London Conference on Somalia: Building Momentum

1,086 comments on “London Conference on Somalia: Building Momentum”

1. Yes! Finally someone writes about murat theatre schedule.

2. Pingback: Donald Trump May Support Somaliland. | Qorilugud News 24
3. Pingback: Donald Trump May Support Somaliland | Somaliland Monitor

4. Hello everyone, it’s my first pay a visit at this site, and piece of writing is in fact fruitful designed for me, keep
   up posting these types of content.

5. London Conference on Somalia.The control EastAfica.Thinka Afica as on.country.Look the damig they don.The most severe drought in decades is threatening the lives of more than 12 million people in the Horn of Africa, with the people of Somalia facing the greatest risks resulting from armed conflict and lack of sustainable security and governance. This confluence of famine and conflict is particularly devastating for women and children. While attempting to save their children from starvation, malnutrition and disease, women in Somalia are subject to conflict-related security threats including sexual violence. As they make the long journey from what was once their home to the refugee complexes either in Kenya or Ethiopia, women and children’s vulnerability is exacerbated.

6. President Sillanyo’s speech in London conference on somalia has put last nail on the coffin in any hope towards a future reunification between Somaliland and somalia, period!

   Osman Qaal,
   Ottawa, Canada

7. British Government BRAVO !!! …On article # 6 of the communique says” The Conference recognised the need for the international community to support any dialogue that Somaliland and the TFG or its replacement may agree to establish in order to clarify their future relations.”

   There is no any pre-condition for recognition , this is a real acknowledgment and reward of almost full recognition with out declaration only !!!

   In addition, thanks your for political and financial support of creating huge and especial fund for Somaliland developments in five years coming according to the official statement following the two important of different meetings between President Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo of the Republic of Somaliland had discussed in LONDON with UK International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchel on Wednesday after prior meetings with Mr William Hague the foreign minister about exclusive of Somaliland affairs.

8. i would like to tell you , Mr bought to avoid British government to give an opportunity Kenya and Ethiopia because they are interesting somalia to fail down and never build back ,, they killed hundreds and thousands

9. First, I would like to thank Mr. Matt and the British Government for their generous initiatives and efforts in bringing the Somalis together.I believe there should be several points on the table at this meetings.
   1. The north-south issue
   2. The 4.5 which has no basis. The majority rules minority phenomena.
   3. The foreign enemy interventions in Somalia – Ethiopia & Kenya who occupy our lands from the colonial era and the fact that the world has forsaken us with outside interference.
   4. The Sub division of Somali into Mini- States by warlords who claim to show the world their bright face.
   5. To bring the as much elites/diaspora as possible in the meeting and get rid of tribal minded people.
   6. To tell these people that Somalia is one, that Somalis are one, in the eyes of the world, and they should manage their affairs alone.
   7. That our ocean has been robbed by bigger nations and that those 1000 ships around it do nothing but fishing under the pretext that they are fighting pirates which doesn’t make any sense since pirates are hunting as far as India…
   8. That Somalia can not stand alone on its feet without without help from the world, with out economy, without calling the right politicians, educators & experts, without strong Somali force that keep security both inside & outside. They are struggling for existence.
   9. The problem of the radicals who suppress their freedom with unimaginable threat and executions. Who install fear in people’s hearts. This issue should be a top priority.
   10. The problem of hunger, poverty, disease which befalls on women & children and the aged who don’t receive the aid intended for them. Who take the greatest share of the Somali plight.
   11, Egad was established for economic reasons. After the fall of the central government, we see them as political entity and we all believe they are the part of the problem in Somalia. We need nations which have no binding issues with us to engage in our future reconciliations.

   We all hope something good will come out of this meeting and we thank the British Government for taking this great step.

   A concerned Somali who just wanted to say his share.

10. Who among you is not Somali ? I believe we all are Somalis. What does Somali-Land mean. It means the land for the Somalis (no more no less). I believe every Somali should know that there is no benefit for any of us if we as a nation tell the world that we need Somalia to be divided among us. let us say 2 kilometers per head. I believe only a fool would accept that offer but if it comes for any division then let us opt for complete division, , the land for all people (God forbid & I hope this would never happen) and I guarantee that when it comes to the point, there would be nothing called Somalia. Let us be wise. Let us unite. This is a chance for all of us. What have you gained through divisions. Each region is under the control of Ethiopia, south, north, Hiiran Etc. One word to your so called leaders – you all serve our enemies. Shame on you……. Greater Somalia is what we need.

11. Dear Matt
    International community attending London conference will likely to discuss issues such as pirates and Alshabaab. Let us not forget that pirates were result of over fishing Somali coast by bigger ships belong to countries in Asia and Europe. European Union ships along take fish from coast of Somali annually an estimated 300 million dollars worth of fish, It is important this issue to be a addressed. Alshabaab and pirates can be dealt with only by strong Somali government which has strong arm forces. Please support rebuilding Somali arm form instead spending millions of dollars to AMSOM, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Also as Somali scholar leaving outside the country I am worried the timing of this conference, we already have road map, Garawe agreements, first Somali government is on the way in next few months. Why London conference in this time, I hope this to be positive conference supporting road map and Garawe agreements.

12. No one on this forum should be speaking about Somalia and it’s finances since Somalia has absolutely no income. There’s a huge civil war, famine and poverty because Somali’s are against each other. The ‘so called government’ has failed, once again. Is this surprising? No. Every Somali person who has stepped up to the plate for their country only does it for power and respect. There is no one who has done it for their nation since the late Aden Abdullah Osman. Since the government is a huge fail we have the clan ‘Al-Shabaab’ and the Somali pirates who are making it even harder for people to live without fear. The government is full of people who have no significant reason to be apart of it. These men and women come from all around the world and don’t have no solution in structuring a nation and providing necessities for their people. This is a government that has physical altercations with each other and we read in the news that they beat each other with chairs. If they cannot agree on little decisions for a country do you think they can reunite them?…Although Somalia has been colonized in the past, us Somali people do not want that to happen again. Not only is this embarrassing for our nation, its embarrassing for the people who are fighting for it. Somalia does not need another country to tell it how it should be ran and how they can unite again but they need everyone to agree on how to help it. Everyone meaning: al-shabaab and the others. The Somali government needs fresh youths who have been educated and are not stubborn. They also need youths whose pride will not get in the way of making decisions. Politically and economically Somalia is in dire need of help. Somalia has had a big sign saying: S.O.S. since 1991. Somalia has been stripped from it’s rights and freedoms and cannot be fixed anytime soon. Debating and arguing what is good for a nation does not make any sense because while we are typing away people are dying and children are crying due to hunger. The Somali people destroyed Somalia. The Somali people asked foreigners to come into their country. The Somali people give the United States a reason to invade our country. The Somali people allow other nations to degrade them. No one is causing more harm to Somalia then it’s people. The unstable political situation in Somalia is horrific and beyond controllable. The conference happening in the U.K. will not benefit Somalia because it is going to be one of the many conferences that failed to provide the Somali people with freedom at the least. How can a country that has absolutely no idea what is going on in Somalia tell the people how to fix their problems?

13. It’s funny how everyone has conveniently forgot that Somali has been ignored for decades. Are we really supposed to believe that this conference is for the benefit of Somalis ? Wake up people, after years of abandonment, and supporting our neighbours to attack us, why all of a sudden are they interested in helping us. The fact is the British government do not care about our nation and never will. We do not need their interference , what we need is to do is realise that we alone ( by the will and grace of Allah swt) can solve our problems. Strength will come through unity. All this conference will help us distinguish between the hypocrites and those who genuinely care. After reading these post, it’s appears that there are more of the former amongst us. What a shame.d

14. Thank you UK and other nations for this conference and positive outlook after 20 years

    Terorism and Piracy can only be defeated when education and enlightement is brought upon young men and women in somalia’s education institutions

    knowledge is power

    Somalia’s entrepeneurs without knowledge only understand short term gains not medium and long term opportunities coming from a stable Somali governement (Governement and Taxes= Security,Banking, Health, Education, More Profit inside and outside Somalia etcccc)

    Let us look at globle trade not local tribal trade

15. This conference is an opportunity to see if we are ready to rebuild Somalia in peaceful manner instead of the last 20 years of blame culture

    We should explore every avenue in order to restart a somalia which will trade and collect (taxes) peacefully and leaves tribalism behind to build a nation acceptable to Somalies, our neighbours and the whole world.

    We need a Governement to collect the Taxes which will pay for our security, education , health and all the key services our nation needs to rebuild again provided by the private sector because the government will be able to reach the whole nation quick enough

    We need to look at South Sudan, ethiopia, kenya and uganda which are ready to trade globaly and we need to be part of the east african economy instead of this narow view of interal tribal differences

    peace in Somalia = bigger and better opportunities for the Somali Entrepeneurs

    Lets us join the global trade has a nation again called Somalia

16. Hello Mat,
    I am among many Somalis who are really worried about the timing of London conference.
    We are really perplexed about the upcoming conference when Al Shabab is defeated, when Somalia is slowly starting to emerge from the abyss it went for the last 20 or so years.
    Why call now a conference outside Somalia/ Why let Kenyans invade Somalia one month after Al Shabab left Mogadishu? instead of 1 or 2 years ago’ when Al Shabab was at its heyday? Why Ethiopians entered after Al Shabab were weakened?
    Why UK calls a conference on terrorism and piracy now instead of 2 or 3 years ago?
    Why now now that we see a light at the end of the tunnel? Why call a conference in London that is based on the security of the UK?
    I and many of other Somalis have many unanswered questions about the London conference, that among many questions will last for 5 hours and will gather the representatives of 40 countries? How can a meeting of 5 hours address the problems of 21 years of Somalia? or it is ready made announcement which doesn’t care about the plight of 15 millions of Somalis?
    I said we are really worried about the aim and the timing of London conference.
    I hope you can reassure us on the intentions of said conference. We really hope.

    Please let us know about your real goal.

    Thank you

    1. Abdulkadir Dalel I am so happy about all the important points you made and brining up all these unaswred questions. please read this gabay that will cover more of my feelings

       Midnimadii Soomaliyeed Magacyada 5taa Markuu Nagu Maquuneeyay
       Middii soo Hartuu Rabaa Inuu Micida Saaraaye
       Waxba yuusan madal shir meel dheer igaga maamuusin

       Miro Labaatana Colaadan Mararka Sii Dhaaftay
       Masawir Buu Nala Kortaagnaa Siduu Moowdku Noogalaye
       Ma Maseeyr Baa Kagalay Turkiga Malabka Noo Daadshay

17. I welcome and support the London Conference on Somalia. I also want to thank for British government and their people for acceptance and help to many Somali refugees in their soil. I hope the conference will be different, fruitful and the last one for Somali problem. The writer of the topic said ‘Somalia is one of the worst countries in the world to be a woman.’ I want to correct this, Somalia used and it is now the best place for women. Historically Somali tribes used to fight a bloody fight because of some one raped their girl or said something inappropriate to them and still now families, friends and community at large still defend them. Our women go to school, do business, travel alone, and marry alone without their family. Our women are brave, proud and free more than any other women is this world and I am proud of our girls. Please check and read our Somali Women History.

    Thanks all
    Abdirizak Sheik Dhaay Sayid Ibrahim
    Alberta Canada

18. Soomaalia used to be for Somali people. This is not true anymore; our enemies had succeeded to make as not trust each other and most importantly our Islamic religion (because we have Qabiil and so call Alshabab). I will say. “Be very cautious Somalis”, Britain always knew our problem and they contribute some of the problems we are facing behind doors; while paying over $500.000 to Ethiopians invasion to Somaila and many more. It seems to me that we are either have a short memory of what happen to us or we don’t look back the short history for us. Britain has more knowledge in Somalia then we do ourselves. I know Britain have a strategy that is not good for Somalia; I wonder how corrupt it is? Will they bringing back their colonial idea, now than we are morally and mentally being destroyed? You may think I am pessimistic, but I haven’t seen anything to be optimistic last 20-years. We must be careful, not just be excite whatever we being told!!!! (Nin Bukaa Boqol u talisay)

19. Hi every one, I have been reading through every one’s opinion and yet there are still disagreement between the ideas been displayed that requested by Mat. As the central Government collapsed as of course every one knows, we are still suffered by unrest political situation. We have had more than 15 reconciliation conferences held by many different countries. No crops came out after words because there was hidden interest working behind the scene
    that Somalia never gets a solution to rebuild their confidentiality and form any government. To day we have got an outstanding opportunity to come to the desk again and talk. I personally think this is an amazing moment to express our thoughts before the British authority because they know deeper than any other country and they can do something about it. I am proud of that.
    Dear mat, as we are aware of that Somalia since the central government collapsed; Somalia Clans started to build Self-sufficiency which means almost every clan built its own administration. such as Somaliland, Awdal state, khatuma state jubaland etc.
    I would highly suggest that all the parts those who established an Administration and reached to stable their territory are worth to be invited all of them to this conference . Because sir, these can help Somalia to come back online.
    The other thing is Somalia does not worth to break away into north and south. Somalia is Somalia and never be two borders.
    thanks Matt.

20. Hi Everbody
    I believe a lot have been said so far. And if I could wrap up what I see as the core issues are: Somali integrity and independence; Building the pyramid from the Bottom – UP involving the civil society at grass-root level upto intellectual and politicians; building the capacity of the basic institutional infra -structures and correspondingly diminshing the role of foreighn countries including Kenya / Ethopia, etc
    and finally, embarking on development projects to engage people and create windows of work and future aspiration.

    I am an expert in all these areas and I am ready to offer advice if needed. Abdi Ismail.

21. Dear Matt,

    Thanks for this opportunity to contribute Somali Conference in London; we do not need international Community to be observers but we need action towards Greater Somali Unity, we’ll urge Arab League, OAU, China, Russia and Muslim Countries to participate London Conference.

    North Somalia; Nasa Hablod Administration, “So called Garadag State” they should Stop greediness, shame on you; Garadag, you do not need to hijack other clans in North of Somalia, such as Khatumo State, Awdal State and Saylac State of SOMALIA.
    Garadag State, do not fulfil legal requirements of statehood; it is ONE CLAN based administration. Genocide was committed by SNM Militia in Buhodle “Khatumo State of SOMALIA”, Genocide in Seemal “Awdal State of SOMALIA”
    Khatumo State, Awdal State & Saylac State are the outcome of your inequality, injustice, greediness, and genocide committed.

    You need to advise Silanyo “Killer, blood on his hands” to stop genocide, where is ICC? If you don’t, we’ll take him & SNM Militia Genocide leaders like Nuuh Tani “Canjeex of North Somalia” Jidhif, Muse Bihi, and others to International Criminal Court.
    Somali people need Unity and British Government to support this, particularly new brave North Somalia States” Khatumo State, Awdal State & Saylac State of North Somalia Administration. It is necessary British Government to support them States.

    At the same time SNM Militia are Denying the existence of Khatumo, Awdal & Saylac States at the expense of Somali Unity.
    Warning: All SNM Militia should leave from Awdal , Salal & Sool Regions before August 2012, otherwise they’ll face stiff resistance “Alshabab syle”

    Economy: So Called Somali Pirates is result of over fishing Somali coast by bigger ships protected by Worships from European Nations. Also dumping of Chemical waste from Western Countries.

    See you in London Conference with all North Somalia States [Khatumo State, Garadag State, Awdal State, Saylac State]
    LIVE LONG SOMALIA, Khatumo, Awdal, Saylac States “New Bridge of Somali Unity”

    P.S. Garadag; former so called self declared Somaliland, now GARADAG STATE.

22. Dear Matt,
    In your statement above, you mentioned stable areas in somalia, like punt land and somaliland. With all respect you haven’t been reading the news. Somaliland is not stable at all. They are sending war machines to SSC region to kill indiscriminately children, women and old. Also, they staged camps out side Borama to see if people Awadal move muscle.

    In future reference please reframe your self using words like “stable somaliland”. Because, you are belittling the lost lives of inocent people.

    They are doing all these killings with aid your government gives them without oversight. They are slaughtering the people of Awdalstate and abusing their rights everyday.

    I urge the government of Britain to reconsider their approach on Somaliland and the people of Awdalstate and SSC and ask them their sand against Somaliland.

    All the people who glorify Somaliland are from one tribe called Isaaq aka SNM. Who are cancer to somali society.

    We support and stand for one somalia. My Allah help us.

23. To
    His Excellency Matt Baugh
    The British Ambassador to Somalia

    Your Excellency,

    It is an honour to communicate with you and extend my grattitude to the British government officials among them are the Right Honourable David Cameron, the Right Honourable William Hague, and the Honourable Henry Bellingham. Mr. Hague has raised several topics at Chatham House, London, about the Somali consultation on London Conference, especially the issue of hearing the views of all Somalis including the Somali Diaspora. It is a realistic view that a more stable Somalia is vital not only to the Horn of Africa but to the world at large including Europe and North America. Personally, I support the British led conference on Somalia crises, but it seems that the conference has been handled as an ad hoc form, i.e. there is a flavour of undecipherable urgency. This kind of conference is full of multiple expectations and it would have been better to give it enough time to prepare and gather scholastic input. Let us underline first that the London Conference is about bringing together senior representatives from over 45-50 governments; multilateral organizations, and Somail political actors to agree upon a unified form of how the international community can organize itself and prioritize its efforts of tackling “the root causes and effects of the Somali crises.” The expectation of this magnititude, it seems that time is not our side. Nonetheless, I will raise three topics in this short note:
    1) The end of TFG in August 2012. A functionable parliament must be selected by Somalis. The newly selected MPs must be not more than 125 members. They must be highly educated, technocrat and young. They must not being selected on 4.5 method or system. They must be selected for their honesty, hardworking and really want to see a peaceful Somalia with good relations with its neighbours and the rest of the world. Once the Parliament is carefully selected, to form the government structure would be easy.
    2) The Security structure: Building a sizable Police force; effective courts and Jails and due to the security in Somalia, a temporary capital punishment should be permissable. Following this should be building the military and marine corps up to 18-22 thousands. While the Somali military and marine corps are in professional training, the Amison should be strengthened to the point where they can secure Mugadishu atleast.
    3) Pirates in the high seas: It is a piece of cake. Once there is an absolute law and order all over Somalia, the pirates will either be captured or evaporate into the thin air. Focus on the land as the Somali proverb says that every bird that flies comes down to the land.

    I am the author of “the root causes of the united nations’ failure in Somalia – the role of neighbouring countries in the Somali crisis published in October 2011.

    Sincerely yours

    Othman Mahmood.

24. external actors has to realize, strong and stable Somali is there interest.
    I think London conference will be different from previous conference because now there are golden opportunity to bring Somali in to peace and stability.
    also external actors has realized that shabaab will over take the country unless they form strong and stable government.

25. Since the collapsed of the Somali central government we heard many conferences about reconciliation and discussion on Somali politics but sadly no one achieved the ambition of the Somali people and bring it back .The International community will not settle Somalia until they Somalis work out the ambition of the Somali society and the external actors will not bring Somalia peace and stability and there is no difference this London conference the previous conferences.

26. Stability, security and economic growth in Somalia must involve women at all levels. Women’s rights and roles must be protected. As you said Somalia is one of the worst countries in the world to be a woman. In order to achieve stability, security and economic growth women must be involved in the decision making and leadership of Somalia’s future. Somali women must be represented at this conference from the grassroots to the national level.

27. The problem in Somalia dosent happen in one day or week or months,
    why now?????????
    Uk did they forget what they did to Somalia dividing in V part, we never forgett, and it was very painfull………
    Pls dont follow US policy Why its failure…………. .
    Pls take what ever u whant from Somalia but fare way, dont ever undestament human,or you will be failure

28. 23-February London Conference
    The big chance for Somalia’s
    Waxaan salaan daaran u dirayaa Madaxda Dowlada Ingiriiska.
    Waxaan aad ugu faraxsanahay soona dhaweeynayaa takista Wasiirka arimaha dibada uu tagay Muqdisho iyo Magacaabista Safiirkooda, runtii waa astaan rajo soocelita qaranimadii Soomaaliyeed.
    Shirkaas Muhiimka ah ee doowlada Ingiriisku ku casuuntay Aduunka iyo Soomaliadaba waxaan rajeeynayaa inuusan fashilmin, noqdana mid tayo u leh Ummada Soomaaliyeed oo eey mahdiyaan.
    Sidaas darated waxaan ku talin lahaa in nuxurka dhibka Somalida la taabto laguna daweeyo, kaas oo ah Caddaalad daro, Faqri iyo Jahilinimo.
    • Somaliland Waa ka soo qeeyb galeysaa waxeeyna sheegeeyneeysaa Cadaalad-Daro.
    • Puntland waa ka soo qeyb galeeysaa waxeeyna sheeganeeysaa Cadaalad-Daro.
    • Gal-Mudug Wee ka soo qeeyb galeeysaa waxeeyna sheeganeeysaa Cadaalad-Daro.
    • Ahalusana-Waljamaca weey ka soo qeeyb galeeysaa waxeeyna sheeganeeysaa Cadaalad-Daro.
    • Dowlada hada jirta weey ka soo qeeyb galeeysa waxeeyna sheeganeeysaa Cadaalad-Daro. Iyada ayaana looga fadhiyay ineey soo celiso, soo celin iska daaye iyada dhexdeedii ayaa is aamini la’ oo aduunku kala celinayaa oo ciidamada AMISOM ayaa kala ilaaliya.
    • Shacbi weeynaha Soomaaliyeed ee dulmanaa waligiis labaatan-kii sano ee la soo dhaafana dhibaatada dilka, barakicinta iyo boobka lagu hayay ee aan jirin cid matasha oo shirarka uga qeeyb gasha iyaguna waxeey sheeganayaan Cadaalad-Daro.
    Hadaba Cadaalad-Daradaas dadku wada sheeganayaan isuma keeni karno, hadii aan isla ogolnahay labaatan sano ma soo gaarteen, ee Dowlada Boqortooyada Ingiriiska waxaan ka codsaneeynaa in codkeena eey kor u qaadaan Aduunkana u sheegaan Soonaaliya waxaa ka Maqan eey raadinayaan waa Caddaalad ee halagu taageero.
    Cid diidi karta ma jirto cid waliba waa waxa eey la careeysan tahay ee kaligeed eey meel uga soo jeesatay.
    Caddaalada soomaaliya yaan cidna cid loogu dhiibin muddo, inta la hubinayo in wax waliba si sax ah u dhaceen dadkuna is aamini karo.
    Sida loo keenayo iyo farsamada shaqo ee lagu dhaqan galinayo waa sidaan.
    Caddaalad darada soomaaliya ka dhacday waxeey sababtay in aan dib danbe la isku aaminin qabiilna uusan ka ogalaan qabiil kale in xukunka iyo awooda helo, gobolna uusan gobal ka yeelin inuu ka yeesho muhiimad gaar ah, taasina waligeeda waa jireeysaa hadaan xal loo helin. Xalka loo heli karo waa in la dhisaa hey’ad ka madax banaan dowladda oo aan ka amar qaadan haba yaraatee xakuumad iyo dowlad iyo baarlamaan midna ee ku xiran Jamciyada Quurmaha Ka Dhexeeysa, lehna ciidan u gaar ah iyo maxkamado madax banaan waxaana ku talinayaa ineeysan Soomaali ku jirin maamulkeeda sare laakiin ciidanka iyo shaqaalaha hoose eey noqon karaan , sidoo kale waxaan ku talinayaa in qofkii hey’adaas shaqaalaheeda ka mid noqoda siyaasda soomaaliya laga mamnuuco toban sano inuusan ka qeeyb qaadan Karin.
    Mahadsanidin
    Osmaan
    Somali Refugee Lonodn UK
    Sheegaha Xaqa Qarsoon

29. The somali people have never listened to each other. I do not think people would read all these rubish. Matt if you want somali listen to each other and develop good listening skill please limit the word they can post here. I do not want to come here and read a book size comment. I would not have mind if it contain some meaningfull discussions. They simply show hatred and tribalism. Look at any social network, there is always a word limit. Somali has to learn from the world. Sometime you do not have to say anything to convey your opinion that is what they have to learn. As Somalilanders we have stopped to deal with Somali for the last twenty years. The world do not understand that why we have done so. This people would never sleep a wink to destroy any discussion. If you want to see that do not go anywhere just visit this blog. full of rubish. I do not think British tax payers money should be spent on Somalia. It is a failed state and it will continue to be for the for the forseeable near future. Thanks.

30. dear Hassna Abdi international community will not accept two or three Somali governments we are very lucky if we get one fully functional government.

31. Somaliland: To go or not to go to the London Conference.
    By Mohamud Tani
    Feb. 03, 2012

    Never trust the British with your fate. Never! From Palestine and Israel to Kashmir and Pakistan to Rhodesia and South Arica, all the way to Haud and reserved Area the Foreign office and its bureaucrats were all throughout history on the wrong side of issues. Britain always left a legacy of trouble. It has no history of ever solving one. Did you ever detect the true colours of Tony Blair before the Iraq war? Jomo Kenyatta once said “My British friends came to our land with a Bible in their hands. They told us to shut our eyes for a moment. When we opened our eyes, they had the land and we had the Bible.“ Such is the British treachery. They are telling us now to shut our eyes. Trust the Americans. They always mean what they say. Do not ever get caught by the hypocrisy that built an empire through sheer cunning and deceit.

    Well, all this would not have happened had the Somaliland government gave to the British officials the standard answer that we had for the world since the first day of the existence of Somaliland – Somaliland will only negotiate with a one government in the South. Our present government tried to be clever. They also needed some assistance for our cash strapped little country. They went to London and to the horror of everybody in Somaliland our Government was in the same table with Puntland and Gslmudug. Silanyo and his Government did in one step to reduce the standing of Somaliland from a De Facto country to the status of a clan or subclan. They accepted to be In the same protocol with Majeerteen (Puntland), Habar/Gidir Saad (Galmudug) Habar/ Gidir Ayr (Ahlu Suna Wa Jamaa). They again did the same in Nairobi. Then all disaster followed. Our clever government were not so clever after all. It was a classic case of the hyena dating the wrong guy. Maybe they got a little cash, but they threw away the demand that we be treated as what we are: a NATION and no other way. Nobody took us seriously after that. Now we are being expected to come to London again and the President t himself has to appear and sit in the same line with Puntland and Galmug presidents as a representative of a region called Somaliland that is in Somalia. Sh. Shariif will be seated among the world leaders. Siilanyo being a member of other regional delegations from Somalia will be sitting behind him. What a disgrace!! Imagine seeing that picture in the CNN and the BBC.

    Apart from the external affairs fiasco it caused, the downgrading of Somaliland to level of Majeerteen, Saad and Ayr has also caused an internal disintegration. Every political opportunist now wants to go to the Conference of the clans in London. This would not have happened had we not participated two of the first four preparatory meeting. Had we stayed out altogether as we always used to (before we started to be clever) , no one from Somaliland would have dreamed neither Khatumo nor Awdal nor Makhir nor others that are in pipeline. By downgrading the status of Somaliland Mr. Silanyo has opened a Pandora box. I Quote here Faisal Waraabe commenting when on the first time that we participated the London preparatory Conference. He Said “Mr Silanyo Listen .You are My president only in the context of Somaliland. Outside that you are not . If you go again to a table where Somali clans are meeting. Yes Listen . You only represent your sub-clan ,and I will go representing mine” That is what Faisal said that day. Now are you surprised at Ali Khaliif ? In the name of fairness let us give the devil his due.
    Now what we need is sobriety and level headedness. Qualities we lack so much now in Somaliland. Let us weigh arguments for or against going to London.

    Those who say let us go are stating their case like this. Forty or more world leaders are coming. Somaliland will have a golden opportunity to state its case to the international audience and it’s a chance we cannot miss. That would have been a very strong argument if the question of Somaliland and its future was in the Agenda. World leaders who are coming where not made aware of a discussion about Somaliland. How different it is, how good it is and how it needs to be recognized? The Agenda is clear. It is about Piracy, Shabaab , Famine and the formation of a National inclusive Government. Nowhere in the Agenda is Somaliland mentioned good or bad.

    On the contrary the preamble of the Agenda stated that the Territorial Integrity of Somalia will be maintained. Sh. Shariif and his Government will be speaking to the delegates representing all the Somali delegates there including us. Regional presidents will not speak. If World leaders give Regional presidents a photo op that is the best they can get out of the conference. I hope that is not what our leaders want. A picture with Dave Cameron.!! That can be arranged by one Somalilander who is a resident at the Prime Ministers riding in UK.

    Now let us look at the other side of the coin. I believe if we do not go to the conference in London, the British Prime Minister will not be happy. He will be angry at his lower officials that they let him down. That the International community will see that the conference that the PM lent his name has a great hole in it. The PM will see the lower British officials misrepresented the case of Somaliland and did not give it the weight that it was due. The World will ask themselves who is that who did not come. The answer readily comes to our advantage. The entire international friends and journalist supporter that we gathered in these twenty years will fill the void. Look who is not being accommodated here? The most peaceful, the most stable, the most democratic, the only people that defeated Shabaab, the only people those Pirates are afraid of, the best is missing. Only then will our demands be listened to. That is the way we should play the game.

32. Best and good luck for appointed UK ambassador for Somalia, as Somali scholars outside Somali we do welcome your appointment and we hope that you improve Somali and UK relationship. What is important is to give priority in rebuilding Somali security and army and Somali institutions, instead spending millions of dollars to neighboring countries and African union forces. Somali forces will be able deal with piracy and insecurity posed by Alshabaab.
    Also , I do ask Somali people participating this discussion (scholars) to welcome Matt for his new job. what’s more, please it very essential to show unity, provide ideas that may contribute solution for your county. Talking same speak in 20 years will solve our problems, please only provide positive argument that may bring Somali together. We can see in our eyes that very Somali state is diving again and again in every year. Its very essential every Somali to know that his region or his village will only get services such security, education, infrastructure and health if only when Somalia gets full functional government. Let all unite and contribute only one goal ‘ to gains fully functional Somali government that give all Somali citizens the right, services and respect they deserve. Please give us your feedback.

33. Hi All

    First of all, may i congratulate Matt for his new post. Secondly, i would like to take this opportunity to make clear for every one that with out peace and stability there is no life. let us admire and respect for those province which have enjoyed peace and progress over the last decades, including Somaliland and Puntland.

    Furthermore, If we take look at the Somali peop;e’s History, we can conclude the following:

    1. The Language of Somalis is Somali Languge
    2. The religion of Somalis is Islam

    But when it comes to the politics there differences which includes:

    1. Somalia and Somaliland once were two different countries but fortunately or unfortunately become united under no official agreement under the name of Somali Republic (not Somalia)

    2. After 30 years being one government under the name of Somali republic, Somaliland reclaimed its own name Somaliland and once again called Somaliland republic. it managed to build all the government institutions and infrastructure from scratch.

    If you want to refer to the history please read the following Act of union which never has been materialized:

    SOMALILAND & SOMALIA: THE 1960 ACT OF UNION – An early lesson for Somaliland

    LAW OF UNION BETWEEN SOMALILAND AND SOMALIA: Law No: 1 of 1960 – 27 JUNE 1960

    Commentary:

    Prior to attaining independence on 26 June 1960, Somaliland was very much interested in pursuing the dream of a Greater Somali State encompassing all the territories inhabited by people of Somali ethnic origin. After discussions in 1960, Representatives of Somaliland and Somalia agreed that an Act of Union will be signed by both states on independence and that this document will be in the nature of an international agreement between the two states. The Legislative Assembly of the independent STATE OF SOMALILAND therefore signed the Union of Somaliland and Somalia Law (set out below) on 27 June 1960. The Law was immediately effective in Somaliland, but as set out in the recital, it was supposed to be signed by the representatives of Somalia, as well. In fact, this never happened. Instead the Legislative Assembly of the Somalia Trust Territory met on 30 June 1960 and decided to approve “in principle” an Act of Union (Atto di Unioni), which was significantly different from this Act of Union. According to Contini, (The Somali Republic: An Experiment in Legal Integration, Frank Cass & Co. Lt 1969: London), the Assembly requested the “the Government of Somalia to establish with the Government of Somaliland a definitive single text of the Act of Union, to be submitted to the National Assembly for approval”.

    What happened instead was that on the morning 1st July 1960, the members of the Somaliland Legislative and those of the Somalia Legislative met in a joint session and the Constitution which was drafted in Somalia was accepted on the basis of an acclamation, with no discussion and a Provisional President was elected. This step was taken whilst relying on an additional clause inserted on 18 June 1960 in the draft Constitution to the effect that

    “immediately after the signing the Act of Union of the two Somali Territories (Somalia and Somaliland), the new National Assembly shall elect … a Provisional President of the Republic…”

    Presaging what was to happen again and again in the relationship between Somaliland and Somalia, the newly elected provisional President than issued on the same day a decree law aiming to formalise the union, but even that was never converted to Law as presidential decree laws always required to be presented to the National Assembly for conversion into Law under Article 63(3) of the new Constitution within five days of their publication, otherwise they “shall cease to have effect ab initio” i.e from their date of issue. In any case, the reality was that there were two different versions of the same “law”.

    Thus, although the clear plan and agreement between Somaliland and Somalia was that the same Act of Union will be signed by both states, the legal formalities, as agreed, were not completed properly and, according to Contini,

    “ the Union of Somaliland and Somalia Law did not have any legal validity in the South (Somalia) and the approval “in principle” of the Atto di Unione was not sufficient to make it legally binding in that territory.”

    Cotran [(1968)12 ICLQ 1010] comments that the legal validity of the legislative instruments establishing the union were “questionable” and he summarises the reasons as follows:

    “a) The Union of Somaliland and Somalia Law, and the Somalia Act of Union were both drafted in the form of bilateral agreements, but neither of them was signed by the representatives of the two territories.
    b) The Union of Somaliland and Somalia Law purported to derogate in some respects from the Constitution of the Somali Republic.
    c) The Somalia Act of Union was approved “in principle” but never enacted into law.
    d) The decree law of July 1, 1960, did not come into effect since it was not converted into law in accordance with the Constitution.”

