances a neocolonial agenda that puts Somalia under trusteeship. This is an affront that outraged the Somali people inside and outside the country. It similarly shows why the Somali people do not and should not trust any foreign intervention. Wholesale euphemisms such as “piracy threats”, “terrorism”, “and humanitarian intervention” are used to malign and discredit, with the intention to erode the self-determination and sovereignty of the Somali people. The Somali people are deprived of their voice and unjustly dealt with over the years by the U.S. and its European allies of France, Italy and England by continually supporting the destabilization of Somalia by Kenya and Ethiopia. For these states to affirm the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia over and over again in their communications and support the continuing invasions of Ethiopia and Kenya is an extreme contradiction. Can the London Conference be in solidarity with the Somali people who are yearning to address their political, social and economic problems and at the same time continue to support the war crimes continually committed by Ethiopia and recently joined by Kenya? The Eurocentric approach that is expounded in the popular press with slogans such as “the Somali people cannot handle democracy and civilized constitutionalism” as one recent “Somalia expert” purports in her latest book, Somalia: “Getting Somalia Wrong? Signs of Hope in a Shattered State a Realistic but Empathetic Analysis.” must be totally rejected and discredited. Edward Said must be rolling over in his grave every time a European scholar with his/her Eurocentric biases and through field observation writes as an expert on cultures of other people. The Somali people have been traditionally making collective decisions in their communities for centuries. Similarly, Democracy is a rational or idealistic concept which endorses the idea of collective decision making freely in areas of mutual interest such as law and order, quality of life, culture and distribution of wealth. Given that democratic decision making is not an alien concept to the Somali people, why is it that irrational discriminatory political dispensation such as 4.5 power-sharing clan formula is advanced in Somalia with the financial support of the international community? ConclusionsThe aim of the London Conference is to “pull together international effort” in order to make sure that the current international effort in Somalia and the Somalia peace process succeed according to the U.K. government. This Conference has surely spurred the interest of the Somali people. Many hope that this Conference may offer a new direction and bring an end of two decades of failed international policy. Others are skeptical and are worried that the U.K. is not driven by generosity and has its own selfish agenda. However, the Somali people are better positioned this time as there is genuine will to transcend the tribal politics that has undermined the State sovereignty and the unity among the people for the past two decades. The London Conference should capitalize this goodwill and move to:* Provide guiding principles, or terms of reference to make this conference more transparent, so far as the Somalis are concerned, they are suspicious of this conference due to its secrecy and lack of transparency. * Have a clear detailed consultation framework at the outset; the fact that this conference will address agendas set by outsider with no clear framework will only complicate its outcome. * Provide clarity of what an end result would look like. The government of UK can only facilitate but let Somalis decide the best approach to address the Somali conundrum. Somalis and other participants of conference have common ebjoctives to address security, terrorism and piracy; it is in the best interest of all to address a common problem collectively. * Make the Conference a two round process to develop ideas and refine them; let this be a brainstorming exercise and set up another conference inside Somalia. It is illogical to be holding conferences outside of Somalia while addressing security problems pertaining to Somalia. A serious action plan to address piracy and terrorism needs to be inside Somalia and supported by the Somali people inside the country.And finally any outcome must make sure that Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is maintained and individual freedom and choice is guaranteed.

    3. Dear Faisal Hassan,
       I think it is good to understand that Somaliland territory is uncompromising, and note that Dhulbahante clan are Somalilanders, therefore, we are building a nation not clan, and note that tomorrow you might lead Somaliland as Rayaale was led.

       All Somaliland community were agreed in 1991 May to secede the rest of Somalia and this agreement was signed in Burao (The second capital of Somaliland)

       This is impossible for all other parts of Somalia to rule by small clans in the country and consider yourself to lead the nation to peace, prosperity and unity, not division, destruction, disintegration and so on.

    4. Somaliland has the right to carry out its responsibilities as a sovereign nation by protecting its territories as well as its inhabitants for whatever it takes.
       khatumo is a part of Somaliland. Anyone who attempts to engage terrorism activities within Somaliland will be caught and prosecuted in accordance with the international criminal laws. Somaliland army forces are not occupied in Khatumo but rather they’re there in tentatively basis to defend it from individuals and/or groups who wish to commit crimes on Somaliland grounds. If things are get ironed out in Khatumo, of course, with the locals the Somaliland forces will leave willingly with no catualties on either side.

       Osman Ibrahim,
       Ottawa, Canada

38. hi there My name is Aaliy,and abv frm somalia.
    Congratulation for the competitive post, that you’ve been nominated for you last year, and wish you all the best of luck and success. Hope you’ll get more supportive, Somali people to work alongside with you.
    I am interested about the Somali issue, particularly in politics which I personally believe it effects most on women and children, as well as I believe it’s time to remove dominant men form power/politics
    Good luck Matt
    best regards!

39. Matt, I am British-Somali and Director of TW Recycling Ltd, a service provider to UK borough councils. I personally would like to congratulate you in this challenging position that you are undertaking. In the past we realized how Somalia became home of extremist and banditry, I believe UK’s decision to stop its ‘wait and see policy’ on Somalia and to engage directly is first step of stabilizing the entire Somalia. However, challenges including corruption in the Somali institution will be main issue in the stabilization process. I personally believe that Somalis in general are talented, they are more entrepreneurial, they tend to be ‘self-motivated’. Having said that, I believe targeting the Somali business industry and making the entire Somali government sectors Privately run by the business sector and having private enforcers on them will make huge difference. I was reading the history of the Metropolitan Police some time ago, and I was amazed what private sector can achieve when its responsibilities are privately enforced. Giving the full Somali Police to private company that will oversea its duties including, pay, training and taking power of the individuals in the government. These will not only improve service but will also boost its legitimacy. Imagine Somali people living in Mogadishu, having engaged in for instance The Policing, the Education, the Development and not have to be ex-warlord or cousin of a minister but was chosen by Private Company who only chose them because of their ‘talent, achievement, and most importantly their vision’.

    Matt, there is more to say, and would love to take part in any project that will be non-political.

    Kind Regards.

    1. Thank you.

40. Matt,
    I am a Somalilander first and foremost and Chairman of Invicta Capital, as well as Chairman of the Anglo Somaliland Chamber of Commerce. I welcome your initiative to take UK/Somali issue on line and look forward to following your blogs on this matter.

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