    It was only on 18 January 1961 when a new Act of Union was put to the National Assembly, and was promulgated on 31 January 1961. This Law entitled the “Act of Union” was made retrospective even though there is a generally accepted principle that laws should not be retroactive. The new Act of Union was different from the one signed by the Somaliland Legislative and re-produced below. The Law of Union passed by the Somaliland Legislature contained some guarantees about the laws applicable in Somaliland, the rights of Somaliland serving officers, which should not become less favourable than was applicable to them at the time of the union, the establishment of a special Commission on laws and its composition etc. These were, in hindsight, the only rather half hearted, demands that the Somaliland made at the time of the union. But the 1961 retrospective Act was very clear in repealing anything which was inconsistent with the 1960 Somalia Constitution, and specifically repealed “the provisions of the Union of Somaliland and Somalia (Law No.1 of 1960)” except for Article 11(4) which, as you can see below relates to agreements entered into by the independent Republic of Somaliland (see Article 9(2) of the 1961 Act of Union).

    This was a clear indication that Somaliland was an independent state with a Government of its own, however short that period was, and under Article 11(4) of the 1961 Act of Union, it was confirmed that

    “all rights lawfully vested in or obligations lawfully incurred by the independent Governments of Somaliland and Somalia … shall be deemed to have been transferred to and accepted by the Somali Republic upon its establishment”.

    What this confirms again is that there was a union of two states, but more importantly, that Somaliland was an independent state before the union and has entered into treaties with Great Britain during that period. This is of considerable legal significance because so many people, specially in Africa, still think of Somaliland as a region seceding from the now defunct Somali (Democratic) Republic rather than a former independent state withdrawing, albeit unilaterally, from a union of two states – a position which is currently unique in Africa as there is no other territory or even region in a similar position.
    Finally, no one is contesting that the independent State of Somaliland and its people sought to unite with Somalia on 1 July 1960, and Somalilanders are still counting the cost of that precipitate decision, But the issue is that the way the legal formalities of this voluntary union were dealt with and how the Constitution was drafted for Somalia (and not Somaliland) were early harbingers of the tragedy that was to follow, because later even the Act of Union formula of a Republic Legislative consisting of the Somaliland Legislative Assembly (of 33) and Somalia’s Legislative Assembly (of 90) was jettisoned a few years later.
    http://www.somalilandlaw.com © 2006

    LAW OF UNION BETWEEN SOMALILAND AND SOMALIA: Law No: 1 of 1960 – Passed by the Independent State of Somaliland Legislative on 27 JUNE 1960

    Whereas the State of Somaliland achieved independence and ceased to be under British protection or within the jurisdiction and sovereignty of Her Britannic Majesty on the 26th day of June, 1960, being Muharram 1st 1379, and Whereas the State of Somalia achieved its independence and ceased to have the status of a Trust Territory of the United Nations Organisation administered by the Republic of Italy on the 1st day of July, 1960, being Muharram 6th 1379, and Whereas it is the will of the peoples of Somaliland and Somalia that their States shall unite and shall forever be united in the Somali Republic.

    Now we the signatories hereof being the duly authorized representatives of the peoples of Somaliland and Somalia and having vested in us the power to make and enter into this Law of Union on behalf of our respective States and peoples do hereby solemnly and in the name of God the Compassionate and Merciful agree as follows:

    1. (a) The State of Somaliland and the State of Somalia do hereby unite and shall forever remain united in a new, independent, democratic, unitary republic the name whereof shall be the Somali Republic.
    (b) The Capital of the Somali Republic shall be Mogadishu.

    2. Subject to the express provisions of this Act of Union the Union hereby constituted shall be upon the following conditions:
    (1) That the component administrative units of the government of the Somali Republic until more suitable administrative arrangements are made, shall be firstly the region comprising the territories contained in the boundaries of the presently existing State of Somaliland [hereinafter referred to as the Northern Region] and secondly those presently existing territories which comprise the six Regions of Mijertein, Mudugh, Hiran, Benadir, Upper Juba and Lower Juba all in Somalia (hereinafter collectively referred to as the second-named Regions).
    (2) That the existing laws presently in force in the Northern Region and in the second-named Regions respectively shall remain in full force and effect within the respective territories where the same presently apply and shall not have force or effect beyond those respective territories where the same presently apply.
    (3) That all persons now serving the Somaliland Government in the Northern Region and the Government of Somalia in the second-named Regions respectively shall continue to serve the Government of the Somali Republic upon terms not less favourable than those at present applicable to them.
    (4) That the Courts as presently constituted in the aforesaid Northern Region and the aforesaid second-named Regions shall continue to exercise within their respective territories the jurisdiction which is conferred upon them by presently existing law and shall be Courts of the Somali nation;
    (5) That all rights and obligations vested or accruing, whether public or private (including any status of legal personality acquired under law by corporate or non-corporate bodies) shall continue to subsist in accordance with sub-clause (2) hereof, be recognised and enforced by the Courts of the Somali Republic referred to in sub-clause (4) hereof and by the Government in the Somali Republic.
    (6) That in the Somali Republic the national languages of the Republic shall be as to the spoken tongue Somali, and as to the written language Arabic, English and Italian, which shall have equal status.

    3. (1) All persons who upon the date of this Union possess the citizenship of Somaliland and Somalia respectively shall by this Union now become citizens of the Somali Republic.
    (2) All persons who hereafter would, but for this Union, have become citizens of Somaliland or Somalia respectively under the law of either of the two uniting States as presently subsisting, shall hereafter become citizens of the Somali Republic.

    4. The Head of State of the Somali Republic shall be the President of the Republic chosen in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution referred to in Article 7 hereof.

    5. The Executive Authority of the Somali Republic shall be vested in the Council of Ministers appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution referred to in Article 7 hereof and shall be exercised as therein provided.

    6. The legislative power of the Somali Republic shall be vested in the National Assembly constituted in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution referred to in Article 7 hereof and shall be exercised as therein provided.

    7. The Constitution of the Somali Republic shall be the Constitution of the State of Somalia with such adaptations as may be necessary to bring it into conformity with this Act of Union but notwithstanding the provisions thereof relating to amendment, no amendment of that Constitution shall derogate from the conditions of Union set forth in clause 2 hereof unless made in accordance with the procedure and provisions set forth in clause 10 hereof.

    8. (1) Upon this Act being made the presently subsisting Legislative Assemblies of Somaliland and Somalia respectively shall cease as such to subsist: but the existing elected members of the said Legislative Assemblies shall constitute the first National Assembly of the Somali Republic. Immediately upon the National Assembly of the Somali Republic being constituted under these provisions, the members thereof shall each before the person presiding over the National Assembly make an oath of allegiance to the Somali Republic.
    (2) The existing President or Vice-President of the Legislative
    Assembly of Somalia shall preside over the National Assembly of the Somali Republic for the purpose of taking the oaths of allegiance in accordance with sub-clause (1) hereof and for the purpose of electing the first President of the National Assembly only.
    (3) The members of the Council of Ministers after being appointed in accordance with the Constitution shall each make an oath of allegiance to the Somali Republic before the President of the National Assembly.

    9. (1) Notwithstanding anything in clause 2 hereof, the citizens of the Somali Republic shall have the right freely to move for lawful purposes throughout the territory of the Republic subject to the provisions of any law relating to public order or human or animal health.
    (2) Notwithstanding anything in clause 2 hereof there shall be no customs, excise or other tax imposed upon the movement of goods (including animals) between any parts of the territory of the Somali Republic, providing such goods originate from the Region from which they are proceeding.
    (3) Until unification of customs tariffs is achieved, goods imported from foreign countries, land moving from the Northern Region to the second-named Regions and vice versa shall be subject to the customs laws at present in force: in the Northern Region and the second-named Regions.

    10. (1) There shall he established a Special Commission the members of which shall be persons who were immediately prior to this Act of Union either members of the Legislative Assembly of Somalia or members of the Legislative Assembly of Somaliland together with a Chairmen being a member of the National Assembly a pointed by the members of the Commission.
    (2) The members of the Special Commission (other than the Chairman) shall be appointed by the President of the Somali Republic acting on the advice of the Council of Ministers and shall consist of an equal number of former members of the Legislative Assembly of Somalia and former members of the legislative Assembly of Somaliland.
    (3) The Special Commission shall examine into and make recommendations (which in the event of the Commission not being unanimous shall be the recommendations of a majority of its members to which a minority report shall be attached) as to the provisions to be made from time to time by law for the purpose of establishing uniformity between the laws, institutions, public services and social services presently existing in the regions referred to in clause 2 (1) hereof.
    (4) The Special Commission shall for the aforesaid purposes be empowered to establish sub-commissions or committees, the members whereof may include other persons, and to engage or call for assistance from any person by way of advice or otherwise.
    (5) A Special Commission shall from time to time report to the Council of Ministers as to its recommendations under sub-clause (3) of this Clause and the Council of Ministers shall thereupon with all reasonable dispatch lay such report before the National Assembly together with the proposed legislation to be made to give effect thereto.
    (6) The National Assembly shall thereupon decide by a majority of the members thereof present and voting upon such proposed legislation whether the same shall be enacted.
    (7) Upon the National Assembly so deciding then the President shall assent to such legislation and upon the same coming into operation any condition set forth in clause 2 hereof shall so far as it is inconsistent with such legislation be abrogated.
    (8) The Special Commission may with the approval of the Council of Ministers make rules regulating its procedure and
    providing for the duration of the appointments of its members, the remuneration of any persons whose participation or assistance is called for under sub-clause (3) hereof, the filling of vacancies in membership and all other matters as may be required for the performance of the functions conferred upon the Special Commission by this clause: Provided that if the Special Commission fails to make rules under this sub-clause in accordance with a request made to it by the Council of Ministers, the Council of Ministers may make the said rules.
    (9) Any rules made under sub-clause (8) may be added to, amended or revoked in the same manner.

    11. (1) Any property (including any rights arising from contracts or otherwise) that is immediately before this Act of Union vested in the Government of Somaliland or in the State of Somalia shall upon this Act being made vest in the Somali Republic or In any such person or authority on behalf of the Somali Republic as the Council of Ministers may direct.
    (2) Any liabilities or obligation (whether arising from contract or otherwise) incurred by the Government of Somaliland or by the State of Somalia and subsisting immediately before this Act of Union shall upon this Act of Union being made be a liability or obligation of the Somali Republic or of such person or authority on behalf of the Somali Republic as the Council of Ministers may direct.
    (3) For the purposes of the preceding sub-clause, any property which immediately before the making of this Act of Union was vested in, or any liability or obligation which at that time had been incurred by, any person or authority on behalf of the Government of Somaliland the State of Somalia shall be deemed to be property vested in or a liability or obligation incurred by the respective Government or State.
    (4) Without derogation from the foregoing provisions of this Clause the rights and obligations arising from agreements entered into – between the Government of Somaliland and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and between the Government of Somalia and the Government of Italy and other States and International Organisations which are set out in the Schedule (2) to this Act shall be binding upon the Somali Republic.

    12. (1) For the time being the provision subsisting immediately before the making of this Act of Union for the expenditure of public monies of the Somali Republic hereby constituted within and upon the Northern Region and the second-named Regions shall as far as practicable continue to the intent that those monies which have been authorised to be expended within and upon the respective Northern Region and second- named Regions shall continue to be expended upon the public service and upon the development and welfare and in the service of the said Northern Region and the second- named Regions and the inhabitants thereof respectively.
    (2) For the time being the presently subsisting provision for the expenditure of public monies (including such monies as may be provided by way of assistance from foreign States) upon the development and welfare of the aforesaid Northern Region and second-named Regions and the inhabitants thereof respectively shall as far as practicable continue to the intent that those schemes of development and welfare which are now current shall be completed and that those schemes of development and welfare which have been planned shall be proceeded with within the respective Northern Region and second-named Regions hereinbefore referred to and for the benefit of their respective inhabitants.
    (3) The Supreme Court of the Somali Republic shall have appellate jurisdiction in relation to decisions of the Courts
    now constituted and which will continue to subsist in the aforesaid Northern Region.

    Abdirahman Ahmed BSc (H) ABMS

34. Hi Matt,
    Communities in the Central, North East and North west Somalia are overly represnted, be it TFI instituitions, regional governement, regional adminstrations, Civil Societies, NGOs, etc. and now from what I read, your conference omitted representation of Marginalized Communities between the rivers, not minorities, but marginalized. All previous conferences failed because the violent was rewarded to reach peace at the cost of the peaceful. Some clans will really dominate as they will be represented by TFI, Civil Society, Selected Regional admins and ASWJ, similarly there are MPs in Puntland, Somaliland, Gal Mudug, etc. while majority of TFI’s MPs are from those same region promoting the intrests of those same communities that come from nomadic and like the hyenas they are by nature loyal to their clan for survival. The IC encouraged fight against shabaab without assistance to qualify recognized regional admin as Galmudug, however, when in Beletweyne that was eventually achieved, the TFG appointed who they wanted.
    My request, let the conference target for the people to get what the people want, and doesn’t allow their voices hujacked. A clear reward and punish on anyone that abuses your assistance, and bear in mind Somalis dont fear death, poverty, or the like, but a travel ban or cell confinment is the worst nightmere of a nomad. Let the outcome be one that eventually leads to the wish of the people, if Somalilanders, i.e. the people of Somaliland, want to succeed, every other Somali will agree, let them have it, but appointment of leaders to fertile Southern regions south of Mogadishu by TFI, Kenya, Ethiopia, etc., will only lead the region to future conflicts.
    Thank you for this opportunity

35. London Somali Conference is a unique opportunity and Something very significant is expected to end the country’s ‘quarter of a century old conflict!.

    It has to address the very nature of the country’s cycle of mutating conflict, e.g. Siyad Barre’s time of armed clans has mutated to a full scale civil war, then to Warlords’ rule mutated to Islamic Courts. Again Islamic Courts mutated to find itself affiliate with Al-Qaeda ‘Al-shabaab’).

    Well over 15 Somali peace Conferences have failed to delivery any tangible result. All attempts relating to form some sort of national governance including current the TFG were doomed to failure.
    Behind all these failures and mutations – including piracy at sea – is ‘Poverty and Clan mistrust’ combined. London conference is to face both.

    After August 2012: Ending the transition and adapting country’s constitution and restoring security and normalcy in Somalia is a premature project.

    *You can’t possibly achieve that where most of southern and central regions of Somalia are occupied by one of deadliest groups on earth – AlQaeda.

    *You can’t possibly dream to achieve that when country’s population in their millions are in refugee camps in Kenya, Yemen and Ethiopia.

    *You can’t possibly be right when the country’s institutions are virtual non-existence.

    Under these circumstances, the ‘Roadmap’ in the form of Garowe principles possibly is a fantasy at best if not another ‘mutation’ in the making.

    However good intention they might be, the ‘signatures of TFG, Puntland, Galmudug and Ehlu Sunna’ are perceived as a self-interested individuals!.

    Without affecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity, Somalia needs from the international community to provide an ‘Interim authority’ to run the country at least in the next 3 years, with tasks – including:-
    – Complete the process of defeating Al shabaab and restore full normalcy in the regions liberated, delivery of humanitarian assistance
    – Deal with poverty by launching a full scale programme of reconstruction and economic development.
    – Restore fully functioning state institutions.
    – Train formidable army and police to maintain law and order.
    – Create conditions where refugees in the neighbouring countries can go home confidently, help them re-integrate.
    – Prepare the country to complete the constitution, free and fair elections to elect its leaders.

    Running Somalia by an ‘Interim authority’ ‘after August 2012′ might sound as if Somalia is losing its sovereignty!. But ask yourself: what sovereignty Somalia has at the moment?

36. Hi Matt,
    Best of all luck to your appointment for such conference. There shall really be no Solution to the Somali problems and thereby costing the global communities in Piracy, Lives, and so on so long as it will be dominated by the Awdal, Somaliland, Puntland, etc. as the real problem is the injustices of Mogadishu and South. Whether, it is those Somalis that are engaged in Piracy, Al Shabab or Warlods; all of them are nothing but shirts and rags with titles to loot the marginalized communities of Southern Somalia. The real but masked rotten wound is as a result of who loots the souths. You should take notice of the increase in Piracy after Shabab forced out central regionites from the south. You should wonder where did they appear from, or what were they engaged in beforemath? Again, Shabaab was a divine intervention and a blessing to many from these regions that were victims of looters from Siyad Barre to Aideed and Hassan Dahir Aweys, Indha cadde, A/Qassim, you name them. So when were these communities ever heard or represented; Not in ASWJ, NOT in TFG, NOT in Civil Society, Puntland, Galmudug, etc., and now in the making Jubbaland by Kenyan Somalis…..
    If this is meant to be a sincere conference it should guiniuinely seek those marginalized Somalis that they are all proud of their history and resources; i.e. well Somalia we have fertile land, well Somalia we fought years for independence, well Somalia we got this we got that. My Somalis never object Somali unity, but it must be a unity of all resources for all, or my resources shall be my resource and you manage your own; but NEVER, what is yours is mine and what is mine is unquestionably mine. I am surprised that the same individuals that were crying triblism, are now, after defeated by shabaab crying for Somali unity.

37. I only wish that we Somalis can forgive and forget the past, because that’s the only way we can move on and rebuild our lives. I and so many young somalis who grow up in the UK and educated here would love to work and live in somalia. but with the current situation i fear for the lives of educated people. British Government should include young educated Somali British to there conference because i think we can bring something new to the table.

38. Dear Matt
    I hope success for the upcoming conference; I would like to mention to UK gov, that there is good chance for stable Somali government since Somali people support their own government. However, the government should one that is controlled by Somali citizens. The government that is controlled by Somalis will work and it will get support from Somali people. In contrast if UK, UN, turkey, or{ IGAD/ Kenya and Ethiopia} attempt to govern Somalia government, the government will not work and Somalia will not have another alternative option( only to support those them self shabaab. We know that UK had and will have interest in Somali, we as Somali people we are ready to have neutral relationship with world citizens. We do welcome turkey, UK and USA but we need to have fair and stable Somalia. I hope UK interference this time to be a positive one. Rebuilding Somali army and security should priority one. Dear MATT when I go UK or USA I wish them all the best and I like the way they treat for their citizens, please treat Somali people same as you would treat your people, we are all citizens of world and global is small village today. I hope this year to be the end of Somali conflict.
    aslo somali is one country and should remain one country reality is that every somali tribe will have government if they can get one.

39. hi every body, as we know Somalia has been in a turmoil in such long time, and many efforts has been make by some neighbouring countries whatever the aim was, however for me this conference in London will different from the earlier ones, because it involves about more than 40 nations and I hope the outcome will be good and useful. In the other hand, in my opinion, there is nothing wrong to have federal government in Somalia as long as they are working together and have same objectives and aims which are to bring this country and its people in peace and prosperity. Some could argue about the independence of Somali region of Somaliland, there is one thing that no one can deny it which the stability that region had in past 10-15 years, that achievement is about to be lost now because the aggression and that Somaliland has on people of Khatumo state of Somalia who wants to have their own state which will be part of Somalia. And people should understand that there no happiness in killing one another to satisfy others. Surely, in the past we have lost huge number of our population and loosing more will be disaster. Finally, Somalia can not be divided into little fronts and all of us should participate and support this conference.

40. I am surprised surprised how the issues to be addressed by the conference is hijacked by Somaliland Vs Somalia. Atrocities by Siyad Barre’s regime, when the real problem remains with marginalized communities in the southern regions that conflict is as a result of waves of attempts to loot farmland and fertile resources. From Modishu southwards, has been suffering the looting, kidnapping, piracy, eyc. long before it turned global and as result of the necessity to such conference at the international level. I would like for the innocent Somalilanders to know that people in the my region were fasting every Sunday and Thursdays for Allah to lift the warth, infliction etc., by the wards of the late 1980s; the few that were in the military turned their commands to SNM, they raised money global to support them and the Southern Doctors in the region deserted Siyad Barre’s regime and assisted the SNM.
    The actual problem here is not about borders, it is about the communities south of Mogadishu being taken turns over by Shabab, Pirate minded outsiders, armed warlords; that all ahve one thing in common, they receive IC funding directly and indirectly to prepetuate the wars. As Mario Puzzo puts, Behind every fortune, there is a crime.
    I conclude that need global assistance from the marginalization that we suffer to an extent that Al Shabaab may be the closest we have seen to justice as demonoid as they may seem, for Allah SWT impose every tyrant by bigger a tyrant. If this conference is just to take us back to 1991 warlord days, we pray that it too fails. The conflict is not ending, NOT because of Somaliland vs Somalia, it is because of the injustice that was never addressed to. The same people that crave for ships and families in the high seas for monetary are sucking blood taking turns on peace loving agro-Somalis in the South. IC, it is only now that you have felt the pinch that you are addressing to the issue, but it has been a daily live with it for us, I do not want to see it overshadowed by Somaliland….

41. as I heard the conference hosting UK gov. will be good opportunity for Somali people and I hope that it will be successfully complete and the results will come Somali people would build their own government free from foreign gov.

42. Dear Matt
    The regime of Moqadischo- Somalia – practiced genocide attacks on Somaliland. The bombing and shelling of two cities in the North Hargeis and Burao alone killed 50,000 and another 2,000,000 fled to Ethiopia. African Watch reports that inhuman practices were committed on woman and children. Most of the people killed or displaced were Isaaq. The government forces also looted everything and laid over a million land mines in the North ” Somaliland”. Several U.S. government documents including the State Department’s Human Rights Reports attest to the massive violations of human rights such as rights to life and habeas corpus. Under these circumstances the SNM and the people in the North ” Somaliland” had a legal right under international law to at in their self-preservation.
    There are sound reasons why the right to self-determination should be conceded to Somaliland. First, one of the reasons behind Somaliland’s assertion of Independence is the incompatibility between northern and southern regions. The incompatibility arises from distinct colonial experiences, which contribute, to a unique identity. Where the reason for self-determination claims lay in historical experiences that are grounded in colonialism, there is no reason to deny the right to the people who wish to exercise it. Second, when the assertion of self-determination does not result in changes in international boundaries and does not pose a threat to inter-state peace, it ought not to be denied to achieve the short-term goal of doctrinal uniformity. Somaliland has expressly stated that it accepts the boundaries of the British protectorate in 1960. Third, when the assertion of self-determination is more conducive to inter-state peace, its validity is strengthened manifold. It is to be noted that Somaliland has the potential of solving longstanding regional disputes with Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti, due to its acceptance of colonial borders and close ties with Ethiopia. Four, legal right of self-determination arises upon the abuse of the political principle of self-determination. In this connection two related issues have to be remembered. First, North ” Somaliland” had overwhelmingly rejected the unified constitution in a referendum. Second, the U.N. practice of conducting plebiscites prior to desalinization, as in the case of British Togo land. Under these circumstances, right to self-determination appears to be applicable to Somaliland. The exercise of such a right should also enable it to claim its independence.
    Five , reunion of Somaliland and Somalia would restart war between Somaliland and Somalia and revenge for those who lost beloved family members . Recognizing Somaliland will halt revenges and wars that may arise from union between Somaliland and Somalia
    Finally , Somaliland is at this moment is very stable fighting against piracy and terrorists without outside help. Union between the two countries will result the birth of piracy and terrorists in Somaliland so as Somalia.

    Furthermore, the acceptance of colonial borders is in accordance with the OAU policy. Fears of balkanization as a result of the recognition of Somaliland are unfounded since no new border is being created as in fact, for the first time colonial borders troubled borders are those of Somaliland. Lastly, the International community is under an obligation to recognize because of the obligation to protect and promote human rights under Articles 55 and 56 of the U.N. charter. Only international attention can assist the fledgling state to stand on its own feet.

43. somali people don,t need reconciliation or somaliland doesn,t need recognition, they just need out of foreign interference and of course they will reunite as they did before. Secondly,
    I believe that london conference is similar with the djabuti conference in 1991, in which hounorable prof samatar said, that this is a – shimbirayahow heesa( hey, birds come and sing a song!) who cares those who don.t care themselves?

44. Matt congratulation more once
    I hope if Allah say that one day is come that Britain will appoint new ambassador to republic of Somaliland if Allah say if Allah say and my country of somliland Sovereignty

45. Congratulation matt hope you will succeed your job we hope as you know somaliand and Somalia two different country so please respect our issue and don’t somliland is like puntland

46. Hi Matt. Regarding the London Conference on Somalia – I think today no somalism, neither culture, nor even religion does not UNITE us Somalis, but what only UNITES us is the Somali Language (Af Somali). It will be wise to underline in the Conference that there is still one HOPE what makes us Somalis connected, united and attracted to each other (no matter which trip/ clan one comes from, but still the other one can not stay away from using Somali Language to contact to ask help “if she/he is lost or wants to be supported by the other one) Therefore “afsomalism” works… or something like “somalophonic” … similar to “anglophonic or francophinic”.
    Best regards
    Yahie Haji-Ali, President of Andrzejewski Foundation

    The foundation is named after the late British Professor B.W.Andrzejewski
    We organized many scientific sessions: “Somalia: script – identity – development” to commemorate the achievements of Professor Bogumił Witalis Andrzejewski (1922-1994), world famous scholar of Somali Studies, Professor of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, researcher on Somali language and author of the original orthography based on Latin alphabet, as well as a prominent expert on oral tradition (especially poetry) of Cushitic peoples of the Horn of Africa.

    Recalling Professor B.W. Andrzejewski’s achivements, we presented the current social, political and cultural situation in the Horn of Africa, especially we drew attention to educational issues in Somalia.

47. I would like to answer to Borama boy:
    my friend Dahir Riyale is a good man and a good politician as you know he use to be the right hand of Siyad Bare ” the body guard of Siyad Bare” he always wanted to be a minister or ambassador but never been appointed. One thing i would like to tell you i believe in the near future he will be the Awdal State president.

48. my dear brothers and sisters who posted on this page pls stop talking about the dirty word,clan, clan is what destroyed us,and after 22 years we still talking about it,we are the ummah of mohamed scw best example of mankind we can fellow his foot steps, implement his teaching his wisdom and we will find peace prosperity in our country,unfornuatly many posters here shows how weak how ignorant we are appealing international community to recognise us or to reconcilite us ,,they are behind voilence in somalia and they will never let us live in peace ,,london conference will create more states and we are heading to dark way,, our issue is very simple to solve,,but we cant solve it untill who put foriegn intervention aside,,we speak one language we share one religion we can solve problems between us and if dont i dont a man who doesnt language religion or culture can solve our problems wake up guys our landing is being taken by kenya and eithopi and this conference will legalise theor stay for ever

49. if somaliland wants overnight recognition then do couple of simple things.. 1: denonce your muslim religion 2: create new language and culture. then you will be deferent from other somalis.. ofcourse you will be called defferent name.. after that you will get the recognition you want..

50. i wonder what kind of solution that london conference on somalia will come up with,,while there is troops from african countries are based in somalia,lets not be fool our enemy will never reconcilite us weather its ethopia ,kenya or united kingdom ,,in my opoinon this conference will destroy the small hope we had,this conference will give countries like kenya and eithopia power to claim more somali regoins and we will be rulled by foriegn power ,indirect colony,our enemy will nt reconciliate us london conference will divide us more then we are now,,why we need london conference? it was better to invite alshabab and amison in this conference cos they are the two parties who is killing children and women in somalia,,last but not least cadowgeenu nama heshiisinayo

51. British colonial messed up Somalia by dividing so called Somali..land, Somali ethio and somali south…thus the peace conference is duty upon British government not must universal welfare.

    ismail london

52. Matt,
    I have a dream, when all somalis come together and rebuild our country. I have not heard the somali song which is known to all somalis —– Somaliyee toosoo, toosoo isku tiirsayey hadba kiina taagdaranee taageera weligiinee.
    In english this means. All the somlis stand up and come together, help each others.
    Now I can feel a little bit of hope is on the way, and I hope that the up coming conference will bring hope and peace to all somalis.
    God bless all of us

53. hellow matt
    Somaliland people need only recognition not reconciliation so matt please stop to call Somaliland like puntland , puntland have not stability daily explosion occur also it is the centre of pricy while Somaliland enjoying peace and progress in 20years without piracy or terrorist

54. Congratulation Matt Baugh for your appointment as the first U.K ambassador to Somalia since the collapse of our nation over twenty one years ago. As a concerned Somali citizen, I welcome you to this seemingly impossible job and wish you all the luck in the world. Though as your resume states you have worked in many hot spot of the world, I am sure Somalia will me very unique experience. And what a place to start as your first full ambassadorship! Of course you represent a government that was involved in Somali affairs for very long time and some of the problems we face date back to colonial time. I hope you do your job diligently and professionally and I hope with the help of the international community, united, free and prosper Somalia will join the international community. Mogadishu is my city it was a beautiful city but I am sure it’s no longer. It was very cultured and metropolitan city. When the dust settles and things get to normal, I am sure you gonna have a plenty of time to enjoy it. And don’t forget the beaches, you can take your kids there and they can have all the fun. I am being optimistic there, but I think it is about time. Once again thank you and welcome and I wish you all luck again.

55. Salaam:
    I think its not pretty idea that useless diaspora members living in Canada did what they do not know the consequences of what they called Awdal state which is a mere dream, It was Awdal itself that contributed the strengthening of somaliland and they are part of somaliland, first elected president of somaliland was from Awdal Daahir Riyale kaahin,and they are the leading community in Somaliland: clan leaders, politicains, intellectual and members of Awdal were the once who signed the independence of somaliland.

    So those of you who are Saying Awdal state, Kaatumo and what so ever are day dreaming. and For somaliland that is drop of sea water, and I sure that every one who write here knows the stability, development, democracy, in somaliland doesn’t exist even some developed countries in Europe, so do not fool your self

    if the international community is willing to compensate somaliland civilians about the brutality of Siyad bare ragime then, somalilad will unite somali with very strong conditions about power sharing,

    on the other hand if UK wants Somaliland to unite with Somali. this will show that international community has no interest in the Somali speaking people. because somaliland a stable counry in Africa will turn into unstable and endanger regional security.

    What can be good for Somaliland is to show Somali people how make peace. and that can not be done any conference held by international community. even if the make millions of decisions and governments. and only if they sit inside three and discuss their internal affiars than i am sure they will be recognised

56. Waxaan salaan iyo mahadnaq u dirayaa Dowlada ingiriiska iyo wakiilka arimaha Soomaaliya, sidoo kale waxaan salaamayaa dhamaan akhyaarta fikradohooda dhiibtay.
    Waxaan u gartay in nuxurku yahay in qof waliba siduu u arko xalka soomaaliya uu soo sheego.
    Aniga waxeey ila tahay in asalka ciladda soomaaliya la baaro waxeey ku bilaabatay markaasna la xaliyo waana sidaan.
    1. Cadaalada daro.
    2. Faqri.
    3. Jahli.
     Caddaalad darada soomaaliya ka dhacday waxeey sababtay in aan dib danbe la isku aaminin qabiilna uusan ka ogalaan qabiil kale in xukunka iyo awooda helo, gobolna uusan gobal ka yeelin inuu ka yeesho muhiimad gaar ah, taasina waligeeda waa jireeysaa hadaan xal loo helin. Xalka loo heli karo waa in la dhisaa hey’ad ka madax banaan dowladda oo aan ka amar qaadan haba yaraatee xakuumad iyo dowlad iyo baarlamaan midna ee ku xiran Jamciyada Quurmaha Ka Dhexeeysa, lehna ciidan u gaar ah iyo maxkamado madax banaan waxaana ku talinayaa ineeysan Soomaali ku jirin maamulkeeda sare laakiin ciidanka iyo shaqaalaha hoose eey noqon karaan , sidoo kale waxaan ku talinayaa in qofkii hey’adaas shaqaalaheeda ka mid noqoda siyaasda soomaaliya laga mamnuuco toban sano inuusan ka qeeyb qaadan Karin.
     Faqriga waa midka sababay in qof walba oo soomaaliyihi ku kaco wax aan dhaqan hore iyo mid danbe noo aheyn isla markaasna danbi noqon kara, waa midka sababay in cid waliba eey dhageeysataan warkeeda, faqrigu waa midka sababay in dhalinyaradii soomaaliyeed maskaxda laga dhaqo oo aragagixiso looga dhigay, burcad badeed looga dhigay waana naxdin xanuun ku heeysa dhamaan soomaalida iyo aduunkaba. Sida looga bixi karo waxaan ku talinayaa in aduunku soomaalida caawiyo si la taaban karo oo qof qof ah. Cawinada soomaaliya la caawiyo waa ku filan tahay hadii si sax loo qeeybiyo waxaan ku talinayaa in cash loo siiyo soomaalida eeyna maamusho Hey’ada aan kor ku soo xusay, soomaaliada la tira kobo kaarar loo sameeyo loona dhigo xaafiisyo loo sameeyay ee lagu koontaroolo lana hubinayo qof walba inuu helay waxa uu xaqa u leeyahay soomaaliya waa sagaal malyan qof walba waxaa ku filan Maalinkii $3*9000,000= $27000,000 waa hubaa cawinada soomaaliya gasha ineey intaas ka badan tahay celcelis hadii la qeeybiyo meel walba eey ka timaado ama ha isu diraan iyagu ama aduunku ha siiyo.
     Jahligu waa midka diidan inaan barano labada dhibaato ee aan kor ku xusay ee soomaalida heeysata, waxaanse rajeeynayaa hadii labada hore xal loo helo in midkaani uu iskiis u xalismi doono, laakiin waxaan ku darayaa waxaa dadka la barayo in eey noqdaan wax sax ah oo aduunka wax ka taraya een caruurta la barin waxeey dadka iyo dalka ku dhibaateeyaan.
    Gunaanad. Soomaaliada dharagsan ee fursadaha Nabad-galyo,Waxbarasho iyo caafimaad ka heshay wadamadda eey u haajireen, walaalayaal si sax ah u fakara ee dadka aad ka soo takteen u damqada, qof walboowna qiyaas inaa tahay qofka halkaas jooga ee dhibaateeysan.
    Mahadsanidiin

57. London Conference Somalia Hope Restore
    British offer to Somalia to fight were the crisis started from.

    1. Cadaalada daro. (Injustice)
    2. Faqri. (Poverty)
    3. Jahli.( Ignorance)
    Ummad weeynta soomaaliyeed waxeey baahi weeyn u qabaan sadexdaas arimood ee aan kor ku xusay, waxeeyna ka sugayaan aduun-weeynaha ingiriisku u horeeyo ineey ku kaalmeeyaan helida arimahaas si eey u helaan nolashooda aas-aasiga ah.
    Hadaba waxaa nasiib daro noqoneeysa kuwii u diiday arimahaas kor ku xusan in lagala tashto soo celintooda, hadaba waa kuwee kuwaas u diiday soomaaliada cadaalada,faqriga iyo jahligaba baday.
     Siyaasi jaga doon ah.
     Dalaal hotel jiifa oo hey’adaha samafalka iyo soomaaliada u dhexeeya.
     Af-miinshaar qaad ya cun ah oo maalinkaas calooshiisa waxuu ku shubo iyo majin qaad ah ee uu cuno siisanaya dadkiisa iyo dalkiisaba.
    Sadexdaas waa in nalaka qabataa lagana mamnuucaa talada soomaaliya ineey arin ku yeeshaan.
    Waxaa kuwaas la mid ah calooshi la cayaar-ka soo dhoofay ee wadamada horumaray yimid ee fursad shaqo nolol iyo amaan helay ee hadana jahawareerinaya soomaalidii dhibaateeysneyd kaasi dalkiina waxba kama galo dalka uu joogana waxba ku soo kordhin maayo inuu cunada iyo ceyrta qaata maahane haduuse sida fiican u shaqeeyo waxuu sameeyn karaa Isfahan fiicahan iyo bulshada hormartay ee uu la nool yahay waxa uu ka soo bartay inuu dalkiisii u gudbiyo, hadii sidaas laga waayo kaasna hanalaga qabto.
    Waxaan ku darayaa in shirka London sharciyo laga soo saaro intuusan dhicin.
    1. In hoosta laga xariiqo geedi socodka nabada soomaaliya qofkii ka horyimaada iyo tala sooo jeedinta Britain inuu la mid yahay qof ka hor yimid amaanka Britain, waxaan sidaas u leeyahay amaan darada soomaaliya ku fida, aragagixisnimada ku korta soomaaliya waxeey soo gaari kartaa aduunka intiisa kale.
    2. Qofkii lagu arko dacaayad ka dhan ah shirkaas iyo geedi-socotka soomaalida inuu la mid yahay qof raba ineey sii jiraan Al-shabaab iyo Burcad badeed
    3. 300,000 ee soomalida ee ku nool UK waxeey diyaar u yihiin ineey arkaan saaxibadoodii wanaagsanaa ee ku soo dhaweeyay UK oo kala shaqeeynaya nabada dalkooda waxeeyna haminayaan iyagoo Somali British ah ineey nolol ka sameeyaan Dalkoodii hooyo arkaana saaxiibadood oo la jooga, cidii ka hor timaadana waxeey wax u dhibtay xuquuqdooda aas-aasiga ah.
    4. Sidoo kale soomalida Guddaha iyo soomaaliada dibadaha u soo dhooftay waxeey ogyihiin 20-kii sano ee la soo dhaafay cida wax tartay ee qaxootigooda daryeeshay. Hadaba waxaa is weeydiin leh dhibaatada soomaaliya ma bilaaban 2011 ee xagee jiray Turki waa kan hada ku sii socdee, tan kale wadamada carabta waan ognahay in dagaalo sokeeye oo socda meydkuna daadsan yahay jidaska eey soomaali maras ah oo dumar iyo caruur iyo waayeel-ba leh oo aan waxba ka dhimin dalkooda, oo masaakiin magan-galyo doon ah tarxiil lagu keeni jiray maalin walba Muqdisho oo dagaal ka socdo Xanuun aan la iloobi Karin.
    Wadamadaas arimaha soomaaliya marna wax lagama weeydiin karo xuquuqda bini-aadamkana hala baro iyaga marka hore.

    Gunaanad.
    Boqortooada ingiriiska waxaan ka codsaneeynaa in dadkaas aan kor ku soo sheegay ee dacaayada wada iyo hadala khiyaaliga ah midna aaneey wax u dhimin ee hadafka Britain ee ah ineey dadka soomaalidu nolol cadaalad barwaaqo iyo aqoon leh helaan ugu dadaalaa.
    Mahadsanidiin
    Taasi waa abaal lama ilaawaan ah.
    Waxaana u baahanahay saaxiib weeyn iyo walaal na garab istaaga

    British please could be our big brother and friend forever.
    Mr Osman Somali refugee in London UK

58. 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 intelectuals 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 then 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, the 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.

    Mr. Awale Ali Kullane
    Deputy Chief of Mission
    Embassy of Somalia in China
    Beijing

59. i am greating all i would like to thank the uk goverment about trying to solve somali problems , and thats good for every one in this world espcialy somaliland , i dont like to tell british who we are they know as what we are they know enough about us somalilander we are strong wariors hard workin people smart and creative people we know we can resist any invaders and we never give up so we are teling somali people to solve there internal disputes problems and crisses don,t wait westerns,africans or arabs thnx to all

60. I will thanks British Government for facilisting this conference that will occure in the days coming. I’m a somalian, who born and grow up here is USA. I have been following issues since I was in high school, but now I’m graduate as a political science degree here in USA; my top focus was somalia issues; to get to the point I will says the following Objcective. Let me start Q/ Who are we? Do we know ourself very well? I have been pay attention who we are as somalis. First , As somlia, when one groups start some positive or negative we all follow that, simple we amatate each other weather its good or bad events. example of this was: when the former communist government fail, Autonomy called Somaliland emerge, then next several Autonomy occure afterward.My above thesis collaprate this example that I give you( Autonomy). The second object is pertaining to British Government. Who are a British government? Going back history we know who they are; back in Sayad abdule hussein. In simple formate, they the one who greate “Divide & Rule concept”. As I speaking somalis voice, outside intervention will never bring any productive outcome!!! we all agree on that as somalia. To the Bristish government, If you planing to advocate for Somaliland to become seprate country, then the rest of Autonomy state will follow up, and that is the end of somalis existing. In the event that this happend, then somalis will be part of neighbouring country.It a logic that small state can not exist by itself in the long run. Suggestion to Bristish government, this conference has to be focus on how to win over the alshabab group, how to get out the TFG into a permenant government. The best strategy to win alshabab is to change the Amisom into Turkisome,and othe middle eastern army, by doing this you win alshabab politicaly. this can explain that, right now where the Alshabab administrating,humaniterian Turkish are working. You need to win the heart of Youth people by teling them this is not a war against Islam but it’s a war to find a better way life for somalis people.once the security of the country come back. All the steak hold can have come together and find the common interest for all somalia. The last but not the least, like i say , outside intervention will neve bring any productive outcome; and this can prove how Matt, collect information by creating Daram between the North & South, which is not the issue right now, THE ISSUES NOW IS CREATING SECURITY AND GETING BACK OUR COUNTRY INTO OUR HAND, SO THAT WE DECIDE WHAT WE WANT.!!!!! THX.

61. No participation, no involvement what they call Somali reconciliation conference in London.
    It is a mystery to be invited a conference with ambiguous agenda as we live a world that requires transparency and accountability no more abstract ideas. In regard to this lack of clarity, I recommend the real Somali actors not to participate this conference. Once more, I would like to emphasize not to be the ones who sign the agenda that is against the sovereignty of Somali state.
    No more peripheries at this time, we can’t accept a new way of colony after being sovereignty state for more than sixty years. On the other hand if you are showing any interest of Somali people let them negotiate themselves and stay away for your bare intervention. It is for sure that Somali people based on their long cultural pattern, they are more familiar better than anyone else how to solve their problems.
    We have seen the consequences of holding reconciliation conference outside the country that ended up the establishment of pro- government which only services the interest of other nations not the Somali people. Isn’t it the time to hold the reconciliation conference in Somali territory to get overwhelming participation of every sector of Somali community like civil society organizations, traditional leaders, political figures, women, educated people, youth, religious scholars and as a result of this broad participation, the coming government can easily obtain the voice of the Somali people. What is more, these days Somali people are well-informed about the importance of having abroad- based government born in their territory to end the era of anarchy and foreign intervention.
    Truth must be told; we suffered a lot due to this foreign intervention: our marine resources were depleted with the name of fighting piracy, our state quo was humiliated because of the endless transitional period and now our sovereignty is on the verge to be stolen. I am wondering why Somali people are kept quiet for this issue. Why don’t we show our categorical rejection to this conference? Why don’t we make demonstrations against such evil? Aren’t we tired of the foreign influence? And finally I am writing in capital letters that the SOMALI GOVERNMENT IS OF THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE AND BY THE PEOPLE.

62. The comments here omg! I don’t know if i should cry or laugh. This is about bringing peace to the south, what are you northeners arguing for? You have peace, and we wish you more peace and prosper. Most of you are grown ups and therefore should know Matt can’t give you anything. He’s just an employee asking for suggestions for a planned conference. Get a grip!

63. I think the UK government should be held accountable for the plight of Somalia. I would like to see participants of the up comming conference discussing and asking David Khamran who gave his country the right to dived somalia? I am sure part of the somali problem is the divide and rule polocy this country and its allays. somalia we need no humanitrian aid from nobody. can this government leave alone our affiars. for the the somalis I would like to say to them. look xariga hada aad heeysataan waa kan reer galbeedka iyagana danahooda idinku fushada. Somali south and somali north (reer waqooyin ama reerkonfur (hawiye)) waxaa noqoteen labo daba dhaba dhilif wadanka kaliye aad leedihiina waa ()(the Hell Jahanama Land). marka waxaan idin oran lahaa goormaad tuugsiga deeyn doontaan. inagu waxaan sugeeynaah marka xariga silciska ah aad ku nooshihiin ee idin ku xiraya the west go, kadib biidni laaah shaqo culus baa la idin ka qaban doonaah.

64. Hi matt, the main reason as to why all the 20 previous confrences for Somalia failed, was soley due to the fact that the international community has been mixing the republic of Somaliland with that of the failed state of somalia(former Italian colony). These two countries’ unity was dessolved in 1991 and today Somaliland is thriving both politically and economically.The Somalilanders have done their bit and the only thing that remains is the part of the international community like UK by according it the diplomatic recognition that it so righty derserves.
    On the other hand, the south is mirred in all sorts of political chaos and instability so the London community should not put the 2 on a simalar scale but rather Somalilland should be on hand to accord them the ”formular” for making and sustaining stability. On reciprocal, the south must cease their claim on Somaliland at once and accept the selv determination of Somalilanders. It is only through this criteria the London meeting can survive the fate of the previus once and achieve its desired goals.
    Thanks Mr amb

65. Somali people should be united and forget about tribes. you men stop land land land. women an children are tired to hear this Somali land putland land land land. I do not think this coming London conference could lead prosperity if Somali people still thinking this way of division and disagreement. however,
    Somalia needs strong leadership with support from interenational communities. so they can tackle thier problems by themselves.

66. Hi matt
    I am Somaliland citizen and I want tell you that Somaliland is not part Somalia we are independent in 20 years hoping and waiting international recognition to day if Britain trying to get the Somaliland let first understand what made somalilander peace full in 20years what made them to made low and order what made them to to be democratic country on the other hand what made Somalia failed nation why they killing themselves in 20 years why always dependent in intervention why they did not solve their problem what made Somalia to be home of piracy and terrorist and warlords for all this question first Britain must understand and only one who able to solve Somali problem is somalilanders because they know the characters of Somali people anyone else so first recognize Somaliland and Somaliland should solve Somali problem immediately

    1. What Somaliland are you talking about? You guys never stop to amaze me. There is no such thing as Somaliland. The sooner you get that the better.

67. It is interesting how all these respondent are trying to convince this white guy one is correct while the other is wrong.

    It is sad how all these men have taken the time to write long respond! this is like “fadhi ku dirir” at the net. This is not about a regional issue or which region is best at managing their territory. Can you see you are still asking the white man who once created this mess!! wake up Africans!!

68. Religious and sect differences are the major causes of human tragedies… and that is the case for Somalia.
    The Somali tragedy has nothing to do with politics or geographical borders, it all about education. We are a lost generation already. Let us concentrate on educating our children… maybe they can build a better future

69. I am hanan from sool region of Somaliland matt I have question aren’t you are diplomatic man because I surprised that you are British and you can’t clarify republic of Somaliland and failed Somalia of if you are honest and want our opinion ok me and most of our people support independent and to be recognized no one like to back the failed and hapless country of Somalia viva Somaliland

70. Hi
    It could be very late my comment, but, swede man said” late better never”
    WITH MUCH RESPECT , I have asked my self why britten involving somali affair so late/nooow while they blindly watched somalis proplems over 2 decades. I did not believe the aim of the conference is the so called piracy or al-shabab.I do believe ,gest what, it is a puntland petrolium or other menarlis in Galgudud, shilabo.

    It is looking for resource/energy .

71. Isaaqs? Tell how is there going to be a recognised Somaliland without the region of Awdal behind you. Sool and Sanaag are already disputed? Look at th map, look at what will be left of the so called Somaliland as the those regions have nothing to do wiht the this faux state.It is nothing but a dream. Stop forcing the peopleof Sool, Sanaag and Awdal and stop massacering them for your slefish, desperate, and with the declaration fo Awdal diminshed state. It is over. Matt I plead, you must acknowledge by inviting Adwal state to the conference otherwise it will be a shambles to all Somalis,including those Somalilanders even if they dont know it.

72. hi matt
    My name is mostafe I live in Somaliland and I support independent and recognition of Somaliland as sovereignty state
    thanks

73. The people want recognition the people want recognition somalilanders want recognition

74. Matt, Somaliland has fought its indepence and if this conference is about ignoring the wish of the somaliland people, we will fight until the last man, because millions have sacrificed everything. I hope Uk will not be fooled by the state pirate called puntland and the two face tfg. We do thank the Uk governtment and its wonderful people and her majesty the Queen for the support that they gave us for so long and I hope things wont change

75. This conference should only deal with the problems of Somalia. Somaliland a separate country for the past 20 years with functioning democracy, peace and stability should refuse to be dragged into this guagmire.

76. The Uk sponsored conference is a chance for all Somalia and above all for somaliland state , reason being the fact that clans in the north have started to organize themselves shows that the isaq clans will not be immune to break up into smaller Independent regional authorities . Therfore it is vital for the somaliland administration to preserve the unity of the Isaaq clan and act fast . Why waste time khaatumo and awdal states, mine your bushiness before it is too late . This is a new realities of changes in the region so do not let your people left behind helplessly , because UK knows the problems facing somalia that is why they decided to organise this valuable talks.
    thanks for the people and the government of UK for helping us when needed most.
    Ifrah Abdi
    security and counter-terrorism consultant
    UK

77. Shame on you all. No one can resolve Somali problems until and unless you Somalis decide to reconcile and forgive one another. Why don’t we wish one another the best? Why we hate one another? Why the success of a Somali region/individual/group is the painful humilation of another?
    What you have shown here in this public forum is nothing but how you hate one another. No power on earth can resolve the problem of people who want destroy one another!!!!!!!!

    1. that is so true Abdulahi, help your self somalis

78. The London Somali conference raised high expectation among Somalis who have at heart the concern of their country.
    Somalis are well aware that Great Britain( if there is will ) knows how to tackle the Somali problem. Recent experiences are in troubled Africa parts like ivory coast have proven this ability.
    Unfortunately, the circulated document by Mr Matt Baugh and his partners have dealt a blow to the naïve expectations of the Somalis. Here the Italian position, which is not far from that of the rest of its international partners is eloquent and in equivocal: Somalia is to be put under trusteeship, plunged into more chaos and pushed back to partition and colonization. It is a malicious project conceived to weaken further Somalia , fragment it and finally dissolve the Somali state;
    whether the project is designed for the aforesaid purpose or not, I believe any attempt to realize the so –called non-papers contents will meet the rejection of the Somalis and will end up in clamorous failure. Simply because the non-papers are not answer to their genuine problems which are: freedom from Al-shabaab warlord and unity in peace and justice.
    Somalis are constantly and unjustly blamed by the “internally community” representatives for being unable to settle their problems and some Somalis echo uncritically this view .
    Is this true ? yes only partially , otherwise we would not be at this point and so allowing anyone to meddle in our business . is this enough to put us under trusteeship and degrade us to colony? No, no
    Has the international community ever tried to contain the undermining meddling coming from other countries?. In other wounds, has the international community done its duty properly or has Somalia been a cow to milk for criminals of all sorts and generally mediocre and sometimes corrupt international staff? No,
    The magnitude of the collusion between the international staff and Somali profiteers has eroded the trust of the Somalis in the international staff.
    Didn’t the international community, under the pretest of national interest of the neighboring countries, give more weight to Kenyan and Ethiopian rulers, wishes than restoration of peace in somalia. Yes, the international community has served illegitimate the interests of our neighbors and nothing shows that it dropped that .
    Haven,t been the interlocutors of the international community warlords and profiteers ? yes
    It’s all these that hindered the search for a genuine solution and sidelined the honest Somalis.
    For the umpteenth time, we put forward some suggestions hoping to contribute to the success of the London conference in the interest of the Somalis :
    • The trusteeship proposal must be immediately withdrawn. Somali unity and sovereignty limitations are not negotiable. Per direct off the table.
    • Measures must be taken to prevent the re-emergence of warlords
    • The fight against Al-shaab must be intensified, timely financed and better coordinated.
    • All groups fighting the terrorist must be sustained.
    • The government must grow up to a national government and seek indirect contacts with the people even in areas not directly under its control. Now it’s besieged not only in Mogadishu ma also politically. Somalis want the government to produce ideas, to show leadership.
    • Law restoration must be seen as the most important task of all parties operating in somalia: government , UN., men and money contributing countries.
    • A trust fund must be created for Financial management
    • Local institutions (including regional governments ) must be adequately financed to enhance their institutions, offer basic services, be in position to enhance security and ,more important , rise themselves as a better alternative to warlords and al-shabaab . centrifugal Attempts of these local authorities should be contrasted by the international community. All international efforts should lead to a unitary state. The appropriate guiding principle is to let Somalis decide through fair and free election the form of government they desire after peace restoration . Our convictions is that Somalis want e democratic unitary state.
    • A Somali core group to assist the international community must be created. Members of this group must be selected on personal capacity, leadership experience , integrity and their history of non-involvement in sectarian politics. Further they must be ready to abstain for the coming 10 years from any sort government responsibility, even in subordinate functions.
    • A parliament of none more than 100 representatives is appropriate.
    • The task of the parliament must be confined to lawmaking; not the present murky interference in all state branches, tasks.
    • People with criminal records(even economic one) must be barred from entering the parliament. For this purpose, to avoid subjective judgments, a profile of who can be MP must be laid down in advance. Further a minimum level of education must be required.
    • A Somali government with limited number of ministers and president must lead the country in strict cooperation with a core group of the international community.
    • Corruption must be fought on all fronts and at all levels(Somali institutions side, UN side, Somali businesses connected with both sides). This will help eliminate private economic interests as well as conflicts stemming from competions for resources. It’s a public secret that some businesses retain good working relation with government members, with the terrorist and enjoy contracts of the UN. and other international agencies funneling in this way money to Al-shabaab and its affiliates . ways and means to be tackled this problem need to be found.
    Abdi abas

    1. I absolutely agree with you. I hope the International Community takes notes. Somalis have been complaining about the neighbouring countries as well as the UN support to the damage that has culminated into distrust and fragmantation of Somalia. If the British want to make this a legitimate effort. Then they should first remove the burden of Somalia by its neighbours. Ethiopia and Kenya have larger issues that is manifested on to Somalis only. Such as the famine and poverty which spills over to Somalia. As well as the tensions between Eriteria and Ethiopia which has created a large humanitarian pressure. All of which meant Somalia has been weakened by larger countries which aren’t able to manage their population as well as the many problems. This resulted in black markets where Somali goods are cheaper and business moved towards these countries which intern finances profiteers and warlords. This must be a priority. Somalis are a minority in the East African region and have been blamed for all problems this regions brings. This is against their human right and they have been used as cash cow to hide the neighbouring countries denial of their continued problems. Whilst they prop up their military and build only thier cities to the nines leaving the larger population living in indicent state. Somalis are named as the largest group to face famine, poverty and migration in the western media but this false. This causes many Somalis to distrust the internation community intention when they NGO, official repressentatives and media potray them in such false manner. Especially since looking at Somalia and state of Somalis you can see no benefits reach them but when you look at their neighbours it is obvious the corruption and who benefits not Somalis. This must change and be corrected otherwise I am afraid Somalis will not trust UN or their neighbours nor appreciate this opportunity. African Union should also respect Somalis like Somaliland who have achieve so much and either grant recognition or face a couple of million against Somalia to re-enter and disturb the peace they maintain with its neighbours for near enough 20 years. Signs of the disturbance have already been seen with the clashes between Pro Somalia groups in the diaspora disturbing the peace in Somaliland and malinging their hard earned work bring low down tactics such as threats to bring former General of Said Barres regime Morgan. Who directly gave the order to committ genocide against the indegineous people of Somaliland in hargeisa and berbera. This shows the level of hostility already calminating as a result of this conference and dissatisfaction Somalis have with what is happening in Somalia as well as Somaliland. All of which is due to current increase of Ethiopia insurgence within Somalia that is causing discontent and eventual hate for Somalilanders by those who call for Somali Unity who have always believed their main foes Ethiopia is supporting Somaliland and breaking up Somalia. As a Somalilander I have no interest in rejoining Somalia. Simply because we have no place their. Much of the Pro Somalia may give lip service of Somali Unity but history shows Somalia is not integrated. Thus, no one can expect the United Somalilanders who do integrate into all of Somaliland to be part of Somalia. Not realistic.

       1. dear abdi,
          we are not on the same page.i am for one somalia, but not at any cost.
          according to my few the follwin is the only right path to follow.

          1-peace must be restored in the whole country.
          2-fair and free election must be held to see:
          who is for secession
          who is for some sort offederation
          who wants 4.5.
          you talk about Morgan and siyad barre’s dictatorship while you campaign for worse. it seem that your idea of somaliland is not shared by many of the stakeholders there. the whole world sees that. would you like to gag and oppress them. I hope no. what concern the international community regarding somalia I have my doubts about its fairness and dertermination to help us.

79. We welcome any conference that will pave the way the restoration of Somali government. Somali people need it, the neighbors need it and certainly the wold needs it. It’s time the world commits the necessary means to make this possible.
    Another thing i want to add is, the massacre going in Norther Somalia. People of Buhodle are being massacred as we speak by the so-called Somaliland. These people are being killed using the resources given by British government and other international communities. They are being killed because they want to keep intact the unity of Somali government. The so called Hargeisa administration oes not represent people of Sool, Sanaag, Cayn and 80% of Awdal people. And yet, they are spreading lies and fabrication claiming people in the north are in agreement for secession. That is manufactured fabrication with no bases.

80. dear matt baugh
    may name is Adam Hashi I am from Khatumo state of somalia,
    And I live Britain uk.
    I would like to take this opportunity to show my support to the British Government for organising the up coming meeting ,to bring together All somali states,groups,and parties towards reconciliation ,establishment and functioning government.
    However I opposse any Idea’s or action which will result in dividing the country,such as the break away self decleared somaliland are only minority clan called Isaq.
    furthermore they only live two province which are togdheer and north west somalia.
    Other tribes of the area like samaroon clan {Awdal state} dhulbahante clan {khatumo state} Warsangeli clan {Makhiri state} all of the states and tribes i mentioned obove are all oppose to divided country,having said That they all support and welcom a united somali.

81. Dears:ALL

    Having read your comments I found grim pictures of how Somalis are lacking bridge which connects to all of us LOVING OUR COUNTRY, and helping our communities living together peace and respect. I still feel we are 1800 you seem to be scholars and civilize and still missing the core values that can bring us together.

    My point is not to support division of Somali; unity is the best although we all know what had happened into our brothers from North.
    I do not believe that coming conference will bring lasting peace in Somalia and it not design to, my fear is it may cause more problems and seems to me international community is ill advised and ignoring real causes of Somalia crisis.

    May I take this opportunity to say that the problems of Somalia are mainly created by what is called international community therefore before talking this meaningless conference?

    Can we get ways we can control these countries that are meddling Somali problems? particularly Somali neighbours I believe statement of former Kenya president Mio saying that Kenya and Ethiopia will never except any valuable government in Somalia.Interenational community is well aware where the problems are coming from I do not meant to attack specific country but Somali problems are mainly created by foreign intervention who are always misleading Somali people

    This conference seems to me meaningless also create more problems

    Thanks to my government in their attempts, but lacks more research and understand reality of Somalia problem, may be just may be, my government is driven by piracy problems or petroleum who knows.

    A Mire

82. What I expect from London conference?
    The London conference has created great expectations after longtime political stalemate which many organisations and countries (IGAD, AU, UN, border countries, etc) has failed to find a solution. At the same time, has involved important countries which was absent from the Somalia scene (Turkey, China, etc).

    How British Government is different from the above approaches, how serious and honest is on this complicated case?

    Did they have the support of US Government, which become one of the obstacles of Somalia’s final solution through its completly endless “war on terror” strategy?

    AJGhedi

83. Somalia is not failed state but it need intra help for rebuilding
    support unionist dont support seperatist

84. Somali people are one nation, in fact they had civil war, now they many of them want clan based government. as long as they can get good government none wants to be independent,we have look for good government and for sure our brothers in somaliland be happy to be part of their nation because for last 20 years they could not achieve to get independent.

85. Like Communism, the “Idea” of Somaliland is Dead.
    Aman H.D. Obsiye

    The winds of unity are blowing in the Northern Somali territories. Since the fall of the Siad Barre’s regime, there have been two fighting ideologies in the territory that was known as British Somaliland. The first ideology was the belief in one unified Somali Republic, led by Northern Unionists. The second ideology was the belief in dividing the Somali Republic on early European imperial boundaries, led by the SNM, also known as the Secessionist. The Secessionist strong holds are Hargeisa, Berbera, and Burco, what can be called the SNM triangle. The western and eastern regions, of what was known as British Somaliland, have decided to join the Somali Republic in the forms of two federal states: The Awdal State and the Khaatumo State. These new federal states, within the Somali Republic, are following international law and policy towards the Somali territories which explicitly dictates that the Somali nation is one and that it must be federated. With the emergence of the Awdal State and the Khaatumo State the idea of two Somali nation-states, the idea of secessionism, is dead. Like Communism, the idea of Somaliland is dead.

    Today the SNM military apparatus has decided to send hundreds of troops to the western and eastern regions to conduct armed suppression on the innocent Somali populace. There are currently 400 troops on the outskirts of Borama to violently suppress the emergence of the Awdal State. There are currently many hundreds troops on the outskirts of Buhodle to violently suppress the emergence of the Khaatumo State. Currently, the Somaliland Army (the SNM Army) is committing crimes against humanity against the innocent Somali populace in Buhodle. The only crimes these people are committing are to be Unionist. The Awdal State and the Khaatumo State have declared their territories to be unionist territories, within the Somali Republic. Therefore, the international community must recognize the breach of sovereignty the Somaliland Army is committing against the sovereign territory of the Somali Republic. Sovereignty is the main pillar of international law, and de jure sovereignty of the Awdal State and the Khaatumo State are solely with the Somali Republic, and not the illegal secessionist entity known as Somaliland. Like Hungary and Czechoslovakia during the Soviet era, the Somaliland Army is seeking to suppress the will of the people, but like Communism, the idea of Somaliland is dead. With the emergence of the Awdal State and the Khaatumo State, the winds of unity are blowing in the Northern Somali territories.

    The idea of a federalized central government for the Somali Republic is the widely accepted logical option. The Awdal State, Galmudug State, Khaatumo State, Puntland State, and an executive federal state of Benadir (Mogadishu), will be the foundation for the new Somali Republic. These five states, with the emergence of few more federal states in South-Central Somalia, will collectively provide personnel for the new Somali government that will emerge after August 2012. The post August 2012 Somali legislative and executive branches should be firmly inclusive to insure an organically accepted central government.

86. dear matt

    We Somaliland people our dream our hope and what every person yung or old man or waman like to see is that our flag our beautiful flag stand the united nation and our country is recognized country that is our goal that is what makes us happy really that is our feeling so please matt support our case also please hope the Britain pm support our issue any one who stand our shoulders and support us is our best friend and we will respect him all our life so we need recognition we don’t like Somalia we don’t like to back in Somalia never

87. Hi matt
    Iam somalilander from lasanood sool region let me tell you that in 19960 the British government give us our independent and recognized us as independent that time our people did not know more thing the south Somalia people they were think that time they are good people so they united south Somalia but they only faced problem that unity now after we retain our independent one again our people wait British and the USA and African countries to Re recognize us as sovereignty nation
    Thank you hope my massage reached you

88. What the very big astringent wit step from UK! I’m sure the goverment (s) and the politicians of any age of UK knows the reality of Somali history. If the London Conference is heartfelt matter from UK and the International Society, two things are very necessary to do without delay and compromise, otherwise new virul groups that can not be dealt with shall emerge due to day in day out of confrences and external interests that cannot be alligned ever. Number One, is you (UK, AU, EU, USA, IGAD, Arab league. and etc) are all aware that Somaliland has constructed national stability, peace, stability, and goverment structures with elected parlaiment and president, without significant or none external help, this has eventually created ecenomic development to the extent of its level and measures. This does not come from joke, but brutal and opressions inherited from the irrational unity of 1960. Thus, Somaliland should be recognized as an independent state, otherwise it will suffer and yet not going back to so-called Somali whatsoever, and the consequence is the spread of piracy and extremism to the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea maritime. Number two, is to put all the effort of the International Society to rebuild South Somalia from the grassroots as Somaliland did before 21 years. Let Puntland to be stronger, but with good relations to its next neighbor Galmudug and Ahlu-sunna Wal-jama, Azania should also be reinforced and build their capacity in line with expedient for searching calm South Somalia. After this is being achieved, you can ask/search whether Greater Somalia can be re-unified or not. I did not yet understand the productive discussions and comments expected from abroad-born, half-Somali, who can write more english but did not expecting to come back one day in their country of origin, and their blatant liers (parents) whom have at least three documented passport names whom always loot the aid from International Community to Somali people by pen and paper, Those are: (Ali Khalif Galaydh, Ismail Hurre Buubaa, Ahmad Ismail Samatar and his brother Abdi. and Others).

    One last suggestion is please use Somali language comments space, I’m sure you will recieve more valuable comments than English ones.

89. DIYA payment – my uncle the songwriter Abdi Bashir Indhabuur

    Are the British now able to pay blood money? My advise is to refrain any SOMALI CLAN CLAIMS.
    My uncle was a thetrical poet, bright and was killed by the Siyaad and the Marehaan clan.
    So I grief, grief,grief

90. Dear: Baugh

    I would like to thank the UK for attempting to address Somali problems. It is a great opportunity for what was formerly called Somalia and is now called Somaliland and Somalia.
    In order to get a solution the UK should consider why fourteen previous conferences ended in vain. It is clear that all previous conferences have generated new problems rather than developed strategies.
    These conferences have definitely ignored Somaliland’s existence and treated it as a part of Somalia that is why they ended without success. It is time the International Community corrected their mistakes which were made in the last conferences. If the UK wishes this conference to end in success it should respect Somaliland’s desire and focus to reconcile the South of Somalia must be respected , otherwise this golden chance will fail as did the previous ones.

    Yours sincerely.

91. It seems to me, we (Somalis) need to listen to one another and respect by looking back what happened for your love country,Somalia.justice is need with traditional in Somalia.everybody of you need peace and respect life of mankind.tribalism and religious groups can come as Somali national because they are same.because it is not good to come as a stockholders.Vote those have credit.one somalia!!

92. Dear Matt,

    This conference is doomed to fail like all other conferences that is been held by the so-called International Community. Given the history of Britain, we know this country has done Great Injustice in handing off Somali territories to our neighbors who continue to violate our people for the last 100 years. To further complicate the matter,

    By probing corrupt regime which has committed Human Rights violations against its people, Along with AMISOM and Alshabab.

    By Blindly ignoring the suffering of the people in the Ogaden region.

    By helping former Warlords escape justice when there is an evidence of War crimes committed by these thugs (eg. Abdulahi yusuf, Former TFG) and whole other players….

    I believe Abdi has truly articulated the Separatist issue of the so-called Somaliland region. Every Somali supports Somali Unity with the Exception of Issaq tribe( or a tiny radical elements of the tribe) and it should be treated as such.

    I believe a UN headed peacekeeping troops should replace AMISOM which is made of neighboring countries that do not have the interest of the Somali people at heart.

    In order to win the hearts and minds of the Somali people, Stop funding these corrupt Warlords in Mogadisho and encourage honesty and transparency in its dealing with current or future TFG.

    Lastly, foreign interventions have only worsen the Somali Problem. Somalis should be left to sort out their own issues.

    Thank you!

93. Matt, We are overwalmed the opportunity of the conference and the management team of Somali community Regeneration organisation interesting to participate and contribute the effort of resolving the problem of Somali. We would like to suggest that the Somali communities in UK should play great role as this will help the British government to have is element in the future Government of Somali. This will facilitate the UK interest in Somalia to achieve successfully. We are expecting to invite us the conference.
    Ahmed
    Chairman
    Somali community Regeneration organisation
    18 Alison Street G42 8NN

94. Hi Matt

    I think the key crucial point that must not be ignored in relation to this Somalia meeting is the current situation in North Somalia, particularly the town of Buhodle which is under constant attack by the Somaliland Clan (Isaq), who are trying to not only kill all those supporting the Khaatumo State of Somalia but also trying to kill villagers (death toll from the last attack which was yesterday is said to exceed 20 majority of the death are villagers trying to defend their town from being taken by the Isaq militia headed by Siilaanyo.

    Please look into the situation of Buhodle and understand that the people in Buhodle are unionists (i.e. SSC people) who now have an elected local government called Khaatumo State of Somalia, the SSC people oppose the notion of a divided Somalia and are only trying to protect their villages.

    Yesterday was the second unprovoked attack on the village of Buhodle in the last three weeks, this second attack yesterday has killed many unarmed civilians and people acting on self defence after their village has been attacked by the orders of Siilaanyo and the Isaaq administration in North Somalia (known as the Somaliland Clan).

    I am unable to give you comprehensive answer to the issues you highlighted above for the meeting in London because I see an imminent escalation of problems in the Sool Sanaag Cayn regions, in particular Cayn (Buhodle).

    The Somaliland clan (Isaq) is desperately trying to prove its support in North Somalia (e.g. Awdal State of Somalia, Somaliland Clan Regions, Khaatumo State of Somalia)… however, due to the mix of clans in these regions support is limited to a single clan (Isaq), this lack of unanimous support has increased frustration on the Isaq clan and is escalating the unprovoked attacks on towns and villages that do not support the Isaq administration.

    How long will the attacks subjected to the people of Cayn (Buhodle) and regions of the Khaatumo State of Somalia continue? how long will it take for the international community to intervene in this situation? How can we comment on the agenda that does not highlight the key issue in North Somalia today?

    Please do something about the Buhodle situation, the attacks by the Isaq clan headed by Siilaanyo on the village is anticipated to escalate further, without your intervention many people will be displaced and I have no doubt more will be killed. Due to its severity it is not a matter to wait for the London meeting as by than there will be no peace to discuss but an endless cycle of clan fighting.

    I have high hopes in the London meeting and I am glad that the Somaliland Clan administration is included to attend as they are creating a lot of the problems on the people of the Sool Sanaag Cayn regions who do not accept a single clan ruling and do not want a divided Somalia.

    I trust that you will read every line above and will take appropriate action to calm the situation facing the villagers supporting the Khaatumo State of Somalia (people from the Sool Sanaag Cayn regions who support the central government of Somalia).

    Thanks
    Idil

95. Dear Matt,

    First of All we appreciate the effort of the British Goverment, As Somali British who hails from the North of Somalia by Birth. I strongly beliveve that we take this oppurtinity seriously and see the wider picture. Our peole are suffering all over the world i.e. the ones inside the Country, in Europe, USA, Australia and ASia. you hear people dying for hunger, some dying wihile trying to cross the sub saharan, some dying while trying to use a make shift boats and die along the way.

    Please I am urging all my Brotheres and Sisters to Open their ayes and work together and resolve their differences in amicable way.

    Remember that in unity we strong and divided we are weak. I have a dream that we can all live like the Golf States and enjoy live to the full. Refering to the Wealth that our Country has.

    We share One Language (different dialect), One Religion and One Culture.
    In Europe the Eurpian Union in working hard to Unite all the Countires in Europe. who share less in common i.e. Wealth, Language, Religion and so forth.

    I wish that all Somalians were able to think ouside the Box. and focus for Greater Nation.

    May Allah lead us into the right bath for paece and prosperietsy which our people badly in need.

    Bless you all.

    1. Osman brother European seeking now unity but as somali people we tested before 21 years ago that unity but we failed and it is impossible our unity succeed once again because we are different character as somalillander we lose 500.000 (five hundredth thousand ) of our people died because of that unity we faced genocide so if we shared same language same religion aren’t Arab people shared same language same religion and the same time different countries aren’t Syria unite Egypt and same time separate it I think brother Somali in south must understand reality and respect the choice of Somaliland people because the unity of north and south in 1960 come the choice of north people and now the separation of north Somali people come their choice so brother it is good to south people respect their brothers

96. Somaliland is well on its way in being a soverign nation. Not only is it autonomous on a economical level but it also exhbits a full functioning and democratic government. Somaliland has proven itself and should not be hauled to the starting point of how to achieve stability and development. Somaliland needs to be recognized for its success and be granted soverignity. In the near future the success of Somaliland could serve as blueprint for the rest of Somalia.

    1. How do you define Somaliland? How can you make that blanket statement when we know Khatumo people, Awdalland people & Makhir are all against this? You can’t just build web of lies and sell it to the world and hope they will accept it. There is not gonna be Somaliland why don’t you think something meaningful and find other solutions?

97. Dear Matt,

    It’s time that the UK and the World supports the Somali Intellectuals. Somalia today has not educated leaders. The president of Somalia and the members of the parliament are not educated. How in the hell u can work with them? I think its really time to give a change to the Somali intellectuals (most of them lives in the Western World).

    I know that UN is working on a new constitution for Somalia. I think that the new constitution dangerous is for Somalia. Why? Because every Somali clans is making his own state. Right now there is a war in the Sool Region. This Region is clamed by Somaliland, Puntland en the new socalled Katumo State of Somalia. Three clan states are claiming one region, thats really crazy Matt. How can u support this? The UK is support a civil war in Somalia. I think its better idea that the UN, UK and the rest of the world support the 18 regions of Somalia. So please stop this Federal system it is not working for Somalia. Because the clans. The Federal system is working in countries like US, Germany and Ethiopia. But it will be not help in Somalia. Look at the situation in Sool, Sanaag, Togdheer, Mudug, Benaadir, Gedo (Azania).

    And the end Matt, I think that Somalia has three big problemens. One Leadership, two non educated politics and three the international policy of Somalia (federal system, Mahiga, Ethiopia, Kenya, etc.)

    Pleaseeeeee Matt safe Somalia. Let the International community now that Somalia needs good leadership, educated politics and stop with the bad international policy for Somalia.

    Somalia = Awdal Region, W. Galbeed Region, Togdheer Region, Sool Region, Sanaag Region, Bari Region, Nugaal Region, Mudug Region, Galgaduud Region, Hiiraan Region, Bay Region, Bakool Region, S. Hoose Region, S. Dhexe Region, Jubba Hoose Region, Jubba Dhexe Region, Gedo Region and Benaadir Region!

98. I am one of the many Somali Unionists who loathe seeing our country disintegrate into a plethora of mini-states that can potentially lead to perpetual divisions and conflicts. Professor Ahmed Samatar, a Somali Unionist recently voiced his opposition to the creation of new States such as Awdal State and the Khaatumo State of Somalia. While I can understand his stand and sympathize with it wholeheartedly, I would like to argue that the two new states cannot be compared to the multitude of Diaspora based one-man show entities inspired by hidden agendas and self-interests.

    Both States are determined to defend the Somali Union from highly motivated and determined secessionists who will stop at nothing to achieve their goal of dividing the Somali nation even to the extent of using violence.

    The Khaatumo State did not see the light on 12 January 2012 as many would like to believe. It was created in the early 1990s after the collapse of the Somali government in a town known as Boame. The State was meant to fill the vacuum created by the absence of a credible government in Somalia. Unfortunately, the State could not function at that time for lack of financial support since the Khaatumo Diaspora at that time was almost non-existent. It also failed because many believed in the quick emergence of a functioning Somali government. In contrast, Somaliland and Puntland became successful administrations as a continuation of well-organized clan-based militias that contributed to the overthrow of the Somalia government. The Khaatumo regions did not participate in the disintegration of the Somali State and did not have any clan-based agendas or organized militias that could be converted to security forces.

    The new Somali State of Khaatumo is actually meant to preserve Somali Unity and not to weaken it as feared by some. It is also meant to eliminate the conflict that has raged between the two neighboring States of Somaliland and Puntland over the regions that have now adopted the Khaatumo brand. These regions had been unfairly labeled as disputed territories by the UN and other International Aid groups and were therefore denied any development aid for the last 20 years. As a result of such wanton neglect, these regions lag behind all Somali territories in terms of social and economic development.

    On my recent trip to Taleh to attend the Khaatumo congress, I was shocked to see the gaping disparity between these regions and those in Puntland and Somaliland. To illustrate this point further, Yagoori, a village where I spent my formative years and remember as a vibrant and growing place, showed signs of economic stagnation and social decline. I could not help but Compare yagoori to Oog, another village along the same highway from Burao to Las Anod as Yagoori, but established much later than yagoori. Oog is a growing town with signs of progress compared to yagoori. People in Yagoori live on salaries paid by the Somaliland administration to phantom soldiers. Powerful warlords get paid 3 times the number of actual soldiers they have under their command. The money does trickle down in the form of Kat purchases, a powerful drug that prevents people from thinking or doing any form of productive work. This can be compared to the free liquor supplied to indigenous people by the white settlers in the Untied States and Australia. The tactic is meant to buy the loyalty of the local population who do not subscribe to the secession agenda being pushed by the Somaliland administration. Were these salaries to evaporate, so would the Somaliland clan militia based at strategic locations along the highway from Burao to Las Anod. Somaliland believes that the control of the highway could determine the fate of Somaliland and its dream of becoming an independent country.

    The lack of actual loyalty to the Somaliland cause in the Khaatumo regions can be graphically illustrated by the failed attempt to apprehend the author and a member of the G62, the group that is behind the Khaatumo concept, on our way back from Taleh. The whole village of Yagoori where we stopped for the night stood up to the heavily armed militia deployed by the Somaliland administration from Las Anod to apprehend us and ship us to the infamous Mandhera prison. To preserver life and to avoid punitive retaliatory action by the Somaliland militia against the village, we decided to leave Yagoori on foot to areas outside the control of the militia, and we were eventually whisked to Galkayo in Puntland where we were welcomed with open arms. We traveled through hundreds of miles of unpaved roads and our 4X4 driver could only be compared to the best world class rally drivers for his dexterity at the wheel.

    Unfortunately a few other delegates were not as lucky and got arrested in Berbera on their way back to their adopted countries. One of these delegates is a British citizen who entered Somalia with his British passport. His only crime was to attend the Khaatumo Congress. The British Government that provides generous aid to the Somaliland enclave needs to take note of the way its citizens are being harassed and jailed without due process.

    As if the harassment of the Khaatumo delegates were not enough, the Somaliland Administration mobilized its meager resources to invade Buhodle, another Khaatumo city near the border with Ethiopia. The main tactic behind the attack was to force the Buhodle delegates at the Khaatumo Congress to abandon the Congress. Such tactic failed since there were more than enough men and women on hand to stand up to the aggression of the Somaliland militia. After the Yagoori incident in which the S/L administration failed miserably to apprehend us, we went to Galkayo, a major town in Puntland to catch a flight from there. While in Galkayo, we managed to visit the wounded that were brought from Buholde for treatment. They were all innocent civilians who were caught in the crossfire between the defenders of the city and the invading Somaliland militia. With rudimentary medical facilities, most of the wounded could have been treated in Buhodle instead of being ferried across hundreds of unpaved roads to Galkayo. This fact again illustrates the neglect and abandonment of all the Khaatumo villages and towns: more than sufficient reason to establish the Khaatumo State of Somalia which is expected to cater to the basic needs of its residents.

    The Khaatumo State is a Federal State that strongly believes in the Unity and Integrity of the Somali Republic. It is the product of a democratic forum where all the stakeholders of the Khaatumo regions assembled under the now famous Khaatumo tree (Berdaha Khaatumo), debated, and voted for the creation of a State that caters for their development needs. 345 delegates representing all the sub-clans of the Khaatumo regions unanimously voted for the autonomous state. The vote was resoundingly ratified by all the traditional leaders who have been refugees for 4 years in Puntland after the capital of their State was illegally invaded and occupied by the clan-based militia in Somaliland.

    Both Somaliland and Puntland have no choice but to welcome the new State as an equal partner in the long road towards rebuilding the Somali state. Instead of wasting another 20 years chasing an unrealistic dream of dividing the Somali people, Somaliland has to prove to the world that its democratic claims are for real. Democracies do not use violence against unarmed civilians. Democracies do not arrest innocent civilians for expressing their opinions. Democracies do not arrest citizens of foreign countries for attending Congresses in territories outside their controls. Democracies do not use bullets to suppress peaceful demonstrations such as the one in Las Anod where young men and women were killed in cold blood for no other reason than supporting the Khaatumo declarations. It is unfortunate that an Administration that tries so hard to build a façade of democracy, stability and good governance should favor violence over dialogue to resolve its differences with the Khaatumo delegates and architects.

    The language of clan hatred pouring from Hargeisa can only plunge the whole region into unpredictable consequences. Somalis can ill afford another protracted civil war in an area that has so far escaped the carnage in the South of the country. The recent statements of the oldest statesman in Hargeisa, Haji Abdi Warabe, should alarm all Somalis. He recently called for genocide and the ethnic cleansing of those opposed to the Somaliland secession. “Dhulku ma guure, dadkaa guura” is a Somali statement that calls for the forced evacuation of hundreds of thousands of Khaatumo residents from their land.

    The men and women chosen to lead the Khaatumo State are ready for cooperation and peaceful dialogue. They are also ready to defend their regions and residents against any aggression. Self defense is a God given right and is a Universal value. Somaliland has no legal claim over the Khaatumo State. Old colonial borders that disappeared 52 years ago are no justification for coercing others to adopt a wrong cause. While dividing the Somali people is morally wrong and reprehensible, it is a well documented fact that the Khaatumo clans never signed any protection agreements with the British and are therefore outside the colonial borders used by Somaliland to justify its secession.

    Let us hope that reason will prevail over the language of hate. At the same time, the world community needs to closely watch and monitor the area if it is to avoid another Rwanda.

    Ali H Abdulla
    E-Mail: aliegeh@gmail.com

    ____

    * Khaatumo is a Somali word with an Arabic origin. It is often used to denote a good ending for a long-running problem. The word was also used to name the place where a number of Somali clans in the North joined forces in a political party known as the United Somali Party (USP) in their quest for independence from Great Britain. Hopefully the Khaatumo State will become the nucleus for a re-born United Somali State

99. For 1000’s of years these two entities ( Somaliland and Somalia never match or across in history except from 1960 to 1996 for unification under name of Somalia Republic, then 1996 Military Regime Coupe came into power revoked that unification with its draft constitution ( It was not permanent one ). So, in legal basis no legitimate of so called united government that based on draft constitution.
    75 % Somali speaking population born after Military Rule and they don’t aware history background of the big Somalis slogans caused Somali people in many wars under illusions of liberation from Kenya, French and Ethiopia and only Djibouti realised. Now, because of bad leadership of 40 executive years these young became immigrant in western world and now waking up with emotions of unifications sentimentalism.

    But this the facts of history….WarII agony will emerge again if Somaliland and Somalia mixed or forced together that probably never happen as political records telling us. read here …http://www.angelfire.com/ny/ethiocrown/HaileII.html

    1. For 800 yrs somalis had their own undivided territitories , British somaliland and Italian Somaliland were a 70 year affair and a foreign decamation that was abolished after independence. Somalia is a default position, anyone calling for dismembering of somalia into clan fiefdoms is doing Somalis a great diservice.

100. Hi Matt

     As we all know it, Somalia is one country. Who ever wants to split the country is dreaming. The situation we are currently in Somalia, to get back on our own feet, we must reunite and discus the future and stability of our country. In order to do that, Great Britain must invite everyone to the London Conference. And who ever refuses to come will suffer the consequences of Somalia being divided. We appreciate the job Great Britain is doing. Somalia has been established into tribes since the past 20 years. Every tribe should not miss the opportunity.

     As Awadalstate, we are peace lovers and in the unity of Somalia for the past 20 years. Our regions were peaceful and were well established with knowledge whilst our other brothers were suffering. We feel with them, if they have problem, so do we. For the meantime, we are ready to take our role in a peaceful transition to establish a new Federalism government. We believe that Somalia is one and nobody can deny that. As Awadalstate, we must be present in that conference in order to place our input.

     Those who call themselves government, don’t dream it. There is so such thing called as Somaliland. Awadlestate and Khatumostate is now ready to join to Somalia and they left you behind. So wake up and don’t be blind. If you miss this opportunity, you will never get this chance again. Don’t deceive the young generation, remind them that Somalia is one. One day, you will regret it. Khatumostate and Awdalstate are your neighbours, show them some respect in order to keep the region peaceful. Remember, if there is no peace, there will be no life

     Great Britain should force Somaliland to be present, as it is their interest.

101. Hi Matt
     There are currently confirmed reports suggesting that Israel wants to deploy submarines in the Somaliland port of Berbera and possibly establish a military outpost. Also, UK & USA + Ethiopia are backing this strategic while International working on recognition for Somaliland is almost in hand, so to waste a time on this clannish based and dictators war-lording mentalities is fruitless efforts …. check out here what Mercy Corps’ Neal Keny-Guyer: Says
     ” In failing nations, it’s all about community ” http://www.mercycorps.org/countries/somalia

102. Seeing how much hate is going towards Somaliland I can see they are doing something right. I wish them all the best and hope they get away from those idiots in Somalia. Good Luck and Gods Speed

103. Somali Women and Leadership

     Dear Mr. Matt Baugh,

     Thank you for your and your government’s effort in searching solutions to the Somali dilemma.

     I wish to point out that the issue of investing in Somali Women and Leadership in local governance ought to be included in the agenda of the upcoming London Conference. The ultimate solution in rebuilding the fabrics of the war-torn society will emanate from local authority since all efforts to reconstitute the failed Somali state from the top-down has had limited results

     Throughout the civil war, Somali women have shown resilience in seeking peaceful ways to settle local conflicts and productive means to sustain meagre community development projects.

     The past six months Somali women have assumed greater responsibility in local administration by becoming mayors of the following towns/district councils: Ms. Khadra X. Gaydh (mayor Gabiley town, Somaliland), Ms. Zeynab Osman Aato (mayor Galkacyo South, Galmudug State) and Ms. Deeqa Cabduqadir (Wardighleey-Howlwadaag – Banadir region). These pioneer ladies need to be multiplied, supported, trained and their efforts included in the London Conference.

     Thank you and I remain,

     Amina Abdi Mohamud (niece of the 1st Somali Prime Minister during the Trusteeship 1956-1960)
     MA, LLM (Merit)

104. Mr. Ambassador, I’d like to thank the British government for hosting this conference. Also, I’d like to encourage your government to invite the newly born Khaatumo State of Somalia to your conference and support the people of the region. After 52 years, we need to co-operate.

     Thanks again.

105. It is very clear to everyone that Somalis can’t agree to resolve anything. Therefore, it is vital to understand that the Somalia issues aren’t just to roll a dice. I suggest to the government of Britain to dictate the whole agenda forcefully one way or another so that this conference will produce a fruitful result for the Somali children.

106. Republic of Somaliland is democratic republic which has long historical Somaliland was bririth protectorate Somaliland now waiting international recognition so matt it not good to sat stable regions like Somaliland and putland coz they are not same Somaliland different putland historically and issue so matt respect our issue

107. Somaliland should be recognise immediately

108. derst matt
     first my name is warsame ali dahir i live awdal somaliland express my few
     the only way that the conconference will succeed is if the participators especially Britain and other countries recognize Somaliland as sovereignty state

109. Sorry forgotten to mention my last comment of President’s Obama’ State Union Speech that was referred to real Somalilander, others nothing to loose and they don’t share similar aspirations or life value historically.

     The reason of referred that speech was, as we Somalilander share with Americans some similar values and way of thinking.

     1) Standup together in warring and difficult times. Example in last week was one of the biggest demonstrations campaigned from Las Anood to Awdal in every village and every town the most effective means supporting Somaliland unity.
     Secondly, when how everybody in combined houses and the congress were supporting the President’s speech from first moments to the last minutes regardless of different views in respect of among the political parties and people about the current government policies.

     2) We freed our country with unity and encouragements similar to American history of freedom struggles.

     3) More importantly USA is most single super power supporting and backing strategically the Somaliland security and its independence in the back yard. and listen with care what’s he says and that’s applies to Somaliland only, because others have nothing to loose and they aren’t sharing life value and similarity of struggle history . This video again http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9c3WyHz4wk

110. i am somali student
     the efforts of uk government about somali issues can be a productive if an actions has taken a place at the back of the conference , not like former formulars ((((( i beside with you just in a words not for action and that will be the like privious similar efforts from the last 20 years

111. I cant belive the sick people absent there jobs here hey come on piracy and gunges or alshaba terorest please you must this page is only intended to a helth idea so don’t think that this page is for piracy or terrorist of south Somalia
     If you cry or no Somaliland well became independent nation it will be if allah say in foming month the the nest new recognized nation in Africa after south sudan so if you say hahahah matt Somaliland is clan hahahaha matt Somaliland is isaaq that is no sens because allah and world know that Somaliland is beautiful democratic peaceful country so same your safes piracy and gangs

112. helo matt
     may iam abdirahman from laas anod som region I hope the conference will be positive in Somaliland side and the republic of Somaliland will get more friends if allah say matt once more thanks and keep in your mine our issue plz

113. Here are some benefiting words those must be applied and remembering in any situations such no hesitations, getting encouragements and history testing. HD-Obama State Of The Union-Full Speech…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9c3WyHz4wk

114. @ Matt and @ All Somalilanders

     Israel says ready to recognize Somaliland….
     I think, we have to be a realistic on the issues to differentiate Somaliland from Somalia in this Conference, in case, Somaliland chosen to attend. Then no need to waste a time for fluff stuff and parroting comments and here is the historical facts. Check out http://english.alshahid.net/archives/4358

115. matt
     The somalilanders shared many things with their former British protectorate they know how to lead and manage the policy they are so civilized people they are respect their leaders and the same time like freedom they are active at side of building and coordinate the systematic of good government they are people who very rich nationalism somalilanders after the independent 1960 when they unite south Somalia the official that lead south region did not more active they were very poor in English language they only know Italian language while the young educated leaders who lead the independent of British Somaliland we well active educators and more attractive leaders unfortunately the southern politics took all the official positions so for example the minster is south and the vice is north but the vice of minister do all task of the ministers like meeting connecting and negotiating as well planning this was surprises even the ministers shame their selves and say it is unfair that this active and educated polices will be take this position while we are take high position somalilanders or north Somali politics that time made had work to increase and build the new nation they were not care their position but there objective was Somalia to be succeeded country most of official army was northern and the most of official that participating training out side the country was north somalian officials because they were active in language as well educated but even that the north somalian faced un justice the major cities of north remained undeveloped because of central governments un justice 1969 people of north well coming military cup of said bare and his flowers expecting that he change the situation at begging we made somewhat but everything change in after the war between Somalia and Ethiopia 1977 most of army that fighting were from north Somalia in 1978_80 the arms of said bare beginning to kill the people they do many bad action they were double taxation any one arrested 1981 the student make demonstration after 12 young educated who back in abroad were arrested because they help the general hospital of hargeisa so rather then to thanks the regime arrest them say how they made that 1982 the national movement announced in London 1988 bar regime made genocide to Somaliland people killing 55% of hargeisa resident and 49%of buro city 30% erigavo city and the other cities so after the clops of said bare regime the repels that capture north regions announced conference which meeting all the traditional elders of north somalian clan and they decide this points
     1)They decide to retain their independent from Somalia beginning 18 may 1991
     2)they decide to forgive each other and live peace each other
     3)They elected abdirahman ahmed ali to be a president of republic of Somaliland in 2 year
     After the 2 year of ander the control of repels in the country the another conference were hold in borame awadal region 1993 that was elected by new president and the repels smooth transmitted the control to the new president Mohamed haji Ibrahim egal the time was first time in Africa that rebels transmit the control to civilian government president egal controlled the country and prepared a constitution in country and malty political parts after the death of president egal in 2002 in south Africa military hospital the vice president took the control as the constitution say any way Somaliland held 4 smooth and fair election which is rear in Africa and third world
     While the south still suffering civil war and terrorist and not be able to solve their problem
     That is clear that somalilanders inherited good character of administration to their formal British colony and more civilized in south Somalia
     so the only solution is to recognize somaliland as independent state
     after that somaliland will recon ciliate them

116. salaam Matt
     somaliland is not part of somalia we are country full and we have government such as par-lament, Alders, president, minsters and also we have peace full country so we need our recognize soon or later…tnkx

117. dear matt
     please add the agenda of conference to a recognition of somaliand that is wait we like and waiting our beloved friends of Britain

     canbashe sool somaliland

118. dear Matt
     somaliland is a country including horn of africa
     and somaliland announced it’s segmentation in 1991 and we need to give our recognize and also peace full country

119. hi math if you can see somaliland is one tribe alot conflict there north somalia it will be going to be last sivil war hapen to somalia becouse, awdal state ,and khatumo,state inculude makhir state they don’t need somaliland you can see utube borama city riot the people who dispaly their idea to support somali unity north east province like SOOL ,and SANAAG still they support somali unity

120. Hi matt hi all somalilanders
     Matt I think you realized why somalilanders refused to unite Somalia look their comments you I sadly this dark comments they hated Somaliland clans as you know before 20 year when we break away the reasons we break away was their bad character and their dictator leading action that killing the people and separate them as well they don’t like the Somaliland people somalilanders know discipline they don’t know tribalism they like and respect their nation with out dividing Somaliland to any clan so I think matt you take good picture how the south somalian people hated Somaliland an like to sow the distraction of our beautiful nation

121. HI

     How comes somaliland can be part of somalia solution

     Somaliland are Good for example other somalia

     somaliland goverment from the people ONE MAN ONE VOTE

     AND TFG FROM OUT SIDE HOW COMES

     SOMALILAND CAN TEACH TFG LOT OF DIMOCRACY AND MULTI PART SYSTEM AND HOW TO DISS ARMED MALISIAN TROOPS

     SOMALILAND ARE GOOD EXAMPLE OTHER SOMALIA YOU HAVE TO KNOW THAT AND SOMALILAND THE BEST HORN OF AFRICA AS DIMOCRACY

122. matt good moring
     I am bashe I live awdal Somaliland and I am student of amud university here we live peaceful our country waiting recognition long time so why Britain will not recognize Somaliland and Britain know the history of Somaliland even the history of Somaliland steel in Britain this is unfair absolutely did the British want to in force Somaliland to unite the failed state of Somalia all in all we wait 23 February and the we will wait how Britain host our delegation and our president hope good news and recognition hope the world will reword our effort

123. Hello
     Mr. matt I read your article although I am not liked how you talk Somaliland we congratulate UK government to solve the south Somalia problem in 1991 up now we were not attend any Somali reconciliation conference we sow British government at closer friends of republic Somaliland so we respect the invitation and we hope as somalilander that British government will not injure our dignity and will respect our issue my Allah bless Somaliland and great Britain
     Siham daud from Somaliland

124. bonsoir , disant je sais pas somaliland protectorat veut pas dire le clan issaq seulement et un clan peut pas devenir un pays. somaliland protectorat sait des signatures fait par les anglais et les autres tribus du nord de la somali-gadabursi,issa,issack,dhubahante etc… Dans le territoire dit somaliland y’a une frontiere avec l’autre protectorat italien.y’a aussi d’autre frontiere dans disant le protectorat somalilandais , mais voyant n’oubliant pas les frontieres entre les tribu vivant dans ce protectorat comme pour le dhulbahante sool sanag et cayn,pour les issacks de burao jusqu’a une petite part de gabiley et a 11 kilometres de au nord de berbera,enfin pour les gadaboursis de lä grande part de gebiley jusqu’a loyado frontiere avec djibouti et a 11kilometre de berbera. s etait diviser en 3 grandes paries et chacun avait sa propre signature avec les anglais.

     i hope you gonna understand me mister. or translate lol thanks

     Dr jacque
     docteur en histoire

     1. Those pushing for a breaking away republic are majority Isaaqs from the Hargeisa,Burco and Berbera enclave….majority of Dhulbahante,Warsangeli dont want to cede from the Somalia Republic.

125. Dear Matt,

     I write to you about Awdal State and its very recent yet blooming successes in becoming a recognized political entity within Somalia. Their achievements have been well documented in the Somali media. The President of Awdal State attended this week a meeting with the Federal Government in the Mogadishu upon invitation.
     As an Awdalite I would like to show my support for Awdal State. The Gadabuursi clan have a rich and old history, and recent history has demonstrated the Gadabuursi clans diplomatic and peaceful nature, in helping to attain and lead the North Western region to peace, with the Gadabuursi clan hosting the Boroma conference which led to the cease fire between Isaaq clans in the 1990′s. This lead to the self-declaration of independence of Somaliland. Since then the region has enjoyed relative peace and security, which is to be commended. Off course this could not have been achieved without a coalition of clans from the North. However as an Awdalite we have always felt discontented by what the Somalialnd establishment stands for. The Gadabuursi have an affinity with the Somali nation that the Isaaqs do not share. This is in part because of Siad Barres attacks on the Isaaq clan in the late 80′s early 90′s. However as an Awdalite I see the establishment of Somaliland as being lead by and dominated by the Isaaq clan, which under President Silaanyo has manifested into violence against the Gadabuursi in Saameel, Dila and Gabaley, as well as in Hargeisa. If the government who’s jurisdiction we are under is letting killings go on without interference, then they are surely as guilty as the killers. Furthermore, the equal clan representation tradition of the government has been abandoned by President Silaanyo’s government. It seems the discontent felt by Awdalites as well as their affinity with the Somali nation has been realized and manifested in the form of Awdal State. Awdal State has sincere ambitions and does not seek to demonize or challenge any group, Awdal State simply seeks to provide legitimate leadership and guidance to the people of Awdal who thus far have felt marginalized under the Somaliland administration.
     The seriousness and strength of this honest endeavor has been demonstrated by the steadfastness of Awdal States achievements. I ask that you take notice of and recognize our achievements. We will not be marginalized when we could rule ourselves. Awdalites simply wish to peacefully rule for themselves, and take control of their own lands. We do not seek to take from our neighbors. Simply our aspirations of a united Somalia are challenged by Somaliland’s efforts for recognition, and we cannot stand by it.
     Are we to be forsaken by being ruled by a government which seeks to isolate us in pursuing interests which coincide with our core identity that is in belonging to the Somali nation. Thus I hope and request that you acknowledge our achievements and ambitions in the London Somali Conference next month.

     Kind Regards,
     Fadumo

126. Dear Matt,

     I write to you about Awdal State and its very recent yet blooming successes in becoming a recognised political entity within Somalia. Their achievements have been well documented in the Somali media. The President of Awdal State attended this week a meeting with the Federal Government in the Mogadishu upon invitation.

     As an Awdalite I would like to show my support for Awdal State. The Gadabuursi clan have a rich and old history, and recent history has demonstrated the Gadabuursi clans diplomatic and peaceful nature, in helping to attain and lead the North Western region to peace, with the Gadabuursi clan hosting the Boroma conference which led to the cease fire between Isaaq clans in the 1990’s. This lead to the self-declaration of independece of Somaliand. Since then the region has enjoed relative peace and security, which is to be commended. Offcourse this could not have been achieved without a coalition of clans from the North. However as an Awdalite we have always felt discontented by what the Somalialnd establsihment stands for. The Gadabuursi have an affinity with the Somali nation, that the Isaaqs do not share. This is in part because of Siad Barres attacks on the Isaaq clan in the late 80’s early 90’s. However as an Awdalite I see the establishment of Somaliland as being lead by and dominated by the Isaaq clan, which under President Silaanyo has manifetsed into violence against the Gadabuursi in Saameel, Dila and Gabaley, as well as in Hargeisa. If the government who’s jurisdiction we are under is letting killings go on without interference, then they are surely as guilty as the killers. Furthermore, the equal clan representation tradition of the government has been abandoned by President Silaanyo’s government. It seems the discontent felt by Awdalites as well as the their affinity with the Somali nation has been realised and manifested in the form of Awdal State. Awdal State has sincere ambitions and does not seek to demonize or challenge any group, Awdal State simply seeks to provide legitimate leadership and guidance to the people of Awdal who thus far have felt marginalised under the Somaliland administration.

     The seriousness and strength of this honest endeavour has been demonstrated by the steadfastness of Awdal States achievements. I ask that you take notice of and recognise our achievements. We will not be marginalised when we could rule our selves. Awdalites simply wish to peacefully rule for themselves, and take control of their own lands. We do not seek to take from our neighbours. Simply our aspirations of a united Somlia are chllanged by Somalilands efforts for recognitoon, and we cannot stand by it.

     Are we to be forsaken by being ruled by a government which seeks to isolate us in pursuing interests which coincide with our core identity, that is in belonging to the Somali nation. Thus I hope and request that you acknowledge our achievements and ambitions in the London Somali Conference next month.

     Kind Regards,
     Fadumo

127. dear matt
     iam abdi nasir from awadl somaliland my few is the If UK PM went London conference to succeed let Somaliland be a nation free from the south Somalia and recognize as sovereignty state
     That is the only way Somali to be peace full
     Thanks nasir from borama awadl Somaliland

128. We support Republic Somaliland to participate London conference our president will told big voice the world that what Somaliland people want is international recognition that is our massage that is our decision that we decide before 20 years ago until now our decision is we never back Somali ever

129. Dear Mr Matt
     Thank you for your sharing with us. Certainly there is no doubt that the UK government now is playing its role, and i am very keen to that Historic Conference for somalia, its a time to construct and rebuild the nation in which all basic resources has been destroyed. the reality is not just saying that this conference is good for somalis, but this is obviously bigger than that, its an opportunity that such conference being organized by the one of the most Influential Nation in this World ( Great Britain). an UK which is masterminded by this Thought of calling all somali stake holders including TFG, States like Puntland State, Somaliland State,Khaatumo State, and so on will be actually remembered for what they did for somalis.
     For somali PEOPLE, certainly being just in-quarrel, and so and so . is not something that can be read by the world who is really mad at us and, its a time for us to relocate and change what we thought to what we can fruitfully get from this Conference, we hope that all somalis will take into account that this is opportunity for them. Hence, Please let us wait the fruits of this Memorable Conference For Whom ..? of course for Somalis!
     Last but not least, i would like to remind Mr Matt, that the People of ssc or newly called Khaatumo State Of somalia , which is comprising the regions of SOOL, EAST-SANAAG, AND CAYN, are really fully supported by this conference, those PEOPLE of that aforementioned Regions are really believe the unity of great Somalia! not dividing, splitting, and any actions that can be damage the unity of Somalai Republic , the So called somaliland are part of somalia not de facto Nation , they are not recognized by the UN, the only people who are advocating to split from somalia is just minor clan which is ISAAQ CLAN, the other Major clans are not agreed with that clan to split the nation and divide the people of somalia!
     Somalia is One People , One Nation, One religion, and and Flag which Blue and his placed white stars ! No split, and no Division but yes Unity and democracy For whole somali regions by west to east and north to south.

130. hello matt
     we somalilanders we want recognition of british govwrnment otheir poeple must help us to reach our point Mr. matt please we respect British gov and British people we sow Britain as our best friend so please we need the voce of British Pm to support Somaliland as declare that British recognize us independent country

     1. In case you have not learned that, begging is not part of the diplomatic world. You are emotionally driven just like SNM guards in Hargeisa. This conference is for Somalia and that means -Somalia. You can’t fabricate a new country within the borders of Somalia.

131. Dear Mr Matt

     Thank you for your sharing with us. Certainly there is no doubt that the UK government now is playing its role, and i am very keen to that Historic Conference for somalia, its a time to construct and rebuild the nation in which all basic resources has been destroyed. the reality is not just saying that this conference is good for somalis, but this is obviously bigger than that, its an opportunity that such conference being organized by the one of the most Influential Nation in this World ( Great Britain). an UK which is masterminded by this Thought of calling all somali stake holders including TFG, States like Puntland State, Somaliland State,Khaatumo State, and so on will be actually remembered for what they did for somalis.

     For somali PEOPLE, certainly being just in-quarrel, and so and so . is not something that can be read by the world who is really mad at us and, its a time for us to relocate and change what we thought to what we can fruitfully get from this Conference, we hope that all somalis will take into account that this is opportunity for them. Hence, Please let us wait the fruits of this Memorable Conference For Whom ..? of course for Somalis!

     Last but not least, i would like to remind Mr Matt, that the People of ssc or newly called Khaatumo State Of somalia , which is comprising the regions of SOOL, EAST-SANAAG, AND CAYN, are really fully supported by this conference, those PEOPLE of that aforementioned Regions are really believe the unity of great Somalia! not dividing, splitting, and any actions that can be damage the unity of Somalai Republic , the So called somaliland are part of somalia not de facto Nation , they are not recognized by the UN, the only people who are advocating to split from somalia is just minor clan which is ISAAQ CLAN, the other Major clans are not agreed with that clan to split the nation and divide the people of somalia!

     Somalia is One People , One Nation, One religion, and and Flag which Blue and his placed white stars ! No split, and no Division but yes Unity and democracy For whole somali regions by west east and north to south.

132. Sir Matt Baugh

     I hope everything is going as planned for this remarkable conference for Somalia.

     To get a solution for the ongoing conflict in Somalia the international community needs to understand the tribal difference in the Somali community as in Afghanistan.

     The conflicts root came from when the dominant clans Hawiye, Digil Mirfle, Isaaq was treated with injustice, torture and even killed by the former Siyaad Barre government that became predominantly Darood in mid 1980s called MOD rule.

     Since 1991 after the Civil War all tribes fled to their region Isaaq clan proclaimed Somaliland and Harti Darood created semi-autonomous Puntland.

     The largest tribes in south-central Somalia Hawiye and Digil Mirfle didn’t created effective administration. The only effective administration was under the Islamic Courts Union that was formed with support of Somali business community in Banadir region and in the Diaspora.

     The Somali Diaspora that immigrated to North America and Europe in the past 25 years, It is estimated 65-70% are from south-central Somalia due to the civil war.

     Matt Baugh you can’t expect a leader from Somaliland to get huge support from the people in south central Somalia or vice versa.

     It was the biggest reason people didn’t support former President Abdullahi Yusuf from Puntland and Ethiopians invasion to have huge impact over the people in South-central Somalia.

     Most of the leaders in Islamic Courts Union, Alshabab extremist against peace and dialog , The biggest companies in Somalia, The Somali Diaspora, The Media, Former military commanders in every field they are either Hawiye or Digil Mirlfe. The reason is 2/3 of the Somalia population is populated in South-Central Somalia.

     Darood tribes are dominant in Puntland, Kenya (NFD) and Ethiopia (Ogaden) but some are found in southwest Somalia.

     The one person that real understands the solution in Somalia is:
     Professor EJ Hogendoorn International Crisis Group.

     Sincerely
     Somali Youth In North America (SYN)
     Eng Mahdi Abdiwali

133. mr silaanyo take FUAAD SHONGALE and GODANE you send THEM to terrorize us all alshabab blood sucking leaders are from the so called peace loving isaqs they think keeping us in havoc will grant them recognition

134. are u somalilanders AKA isaaq think u will get recognition from ur old master? you having a LAUGH somalis are somalis for the UK get reality check no matter how much u beg u are not country never will be never was stop being delusional stop listening to males zinawi he only wants to use ber bera port he knows tribe cant be nation SSC don’t want u AWADAL don’t want nothing to do with u always bragging about crap peace in somaliland do u see wars in puntland? no do you even see wars in some part of central somalia no cuz they are one tribe corners like u so called somaliland if the south was home to one tribe it would have been peace infact heaven on earth but the south is home to different ethnics and tribes and we have suffered enough for the past 21yrs more than any group in somalia my advice to the london Conference is no division to our nation somalia is one the root cause of the conflict in somalia is ethiopia nothing less nothing more u should deal with ethiopia somali leaders have no say in somali matters

135. i forgot to mention mr camroon if you are honest stop ethiopia and kenya from interfering somali affairs especially ethiopia which is the biggest bully in the region arming and using tribe against tribe ethiopia sees stable united strong somalia threat to it’s existence i’m sure most somalis will agree with me we are tired of war we want to live peace with our neighbours…..i think i’m the only HAWIYE posting here we are always late and big time misunderstood lolzzz

136. omg i cannot believe what i’m reading here 2012 before the eyes of the international community we cannot differentiate nationalism patriotism tribalism this is the sickening you are Violently scribbling for what? anyways i hope the so called somali leaders dont show this kinda of immaturity as for somaliland it’s part of somalia and will always be it no question britain divided somalia enough gave our territory to our enemy still ethnic somalis suffer great deal and britain is partly responsible of our misfortune today please somalia might be weak and war torn but still we are sovereign nation and must be respected btw i love UK my second home god bless the uk and god help somalia

     1. Thank you Naima. Your post shows your political maturity. Thank you again.

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

     The opportunity to reinforce the relative stability in Puntland and Somaliland suggested by you is essential. In this respect disarmament in Puntland and perhaps in South Somalia (after the defeat of Shabaab) is imperative. Formation of political parties and elections are expected in Puntland in the near future, but i can not imagine how these will be possible when clans are armed to the teeth.

     One can not and should not turn a blind eye to rampant corruption in Somalia. The Country, as whole, is No. 1 in the corruption league table in the world. There is a need for an urgent action against this.

     For Mogadishu to be the capital of Somalia once again, there must be a special law governing it and clear pledges to return the assets of the former inhabitants.

     There have been many war crimes in Somalia since 1991 such as genocide, clan cleansing and mass killings. Criminals should not get away with the blood they have shed and the sufferings they have caused.
     Somali victims also deserve justice like other human beings.

138. As Prime minister said his speech that Somalia is failed STATE. Britian finally released they were dealing the wrong party in Somalia namely so-called Somaliland who recently attacked buhodle city and massacred innocent people and also Las Anod when demonstration took place to show their support Khatumo State of Somalia four people have shot 14 injured. there was a consultative conference of Dhulbahante intellectuals organized by the Horn Economic and Social Policy Institute (HESPI) and independent, none- profit think-tank consultancy firm was held in London on april 21- 24 2011. The conference has been centered on the issues of peace, security, profession of humanitarian assistance to those adversely by the war campaign waged against our people and ravaging drought which envelops Sool Sanaag and Ayn, (SSC) Regions of Somalia namely now Khatumo State of Somalia. It is hard to believe the British government still supports financially Somaliland.

139. Hallo matt thank you UK Govenment to host this conference of somalia. you see our grievences and hardships to solve somalias problem. the true clor of somalis is this Somali-land, puntland, fluandland Daroodland Isaaqland, hawiyeland mareexaanland aniga land Britishland, americanland, or maraykaanland, alshababland, alqaidaland. i think UK government should wait until august this year why the country is changing termandously. every tribe now is using we are a government of our own as you can see. But the only true Government is Puntland Governt and that is the only government that needs to be recognized i dont know why they wait mogadishu to comeback so long because hawiye tribes or Irir tribes they like Daarood tribe, and Darood tribe is the only tribes that is systamatically genocide by those tribes. I dont know why puntland government not start to do same like the Isaq tribe so call Somalailand to ask the world to be recognized we are tired of being with Hawiye damsters to say let as work togather to have Somalia back togather they will never understand. iam puntlander and proud to be Somali first Somalian.

140. First of all I would like to thank you for all your efforts in providing the public with the information and keeping us updated. In regards to the upcoming conference, I think it’s a great starting point towards change. Government and people, regardless of who are taking a step in the right direction in trying to bring improvement to Somalia. It’s true that Somalia has been very undeveloped for many years and has experienced a great deal of loss, but any help in trying to bring change and improvement regardless of when, is very welcome. In regards to tribalism, I think for now it has to be dismissed. I’m still just a student (currently studying at Kingston University) and may still not know much about it, except only knowing my own family ancestry, but I think that tribalism is very unrelated to the current issues. There are people suffering every day, and efforts should be made in helping them. Gabil is not going to help people, bring change or improve Somalia. Efforts for change and unity will. Therefore I fully appreciate the upcoming conference. Also I hope that the Awdal State government (which I didn’t see mentioned above) will be part of the conference as it is currently one of the only government parties which is thriving for immediate change and improvement, and they have also achieved a lot in the short time since they have been established. Thanks again 🙂

141. hi matt You have been greeted
     my name is nawal hamud from somaliland Especially borama awdal region in my opinion I think the conference will only succeed if UK and other country that participate the conference recognize the republic of Somaliland

142. Dear Matt

     First and foremost, thanks for your dedication to the Somali Region. United Kingdom has always been a friend of Somaliland and Somalia. I hope this will continue in the future. I hope the upcoming conference will not be a failure as the other conferences previously held in Somalia and other areas in the world. I hope the United Kingdom and other nations do what they can to bring peace to Somalia.

     Concurrent, I also hope that United Kingdom respecting the people of Somaliland and their desire for independence. In most democratic manner, they voted for independence and this should the rest of the world respect. The people of Somaliland wanted earlier in the ’60s to be a part of the so-called Great Somalia. Now the people of Somaliland wish to be independent and the United Kingdom and other nations should respect and give some support. Somaliland has in short time achieved democratic rules which the rest Africans have achieved in over 40 years.

     The only solution for peace is two state solution where people can live in peace as neighbors. I hope United Kingdom will take this into their consideration and give some respect for the people of Somaliland and its desire to protect its people.

     I hope the best for you and the conference. Good luck with it.

143. Are we done! Are we done with all the whining. Because frankly speaking all those who call for a Somali-LAND State are just a bunch of whiners who doesn’t see the reality of the situation. Please understand you have so much to lose than gain by isolating yourselves from the political process that needs to take place now. There is a great need to discuss the whole Somali agenda from intellectual level, political, social and economical. There is a great need from all Somali clans both outside the country at diaspora and inside the country including our brothers/sisters at the North of Somalia. Yes they are our brother and sisters and those who call we are from a different nation, different people, we can’t mix and we can never have a long term solution to (ONE!) Somalia are just few minority maybe a one clan out of so many clans who are based in Somalia LAND. Somali-LAND is the land of Somalia which also includes North+South even the name they called their new country the so called few elite who control North gives you confirmation it is a LAND that belongs to Somali people and the Somali people are (ONE) people who speak the same language, share the same culture, religion, share the same history etc etc.. I can go on on but that is not the point of this post.

     The whining few who call for separate state called Somali-LAND, what is their argument for this call of separation:

     1. Please don’t begin with Victim card – ie – we have been abused, our women and children raped etc etc.. Yes I am not a fool! I accept our brothers of North of Somali were victims of the previous dictator regime. Yes they were oppressed. Yes they were prosecuted. Yes they were killed. Yes they were victimized and had no post or common share for power. However are they saying they were the only once! Are they saying the previous regime singled them OUT!.. C’mon please stop with nonsense. This was systematic discrimination of people was done to whole of Somali people both North and South. The previous regime was so power hungry it stopped at nothing. They looted wealth, killed innocent women and children, took the rights of others, imprisoned political leaders etc. My point is all the injustice that happened to our brothers in the North also happened to the poor people of the South and they are not alone in this. It was collectively shared abuse among all the people of Somalia. No one escaped the horrors that followed before clinching days before the collapse and after the collapse of the previous regime. ALL somalis suffered tremendously. So please spare me the whining and crying that the people of North were abused and therefore they claim that they can’t co-exist with rest of Somali people as if what happened was Southern people were killing North. It was the Military regime that claimed the lives of innocent women and children just like they did in the South.

     So I now pose a serious question to those who like to be isolated, call themselves SOMALI-LAND and say they want to be independent and the question is what is the real reason why you want to be independent? Why you feel you have no stake or can share political avenue with the rest of Somali people who are as just as you humiliated, tortured, killed, their innocent women raped and children displaced as homeless for the past 20 years and so what makes your cause so different that you can no longer share a life of existence with the rest of Somalia. This is a serious question and please give me a credible sensible answer without the whining of previous regime excuses without the victim card propaganda nonsense! I want to know what makes people of the north different from the people of the south? What makes your so called SOMALI-LAND (LAND of Somali people) different from Somalia Republic?

     2. I read so much nonsense with this forum that people of the North were a separate country before they joined reset of Somalia. What a false statement to read, there was never a country called Somali-LAND, there was never a declared administration that governed its people, there was never a president, an army etc etc everything that makes you a country. There were never recognised by the reset of international community. Was there a Somali-LAND embassy open at least just 1 country before they joined the rest of Somalia? The truth is NO. Please bring your historic evidence that Somali-LAND was a country before they joined reset of Somalia. There was always an urge from our the elders of the North to never go alone and join with reset of Somalia. That is also the reason why there was a co-ordinate withdrawal of our colonial powers namely Britain and Italians. Hence the argument that Somali-LAND was separate state is just foolish and laughable matter.

     Also the notion that Somaliland’s leadership claims ownership over Somali-LAND territory based on defunct colonial-era boundaries drawn up by long-departed British colonialists are a false paradigm, we must understand ownership of LAND is based on kinship, which existed centuries before the advent of European colonialism in Africa. Therefore Somali-LAND belong to somali Clans who lived there for centuries and those people have a right to chose whether they want to be part of Somalia or separate state including Sool, Sanaag regions, Buhodle and Dhulbahante clan territory. Just last year Somali-LAND so called government tried to LAND grab. The same government that claims victimized and blame the former military regime [of Gen. Siyad Barre] as they were the only once who were abused are today committing civilian massacres themselves against people of the North those that don’t agree with their ideology of separatism. It is a proven fact that non-Isaaq clans who live in northwestern Somalia do not want to join a separatist Somali-LAND. Hence they try to force them through military intervention to accept their way and join the hopeless cause of the so called SOMALI-LAND state!

     3. The so-called Somali-LAND state that exists today since the collapse of the former military regime [of Gen. Siyad Barre] in 1991 are still waiting inline for recognition. Waiting inline until the cow’s come home! with no prospect of hope of recognition, isn’t it time to call it a day and forget this hopeless dream which can never became a reality. This so-called of recognition comes only with 3 stages, if they are really serious and want to break-away:

     a- Establishment of federal government in the South of Somalia with Somali-LAND! Ofcouse if Somali-LAND is not recognised then they are part of reset of Somalia
     b- Central federal government forming a committee of elders, intellectuals, clans to look at a solution for Somali-LAND can there be a possible way to have Somalia and Somali-LAND co-exist with this new formed federal government charter?
     c- Based on the outcome of that committee + referendum vote from all the populous people of the North to be considered. If the committee failed to establish a common ground that would satisfy the grievance of the people of the North. Also if referendum vote gives over whelming majority vote for a new separate state than I for one will accept the peoples choice and the international committee will have no choice but to also accept this outcome as it happened not long ago with the people of south of Sudan very recently. However the so-called Somali-LAND government begging international community for recognition is not only pathetic but it is un-constitutional in the world of governance. There has to be a over-whelming vote and the government of that people who want to be separate state must accept. For-example can south of Sudan be a separate nation without the blessing of North of Sudan? No the people must have the consent and support of their federal government. In the case of Somali-LAND it is Somali Federal government. Once this is formed and we eradicate the so-called extremist elements Al-Shabab then a serious debate whether Somali-LAND can be a separate nation can start. Somali-LAND must follow protocol on this. They can wish and shout, beat the ground like infant children to call for a separate nation but there is protocol on this matter. You claim to be educated, intelligent, advanced than reset of the Somali people and you always look down on rest of Somali as if they are backward people but you fail to realise to accomplish this dream of yours it must be done through proper channels and done with diplomacy.

     4. We urge our brothers and sisters all people of the North to re-consider at least to hold off their plans of separate state until a Somali Federal Government is formed. Be part of the solution to Somali people crises. Don’t Isolate yourselves into corner a political stalemate, isolated with no gains what so ever. You have tried that approach for 2 decades and you gained nothing, no independence, no recognition absolutely nothing what so ever. On the other hand, I commend the work you have done in the North, achievements you have made at difficult period of Somali history. You deserve to be commended and saluted for the achievements you had done thus far. However for the interest of all Somali people we need to be united for once in our life. We need unity and a federal government. We need our brothers and sisters side by side supporting the rest of Somali people both at good times and bad times, this is not the time to abandon the ship! Somali people need you and need your support NOW not tomorrow. Please come to this conference and take your rightful place, your seat in the political process. You deserve to be on the table. This is my advise, if you have hopes and aspiration to be separate for sure there is no denying of that hope but let it be known this is something that needs to take process and a referendum is needed as well as the blessing of the rest of the Somali people. However that discussion and that political separation needs to happen at later stage as I discussed earlier. You can’t chose to go it alone without any political healing process that is needed for all of Somalia.

144. Dear Mr. Matt Baugh,

     I read your blog with interest and I wish to commend your effort and concern to assist the Somali people in their quest to bring order to the chaos that reigned Somalia for so long. Similarly I wish to caution all concerned to carefully consider the course of achieving this vitreous goal so as to avoid the drawbacks of many such conferences in the past that did not result in a lasting solution to this protracted turmoil in parts of Somalia.

     A major weakness of previous conferences was to conceive one-size-fits-all solution generally imposed from outside with no regard to addressing fairly intricate concerns of the various constituencies of that country or reflecting unique the historical background considerations and perceptions of past injustice in some. Silent majority may be apprehensive and unwilling to commit themselves into a conference, if they expect the outcome to be more of the same past failed trials. On the other hand, minority opportunists will be energized to use it as vehicle to attain impracticable dreams that otherwise may be beyond reach. Therefore, carefully considering the agenda of the conference is important so that assurance of a balanced and more encouraging road-map of the future can be seen.

     One of the major issues that need to be dealt with initially is the situation of Somaliland which believes its legitimacy as a state emanates from the aspirations of its people, as underpinned by its constitution and an internationally-accepted referendum on self-determination. Believing that sole determinant of Somaliland’s existence as an independent country is a decision for its people, which is not for negotiation.

     As far as they are concerned, it cannot be undone by any decisions taken by any other nation and/or regional, international body or conference since decisions dictated by others against their own free will would not be fair on its people as it would not, by international law, be legally binding on Somaliland as an independent country to accept it. The manner of handling this issue may adversely impact with serious repercussions in moving to other more pressing and complex issues in the rest of the country.

     Another issue of concern to many folks may be how the seat of any future government would be decided. Returning to the historical capital of Mogadishu may be traumatic to many and may not even be a secure location where a unity government could be based. The conference may not be the venue to decide this matter yet the future seat of the government would have implications that can change the dynamics of the conference. The net result of not properly considering such issues may be alienate many and may thwart a new model of government of the new Somalia that is being bolstered up with the AMISON efforts.

145. I would like to thank the British government and specially Cameron and his counter parts in organizing such conference for Somali people inviting all stake-holders including Somali-LAND.

     It is my understanding, Britain sent a delegation to Somali-LAND, UK Deputy Ambassador to Ethiopia Chris Allan visited the Somaliland capital on Wednesday to discuss the upcoming London Conference on Somalia. The British ambassador held a press conference in Mansoor hotel in which he briefly presented the agenda of the conference and Somaliland’s role.

     “I would like to stress that I am pleased with my visit to Somaliland. Today I met with senior government officials and we deliberated on matters relating to the international conference on the issue of Somalia scheduled to be held in London. I presented them with the agenda of the meeting,” he said.

     “The scheduled meeting will address the issues of development and Britain’s humanitarian aid for Somaliland and Somalia as well as socio-economic and political development,” he stated. Mr. Allan added that Britain was Somaliland’s largest supporter and its biggest donor and reaffirmed the strong and long-standing friendship and historical ties between the two. With more than 40 senior government officials and multilateral organizations expected to attend, the British Ambassador said the meeting presented a golden opportunity and venue for Somaliland to present its case to the international community.

     He further added, he was notifying the Somaliland authority and its people about the upcoming forum on behave of the British Prime Minister David Cameron and Britain’s Foreign Secretary William Hague. He said both officials were keen on President Ahmed Silanyo to lead the Somaliland delegation to London. “The Prime Minister will soon send an official letter of invitation to President Silanyo while the Foreign Secretary is expected to have a telephone conversation with President Silanyo to discuss the matter further,” he told local media.

     http://somalilandpress.com/britain-urges-somaliland-to-back-somalia-conference-in-london-26123

     This is how it should be. This will now be a full house with all somali representatives both North and South. With International Community. This has never happened before and it is a golden opportunity for all Somali people. If a deal is struck at this meeting, Somali people will no-longer have 2 voice to Somali crises but a 1 voice. This is how a federal government should be built on the basis of all not just a collective of a few. Also it is to be considere the ills of Somalia nation has always been lack of resources which many clans, groups fought over because there was few to go around and not enough for everybody. This lead to injustice and Military coupe which lead to a dictatorship government. Now with the finding of OIL in Puntland and confirmation that 2/3 of Somalia has other untapped resources as well as Uranium, Gas, Iron ore, even more OIL resources. It will give our country another reason to celeberate and also present the people with more than enough to go around including with brothers from Somali-LAND. Long gone the days of isolation and lack of resource and binging of common good of the people.

     Looks like exciting times ahead!

146. I think that the upcoming London conference is another 14th conference which is failed to solve somalia problems.

     The root cause of somalia problem is neighboring countries like Ethiopia and kenya who interfering somalia affairs for more than 21years. both countries trying to destroy somalia by arming different militia and know they invaded somalia and do what ever they want which against international laws if their one.

     The reality is ethiopia and kenya don’t want to see peaceful and united somalia because they see somalia is their biggest enemy and is threat to them. if i remind you a little history

     Ethiopia occupying ogaden region illegally more for than 60 years and kenya is occupying illegally NFD (northern front district) for more than 60 years both countries are occupying somalia lands for more than 60 years the somalis who live under those countries is been treated second class citizen on their own land and they suffer a lot.

     This problem is created by colonist of Britain and they give this land to ethiopia and kenya illegally unless Britain correct it’s mistakes 60 years ago and give somalia land back from ethiopia and kenya i think their will never be a peace in Horn of africa and this conference is west of time and money.

     i blame somalia problem for tribalism and ignorance

     I hope somalia will recover and stand it’s own feet once again

147. we wish the PM David Cameron will ever be remembered by Somalians for the conference he indicated and I personally believe it will be fruitful that will also help tackle East African crises as the country goes exterimism unless this conference and the government of Somalia is morally helped by the EU and US anAfrican nations wouldbe very tough for the economical side but the biggest issue is how can we save the country falls the hands of unkind terrorists? and how can the UN have a powerfull representative to control the country? which I mean a powerful government that destroys and prevents regrouping of terrorism and out least issue is to reconcile somalian tribes and factions whose purpose of getting the peak of govenment adminstration though thet comes from Somalians themselves how to solve the domestic political difference and violences but the main point is that the terrirism must have a graet measure of weight in the global and be wiped off forcibly

148. I firstly would like to the UK government who gave to Somalians many chances, such as refugee status, walfare and to help entire Somalian people and it also wants our country to be recontructed again so we must not lose this greater appotunity given to us by our beloved government of Graet Britain that we will never forget the most sbread hand from Britain to Somalian regugees ih UK and also paid multimillion pounds in helping to our nationals to rebuild their government and we wish all Somalian to treat British white/Black or all other categories of races whose the British Nationality as a Somalaian native and we wish to eradicate our country to Alshabaab Groups who are the envoys of Alqaida network

149. mr matt
     Let me tell you Somaliland is not part of Somalia so please invite Somaliland as independent country
     Thanks

150. Dear matt
     I appreciate the effort of British PM to solve the problem of south Somalia and make reconciliation for them but as somalilander really we dislike to participate any Somali reconciliation because it is not directly concerned us s any way we hope British government to give as chance to discuss our issue we hope our president Mr. silanyo will told the massage of Somaliland people to international community and that is we want recognition

151. Asalam’Alykum,

     Are we done! Are we done with all the whining. Because frankly speaking all those who call for a Somali-LAND State are just a bunch of whiners who doesn’t see the reality of the situation. Please understand you have so much to lose than gain by isolating yourselves from the political process that needs to take place now. There is a great need to discuss the whole Somali agenda from intellectual level, political, social and economical. There is a great need from all Somali clans both outside the country at diaspora and inside the country including our brothers/sisters at the North of Somalia. Yes they are our brother and sisters and those who call we are from a different nation, different people, we can’t mix and we can never have a long term solution to (ONE!) Somalia are just few minority maybe a one clan out of so many clans who are based in Somalia LAND. Somali-LAND is the land of Somalia which also includes North+South even the name they called their new country the so called few elite who control North gives you confirmation it is a LAND that belongs to Somali people and the Somali people are (ONE) people who speak the same language, share the same culture, religion, share the same history etc etc.. I can go on on but that is not the point of this post.

     The whining few who call for separate state called Somali-LAND, what is their argument for this call of separation:

     1. Please don’t begin with Victim card – ie – we have been abused, our women and children raped etc etc.. Yes I am not a fool! I accept our brothers of North of Somali were victims of the previous dictator regime. Yes they were oppressed. Yes they were prosecuted. Yes they were killed. Yes they were victimized and had no post or common share for power. However are they saying they were the only once! Are they saying the previous regime singled them OUT!.. C’mon please stop with nonsense. This was systematic discrimination of people was done to whole of Somali people both North and South. The previous regime was so power hungry it stopped at nothing. They looted wealth, killed innocent women and children, took the rights of others, imprisoned political leaders etc. My point is all the injustice that happened to our brothers in the North also happened to the poor people of the South and they are not alone in this. It was collectively shared abuse among all the people of Somalia. No one escaped the horrors that followed before clinching days before the collapse and after the collapse of the previous regime. ALL somalis suffered tremendously. So please spare me the whining and crying that the people of North were abused and therefore they claim that they can’t co-exist with rest of Somali people as if what happened was Southern people were killing North. It was the Military regime that claimed the lives of innocent women and children just like they did in the South.

     So I now pose a serious question to those who like to be isolated, call themselves SOMALI-LAND and say they want to be independent and the question is what is the real reason why you want to be independent? Why you feel you have no stake or can share political avenue with the rest of Somali people who are as just as you humiliated, tortured, killed, their innocent women raped and children displaced as homeless for the past 20 years and so what makes your cause so different that you can no longer share a life of existence with the rest of Somalia. This is a serious question and please give me a credible sensible answer without the whining of previous regime excuses without the victim card propaganda nonsense! I want to know what makes people of the north different from the people of the south? What makes your so called SOMALI-LAND (LAND of Somali people) different from Somalia Republic?

     2. I read so much nonsense with this forum that people of the North were a separate country before they joined reset of Somalia. What a false statement to read, there was never a country called Somali-LAND, there was never a declared administration that governed its people, there was never a president, an army etc etc everything that makes you a country. There were never recognised by the reset of international community. Was there a Somali-LAND embassy open at least just 1 country before they joined the rest of Somalia? The truth is NO. Please bring your historic evidence that Somali-LAND was a country before they joined reset of Somalia. There was always an urge from our the elders of the North to never go alone and join with reset of Somalia. That is also the reason why there was a co-ordinate withdrawal of our colonial powers namely Britain and Italians. Hence the argument that Somali-LAND was separate state is just foolish and laughable matter.

     Also the notion that Somaliland’s leadership claims ownership over Somali-LAND territory based on defunct colonial-era boundaries drawn up by long-departed British colonialists are a false paradigm, we must understand ownership of LAND is based on kinship, which existed centuries before the advent of European colonialism in Africa. Therefore Somali-LAND belong to somali Clans who lived there for centuries and those people have a right to chose whether they want to be part of Somalia or separate state including Sool, Sanaag regions, Buhodle and Dhulbahante clan territory. Just last year Somali-LAND so called government tried to LAND grab. The same government that claims victimized and blame the former military regime [of Gen. Siyad Barre] as they were the only once who were abused are today committing civilian massacres themselves against people of the North those that don’t agree with their ideology of separatism. It is a proven fact that non-Isaaq clans who live in northwestern Somalia do not want to join a separatist Somali-LAND. Hence they try to force them through military intervention to accept their way and join the hopeless cause of the so called SOMALI-LAND state!

     3. The so-called Somali-LAND state that exists today since the collapse of the former military regime [of Gen. Siyad Barre] in 1991 are still waiting inline for recognition. Waiting inline until the cow’s come home! with no prospect of hope of recognition, isn’t it time to call it a day and forget this hopeless dream which can never became a reality. This so-called of recognition comes only with 3 stages, if they are really serious and want to break-away:
     a- Establishment of federal government in the South of Somalia with Somali-LAND! Ofcouse if Somali-LAND is not recognised then they are part of reset of Somalia

     b- Central federal government forming a committee of elders, intellectuals, clans to look at a solution for Somali-LAND can there be a possible way to have Somalia and Somali-LAND co-exist with this new formed federal government charter?

     c- Based on the outcome of that committee + referendum vote from all the populous people of the North to be considered. If the committee failed to establish a common ground that would satisfy the grievance of the people of the North. Also if referendum vote gives over whelming majority vote for a new separate state than I for one will accept the peoples choice and the international committee will have no choice but to also accept this outcome as it happened not long ago with the people of south of Sudan very recently. However the so-called Somali-LAND government begging international community for recognition is not only pathetic but it is un-constitutional in the world of governance. There has to be a over-whelming vote and the government of that people who want to be separate state must accept. For-example can south of Sudan be a separate nation without the blessing of North of Sudan? No the people must have the consent and support of their federal government. In the case of Somali-LAND it is Somali Federal government. Once this is formed and we eradicate the so-called extremist elements Al-Shabab then a serious debate whether Somali-LAND can be a separate nation can start. Somali-LAND must follow protocol on this. They can wish and shout, beat the ground like infant children to call for a separate nation but there is protocol on this matter. You claim to be educated, intelligent, advanced than reset of the Somali people and you always look down on rest of Somali as if they are backward people but you fail to realise to accomplish this dream of yours it must be done through proper channels and done with diplomacy.

     4. We urge our brothers and sisters all people of the North to re-consider at least to hold off their plans of separate state until a Somali Federal Government is formed. Be part of the solution to Somali people crises. Don’t Isolate yourselves into corner a political stalemate, isolated with no gains what so ever. You have tried that approach for 2 decades and you gained nothing, no independence, no recognition absolutely nothing what so ever. On the other hand, I commend the work you have done in the North, achievements you have made at difficult period of Somali history. You deserve to be commended and saluted for the achievements you had done thus far. However for the interest of all Somali people we need to be united for once in our life. We need unity and a federal government. We need our brothers and sisters side by side supporting the rest of Somali people both at good times and bad times, this is not the time to abandon the ship! Somali people need you and need your support NOW not tomorrow. Please come to this conference and take your rightful place, your seat in the political process. You deserve to be on the table. This is my advise, if you have hopes and aspiration to be separate for sure there is no denying of that hope but let it be known this is something that needs to take process and a referendum is needed as well as the blessing of the rest of the Somali people. However that discussion and that political separation needs to happen at later stage as I discussed earlier. You can’t chose to go it alone without any political healing process that is needed for all of Somalia.

     Wa’alykum Salaam.

152. Its a great credit to the government of Britain to take this bold initiative. For too long, the international community has stayed on the sidelines while irresponsible and immature political actors in collaboration with Ethiopia destroyed much of life in Somalia. One suggestion I would have would be to have entities such as Azania that are occupied by Al-Shabaab be supported and invited to the conference. There are many other parts of Somalia that Al-Shabaab forcefully occupies and having representatives from those regions are a key to success. The current actors such as Puntland, Somaliland, TGF already exist but the problem is still ongoing. The positive voices have been silenced. Britain has the expertise to make this a successful initiative.

153. hello Mat

     I would like to encourage you to go and visit Somaliland,, visit every city/village/town,, meet the different levels of the society,, for sure you will get the real picture or somalilander’s point of view of South Somalia problem solving solutions.

     thank you
     Ali

154. The human being can understand each other when they are talk rationally to each other, but when they are using and think emotional their achievement is zero. Mr. Sheikh Sharif and his colleagues are not thinking rational. Why I said that? They know very well what is going on in Somaliland. They are witnessed when the population of the Somaliland overwhelmingly voted the withdrawal the unification of Somalia. 97% were vote to withdrawal the union.
     Somaliland people were voluntarily unified with Somalia which they are looking to achieve the unification to all Somalis and finally get the great Somalia. However, the Somaliland people were suffering with the unification and finally reach the point that their airplane was bombarded within their cities such as Hargeisa, Burao and Berbera. More than 50, 000 were killed and millions were fled into overseas. They are not going back to unification anymore. They are reach the ultimate decision which means Somaliland will be Somaliland for ever.

155. Dear Matt!:
     let me cite to you and the rest of the people a valuable statement said by president A.M.Siilanyo in 18 May 2011 at the ceremony held at liberty garden in main town Hargeisa commemorating the day Somaliland separated from the rest of Somalia; and i quote “Somaliland will gain its recognition from the international community even if this journey will take us a 100 years”. Somaliland has what it takes to be a full nation. It has a full functioning governmental institution, its own parliament, judiciary system,army, currency, air and sea ports, passport, you name it. The problem is why is the international community is not recognizing Somaliland? Are we being punished for being too good?. Let me enlighten you people with some facts about Somaliland that many people are constantly ignoring them
     1. Yes, Somaliland was a protectorate under the British colony which gained independence in 26 June 1960. Five days later Somaliland united with Somalia to form what was then called the “Republic of Somalia”. Please note that before unification Somaliland was independent for five days, and it was Somaliland who went willingly to South Somalia to form a country. Just think of it as an investment or stock exchange market where by you take your money and buy some shares. You may either gain or, in Somaliland case, lose. It’s up to you to withdraw your money any time you see it fit. Somaliland was independent, back then, for five days (5days=120 hours=7200 minutes=432000 seconds). Somaliland will fight for its rights even if it means being independent for only one second, as the great actor Mell Gibson said in his great film Brave Heart, which is about the Scottish people seeking their independence from Great Britain, “you may take our lives, but you’ll never take our freedom”. This is what the SNM movement where fighting for “freedom”. The SNM movement were not terrorist they were just normal people fighting for what is rightfully theirs, reclaiming their land and toppling back then a failed government led by the dictator Siyad Barre. The same thing that is happening today in the middle east, the arab spring, is a typical of what happened back then.
     2-The Berlin conference and the partition of Africa (1884-1885). This conference laid the groundwork for the now familiar politico-geographical map of Africa. According to this conference Sool and Sanag are part of the British protectorate of Somaliland i.e. they belong to Somaliland.The colonial borders saw the separation of families, clans, groups into two territories. its just how things are .Some people may say that people living in these regions are not Somalilanders which is totally wrong. let me give you an example, people living in the north western parts of Kenya are ethnically Somalis living in Kenyan territories. This leads to my third fact
     3- Somaliland comprises not of only one clan, but a number of clans (mainly Isaaq, Gadabursi, Dhulbahante, Isse, Warsangali, etc) who came together at Borame Conference in 1993 and agreed to live togethere peacefully.
     4-Since 1991 Somaliland was on its path towards democracy. After the collapse of the central government of Somalia and Somaliland reclaimed its independence the country was ruled by SNM under the first president of the Repubic of Somaliland Mr Abdirahman Tuur, two years later the power was transferred to the parliment which elected the late president Mr. M.I.Egal. At that time Mr. Egal made drastic and crucial steps during his term and made many historically brave decisions including:
     -making a nation wide referendum where by people were asked to choose between reuniting with Somalia or remaining independent. As expected 90%+ voted for independence which clearly shows that Somaliland does not want to be a part of Somalia (Similar to the status of South Sudan).
     -the opening of multi-party system
     -and the gradual shift of power from the hands of the government to the hands of the people.
     later on we saw successive elections at every level; local house elections, parliamentary elections, and lately presidential elections which was not only free and fair but also saw a peaceful shift of power from a ruling party to an opposition which is something that is considered a miracle especially in our region
     5-People in the far eastern (Sool and Sanag) and western(Awdal) regions of Somaliland who are claiming of being and independent state, Khatumo and Awdal states respectively, are being miss guided by the diaspora who live outside and are in no contact with the status quote. In addition, they are trying to stir-up problems in a peaceful Somaliland. Somaliland is a peaceful loving nation and always works for resolving conflicts in a peaceful way. Mr. Siilanyo current president of Somaliland in his inauguration speech said that he is extending a peacful talk to everyone who wants to live in peace with Somaliland.
     6-Somaliland is at the same side with the international community in their fight against terrorism and piracy
     7-freedom of speech: some bloggers claim that 20 or so reporters were arrested and brutalized for loving “Somali”. This is totally nonsense, these reporters yes were arrested but the were not arrested for “loving Somalia” on contrary they were arrested for some other matters that had nothing to do with Somalia. I’m a living example. I can criticize the resident any time i want without being arrested. So i would love for the bloggers to stop spoiling Somaliland’s name.
     For these facts and more Somaliland deserves to be Recognized. South Sudan separated from Sudan, Eritrea separated from Ethiopia, Bangladesh separated from Pakistan, South Korea separated from North Korea. Why not Somaliland?
     Yes we love our southern brothers and wish good for them but this does not mean putting behind our cause
     As Mr. Martin Luther King said in his famous speech “I Have A Dream” well i have a dream to:
     -I have a dream to see one day Somaliland being recognized by the international community and stop ignoring the peoples will”
     -I have a dream to see Somaliland’s flag being side by side with the rest of the countries
     -I have a dream to see Somaliland being treated equally in a similar status to any independent nation
     -being a Somali doesn’t mean that a person is from Somalia
     -From here i would like for the British government to understand that Somaliland is not and will never be Somalia. Please help Somaliland be recognized and stop wasting time in reuniting them because like it or not this will never ever happen.

156. Very interest comments and opinions. But one thing that most of you missing are you can’t fix any problem without asset based. Meaning that we need to focus what Somalia and Somalis have and what they are missing. We have more good and medium size Business than before the civil war , we have more Somalis in the developed world then before the civil war, we have more university graduates from a respected universities around the world who understands the rule of law, equality, Justice and purpose of live then those warlords and terror breeders of Alshabaab. Therefore international community has a big Somali asset right next door to their home, and its time they need to make use out of it and a glimpse of it is the current prime minister of Somalia and the one before him, no doubt that they both did an outstanding job . the sooner Somali diaspora is activated and empowered the sooner Somalia will recover the mess its’ in the more we talk about conference after conference the more the status quo to remain the same.
     Second thing is Somalis need to understand the impact of Trauma and how it effects their daily live and their decision making. More emphases also is needed in that area in order Somalis to recover from the prolonged trauma and start a new live.
     That is my opinion mates

157. am Abdisalan From Lasanod.. Let me share u something related to this conference. I am from a place called Sool, Sanaag and Hayland and Bari regions of Somalia which is S.H.B and the people called WARSANGELI people and my State is maakhir State of Somalia. My clan is warsangeli , We believe the people of Somalia are united and we are not accept any thing regarding separation of same people. We are same language , same rice, same religion, and united…but the people of Isaaq Clan believe something else which is Somaliland..Us we are North Somalia together, my People of Khaatumo State of Somalia and Awdal State of Somali which is Borama will never agree the dividing of the country.. If Isaaq clan they don’t want the other somalis they have to take to their two cities Hargaisa and burco.. The president of Isaaq clan which is Siilaanyo was killed a lot of Khaatumo Lander’s in the last week..he is a murder of thousands of Laascaanood, Buuhoodle, and Ceerigaabo people.. If you want to help somali people, to change something in their future you have to keep the union of the country and secure all the people. STOP giving a lot of budget to ISaaq clan to fight the people of SSC otherwise support both sides and give same money..

     Warsangeli is a part of Solution in the Country.. If you solve the problems of maakhir State and ISaaq State somaliland , and Awdal State khaatumo state you solved half of the problems in somalia which is to keep the peace and secure the environment….

158. After 21 years of attempt and knocking every door Somaliland intellectuals should realise this is not viable project. This is cul-de-sac, be brave and tell your people this is not working. International communities are not interesting, Somalis are not interesting, Arab League are not, African Union tell their stories concerning Somaliland, no one is eager to listen this nonsense . Somalia is one nation, one people and one entity. London conference would be one of many opportunities we missed, let us put the difference aside and safe our nation.

159. Somaliland has the option not to attend the meeting. Since there are many non-Somali world groups specially nighbouring regional groups, Somaliland should attend with condition of not mixing themselves among Somalia groups. Britain has an option to narrow down the problem and recognize Somaliland or atleast distinguishes it from the rest of Somalia who have no problem in building a nation they share.

     Doctors only treat the sick patients and they don’t prescribe medical procedures to healthy ones. Somaliland doesn’t have any health issues, they just want to divorce a troubled or stranged spouse with irreconcilable difference. Brithish governmet needs to deal with only Somalia (South) and Solve its misery. Problem will be reduced to 50% by just RECOGNIZING SOMALILAND. SOMALILAND THEN HELPS FIGTH TERRORISM AND PIRACY LIKE ITS NEIGHBOURS.

160. my names ali I live north somalia SANAAG province district of Baran

     today city council have conference the maine point was development and peace http://www.hadaaftimo.com that website we can see CITY COUNCIL OF BARAN that Regions are north somalia but their plotical region is STATE OF PUNTLAND and somali unity vert important for them

161. Six Elements for the Success of Somali Conference in London

     1. Complete abandonment of the failed formula of 4.5. No tribal representation of any kind. If Somalis should have learned one thing from the last 20 years it should be this: You cannot build a nation with tribes. You can only create havoc, rivalry, mutual annihilation.

     2. There is a distinct possibility that this conference will be about the ultimate absorption of Somalia by its neighbours. Only a united Somali position can abort the desire on the part of some to make this the conference of final Somali partition.

     3. Neighbouring states of Ethiopia and Kenya must accept during this conference to transfer any militia they have created to the full control of the Somalia National Army. Ethiopia and Kenya must forcefully disarm these militias if they refuse complete and unconditional and unquestionable absorption into the Somali army. This will help us believe that Ethiopia and Kenya are not preparing militias that will allow them to slowly absorb different parts of Somalia with full funding for their project of “Somali Afro-Colonization” utilizing for this purpose funds from the international projects of war on terror and war piracy (these two issues, one must see, are central to the London conference, the issue of Somalis is an afterthought).

     4. There should be only 2 Somali sides participating in this conference; Somaliland and Somalia. Somaliland will be represented by its elected leadership. Somalia will decide who should represent it with the help of its TFG and its allies using any mechanism of selection ( other than 4.5 or tribal representation, or determination by others eg Ethiopia and Kenya)

     5. The only issues discussed in this landmark conference should be: peace, and good governance and collaboration between Somalia and Somaliland. The issue of one country or two countries cannot be central to this conference for people have to learn to talk to each other in a calm and civil manner and to concentrate the common challenges they face to gain trust and to find collaboration instead of confrontation.

     6. Residency requirement. The leading Somali participants in the London conference should have lived in Somalia or Somaliland for at least 8 months in the past one year. The travelling sales men of Diaspora Somalis who are not personally affected by Somali chaos in any way have caused much more harm than good to Somali society. They together with the bureaucracy of various organization are driven primarily by greed, corruption, search for personal power and aggrandizement. They must stay live with the people or stay out of their affairs.

     Dr A Jowhar

162. wow the first comment & person wrote are both in Dark,how can somaliland be a problem in the somali reconciliation impossible but somaliland is the closest medication that can be treated Somali people who need to have peace and order.somaliland can succeed if the first fulfill our right that is full acceptance and recognition fully as we deserve.You those who like union or unification in Somalia always try to be aware of the reality and don’t miss inform others too if you don’t exactly want to discover what exist in Somaliland and how systematically it brought peace & order.
     wow he say somaliland is a problem, think an other problem particularly your personal problem that you never liked somaliland be an independent infront of the world community & may be your other problems like severe complexion of having a trible or individuals that build or work very hard for somaliland nationalism.

163. somaliland is somalia iam from north somalia especiallly SANAAG province begest region of north somalia the name is somaliland is one clan of norh west somalia they made their own state ,,flag , and malasia but still other clans who live north somalia like WARSANGELI. DHULBAHNATE AND GODABIIRSI those clans don’t accept their idea and they are part of somalia

164. dear Mr. matt,
     i only want to view my point,
     HOW CAN WE BUILDING OUR COUNTRY (SOMALILAND)?
     LOOK:
     WE HAVE THE BEST SCHOOLS, THE BEST UNIVERSITIES,
     THE BEST TECHNOLOGIES IN AFRICA….
     BUT STILL THERE’S QUESTIONS WEREN’T ANSWERED*
     if we go under Somali wayn, we will be FEDERAL and its good for us. but still we ain’t sure if we’re ready to sacrifice our country again.
     so Somaliland will always be Somaliland but,
     how can our country will be recognized?
     it’s not a easy thing to proclaim Recognition of Somaliland? so
     we need to focusing at Barbara beach and study there how can we make best place for tourists in Africa…….. with time tourists people will come and with time everything will clear………………..

165. What really upsets me that after twenty years of civil war instead of coming together as united and rebuild our country instead we r dividing to small regions that based on tribes shame on us ,

166. Hi matt
     We wellcome any attempt of British government to solve south Somalia problem but indeed what I can’t steel understand is why British government invite Somaliland this conference because it is not concerned republic of Somaliland I hope that the British prim minster and other international community that attend the conference will listen the address of our president and hope they will take forward step and will recognize as independent nation

167. somaliland is not somalia and has never been apart of somalia .
     somaliland deserves to recognize , somaliland is self declared country which needs to recognize .
     surly somalland is not apart of somalia , somaliland get pack it’s freedom in somalia in 1991 .
     Just after the end of Somaliland civil war strife (1981-1991), which was ended with the formation of the self-declared “Somaliland Republic” to the land that known formerly, during the colonial period, as “The Somaliland British Protectorate”. The state that once obtained its dependence (1960) from the British Colony and within 4 days time, voluntarily unionized with the second state of South Somalia that colonized by Italy colony, without official charter union entered between the two states.
     In accordance to the Conference of the Somaliland Communities held in Burao on 27th April to 5th May 1991, which reaffirmed (our) independence with effect from 18th May 1991. The Conference was attended by the Somaliland Elders, who were representatives of all the Somaliland Communities. The second National Community meeting held in Borame from 24th January to 25th May 1993 adopted National Charter which:
     • Laid down that a national constitution, which will replace the national charter be prepared and consulted upon within a year; (and)
     • Set out clearly the constitutional principles and the governmental structures, confident in their communities’ unchallengeable right to decide their destiny;
     According to Somaliland people and its leaderships experienced different consequences of the constitutional applications, which were not grounded on the nation’s beliefs, culture and aspirations, as was the case for a period of thirty years or more. Somaliland citizens had experienced total devastations fashioned by a regime based on dictatorship and a policy of divide and rule to which the country was subjected to over twenty years. Since then, the Somaliland Republic had been alerted and vigilant about the return of the old regime as the result of unified Somaliland and Somalia in the same way as before on the 1960. Their freedom and independence has slipped under-the-power of cruel leadership, which has led the nation into un-returnable and ill-timed political road map in the years of (1960-1991).
     Somaliland public have still remembering and suffering from series of struggles waged by the people, such as that of the “Darawiish”, the Mad-Mullah” led by religious leaders and political parties, which have taken the life of the Somalia President in 1969. Consequently this had caused the national military to overthrow the civilian government. The military led government had been oppressing its people till the whole state had run into anarchy and disruptive statehood conditions.
     Mindful of the vigorous campaign led by the patriotic organisation, the SNM, which culminated in the reassertion of (our) independence which was achieved through sacrifice of life and property so that the nation can enjoy a governmental system which meets its needs. Eagerness of leadership and its people which are to fulfil the aspirations of the nation thereby appreciated by all, and which is founded on equality and justice for the people of Somaliland.
     The self-declared Republic of Somaliland had recognized the potentiality of creating tranquillity-nation with long-lasting stability/peace that can be achieved through widely participated democracy exercises. This had required putting up total synergy of economic system and the aspirations of the citizens.
     . The people and the national leaderships have proved the confidence that the Somaliland people can stand alone as a nation to save guide their independence and things they have in common, such as religion, culture, customs and language; and whose members are no different from each other. Somaliland citizens had agreed to make their choice by voting for a separate state casting yes marked ballets to the white coloured containers. The choice was coated on a drafted national constitution and voted in 2001 to build together a state in which everyone has equal status.

     Having in mind the preparation of the National Constitution, has gone through various stages and hands of committees, such as the Constitution Working Party which was enjoined by the third Grand Conference on 26th November 1996 to sieve through the two draft versions of the Constitution; and more recently, the corrections and amendments made by the two Houses of Parliament on 30th April 2000; and that the Constitution was based on the following issues:

     • The Islamic Sharia.
     • Conclusions from the various consultations.
     • The separation of the powers of the state as between the legislative, the executive and the judiciary.
     • The decentralization of the administration of the government.
     • Guarantees of private property rights and the protection of the free market.
     • Sanctity of human life through the entrenchment of fundamental rights and individual freedoms.
     • Peaceful and proper co-existence with the states in the region and worldwide;

     2. Problem Analysis on Somaliland Democratization Constraints

     Thoroughly considered the spirit and words of the preamble and the rest of the Constitution, the people of Somaliland hereby approve and proclaim to the whole world on the 31st May, 2001 that this constitution has been adopted as the nation’s constitution.

     In relation to the pertaining national political on the ground, national economic conditions, the general political environment surrounded to the current Somaliland democratization exercises prompts number of unforeseen delays. This is due to the inability of the government to raise its contribution in full on time, which has made the national funding availability impossible to cover the basic operational costs of Registration Committee for Political organization and the certification of the illegible political parties.

     Since the inception of the public voting that endorsed the national constitution, there has been improved participation of public in democratizations process and good governance. As said earlier, there have been number of democratization exercises that participated by the public at large. So far, there had been tested and implemented democratization events which were:
     • Local government elections held in 2002
     • Presidential elections held in 2003
     • Parliamentarian elections held in the year
     • Second presidential elections held in 2010.

168. Hi Matt!

     I some times ask my self what type of history school some people I read their argument came from? and who to complain if some of us are wrongly and intentionally interpreting the conventional written into their own interest. No matter history is history and the world are witnessing it. |To come my point Somaliland as part of the argument has been a British entity before the sixths and later on gained its independence from the British after a bloody struggle. Since then the unification of the two states the Italian Somalia and British Somaliland joined to make a unified Somalia comprising the Five Somali regions- that is the Somaliland, Somalia, Djibouti, Hawd & reserve-under Ethiopia area and North Eastern Kenya. Unfortunately that dream failed and the only solution become to have a power sharing with our brother in the South. This power sharing resulted the exploitation and misconduct against Somalilanders. After that in 1991 Somaliland declared and returned its lost indpendence to form a new nation. I wounder why people seeing on such clear history are ignoring the reality…finally I urgue the Britons and their government to look close the issue and understand the right of Somalilanders to determine and choose their destiny above any one else. Many thanks

169. Dear all

     What ever happens in the on coming meeting will never change the people of somaliland.

     If the British government want to solve the problem it should accept the independence of somaliland to be a separate nation.

     We are ready to defend our country as we did before and we never same mistake we did it in 1960.

     unless somaliland is recognized, the somalis will never think of their own problems.

170. Once again read the history very carefully and forget negatively known results from this conference when it comes to South Somalia problem solutions and don’t lost ample valuable time and tax payer’s money any more like previously 15 conferences those held in every where the World since 1991. While no country helped nor spent any money or political assistance on the self sustained, democratic and peaceful Somaliland that requires your over due recognition in this right with help of this gatherings including Somaliland friends UK, USA, Kenya and Ethiopia.

     HISTORY OF SOMALILAND AND SOMALIA Between British and Italian, Colonial competitors since 1922′s,

     Wake up UK for real sustainable peace solution in Horn of Africa and look Djibouti case as it was part of big Somalia but now it’s not part that Somalia problem, because French it’s former colony kept it away from this longer distraction chaos of big Somalia as independent entity. So as British don’t forget the 1945 WarII when Somalilanders fought with British and alliens side by side from Libya Tobruk desert to Burma againest italian fascist party.After 1922 – Benito Mussolini and his Fascist Party came to power in Italy. 1935 – Following border disputes between Italian Somaliland and Abyssinia, Italy invaded in Somaliland. British Somaliland was briefly occupied and annexed to Italian East Africa from ….
     Giovinezza – The official hymn of the Italian National Fascist Party, regime, and up to moment Italian are supporting the Southern Somalia with any measurement help regardless their political chaos that principally sponsoring the South Somalia politically and financially in all conferences since the collapsed Ziad Barre’s Regime because just their Ex-colony .
     While Britain, as Somaliland’s ex colonial power entering non productive nightmare of political draging feet approaches such as this conference so call for Big problem solution without immediately recognizing the strategically located Somaliland as independent country. Why UK is listening the nonsense from ” African panadora Box conditions” from the 70 years old dictatorship’s house called Afican Union named and financed for many years by Ghaffi, whom can not feed their populations for whole years of the post independence from 1960′s

171. I thank to the government of GB for its effort to save the Somali people in this difficult time. I think this is a new level of effort to tackle the Somali issue that Somalis do not want to miss or mess up! However, those comments posted on this site are bad reaction far beyond the peace and reconciliations tone expected. Unfortunately, it has been already misused and abused the whole idea! I remind everyone that this is not a Somali website.

     I believe the Somali issue is coming to the end and the good example of that are the creation of more regional state administrations such as Azania and others to resolve the core problems in the South.

     My recommendation to the government of GB is to put its power to ensure the time and the money invested in this conference will not be wasted, so that the people of Somalia will remember the people GB for the generations to come!

     Thanks,
     Adow Nurow

172. Matt,

     The participation of HiilQaran Party is very very important in this conference. because I beleive this party has enough Somali people and support inside and outside of Somalia who would like to serve their people. The party also has clear agenda for peace and political normalization for national reconciliation process

     Really it is necessary to think carefully about the Somali transition between now and August 2012 and to avoid the repeat of the fake peace and reconciliation processes in the past

173. Hi matt

     thanks for uk for organizing this conference on somalia, but let me tell you that only piracy, Alshabab , lack of democratic institutions exist in south somalia. therefore, so, this conference must emphasize the problems in south somaliam, which is a failed state with in a corrupt warlords. so, somaliland must be separated and be mixed and dealt with like a democratic country which deserves to be recognized for these reasons:
     1. in somaliland, there is no piracy
     2. there is a democratic leadership and elected representatives
     3. freedom of speech
     4. free and fair economy
     5. no corruption and free press both tv and radios
     6. no terrorism
     7. education like universities and colleges
     8. multi-party system.
     9. military and police
     10. currency, flag and functioning local governments
     11. good governance and transparency.

     lastly, somaliland achieved all these with out international help and finally help this conference will address the somaliland people aspirations , and result a two state solution in somalia ( Somaliland -former british somaliland protectorate & South Somalia- former italian somaliland).

174. Hi Matt
     If Britain try to force somaliland to the union of somalia,it will be irreparable mistake.there will be another civil war.so my sugestion is to tell your leader not to be mislead by the people who led somalis in to this situation who ether have connections with Alqaida or benafeted the piracy of the high seas like puntland.
     bye for now

175. Written by Mr M Affi
     Foreign Intervention is not the best option for Somalia
     I am British originally from Somalia and I sincerely congratulate and fully support the British Prime Minister’s announcement to host a Conference on Somalia … but there are critical challenges ahead.
     Despite all efforts of the international community under the United Nation’s body in cooperation with the Organisation of African Union, the League of Arab States and the Organisation of the Islamic Countries, the tragic situation in Somalia is alarmingly disintegrating into total extinction from the face of the earth.
     However, there are widely diverse opinions as to what are critical factors that are not conducive to establishing peace and stability in Somalia. Broadly the most over-hyped argument advocates the “interventionist” approach that grossly relies on “we know the best cure for all your ills … although it lacks populace support and local accountability. Non direct interventionist approach where the Somali within their traditional structures to guide and seek ways to build confidence and trust among themselves within their agreed defined territorial demarcation, there would be very good chance that they will undoubtedly draw all inclusive and fairer government.
     The idea for foreign countries to intervene the situation in Somalia is an alien concept for every Somali individual regardless of their educational background or level of sophistication. They all remember vividly to dismemberment of the Somaliland peninsula during the scramble of Africa and the legacy inherited as a direct result from such policy is reverberating loudly and will indeed re-ignite old wounds from the past.
     The ever-worsening situation in Somalia is often fuelled by the diverse sphere of interests which are ominously critical factors associated with the lack of coherent, concrete and tangible efforts geared towards building and empowering viable Somali government.
     Under the United Nations’ and African Union’s flagship initiatives lack credibility and doomed to failure as their efforts largely depend for the mercy of the very few powerful countries in terms of resources required. It is my humble opinion that the predicament of the Somali nation can be reversed as fast no-one can imagine with minimum cost provided that genuine holistic approach and meaningful courses of action are taken with financial provisions and technical assistance:-
     •Readdressing and repealing the United Nation’s Security Council Resolution No. 733 (23rd January,1992) regarding general and complete embargo on all deliveries of weapons and military equipment to Somalia, in order to provide real and substantive assistance for building effective Somali defence force and police for the Somali transitional government
     •Ceasing immediately all forms of interference from outside Somalia, including by USA drone aerial attacks, units of Ethiopian and elements from Kenyan army incursions, and taking swift action to end such interference and respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Somalia
     •Abandoning the unwarranted advocacy of the principle of a federal system of government where several states or regions defer some powers, e.g. in foreign affairs, defence etc to a central government while retaining a limited measure of self-government for Somalia as there is no division of colour, religion, or ethnicity or language.
     •Marshall plans for re-establishing all civil services and institutions that are pre-requisite for better and functioning government that the rule of law as the sole precedents over other non-conventional dictates.

176. #Somaliland’ is not viable as an independent state, 3/5 of it’s territory belong to people who don’t want to cede from Somalia. A recognition will bring war in the region as people who don’t want to break away are forced into a state they don’t wish to be part of. Hargeisa will use force to impose it’s hegemony and people will have to defend themselves from clan cleansing. The Buuhoodle people know what i’m talking about.

177. ‘Somaliland’ is not viable as an independent state, 3/5 of it’s territory belong to people who don’t want to cede from Somalia. A recognition will bring war in the region as people who don’t to break away are forced into a state they don’t wish to be part of.

     1. you are talking about a baseless points and most of it you are busy for responding people expressing their admire to be a country like south sudan. so, you should be realistic and talk about problems like piracy, terrorism, lack of democracy, poverty, droughts in south somalia.
        you know and britian knows as well that somaliland is a democratic, functioning government, has multiparty system, elected government & representatives, no corruption, freedom of speech, free & fair elections, currency, flag, military & police & gives every somalilander the chance to learn, do business and live peacefully.
        so, there is no way, that you can advocate a failed union ( greater somalia), which is now you see that south somalia has no chance to come back again.

        1. The battle of Buuhodle is a perfect example of what awaits ‘Somaliland Republic’ as it asserts it authority of over people who don’t share their break away desire.
           My advice to the Somaliland Militia, stay in your land. [Hargeisa, Burco and Berbera triangle and leave other clans to determine their future]

           Mario

178. Thanks UK Government for hosting the most Somalis in eurobe including silanyo my president. Somaliland was build to wait the national govt of Somalia just like Puntland. We did not want to get involve civil war we had our own civil war at that time so order to live with peace we called it republic of Somaliland. To tell you the truth we have enough Ethiopians already that we can deport them Oromo is taking our land for the fear that we might be just like southern Somalia. Our people don’t like ethiopians roaming our streets. We all want to see STRONG SOMALIA. Why? The answer is clear because we are less than two million in reality talk, they more than sixty million, and the Aids in Hargaisa, and Boroma is unbelievable, there is no other tribe that wants Somalia back than my tribe of SAMAROON AWDALITE. if we run away our brothers Alshabab will be here very soon to take the fight to the Oromo Ethiopianz. Don’t wary isaq brothers we Somalis knows each other very well, don’t isolate as from the rest of our brothers that is shame. Strong SOMALIA IS OUR INTEREST our Somalilands interest all Somalis interest. I shoulnt write this but Puntland they are DAAROODS Hawiye massacre them in Southern Somalia we never come to rescue them, we watch. After being created Puntland they sent their kids to southern Somalia to overcome all Somalis to have a viable Government. Yes Ehiopia is enemy that wants Somalia’s division so simply that they can have Berbera port easily. Let as help each other Somaliland that belongs Daarood Issaq Samoron, and others is strong Somalia. We can achieve a lot because we are an educated people standup brothers, and deny you soul. Thanks UK GOVERNMENT.

179. Hi matt
     We wellcome any attempt of British government to solve south Somalia problem but indeed what I can’t steel understand is why British government invite Somaliland this conference because it is not concerned republic of Somaliland I hope that the British prim minster and other international community that attend the conference will listen the address of our president and hope they will take forward step and will recognize as independent nation

180. Allow me to greet you with the utmost respect.
     I’m only expressing my ideas with deep feelings to the British Government, entrusted with the responsibility to bring back peace and normalcy to the poor and long suffering people of Somalia.
     As you know Galmudug is one of the state government that the international community is recognised and it is not included on your list, why?

181. Dear Matt,
     Allow me to greet you with the utmost respect.
     I’m only expressing my ideas with deep feelings to the British Government, entrusted with the responsibility to bring back peace and normalcy to the poor and long suffering people of Somalia.
     As you know Galmudug is one of the state government that the international community is recognised and it is not included on your list, why?

182. my neme haweya and my application to the conference is recognition of Somaliland that ismay massage
     thanks

183. good morning every matt
     in my idea I think it is good to to talk Somaliland case in a conference and recognize as independent country from Somalia that will help Somalia because Somaliland government will participate the reconciliation of Somalia people that is my opinion
     fahma
     Somaliland

184. Dear Marc

     First and foremost I would like to praise PM David Cameron for his tireless efforts in bringing peace and stability in many countries around the world. Secondly, the Somali conference in London is a true testimony on how the British government is concerned with the suffering of the Somali people.
     We do welcome this move and we are behind it. However, I will like to draw your attention to the so called Somaliland one – clan entity in Northern Somalia which has occupied some cities that oppose the one clan entity. This regime is committing murder, detention without trial and ethnic cleansing.
     Few days ago Khaatumo State of Somali was declared in the town of Tlaeh in Northern Somalia. The following day the occupying forces of Somaliland attacked the town of Buuhoodle for no apparent reason. The town was attacked simply because they did belong to non- Isaq clan. Yesterday the Somaliland occupying forces in the town of Las-Anod killed 12 unarmed civilians who were demonstrating peacefully in support of Khaatumo State of Somalia. For the last 21 years neither development aid nor relief aid reaches non -Isaq northerners in the so called Somaliland. This one clan entity has lied to Britain for long. Our tax payer’s money shouldn’t be used to finance clan wars and other non- democratic practises.

     The UN officers are always denied access to our areas. The one clan entity used terrorism or insecurity to use food and development as tools of war. This shameful practice has to be stopped once and for all. Please send fact finding missions to the towns of Las- Anod and Buuhoodle. I wouldn’t be surprised if Somaliland denies this to happen. You are also more likely to will hear inventive and imaginary smear campaign about these towns and their people the only way to get a true picture is for you to visit those towns un-announced. If you announce it they will send truck load of their clan’s members to those towns and distort the true picture. I hope this meeting becomes a success and I hope to see the representatives of Khaatumo in London.

185. somaliland represent only isaaq tribe, so invite others northern officials such as khatumo state and awdal state. other side i wish british goverment will review its supports of somaliland becouse somaliland is tribe who kill and toture others tribes if you need evidences look for what happened samale near borama city,buhodle and last one in las-anod 21/01/2012, everyday they kill innocent people.

186. Dear Matt
     I know that you yourself have got the reality condition of Somaliland Democradic Republic is stable, peace, well developed, and progressed in every site, also has parlimentary, constitution, so that s/land stayed since 1991 without recognized state and help of progressive states, you know somali south people trying to make any kind of propaganda to ignore of somaliland independency, it is obvious that s/landers combined together in one nation, no other existence state, s/land believes deeply thier issue they support independent of somaliland since 1991 they voted 98% to separate somlia, for that sake s/land population hope the london conference to talk our issue and same time to recognize our freedom.
     Thanks a lot.

187. Dear matt
     Let me tell you what so called south Somalia people they are jealous people they only know tribalism because they killed them self’s as clan that is why they are hopeless and that is why they became failed people they only know how to killed the people they don’t like development because they sow them self’s as clan and they divided each other to a little clan to little clan and this made them to be behind the world and made their city s to be destroyed because they don’t know how to manage them self’s that is why they depends on interventions of neighbour countries that is why their children become without future so now as you see here they continuously repeated the word Somaliland is clan because they want to give the people wrong idea as you see what they write most of it you can see that they are jealous because they only write meaningless words they are refused to congratulate their brother of Somaliland who made peace and successful democracy which rear in Africa
     And to take good example for them but unfortunately as you see they only trying propaganda against Somaliland people any way as somalilander we don’t care what they say because we know their reality we know that they are jealous people know only how to kill the people that is why we don’t want to unite anther time we don’t like ever to back in Somalia we will continue to struggle our issue and we will reach our objective if Allah say we are very happy and proud to be somalilander and our hope to be sovereignty nation is very high long live Somaliland long like our friends who support our issue long life freedom viva Somaliland if Allah say we will get recognition because our hope from Allah is high
     Best regard
     Ifrah

188. London Conference of Somalia
     Building Moment
     That announcement is more than enough for Somali community and we thanks British Government to stand Somali Rebuilding and called Building Moment. It is amazing opportunity for Somalia’s.
     So what I worry to this chance is to be a failed like before conferences took place for Somalia peace process.
     To avoid that Please and please British Government, International Community and all about involved this chance conference for Somali Building, don’t consider any one running to get position.
     Please target to the venerable people like elder, women and children. Give them chance to receive what world supported them.
     Could you please make sure Somali people to have rights to get their essential life?
      Justice
      Antipoverty
      Fight with a lack of knowledge
     To improve this I suggest launching independent organisation to do this mission to create reliably situations for Somali hopeless people.
     Osman Londn UK

189. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the people and government of Great Britain for this latest effort to bring about lasting peace in Somalia. History teaches us that there will not be lasting peace without justice. My first and most important request/advice is to establish war crime tribunal for Somalia as it previously done in Rwanda. The culture of impunity must be put an end. Perpatroters must know they will be redressed. Minority rights must be recognised and respected it should be writen in the future constitution of Somalia. The much hated 4.5 must be scrapped unanimously

     Secondly Somalias problems can’t be solved in one conference therefore the Government of Great Britain must start this initiative with sending a clear signal to neighbouring countries that from now on Britain will take the lead and will not tolerate more meddling in Somali affairs. Also the purpose of the conference must be clear, yes we shall respect admistrative regions and what they’ve acomplished so far but the end result of this conference or the following conferences must be unified Somalia where we have a government like any other country in the world.

190. We need Somalia to stand back up peacefully and then we can do referendum for Somaliland. All Somalis should have a say if their land is to be divided. Lets work on getting Somalia back first.

191. The somalia war overstaged but the right time to build a Somali Federal government has reached the budget overall budget for a Somali federal government is 8, 000 220,000 for Somaliand and the rest devided to the rest the central ast norh and the south. no harrasment will continue. in the case somaliland tries to rober amalgate the meeting outcomes the federal government has rifgt to close all the ports , airports and the incomming posts of the every junction. as the federal governnment has the coins of the racism since great britain that has proposed the The greater Unity of Somalia. which cant be denied now this yime the Americans has accepted president sillanyo has made the deal already and britain has no opther joice but to accept the cequences to build up tate to the stateless so far seen as they are. with all the shouits in t5he regions and the world of Somalia.pasports are mentioning both eyes of the somalia people are black the anlly difference is hat star is black for Africa and the whithe for together let us explore the stars and the russians are so keen behind Ethiopia where the African love as a place of pilgrimage against the European clonies. yet too bad to show up an african pride that hosts no goodness but fratality.

192. HI Guys,

     We need to be realistic, we don’t want to fight and be enemy to each other since we share so many things, we are from same ethnic, we are all Muslims and we have only one language.
     We need to respect our differences.
     Let Somaliland be a nation and let the South be a nation, then two Somali owned states will make a sense, even if Puntland wants to be separate from the rest of Somalia let it be a nation.
     We can’t achieve greater Somalia because of the our foolishness so that let us first be realistic, you are the people( Southern people)who destroyed Somalia because of clannish, nepotism, partiality and still you are spreading hearted speeches, writing.
     Shame on you my brothers and sisters from the south, you need to congratulate your Somaliland brothers and sister for what they did for their country and you need to come up with your new idea to rebuild your country.
     You have the worst country on earth and you are still talking, fighting, chatting, eating, drinking and not really feeling shame.
     To our former colonial master, you are the one who divided our people, 100 years ago and you are saying I am doing well for the Somali people, you are still lying and we are still listening your lies. Grown up please and don’t start neocolonialism.

     1. hello Abdikader
        you are right for what ever you commented about the London conference. i agree with you this conference will be fruitless. the somalis are not mature enough to solve thier problems, the only thing they are good to talk is about the tribalism. the reality is those from the south are those who distroyed the country and still they are not ready to make a peace but they feel sad about the peace in puntland and somaliland. if thgey are honest of seeking peace let them first sort out thier things inside the country and then with clean hands come to other somalis. all in all this conference will be friutless but it paving the way to declare the colonazation of the country by another officially by the so called UN organizations and that will be the consequences. but brother abdilkadir gave the truth but all the truth which they need to listen particularly those from the south somalia.

193. My name is Dr. tahbib Farah Jimcale I live in Malaysia i am from Hargeisa somalia, in my opinion I think that conference is very important chance because Somalia need Unity, Somalia cannot be two different countries.
     they are same religion , same culture same people . For example i am from Hargeisa Somalia I am ISAQ clan and My mother is from the capital city of Somalia Mogadishu she is Hawiye clan we can see this example somalia is one. So I am advising the world wide somalia is one country…………………….

194. Today I want to tell the world what is known as Somaliland , Somaliland is two Northern Somalia regions Burco and Hargeisa where Isaq clan lives so it cannot be dependent country as we are somalia we are requesting from the united nations, african union, Arab countries, and all over the world that somalia cannot be divided sub-clans like what they called Somaliland so please be attention because that can be caused the worst civil war which is based clans and tribalism ………………………… By Jimcale…………….

195. Dearest Matt Baugh
     We appreciate you for the efforts of the Great Britain and for the chance of the upcoming conference,
     that recognising Somaliland is out of question, its only Isaaq clan the rest Clans
     Dhulbahante, Warsangali,Gudebiirsi, all they want Great Somalia.
     It is time that the UK stops giving aid to Isaaq clan only (Hargaysa and Barbara) because this aid is used to kill people in Sool, Sanaag ,Ayn and.Awdal.
     If Isaaq people want independent they have to win referendum Against The whole Great Somalia stop dreaming you can’t hijack other people Freedom.

196. Hi,
     My name Dahir A. Ahmed, I am a Somalilander who live in the capital city of the Republic of Somaliland Hargeisa, my comments relate to the upcoming Somali conference that will be held in London in February 2012.

     Somaliland People are not expecting from the British Government to destroy our hopes and fruitful expectations, we are now appealing the UK government not to invite us in the Somali peace building conference but rather to assist our growing economy and recognize our undeniable independence. We don’t need any kind of reconciliations, because this face had been completed in Somaliland before 20 years and no need to go back in 1991. We are not even ready to have meetings with the failed Somali leaders in the South as UK is suggesting. The so called TFG and semi autonomous regions are completely fake and worthless, therefore, the only place you can have a potential peace and functioning government is in the Republic of Somaliland.

     The International Legal experts notes that order is supposed to be the defining characteristic of a state. If indeed this were the case, Somaliland’s claims to sovereignty would not be contested at all. Since its second declaration of independence in 1991, Somaliland has gradually restored peace and order to its land, and steadily developed its own political, administrative and economic institutions and arrangements.

     The Somaliland government’s adoption of democratic value and practices is undeniable. The government carried out an in May 2001, an internationally observed referendum in which 97.9% of Somalilanders endorsed a new constitution and confirmed their wish to remain apart from the rest of Somalia. The world also witnessed Somaliland’s internationally monitored municipal elections in 2002 , Parliamentarian elections in 2005 and the presidential elections in 2003 and 2010 .

     While Somaliland’s accomplishments are admirable, in determining its eligibility for international recognition, international law lays down certain requirements that a country needs to comply with before statehood is proclaimed. The basic requirements established in international law are:

     – Permanent Population
     – Defined Territory
     – A stable government
     – Capacity to enter into relations with other states.

     In fulfillment of the above requirements, Somaliland has all the above mentioned characteristics.

     Thanks a lot

197. My sincere advice is you arrange travels to Somalia. Visit Mugadishu, Garawe, Hargeysa, Dolow and all other accessible places in the country and meet with the different Somali groups including Traditional Leaders, Sivil Society, Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama, TFG and other influential groups. Listen to their ideas on the conference agendas and please build your agendas on the real outcome of the official Somalia meetings with the right Somalia people. Be careful to base your agendas on the PURE ideas of UN, AU, IGAD and other external entities without considering Somalia people’s opinions and advices. The great UK’s initiatives should have very positive result, different from the brevious failed Somalia conferences hosted by other governments. I have other useful advices, but can not share them here publicly.

     Thanks for your great assistance to Somalia!

198. hellow matt
     my name is xawa from lasanod Somaliland I am absolutely against the agenda of conference because Somaliland must be attend as independent republic I am sorry matt coz I supersized how you confused Somaliland and Somalia Somaliland is not part of
     somalia is independent nation which elected their leaders they have flag currency two house of parliaments they have military they have border I think Mr. matt before you asking the people their opinion it is good for you to correct the different between republic of Somaliland and Somalia coz Somaliland is not like putland stete it is republic and we hope the conference to discus the issue of Somaliland and recognize as sovereignty nation

199. I think the Isaq clan is missing the point. The blog is asking for suggestions of how to rebuild Somalia not ISAQ LAND aka Somaliland.

     My Somali Isaq people, please snap out of your dreams and share your ideas how to rebuild the whole nation.

     1. Muse, you’re on your own. You can not disrespect me and at the same time ask for my help. If I am the bad apple, then why do need me for?

        1. He is not disrespecting you, he’s just asking you to wake up and smell the coffee.

200. somalia need to build up the security sector for explain the police need the military without of the military somalia will be lawless country for decade to come we know all the clan somalia the are all equipment with heavy weapons so in order to disarm them or join in the security force and we need to independent courts no interfering politician or even high rang of officials
     I notice European union has been training the new army of somalia put the lack payment and lack equipment all the military basis camp in somalia has been destroyed do to civilian wars. the have accomplice killing recently most wanted al Qaeda operative without a high-tech equipment one think should be noticed America police dual track is fall other USA police it only increased the hostie rivals clans semi-autonomous region and can erupt war

201. Thanks to the British Gov. to put effort to the last solution of Somali Problems. I will remmend to high light three point that i think will work on to get somali functioning goverment.
     1- Federalism..
     2- To relocate the capital city to Hargeisa or Bosaso. the reason is mogadishu is beyond repair and it needs safe area to be captal of somalia.
     3- NATO peace keeping forces that help somali gov. to put law and order.

202. Dear Matt:
     First and foremost, thanks to the UK for even undertaking a difficult case like Somalia. Second, these so called secessionist somalilanders are nothing more than a bunch of ignorant isaak tribesman who claim their separateness based on the fact that they are one clan, or , that the former regime of Siad Barre has committed atrocities against them. Neither being a clan, nor, old grievances against a long gone dictator entitles anyone to be their own nation. If tribalism is the root cause of what destroyed Somalia, the Isaaks are the most tribal minded Somalis. If we leave them to own devices, the so called “Somaliland” would collapse on it own. No one in Somaliland with the exception of the Issaks want to separate from Somalia. If one ever recognizes “Somaliland”, one will surely start the next 30 year of civil in that part of Somalia, because, none of the non Issak clans who live in Somaliland would accept to live with them in a state called Somaliland. There are already massacres in Las Anod and Buhoodle where the Dhulbahante are fighting to cede from the non existant Somaliland. It wont be long before the Issaks start massacring the Awdal State folks because they do not want to be part of Somaliland,

203. Hi Matt
     We all know very well that more 200 years old history of relationship between Britain and Somaliland existence but lost 20 years of unification with South Somalia from July 1960 til the date of Somaliland regained it’s independence once again May 19,1991 after Dictatorship ruling.

     THIS IS THE FACTS …By Cabdi WHO QUOTES BELOW

     Dear Sir
     It looks like the topic has been hijacked by some people who are advocating for the terrorist group by the name of SSC which operates in Buhoodle District. This terrorist group was existed when Somaliland was under British Protectorate. This group of terrorists had been a well known terrorist group who fought with the British forces led them by Mad Mullah. So please do not entertain the gentleman with incidents that he knows more than you lot in this blog.
     There have recently been reported some incidents in the area of Buhodle as it was believed that it was orchestrated by the violent Alshabab affiliated group, SSC.
     The Somaliland Diaspora in the United Kingdom has already condemned the terrorist group by the name of SSC which has affiliation with Alshabaab and Al-Qaida. One week ago, the terrorist group of SSC is reported to have committed atrocity and killed civilian people in the area of Buhoodle District. They wounded civilians and are currently treated in Garowe. The terrorist group then attacked a few Somaliland military personnel officers after them approaching to the area in establishing and assessing the security after it had been alerted to them by other personnel from Somaliland who was already in the town of Buuhoodle. One of the Somaliland personnel confirmed this to the local news papers.
     The personnel reported that the aim of the violent and Alshabab affiliated group SSC was to create a havoc in the area in order to divert attention of the Somaliland Army Force who had been closely watching the conference held in Taleex by some of the main SSC funders who came from Canada and America. The Somaliland Security Personnel had been made aware that Alshabab and SSC were having a meeting in Taleex too for discussing how to destabilise Somaliland since Alshabab told the conference that they will be moving from Southern Somalia to Buhoodle as some of their strategic territories had already fell in the hands of AMASON and Kenyan Forces. It was also conformed to the media by locals that Suleman Essa Ahmed (Hagal tosiye), and others who had been visiting Telex via Ogaden with the aim of carrying covert operation against Somaliland. Suleman Essa Ahmed (Hagal tosiye), from Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Ahmed is the leader of the violent Al-Shabaab-affiliated rebel group named SSC or PSS , a warlike group bent to destabilize Somaliland at any cost. It was reported that Mr Ahmed and his comrades were having a meeting at Taleex with Alshabab but Somaliland Security was aware of their movements. Reliable sources of Information confirmed to the media that the aim of the meeting was SSC and Alshabab to form a new strategy for destabilising Somaliland to see the recent article explaining this, please see (www.oodweynenews.com).
     For those who are living in Europe and America, you should know by law that you should not be advocating for terrorists like SSC and Alshabab.
     Thanks, Cabdi

204. HISTORY OF SOMALILAND AND SOMALIA Between British and Italian, Colonial competitors since 1922’s,

     Wake up UK and don’t forget the 1945 WarII when Somalilanders fought with British and alliens side by side from Libya Tobruk desert to Burma againest italian fascist party.After 1922 – Benito Mussolini and his Fascist Party came to power in Italy. 1935 – Following border disputes between Italian Somaliland and Abyssinia, Italy invaded in Somaliland. British Somaliland was briefly occupied and annexed to Italian East Africa from ….

     Giovinezza – The official hymn of the Italian National Fascist Party, regime, and up to moment Italian are supporting the Southern Somalia with any measurement help regardless their political chaos but up to principally sponsoring the South in all conferences politically and financially .

     While Britain, as Somaliland’s ex colonial power entering non productive nightmare of political draging feet approaches such as this conference so call for Big problem solution with out immediate recognizing the strategical located Somaliland . Why UK is listening the nonsense from ” African panadora Box conditions” from the 70 years old dictatorship’s house called Afican Union named by Ghaffi, whom can not feed their populations for whole years of post independence from 1960′

205. We, Somalis, have never agreed positive agenda because tribal plan weighs over nationalism. We stood for negative resentment and destruction forever and we still continuing. Even those of us who experienced western style of life are forced to accept nomadic ideology. We don’t have a capacity to negotiate, comply and share positive issues. A group of people could refute something, but do they have an alternative. Nothing is perfect; everything starts from somewhere followed by step by step correction. Born children don’t walk immediately; allow positive processes to take its route if you don’t have a better plan.
     Trusteeship is in the pipe if nothing positive comes out from London conference. Number of mistakes has been made by Somali leaders. All Somalis ought to support nationalism and liberate motherland. Tribal states and centralizations are not a solution for Somali unity. Contributions from donors with no accountability as to where money spent will never bring a solution for Somalis. It will remain a lucrative business for big fat cats. Somali Youth need to stand up and reject the notion of tribalism and subdivision and liberate their country.
     Mohamed Moallin
     Ohio

206. It is incomprehensible to invite one side of the Somali equation, i.e., the failed TFG & its allies including ASWj, while the other side of the equation, i.e., the opposition groups, specially those who belief in political resolution rather than seeking power through gun point, such as; ARS (Alliance for Re-liberation of Somalia) which is the biggest national political platform, Hiil Qaran and their likes of the Diaspora organised groups.

     If that is the case than, it seems to me, the conference is dead before it started.

     My advice to you is that HM Government should balance the process by including credible organised Somali stakeholders to make the conference representative including minority Somalis who have been greatly oppressed by the major clans in Somalia, if your intention is to achieve long lasting success and a productive results from the conference.

     by Concerned Somali in London

207. Dear Matt,
     Allow me to greet you with the utmost respect.

     As a Somali and British citizen, I’m only expressing my ideas with deep feelings to the British Government, entrusted with the responsibility to bring back peace and normalcy to the poor and long suffering people of Somalia.

     There are so many good reasons in doing so. Nor only the current humanitarian disaster neither the long term potential resource in both countries, but there are over 250,000 Somali people living in the United Kingdom. Until now, let alone to organize such as incoming London Conference, but I believe that the British Government did pay least attention to the role of the Somalis in the Diaspora in order to play a pivotal role in helping institutions in Somalia in bringing peace, security and stability in the country.

     The world got tired of repeated change of the government’s top leadership for nearly last two decades. As result, they are pursuing two different options simultaneously. One option is the US State Department’s dual track approach to Somalia. In this approach, United State of America will no longer focus its previous single track approach, a method which did not work. Instead, they will pursue dual track approach to Somali where international community will work with local governments mainly Somaliland, Puntland and Galmudug from the north and Central of Somalia as well as any other administration in order to end 20 years armed conflict. Now, it looks that the British Government is looking for a better way to bring stability in Somalia and connecting together the two tracks.

     However, before I convey my message to you I would like to tell you what most Somalis think your country, United Kingdom. The Somalis never felt as being aliens among the British who always welcomed them as brothers and friends. They consider UK as a great country whom its leaders are capable to help them in the search for solutions of their problems. They greatly admire British role in international conflicts and their successful resolution in many countries of the world with many of them equally complex problems that Somalis experiencing. They admire the high stature that the last British Envoy, David Stephen has acquired in late 1990s.

     Given these genuinely positive sentiments that the majority of the Somalis nurture towards Britain, what they may reasonably expect from outcome of the London Conference could be summarized as follows:

     1. That Britain will fully and unreservedly commit to help the Somalis solve their problems in all possible ways, and assist with fair, realistic and acceptable approach to solve Somalia’s political crisis.
     2. That Britain will be honest and resolute with all concerned including the Somalis, neighbouring States and the other international community, and he will direct all to the right path.

     Finally, in my view, the proposed plan could not be the only realistic chance to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the prolonged political crisis in Somalia, but a long term potential interest in both countries, Somalia and the United Kingdom.

     Regards,

     A. Nur

208. Dear Matt Baugh,

     Let me take this opportunity to congratulate British prime minister and his government for not only hosting this historic conference on Somalia but enormous support that Britain offer to the good people of Somalia. Its worthy to mansion that Britain is the home of the largest Somali Diaspora on earth and so long being positive actor about the Somali issue.
     It seems we are not there yet to donate an accurate advice and plans to the world in order to end the horrible era. We should be good to find out better way to proverb, wiser to halt abhorrence and use all tools possible to accept the facts on the ground. Let us all remember that Britain won’t solve our harms their role is clear facilitation course only. Problem of Somalia’s for us to participate equally, sincerely to come up with rational termination of the past and generate new Somalia that can learn from the past and offer better chance for all walks of life. As we heard of or may be there to remember we had firs democratically elected government in Africa and for sure we have it in recorded history. We also had first presidential (may god give mercy His excellence Adan AbdulleOsman) peacefully power shift in Africa. Fair enough, we can do it again with even very much so or even much enhanced federal foundation to star from (bottom up approach)grassroots’ to the national level. We are all upset but we can make it well within this outstanding moment. As Puntlanders’ we have full of dreadfulness scenarios than our fellow North Westerns (Somaliland) ethnic group but we prefer to stay in accord. We share to a large extent in common not single difference, perhaps political variation wherein collective responsibility is the only way forward.
     There might be Sign of hope if we put all emotional thoughts aside and unlock our brain power by facing reality and the matter in hand. Trying to picture situation in Somalia today is like an orphan who killed both parents and come on the streets to ask people for help because he/she is an orphan with no food and shelter to survive. We need not to condemn to the world organizations because there were not enough food on the ground to feed our people where virgin land of Somalia has enough to offer us and even surplus to the world if we use our brain precisely. Let not to criticize the foreign entities because we fail to have an open dialogue (same language, culture, and religion, intermarriages) to compromise our distinction and stood up for common interest.
     Finally, contributing to the upcoming conference is compulsory for all and I would love to see Somali people in agreement and disagreeing in constructive way and fairly contests which way out of all these in the past for thinking hard of what coming future are hold for us.
     My advices are as follows
     • International community must encourage Somali unity by adapting federal system.
     • Foreign military force is the only solution to defuse Al-SHABAB but our people are too sensitive to bear as such a brutal action. Given that, AL-SHABAB can benefit Ethiopian army on the ground for its religion misinformation therefore, to prevent any propaganda armed forces such as Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan and Malaysia would be an advantage to take the lead in its place.
     • Reinforcing Somali national army is crucial for Somalia and elsewhere (piracy, terror and all ill-actions) in the world. Consequently, huge investment should be made available to bring the law and order, to patrol its borders and secure its citizens.
     • Garowe accord must have vastly, universal support to end the transition period with no wrongly elected parliaments of full of former vicious warlords but energetic intellectuals need to be given confidence to fulfill these roles.
     • Concluding with this equation: No Way out without security and justice sectors powerfully invested, not security and justice without national unity including North West Somalia and no national unity without international political-pressure on all parts including our fellow (Somaliland) North Western.

     Hope my voice is heard

     Hussein A fiqi
     Nationalist
     alfiqi@gmail.com

209. us a welecomed londonc conference on somalia. also we are support the somali confernce but if we are somaliland we will wish the only point we need.
     somali if they recongnized somaliland maybe the confilc of south somalia ended and they get peace and stabilaty and development.
     if they will try to ignor somaliland they will dont geet peace so far it take long time to solve problem

210. This another fact and true history records as United Kingdom was first country recognized Somaliland in1960, Israel the second country and USA was the third with together other 30 countries with four days.

     By sagal mustafe hassan …. The very famous TV Journalist

     “The government of Israel is ready to restore the de jure recognition it has offered to Somaliland in 1960 as it eyes the Red Sea and the Horn, an Israeli spokesman says.
     Below is an article published by Somaliland Press:
     The government of Israel is ready to restore the de jure recognition it has offered to Somaliland in 1960 as it eyes the Red Sea and the Horn, an Israeli spokesman says. According to a local source, Golisnews, Mr. Yigal Palmor, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman is quoted on the Israeli newspaper of Haaretz Daily saying his government was ready to recognize Somaliland again. He cited Israel was the first state to recognize Somaliland in 1960 when it received its independence from Great Britain.
     However, Mr. Palmor admitted Somaliland government has not contacted the Israeli government to seek ties. When asked a question regarding Somalia, Mr. Palmor answered: “Somalia looks like the Afghanistan of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, historically speaking we know the Somali people have different believes and politics. The Somali people have different political values of which they unified in 1960 that led to the whole misunderstanding and ultimately the collapse of Somalia,” he told Haaretz Daily. While answering to a question regarding Somaliland-Israel ties, he said: “Israel was the first nation to recognize Somaliland and indeed was the first country the State of Israel has recognized, after it received it’s Independence from Great Britain. When it unified with Southern Somalia, again we were the first to recognize it. We always wanted a relationship with a Muslim country in East Africa and which we can share the Red sea with.” Mr. Palmor said his country was ready to restore Somaliland’s old status however currently the two states have no bilateral ties.
     He added Israel has ties with number of East African countries including Tanzania, Uganda and even Djibouti. Many analysts believe Israel has growing national interest in the Red Sea region, a key shipping route. According to well-informed regional sources Israel believes the region is also a key route for arms from Iran for Hezbollah, Sudanese regime and number of other groups in Palestine. The Red Sea gives Israeli ships access to the Arabia Sea and are within cruise-missile range of Iran. Israel also concern about Arab nations such as Egypt blocking it’s commercial shipping lines. There are unconfirmed reports also suggesting Israel wants to deploy submarines in the Somaliland port of Berbera and possibly establish a military outpost. Many Arab states have in the past expressed concerns about the proposed Israeli-base in the Horn of Africa seeing it as Israel surrounding them.
     The region is well known for it’s strategic importance and it was days ago when an Al Qaeda spokesman, Said al-Shihri, said “taking control of Bab El-Mandeb, will constitute an escalating victory: the Jews will be crushed in a vise, because it is through the Strait that the United States brings its support to Israel.” Bab El-Mandeb, which means “tears of gates” in Arabic is a 20-mile long inlet located in the narrowest point of the Red Sea, between the shores of the Horn of Africa and Yemen. It is no secret to Somaliland though, the former president, Mr Ibrahim Haji Egal addressed the very issue in a letter to the former Israeli head of state, Mr Yitshak Rabin in 1995. Fifteen years ago, Mr Egal saw the threat of Islamic fundamentalism and the importance of Bab El-Mandeb.
     Mr Egal, who became prime minister of Somaliland at the age of only 30, wrote: “Today, however, although the West had won the cold war and the threat of communism appears to be vanishing in many parts of the world, we, in the Horn of Africa, are being threatened by a more sinister and pernicious enemy in the form of encroaching Islamic influence.” Mr Egal continues, “my government firmly believes that owing to this region’s strategic geopolitical importance as a result of its propinquity to the oil routes and the narrow Bab El-Mandeb entrance, as well as its proximity to the Gulf, the Middle East and the access to the Indian Ocean.”
     Egal, who was a champion politician, died May 3rd 2002 in the South African capital Pretoria. He was succeeded by the current leader, Mr. Dahir Rayale, who is said to have avoided approaching Israel in order not to harm Somaliland’s current fragile relations with the Arabs and Muslim world, which it heavily relies on for it’s only surviving economic engines – livestock.
     However many of the youths in Somaliland believe ties with Israel is better for Somaliland’s economic environment because of it’s economical and technological achievements. Many argue livestock is not sustainable economy because of health issues, climate change and urbanisation and prefer developing economy based on service and high-tech sector, similar to that one of Israel and Taiwan.
     Somaliland, like Israel, finds itself politically isolated, in the middle of a hostile region and at a thorny crossroads and if anyone is to reach out to the unrecognized republic, it would be Israel. It too knows how it feels to be denied it’s statehood and self-determination. While Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East, Somaliland is the only Muslim democracy in the region. Somaliland has it’s own hybrid system of governance under a constitution was former British protectorate which gained independence 26th June 1960 and was recognized by 34 countries including Israel and the United States. It later joined South Somalia in a union that was never rectified which lasted until 1991.”

     1. The reality of many Somalis from Somalia(South) don’t understand the agenda of this conference. The only thing they can see is Somaliland and they forget their own issues. Some of you need to educate yourself a little bit the latest Moorgan(Hargeisa Butcher) and Gabyow video!. The Moorgan’s mentality is what destroyed Somalia.

        Let’s talk about other items on the agenda.

        1. Somaliland is capable to lead the fight against Piracy. We have every possible ways to eliminate these groups from the entire horn of Africa. Urgently there is a need to establish a Somaliland based and led long term plan initiative to fight these groups. Tell the conference not to waste their time the Uganda/Seychelles agreements. It won’t working in the long term because there are too many politics in that agreements.
        2. Somalia problem – EU and all other players needs to agree that Somalia to be govern and manage at least 10 years by Italy(they can build their confidence and re-educate them how to run a country as they did in the past)
        3. Recognise Somaliland, or simply focus on Somalia problems and Somaliland will help that as well.
        3. Establish an EU Somalia foundation to hold and receive any aid for the OLD Somali Republic people. This foundation must led by British and has representative from Somaliland government and Somalia groups.
        4.Fight against Terrorism in Horn of Africa. Already Somaliand, Djabouti, Puntland and occupied Mogadisho have been working closely with USA/EU and IGAD security agencies. All what you need is to have a strong coordination and may be Establish Three Hubs, Somaliland, Puntland and occupied Magadisho but it will save a lot if you have your major base in Somaliland because it’s more save and secure and already Somaliland government uprooted them from Somaliland(You can learn a lot from Somaliland on this as well).

        Good luck

211. First, Somalia are one nation no doubt of that as every one knows and can not be several governments by any circumstances predominantly if you look the Somalian people are one nation in terms of religion,language and ethics
     so what we need is justice and development and peace.

212. Somaliland is a country in the horn of africa which retained it’s independence and statehood in 1991 after a bloody civil war with somalia, somaliland was a former british protectrate until 26 june 1960 it later united with italian somaliland to form the somali republic, and after many years of conflict and mayhem it retained itls long fought independence in 1991, therefore after demonstrating to the world three democratically held elections,peace and tranquillity which are a rarity in that region of the world somaliland is still waiting to be recognized a sovereign nation

213. British Foreign & Commonwealth Office can’t ignore this fact based on United Nations Chart # 7 Self determination .

     By Muha Farah..

     Somaliland, with a population of about 4 million, is an ex-British colony that willingly merged with the former Italian Somalia at independence in 1960 to form the republic of Somalia. But under the military dictatorship of Mohamed Siad Barre, Somaliland was neglected, although it remained an integral part of the Somali state.
     Following the overthrow of the Barre regime in May 1991, which left behind a country engulfed by anarchy and bloody inter-clan fighting, Somaliland seceded from the rest of Somalia and declared independence on the same day. Since then, efforts at reconciliation between the different Somali clans, drafting a new Constitution and democratisation have helped Somaliland metamorphose into one of a few peaceful, stable and progressive states on our continent.
     In the last two decades the country has made gigantic strides on the socio-economic and political front, though it does not get any assistance from Western creditors to build its economy due to lack of international recognition. It relies for its development, on livestock exports, tourism and remittances from Somalis in the Diaspora, which are estimated at $ 650 million a year.
     Even with its sparse resources, Somaliland has registered striking accomplishments, especially in the health and education sectors. For example, it has registered considerable reduction in maternal and child mortality.
     According to the deputy minister of Health, Nimo Hussein Qawthan, maternal mortality rate has declined from 1,600 deaths per 100,000 women in 1991 to 1,044 per 100,000 in 2006; child mortality rate which was 275 in 1990, has dropped to 166 in 2006. And because of the vigorous fight against malaria, the country is almost malaria-free!
     With regard to education, Somaliland has three world-class universities and several colleges as well as polytechnic schools – all built without foreign assistance. In 1991, according to Prof Ahmed Hussein Essa of the University of Hargeisa, there were a total of 219 primary, intermediate and secondary schools. Today the number of primary schools alone has increased to 506. Literacy rates have gone up from 20 per cent in 1991 to 45 per cent in 2010.
     And, politically, the country’s multi-party democracy experimentation has been impressive; respect for human rights and the exercise of the freedom of expression and assembly are some of the salient features of the democratisation process. The country has successfully held three parliamentary and municipal elections, two presidential elections as well as smooth transfer of power since the death of President Mohamed Ibrahim Egal in May 2002.
     But despite all these successes, Somaliland is still not recognised internationally as an independent and sovereign state. This surprises many an analyst (and infuriates the Somalilanders) because the country, which will never rejoin stateless Somalia, meets all the standard criteria of an independent state.
     Interestingly, Somaliland is remarkably different from Croatia and Kosovo – nations that never had a separate history from Serbia. Yet, the two break-away nations became independent with the support of the Western powers, followed by the rest of the world.
     On the other hand, the republic of Somaliland is not different from Eritrea which had a separate history from Ethiopia, but was allowed its independence. And Southern Sudan, which is historically part of the Sudan, recently decided to secede through a referendum and got international support. Now, why, one might ask, should Somaliland be treated differently? Is it because it has no oil?
     Soon, the Western countries will be falling over each other to open embassies in Juba, as they scramble for Southern Sudan’s oil, while Somaliland, which is well managed compared to most African countries that are endowed with natural resources, remains totally ignored; but for how long? This unique country needs to be recognised so that it can become a member of the international community, do business with the rest of the world and be able to sign international treaties.
     Reply

     1. Dearest Matt Baugh
        We appreciate you for the efforts of the Great Britain and for the chance of the upcoming conference,
        that recognising Somaliland is out of question, its only Isaaq clan the rest Clans
        Dhulbahante, Warsangali,Gudebiirsi, all they want Great Somalia.
        It is time that the UK stops giving aid to Isaaq clan only (Hargaysa and Barbara) because this aid is used to kill people in Sool, Sanaag ,Ayn and.Awdal.
        If Isaaq people want independent they have to win referendum Against The whole Great Somalia stop dreaming you can’t hijack other people Freedom.

214. we never ever go back to somalia that movie is end so please don’t west your time and if we recognize or not somaliland is gonna be somaliland one nation one hand and one love we take a big step to the forward and is not gonna happen come back so i wanna tell the another somali people stop hating us and leave us alone and do your thing that waiting you and i think the uk government now who is somaliland well i hope every thing gonna be ok if alla say for somaliland and another somli people good luck

215. In Somaliland, time for physical violence is long gone and if we are truly going to emerge as a nation of fighters! I think the fighting mustn’t be in the battlefield where blood is the price but the battlefield must be a paper and a pen. Obviously the battlefield must be intellectual exchanges through writing and this is the legacy that I intent to leave behind.

     We need to produce writers who will write about our nation and define it using pen and ideas and not guns and physical aggression. Yes, we’re a fighting nation, we’re fighting for international recognition, we’re fighting for social justice, political representation and this can be achieved with the open and transparent exchanges of ideas thorough knowledge production and intellectual exchanges.

216. Dear Matt Baugh,
     First, w are very pleased with the effort of the u.k goverment to hosting the upcomming conference on Somalia in Feb 2012. We wish a good positive outcome for the people of Somalia.
     I am one of the Awdalite Diaspora who has lived in the u.k since 1991.
     My worring is, that, this conference will not be inclusive. Awdal and Khatumo states are indeniable, where overwhelmimg majority of the people of the two states are supporting and behind them.
     So please tell the participants, that the choice of the people should be respected.
     Awdalstate is now fully working and the president is in the Mogadisho(Somali capital) in talks with the Somali goverment to bring back the Somali unity. In my conclusion, I strongly urge the u.k goverment to consider and invite all the goverment states to the conference.

217. Britain for the first time holding a conference on Somalia, After Libya and Iraq looks on the surface good but has a sanister motive behind it. This conference will not be inclusive and representative
     as other conferences before it on Somalia. Somalia does not lack good and able leaders but The international community picks and chooses thugs and criminals to further increase the violence with the view of advancing the interest of big and powerful global actors. In every conflict there are winners and lossers. Can someone explain why there are no winners and losers in Somalia? All sides of the conflict are getting funds from powerful global players which without their support they could not exist. We had the era of Warlords, followed by TFGS, Islamists,pirates and inflation of mini states. All those political events were managed from the outside not the inside.
     Although the era of warlordism died as a matter of policy, all the others are the current policies of the big and powerful players of the international community with the UN being the tool they use diplomatically to justify their actions ( Use of force and sanctions, as well as humanterian interventions for the purpose of controlling economies of stragetic countries with natural resources. They already started looting our resources by deploying their navies to protect their fishing trawlers and now drilling oil in Puntland while the conflict is still on.
     I do not have any hope that this conference will yeild a different result from previous conferences on Somalia. Because the Somalia people have never been free to choose their delegates to represent them at those conferences and in the eyes of Somali people handpicked thugs, war criminals, war profiteers, terrorists and warlords will not enjoy any legitimacy on the ground.
     Those bankrolling the Somali conflict want the conflict to continue untill they can convince the stubborn somali people to allow the looting of their natural resources and accept their chosen leaders plus government.

218. Clarifications:

     1. The top AL Shabaab leaders in the south of Somalia who are causing the havoc to the Somalis, neighboring countries, and the international community are from the north of Somalia, particularly from the secessionist Isaaqi tribe.

     2. At the time the AL Shabaab delegation was sent from Hargeisa by Siilaanyo (the superior leader of AL Shabaab), the Al Shabaab in Mogadishu was defeated and pulled out of Mogadishu. Therefore, the money transferred from Hargeysa and delivered by Mr. Hadrawi was meant to survive, re-organize, and strengthen the AL Shabaab in the south. The secessionists believe that the end of AL Shabaab is also the end of the secessionist agend.

     Kenadeed

219. Somaliland commit crime aganist humanity in Sool province. Today 21st January 2012 Somaliland millitia open fire at defencelss demonstrators at Lasanod town.

     This is the Lin:

     http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=j-oLjUoefNc

     The world must see, how somaliland tribal millitia occupied, oppressed and massacre innocent people simply becuase of their tribe.

     1. Well said. ‘Somalilanders’ present 20% of the population and 15% of somalia land mass, it’s just not viable as an independent country.

220. Are we Somali people want peace, safe our children and women? If you say yes, then first we must understand we are all on single boat that is sinking. We must also understand no Somali region can distance itself from Somalia problems. Understanding what you and your neighbors want, we can solve our country Somalia. Somaliland has some peace between 2000 to 2007 but that isn’t the case anymore. People are dying while they travel, demostrations and asleep. Facts should override propoganda that any Somali region is more safe than others. Since 2007 everything went down-hill for North Somalia.

     Hate crimes are on the rise, colliding idea from Unionist vs breakaway group. For us or Awdal, Somalis it became clear being in Somaliland is worthless given the facts that criminals terrorrizing civilians or Somali times carried out by politicians in North. After so many discussion, we decided to have our own Somali administration where we govern ourselves and share Somali Federal with the rest of Somalia.

     It’s clear that we can’t govern our selves due to clan problems and bad leadership;however, young Somalis have to think beyond clan and clan interest. No matter how loyal you are with your clan, it can’t be granted a nation from the world as long as your clan and you deny the rights of others let alone your neighbor. In my opinion, Somaliland can’t claim British borders by forcing citizens in Sool, Sanaag and Awdal against their will. I would personally support Somaliland garanted interternation recognition as long as my Awdalstate is out of their claim. Questions are if Somaliland want independent why wouldn’t it go one without dragging those who don’t want that? If Somaliland want to break up Somalia why Awdal, Sool and Sanaag can’t do the same?

     I borned and grew up in Borama and do want Somalis to talk to eachother and find solutions instead my way or the highway. Distancing ourselves from Somalia won’t work and the solution is don’t force your neighbors for your clan interest.

221. Apart from the tribalism, the second most fundamental problem in Somalia is the AL Shabaab trouble. Somalia will not be safe, secure, and stabilized unless this group is eliminated.

     In order to solve a problem, the problem should be understood. Then, who is AL Shabaab?

     AL Shabaab is the so called Somaliland, the greedy Isaaqi tribe. It operates in the north of Somalia, Hargeysa being the capital of Al Shabaab, Siilaanyo the presdent of Al Shabaab. It also operates in the south (the second wing) and it’s led by the Somaliland representative, the AL Shabaab leader in the south, Ahmed Abdi Godane and Ibrahim Mead (Afgani) and others, plus the Isaaq Al Shabaab fighters in the south are countless in numbers.

     AL Shabaab’s objectives:

     1. Keep the south in flames in order to create the impression that Hargeisa is stable and deserve recognition

     2. Keep the northern tribes other than Isaaq terrorized by the Al Shabaab in the north (the tribal Isaaqi milita), rob their land and force them to flee their homes

     Both objectives are impossible and they are cheap tactics known by all Somalis. It’s time now the international community wake up and realize the truth and face to address and stop the dangers driven by the AL Shabaab represented by the so called Somaliland Isaaq clan.

     Recently, Hargeisa the capital of AlShabaab has sougth to take advantage of the famine in the south to send money and logistics to AL Shabaab. Mr. Siilaanyo has sent money that was delivered by a AL Shabaab delegation led by Mohamed Warsame Hadrawi who was quoted saying, “30% of the money is for the TFG and 70% of it is for the AL Shabaab because AL Shabaab are Somalis too”!!! reported the Isaaqi website Qarannews.

     Obviously, it is simple to solve AL Shabaab dangers by addressing the so called Somaliland , the epicenter of AL Shabaab.

     The other strange thing is that the AL Shabaab appears to out smarted Great Britain and the international community, because it is Great Britain’s and the international community’s aid money that is funding the Al Shabaab’s (Isaaqi Secessionists) operations.

     Let the international community try stop the secessionist agenda and see if there be any AL Shabaab anymore and any longer.

     Keenadeed

222. i think somaliland and somalia is two different country , acording to the history of colonial, somaliland was british protoctate , while the south somalia so called ( failed state ) was italian protoctrate , somaliland got there indepedence 26,june ,1960 , while somalia got jully 1 1960 ,

223. We are not under British colony and we will never be. London must be day-dreaming! try your hands to put Somalia under the so-called trusteeship (interim authority formula) and you will see our true colours. We will put London under an interim authority!!

224. The London conference will not solve somalia problems unless somali people forgive each other and bury tribes for good and build stable and united somalia forget about 35 small states is been created since fall of central government of somalia 1991.

     somalia is one nation one language and one ethnic and the solution is to hold international conference inside the country and sort our problems under tree and re-build our country the solution will never come from outside like Addis, Nairobi, Djabuiti or London this cities is where our country is been destroyed .

     somalia will not be divided 35 small states it’s unrealistic and inconceivably those who dreaming more than 20 years to separate from greater somalia my advice to them is don’t west your time for recognition of 4 small villages in northern somalia spend your time to create peace with your brothers.

     our aim is to unite 5 Greater somalia (North somalia, south somalia, Ogaden, NFD and Djabuiti ) not to divide and create small powerless states,

     soomaliyeey toosooy toosoo isku tiirsada

     by; ahmed mukhtar sheikh

225. Please the youtube below to see the civilians in Lasanod of Khaatumo State of Somalia demonstrating in support of the newly established state and how these peaceful demostraters are being masscred by the tribal Isaaqi milia occupying the town. The media outlet say there are deaths and injuries of the civilian population in Lasanod today January 21st/2012.

     The repoand sinorder hipped them to Lasanodrters add that the Isaaqi occupiers of so called Somaliland have tried to transport womwn, children, and men in transport trucks from Burco, Hargeysa, and Berbera in order to make them look as the residents of Lasanod and stage a pro Isaaqi demonstration in Lasanod. What you can see from the youtube is the residents of Lasanod expressing anger and opposing this dangerous move taken by the secessionists, that will more bloodshed and tribal wars and conflict.

     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X38LoBJTOo

     1. you are layer stop lying I am from lascanod and Somaliland police is only say to keep security what made this problem are thief’s who want to stolen the shops and market of lasanod we support Somaliland and we condemning what so called khatumo state

226. I am originated from Somaliland, Awdal in particular and I thought it is a good idea to air my views regarding the imminent Somali Conference which is due to be held in London. After long and hard negotiation, the communities from Awadal, Lasanod, Buroa, Erigavo and Hargeisa agreed to regain their lost independence in 1960 to which they joined with a Mafia group from Southern Somalia. Djibouti sensed the problem at a very early age and it had opted out from the union. There is no discriminarion from one another regardless of one’s gender or clan as my uncle, His Excellency Mr Riyale had ruled Somaliland for almost 8 years. Somaliland has been stable for decades apart from a newly formed SSC terrorist group affiliated with Alshabab and Al-Qaida. This terrorist was event existed when British used to rule Somaliland and it does not worry me, but my point is that we would never ever reunite with Mafia from Southern Somalia. Finally, I was appalled to learn from the media that the Mafia boss, Mr Farole, ruler of Pirates land or Punt land in Somalia was invited to the meeting, rather than him being kept behind bars.
     Cheers, Awdal Boy.

227. Hi Mr Matt
     Thanks for helding a conference for the somali people.
     My opinion is that, Somali people must recognize them selves first, and get help from the international community later.
     We Somaliland people, we wont accept to unite with Southern Somalia, because of the backwardness after 1960 unite.
     Somalilanders wont accept to be part of somalia and their conferences, where ever it is held, because somaliland wat formed by the loss of thousand of lives and wealth. Right now, we cant accept to be back to 1960 era.
     If any one tries to force Somaliland and its affairs, it will cause alot of problems wich will affect all east african countries, and even the world.
     I think the solution is to recognize Somaliland as an independent country, which I see as a real solution for Southern-Somalia.

228. It is time that the UK stops giving aid to Somaliland (Noth Somalia) because this aid is used to kill people in Sool, Sanaag and Ayn. The UK can ignore what is happenning there and act as if the money is going to help the needy but in fact it is used to buy weapons and to pay their militia’s. We the people of Sool, Sanaag and Ayn urge the UK government to STOP aiding the seperatists in Norrth Somalia who Call them self in Somaliland.

229. Dear Matt and all others who may read this piece,
     Please stop hallucinating, wake up and smell the coffee. This conference is no diffent from the many countlless other conferences held for Walaweyn. You could advertise it as many times as you would like and call it whatever you wish, but at end it is what is; an outing picnic for self promoting Somalians, representing no one but themselves. Look no farther than the reply of this article. For sure that is what you should expect from Walaweyn when the outing is commence. Including the Country of Somaliland Republic in the agenda of the conference is not only irresponsible from your part but an insult to the Somaliland people who by referendom opted to part their way and to regain their lost independent. Somalilanders do not need an outside hepl to resolve their problmes. We know how to do it, and done it. We reconciled our differneces, settled our greivances, and solved disputes amoung our people. We don’t need it now, neither did we ever needed in the past an out aide mediator. It is the Somalians who are not capable and requires the others mind and finance to settle their affairs. How come you guys, the outsiders, don’t get that Somalilanders just want to b left alone. Is that so hard to do. We, Somalilanders, don’t run with wolves but soar high with the eagles above the clouds. Our fathers fought for you and supported you when you needed them. We sheld our blood for you in the jungles of Burma; in the sandy deserts of North Africa; and in the fox holes of snowy and cold European soil. And in return wha t did we get? Soamliland is not coming to sit at the same table with unelected warlords. Because we do not discuss our future with someone who can not contribute to the solution. Why should we go with someone who is not going anywhere and has gone nowhere for the last twenty year and so. There is a saying “becareful who to ask for direction”.

     To the Somalians, we do not want to associate with you. We do not share any value what so ever. Let outsiders help you and save you from yourselves. What a wasted mind!!!!

230. Is your twitter #LDNSomalia working we would like to see it up dated, i don’t think its working or up. Thanks

231. Dearest Matt Baugh

     We appreciate you for the efforts of the Great Britain and for the chance of the upcoming conference, although we don’t have any thing to do with it while we are Somalilanders for Somaliland Republic but we are ready to support our brothers and assist any friend who is trying to help them.

     All what I will conclude my message is Allah Al-mighty help those who help them selves.

232. Somaliland is a country in the horn of africa which retained it’s independence and statehood in 1991 and we need to give our recognize

233. Dear matt
     we don’t like union of Somali we like independent of somaliland British government , united nation , African union , united state ,Arab league , European union, and all international community we coordinate to recognize us that is our massage that is what we want that is our dream we don’t like unification of Somali we will never retain Somalia ever viva somalanders and Somaliland vvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

234. I am fully behind this conference, but one thing you have to remember Matt, Somalis are a clan based community so be aware of that, try to invite every region using by any means or searching community leaders .I am sure yo have enough information for this issue. You can also visit websites and inform people to participate this conference.

235. DEAR Matt in somaliland
     first am greating you all of you (peace of ALLAH be upon you)
     scnd now i wanna to annunciate they were colonize our people and they don’t mercy at all they compel our mums they molesting our girls they suffered ours and they betray coz we feeling of loving somali unification but they were not allowed happen for this, so the so we need our indepandance if we are somaliland we need our recognize please and please give our right the feeling of somalia get-worse and we talk our sense and they trample -on right and they treat like a animal and we need to assess our peace have a 21 years so why the UN sharg-off our recognize PLEASE AND PLEASE GIVE OUR RECOGNIZE AND RIGHT…………….tnkz all of you…

236. my names hibo i just want to say few things clear
     somaliland broke away somalia 1991 so somaliland has one flag one people and one’s president has election free and fair. somaliland deserves to recognize somaliland its self declared country which needs to recognize surely somaliland is not a part of somalia in 1991 so we hope now is the time to recognize somaliland and we will be member of unated nation .
     somaliland have 21 years passed and apperently , somalilanders never accept to be part of somaila but i accept somalia is part of somaliland

237. i’m somalilander i’m agree that UK do we and i hope everything but we can’t union again in south Somali bocouse it’s very had to understand each other and the sharing of the power , somaliland is taken indepedent five day before somalia so we accept about the peace we can’t union we need freedom , if the gov uk is really to do in taking about peace we come but if they taking about state we really sorry in uk,, we need saparate in somalia we need saparate in somalia , arabic people is arabic but is to much goverment, we don’t want again civil war and goniced in somalia we hope freedom but not union , somaliland is peace and goverment

238. Hi all
     My name is mowlid mohamed form awdal Somaliland
     I think it is a time that British government take forward step and Re_Recognize republic of Somaliland British prim minister must announce the recognition of Somaliland because British government know the history of Somaliland well so it is important to negotiate London conference the recognition of Somaliland
     Good bless Somaliland the sun that rice africa Good bless Somaliland

239. Hi
     massage from young Somaliland girl to British prime minster and organizers of London conference I am young Somaliland girl I am 14 year all I was born in Erigavo sanaag region of Somaliland I grow up peace and I start my primary school here I feel Somaliland is my heart because I love my country I sow my mom and my father electing their leaders we are democratic and peaceful country I don’t see any bad action or war or migration in my city I am proud to be somalilander so please Mr. prim minster and the comment of London conference to join agenda of London conference to our issue and support the recognition of our country because it is a time to support our effort we reach here to our effort we became democratic government without get any help we made our country peaceful without help in the world why the world closed their eyes us and we made a very rear history in Africa I think it is time that the world support somaliland to held up our future because we miss more thing because luck of recognition so my massage to a prim mister of British we need recognition please we need recognition recognition recognition of republic of Somaliland that is my massage to you Mr. Prime minster and the organizers of London conference long life Somaliland

240. Dear matt
     I appreciate first the chance you give us I want tell you that iam citizen of Somaliland from awadl region and I surprise the people who say we are awdal state we don’t know what so called awadal state I live borama the capital of awal region of Somaliland we are enjoying peace progress and development of education we are somalilander and their people who say awdal is not Somaliland are jealous people who made propaganda they think that they injure the dignity of republic of Somaliland but that is not possible coz the world know what is Somaliland and how Somaliland is star of Africa
     we support Somaliland to be independent
     viva somaliland

241. We believe in an independent Somaliland and we the Somalilanders fought in the first world war and the second world war. We the Somaliland people helped remove Japan from Burma in the second world war as we were the foot soldiers and Britain provided us with air support. This is why I beleive Britain should take the first step in recognising us as an Independent Country.

242. I am surgeon working currently in wales. I was born in Somalia and have connection and regularly go back to provide basic health care in remote area such as the villages in the border of Ethiopia and Kenya.
     I believe that Somalia problems such be tackled from the grassroots level. Commencing from elderly tribe leaders and targeting selective development by providing basic development such as health village workers.
     In the political level I have no idea where to commence. Last year when I went the village I went was control by the Islamist groups. Those village is currently under the so call government and Ethiopian troops. Unlike the islamist groups they shot as they pleased, they torture by own brother and after long and tiring discussion with Ethiopian troops they released him.
     Al-shabaab have no place in Somalia and should be defeated but they can only be defeated by Somalis. Al-shabaab properly will stay till there are alternative solution to fulfill the security vacuum.
     Britian need to focus the resource in long term goals by help so call Somali government to create a variable security institutions to train professional police. The reality is Al-shabaab is far more professional and sensible than the Somali Police.
     The Somali Parliament need serious make over. The parliament which should be the nerve center of the nation consists hand-picked illiterates who uses as punch bags. Anyone who is in the parliament should have standard of education and proven integrity, honesty to deliver and develop the area, the tribe he representing.
     I am asking British Government as I am taxi payer to make sure that our money should to right place and those who in needs not the warlords.
     Finally Britain government should deployed it weight with the Somali population not politician who will be ousted by the people.

243. hi matt..

     Khaatumo State of Somalia is a new state of Somalia which is being authorized to the Land of Sool, Sanaag and Cayn (SSC) and their capital cities Laascaanood, Ceerigaabo, And Buuhoodle, We are 2 million population where by the other clans such us Isaaq land (Somaliland) is 1.5 million people and puntland 2 million… How ever I don’t believe one clan can became a government… Khaatumo is my State , SSC is my Land , Dhulbahante is my Cland, Somalia is my Country… And I will Somali for ever.. I will fight for ever, every thing against for Somalia..

     Khaatumo Lander

244. I m fully agree the effort you (UK) provide to solve the proplems in Somali and the conference as well, but one has to keep in mind that Somaliland is not a part of the problem, hence its required to take two approches:
     1. To bring all groups or regional parts in south Somalia to form their adminsteration
     2. To bring Somaliland governmet in the table and discuss with south Somalia with current issues, whether to reunify or separate.

245. I am from Burco ( North Somalia), my clan is habarjeclo Isaaq, I believe Somalia is one country and I don’t want my clan needs. Somalia is one country one people, one Flag, one Passport, One religion and I am Somali… I am Somali for ever.. I will die us a Somali.. Somaliwayn, I don’t believe what ever he believes Siilaanyo. and he is a murder and big killer.. He only knows how to kill people he announce to kill a lot of people in laascaanood and buhodle, he said in Waaheen.com and hadhwanaag.com, I have to fight the people of KHAATUMO STATE OF SOMALIA.. i dis agree for him…

     1. REPUBLIC OF SOMALILAND – COUNTRY PROFILE

        Introduction . Area . Topography . Climate . Population .
        Language . Religion . Capital City . Political System . Currency . Imports & Exports . Agriculture . Mining . Fishery & Marine . Health . Education

        INTRODUCTION
        Somaliland is situated on the eastern horn of Africa and lies between the 08°00′ – 11°30′ parallel north of the equator and between 42°30′ – 49°00′ meridian east of the Greenwich. It shares borders with Republic of Djibouti to the west, Federal Republic of Ethiopia to the south and Somalia to the east. Somaliland has a coastal line to the north of the country which extends 460 miles along the Red Sea.
        (Click map to see it in detail)

        GEOGRAPHY
        AREA
        Somaliland is about the size of England and Wales with an area of 137,600km² (68,000 sq. miles).
        TOPOGRAPHY
        The major topography features are:
        The low-lying coastal plains known as the Guban, running some 70 km inland with a very hot summer climate.
        A high escarpment running east-west parallel to the coast and rising to over 2000m at Eri Gavo.
        A plateau to the south of the mountains known as Ogo, extending to Ethiopia, with an average altitude of 1200m.
        Further inland and to the south is the Haud, red sandy plains stretching southwards into Ethiopia, where altitudes fall to some 500m.
        CLIMATE
        The country has a tropical monsoon type of climate. However, there are four distinct seasons. A main rainy spring season from April to June, followed by a dry summer season from July to September. Then there is a short autumn rainy period from October to November, and finally a long dry winter from December to March. The latter is the most difficult for the animal herding rural population and to the farmers to a lesser scale. If the April-June rains fail the result is a drought that could kill most animals which have already been weakened by the December-March dry season, which also severely hits the country’s economy.
        Annual average precipitation ranges from less than 1000 mm on the coast to 500 mm inland except for a limited areas where it may reach 900 mm. Rain variability is very high. Hargeisa, the capital, for instance, with a long term average of some 400 mm has recorded variations from 209 to 810 mm per annum.
        Temperatures also show some seasonal variations. The winter months are normally cool with average December temperatures in the range of 15 – 26°C, while the summer months are the hottest averaging 26 – 32°C in June.
        POPULATION
        The population of Somaliland is estimated at around 3.5 million. The average population growth rate is 3.1%. Population density is estimated at approximately 25 persons per sq. kilometer. Fifty-five percent of the population is either nomadic or semi-nomadic, while 45% live in urban centres or rural towns. The average life expectancy for the male is 50 and for females it is 55.
        LANGUAGES
        Somali is the official language. Arabic and English are the other official languages.
        RELIGION
        Islam – Sunni.
        CAPITAL CITY & MAIN TOWNS
        Hargeisa is the capital of Somaliland with an estimated population of 0.65 million. The other main towns are Burao, Borama, Berbera, Erigabo and Las Anod.
        TOURISM
        Somaliland has a budding tourist industry and is home to what is often considered to be one of the most interesting attractions in the Horn of Africa which is the Laas Gaal cave paintings. Currently, a small number of tourists travel to the country to see this sight. The paintings are situated near Hargeisa and were discovered by a French archaeological team in 2002. Currently to preserve the cave paintings only a restricted number of tourists are allowed to visit the site at each time. Other tourist attarction include the historic town of Sheikh which is home to old British colonial buildings that have been untouched for over forty years. The near by port city of Berbera also houses historic and impressive Ottoman architectural buildings. Another equally famous historic city is Zeila which was once part of the Ottoman Empire, a dependency of Yemen and Egypt and a major trade city during the 19th century. The city is a tourist must see place so they can view the old colonial landmarks, offshore mangroves and coral reefs and its towering cliffs and beach. Other notable tourist sights include the Freedom Arch in Hargeisa and the war memorial in the city center. Other natural attractions are very common around the country. The Naasa Hablood hills are twin hills located on the outskirts of Hargeisa that Somalilanders consider to be a majestic natural landmark. To travel to Somaliland you will require a visitor visa which you can obtain from your nearest Somaliland Mission Office. You can get the contact details in the Visitor Visa Section on this site.
        HISTORY
        The Republic of Somaliland known as the Somaliland Protectorate under the British rule from 1884 until June, 26th 1960 when Somaliland got its independence from Britain. On July 1st 1960 it joined the former Italian Somalia to form the Somali Republic. The union did not work according to the aspirations of the people, and the strain led to a civil war from 1980s onwards and eventually to the collapse of the Somali Republic. After the collapse of the Somali Republic, the people of Somaliland held a congress in which it was decided to withdraw from the Union with Somalia and to reinstate Somaliland’s sovereignty.
        POLITICAL SYSTEM
        The country has a republican form of government. The legislative assembly is composed of two chambers – an elected elder’s chamber, and a house of representatives. An elected President and an elected Vice-president head the government. The President nominates the cabinet which is approved by the legislature. There is an independent judiciary
        The country has three political parties. i.e UDUB Party, Kulmiye Party and UCID party . The current President of the Republic is H.E Dahir Riyale Kahin and the vice-president is H.E Ahmed Yusuf Yasin of UDUB party who were elected on April 2003 for a five year term. The term of the current government was expected to end in April 2008. Elections were delayed to complete voter registration and next presidential elections are slated to be held by April, 2009.
        ECONOMY
        CURRENCY
        The official Somaliland currency is the Somaliland shilling (SlSh). The exchange rate the shilling against the US Dollar in end of December 2008 was:
        US$1 = Somaliland Shillings 7,500
        IMPORTS & EXPORTS
        The backbone of the economy is livestock. The total livestock in the country is estimated at 24 million. In 1998, 3.5 million heads of livestock were exported to the Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia which is the main market for the livestock export. The level of exports dropped after 1999 due to restriction imposed by Saudi Arabia which continued until 2002 when exports started rebounding and close to 2 million head of livestock were exported in 2008. Somaliland also exports frozen meat to the gulf countries like United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
        Somaliland also also exports Hides, Skins, Myrrh and Frankincense in smaller scale. You can obtain additional information from SOMALILAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE website.
        LIVESTOCK EXPORTS
        2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
        TOTAL 996,403 1,177,095 1,125,817 1,558,934 1,857,883
        SHEEP 859,404 1,023,795 1,017,376 1,431,138 1, 725,441
        CATTLE 131,852 148,151 85,631 92,764 101,011
        CAMEL 5147 5069 22,810 35,032 31,431

        IMPORTS
        Annual imports exceed US$200 million. Principal imports include food commodities, apparel and footwear, fuel, building material, Machinery, vehicles, and chemicals.
        AGRICULTURE
        About 10% of the total area of Somaliland is classified as suitable for agricultural production of which 3% of the total area is actually under cultivation, while an additional 7% has potential for development in the future. The agricultural belt (Borama-Baki-Gebiley-Hargeisa) is inhabited by the 5-15% of the population who forms the agro-pastoral group. They farming method is mainly is considered as a complement to livestock production. Average farm size is eight hectares. Maize and sorghum are the predominant crops and are grown in 75% and 25% of land under rain fed farming by widely scattered small holders. Due to variability of weather, extreme fluctuations in production and yield are common. To a lesser extent millet, groundnuts and beans are also grown on a smaller scale. Horticulture (vegetables and citrus) is practiced along banks of seasonal streams and perennial springs although bulk of such foodstuffs have to be imported.
        MINING
        Mining is limited to quarrying at the moment. There are, however, confirmed deposits of:
        Oil, Gas, Gypsum, Lime, Mica, Quartz, Lignite Coal, Lead, Gold, Sulphur.
        FISHERY & MARINE RESOURCES
        The fishing industry is still underdeveloped, but the country has 600 mile long coast with rich fishing grounds. Somaliland is strategically located at cross roads between Africa, Europe, The Middle East and South East Asia. In 1996 up to 846 vessels called on Berbera port on the Red Sea which has the potential to develop into a major commercial centre.
        INDUSTRY
        HEALTH
        In1999 , the number of Health centres was 44 and these can be found in most districts. Several private clinics (some catering for inpatients) are also functioning.
        Currently a new hospital is under construction in Hargeisa specialising exclusively in the treatment of for women & children. This hospital is expected to open in July 2000 and will be run by a Trust Charity. This hospital is initiated and funded by a Somali Nurse with other contributions.
        EDUCATION
        Education in Somaliland is recognized as a fundamental tool that will not only facilitate long term economic gains, but build the necessary human resource to achieve this goal. The Ministry of Education in Somaliland has a National Education Policy that supports achievement of primary education for all children. Currently, Somaliland has over 450 primary schools with total enrollment of 108,995 students, ( 36% girls and 64% boys). In the years 1996/1997 there were only 163 primary schools with a total enrollment of 33,000 students. Somaliland has 5 universities and 3 colleges that provide higher education in different fields of specialization including medicine, in which the Amoud university provided the first ever Somaliland trained medical doctors in 2008. Though progress has been made in education the issues of access, equity and quality of education continue to be a key challenge to education in Somaliland, and the lack of International recognition contributes to inadequate international funding to support policy implementation. The UN and INGO’s have minimally continued to supplement government and communities in Education.

        ________________________________________Copyright © Somaliland Mission 2009

246. somalia must recognise somaliland … UK government U know somalia and U know somaliland the different between them so why always make confuse our country …. U know somaliland united somalia 1960 and now we back our independent 1991 … tats the true and tats our decision. ..

247. dear matt:

     I am Abdisalan From Lasanod.. Let me share u something related to this conference. I am from a place called Sool, Sanaag and Cayn regions of Somalia which is SSC and the people called Darvish people and my State is Khaatumo State of Somalia. My clan is Dhulbahante , We believe the people of Somalia are united and we are not accept any thing regarding separation of same people. We are same language , same rice, same religion, and united…but the people of Isaaq Clan believe something else which is Somaliland..Us we are North Somalia together, my People of Khaatumo State of Somalia and Awdal State of Somali which is Borama will never agree the dividing of the country.. If Isaaq clan they don’t want the other somalis they have to take to their two cities Hargaisa and burco.. The president of Isaaq clan which is Siilaanyo was killed a lot of Khaatumo Lander’s in the last week..he is a murder of thousands of Laascaanood, Buuhoodle, and Ceerigaabo people.. If you want to help somali people, to change something in their future you have to keep the union of the country and secure all the people. STOP giving a lot of budget to ISaaq clan to fight the people of SSC otherwise support both sides and give same money..

     Dhulbahanta is a part of Solution in the Country.. If you solve the problems of Khaatumo State and ISaaq State, and Awdal State you solved half of the problems in somalia which is to keep the peace and secure the environment….

248. Dear Mr Matt,
     The only thing Britih Government to do in this conference is to pressure all Somali stake holders to accept
     1-Good governance and end of the transitional period
     2-adopt Federal system for all Somalia both North and South
     3-End of hostility in all regions including Khatumo State of Somalia by the Somaliland forces
     4-start direct talks among all stake holders and hammer out long term startigic goals

     Having adopted the above points will end piracy and terrorist activities in Somalia.
     Thanks Mr Matt

249. somaliland now and somaliland tommorrow

250. Dear Matt,

     I think that, at the upcoming conference the International community should finally wake up and see that ‘Somalia’ was a phenomena that existed from 1960-1991 and that maybe the future of the Somali people does not lie in trying to resuscitate a carcass. It is often said that recognising Somaliland as a sovereign state would set a precedent for other African states. But let’s stop for a moment and consider what exactly this precedent would be. A recognised Somaliland would say to regions contemplating secession: if you can come out of the ashes of a brutal civil war on your own, build a fully functioning country on your own, hold successive democratic elections and can be patient for 20 years, then you may be recognised. I don’t think that this would be an invitation for every ramshackle African region such as Darfur to seek recognition.

     Moreover, Somaliland was once a recognised country with a seat at the UN. Its separation from Somalia is akin to that of Syria from the short-lived United Arab Republic union with Egypt.

251. Somaliland people don’t need help from the world in promoting democtracy, peace building, good governance, or feeding its people since there is no mass starvation. They have done all that without asking help. Somaliland needs the world to recongnize and give what is rightfully hers. The world infact need Somaliland and will help bring Soomalia in to sanity by employing its experience and unique knowledge they have. They know the people who failed themselves. The people who destroyed thier nation te people who was holding back Somaliland for 50 years more than any other nation.

     The British governmet should contain the Somalia problem outside Somaliland’s borders. Somalia is dependent to the world in every sphare of its affairs such as food aid, millitry aid, protection, education, health, governance, leadership and are still waiting the British to help them envade Somaliland wich is independent in every way. Common sence should prevail. Djibouti is a seperate Somali nation. Somalis live and are major fabric societies in Ethiopia and Kenya. Will the British government enclude thier lands and people into the mix?

252. Somaliland, with a population of about 4 million, is an ex-British colony that willingly merged with the former Italian Somalia at independence in 1960 to form the republic of Somalia. But under the military dictatorship of Mohamed Siad Barre, Somaliland was neglected, although it remained an integral part of the Somali state.

     Following the overthrow of the Barre regime in May 1991, which left behind a country engulfed by anarchy and bloody inter-clan fighting, Somaliland seceded from the rest of Somalia and declared independence on the same day. Since then, efforts at reconciliation between the different Somali clans, drafting a new Constitution and democratisation have helped Somaliland metamorphose into one of a few peaceful, stable and progressive states on our continent.

     In the last two decades the country has made gigantic strides on the socio-economic and political front, though it does not get any assistance from Western creditors to build its economy due to lack of international recognition. It relies for its development, on livestock exports, tourism and remittances from Somalis in the Diaspora, which are estimated at $ 650 million a year.

     Even with its sparse resources, Somaliland has registered striking accomplishments, especially in the health and education sectors. For example, it has registered considerable reduction in maternal and child mortality.
     According to the deputy minister of Health, Nimo Hussein Qawthan, maternal mortality rate has declined from 1,600 deaths per 100,000 women in 1991 to 1,044 per 100,000 in 2006; child mortality rate which was 275 in 1990, has dropped to 166 in 2006. And because of the vigorous fight against malaria, the country is almost malaria-free!

     With regard to education, Somaliland has three world-class universities and several colleges as well as polytechnic schools – all built without foreign assistance. In 1991, according to Prof Ahmed Hussein Essa of the University of Hargeisa, there were a total of 219 primary, intermediate and secondary schools. Today the number of primary schools alone has increased to 506. Literacy rates have gone up from 20 per cent in 1991 to 45 per cent in 2010.

     And, politically, the country’s multi-party democracy experimentation has been impressive; respect for human rights and the exercise of the freedom of expression and assembly are some of the salient features of the democratisation process. The country has successfully held three parliamentary and municipal elections, two presidential elections as well as smooth transfer of power since the death of President Mohamed Ibrahim Egal in May 2002.

     But despite all these successes, Somaliland is still not recognised internationally as an independent and sovereign state. This surprises many an analyst (and infuriates the Somalilanders) because the country, which will never rejoin stateless Somalia, meets all the standard criteria of an independent state.

     Interestingly, Somaliland is remarkably different from Croatia and Kosovo – nations that never had a separate history from Serbia. Yet, the two break-away nations became independent with the support of the Western powers, followed by the rest of the world.

     On the other hand, the republic of Somaliland is not different from Eritrea which had a separate history from Ethiopia, but was allowed its independence. And Southern Sudan, which is historically part of the Sudan, recently decided to secede through a referendum and got international support. Now, why, one might ask, should Somaliland be treated differently? Is it because it has no oil?

     Soon, the Western countries will be falling over each other to open embassies in Juba, as they scramble for Southern Sudan’s oil, while Somaliland, which is well managed compared to most African countries that are endowed with natural resources, remains totally ignored; but for how long? This unique country needs to be recognised so that it can become a member of the international community, do business with the rest of the world and be able to sign international treaties.

253. Firts of all, thank you Mr Baugh for asking our feedback for your work.
     Secondly, knowing that you are in this for the interest of your Brithish government and have clear goals and objectives to reach upon the successful ending of the up coming conference unlike the disoriented and idealogically abounding Somali factional groups. If you need history, have look at no other account but your British one. The Somali history is in the Britain’s past. For recet studies, you can refer to these reports:
     international Crises Group’s (Africa Report N°110, 23 May 2006), Time for African Union Leadership

     Brenthurst Discussion Papers: News Release [118058]

     report of AU fact-finding mission to Somaliland in 2005

     Understanding Somalia and Somaliland: Culture, History, Society. Ioan Lewis.

     On the other hand, I would suggest that you go back to Somalia’s history and look way back before it become a nation and how it was come to exist. What was the major factors that lead to its fall into this chaotic situation.

     Somaliland’s major towns were inhumanly bombarded by the last Somalia governmet and its citizens paid heavy price. More than 100000 civilians killed. There was human rights groups such as Amnesty International and African wach who jointly verified publications like “The Government with War against its People”. History should not be repeated.

     In conclution, the majority of Somaliland population(under 30yrs old) which is 70% Know only Somaliland and remember Somalia and its acts of the genocide committed against thier people, distraction of its major towns. They see the on going terrorism, piracy and corrupted TFG that are all in agreement to conspire Somaliland’s peace and democratic stability that it enjoyed. Enough is enough. Its time Somaliland case for full deplomatic recognition be brought forward and the conflic reden Somalia proplems contained and dealth with seperately. That is were British government and the free world’s interest lies.

254. claims that Kenya is preparing to recognize Somaliland’s independence, which would create another new country in the horn of Africa. “Kenyan Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Richard Onyonka said during an event held in Nairobi to commemorate Somaliland’s 20th anniversary of Independence that his country will support Somaliland as an independent state” reported Somaliland Press and Iran’s Press TV. Kenyans who have called for their government to recognize Hargeisa argue that Somaliland would help stabilize the region and stop Somalia’s expansionism dreams into Kenya and into Ethiopia’s eastern regions with Somali ethnic populations. Since Somaliland’s ally Ethiopia cannot become the first African country to recognize Somaliland, analysts have often maintained that Kenya and Uganda will be the first nations to officially acknowledge Somaliland as a sovereign country.

     Meanwhile, sources in Ethiopia claim that Eritrea’s President Isaias Afewerki is gathering anti-SouthSudan forces together even before South Sudan officially becomes a country. The Juba government in South Sudan will form an independent state on July 9, 2011 which will create the youngest country in Africa. However, Eritrea wants to remain the youngest country in Africa. President Isaias often justifies not having elections in Asmara and the lack of economic progress in Eritrea with the pretext that Eritrea is still the youngest country. According to the source, Eritrean President Isaias Afawerki has a unique foreign policy of collecting anti-government forces from countries in the horn of Africa (Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti, South Sudan, Somaliland and Sudan) in order to be relevant and have influence in the region. By creating instability inside its neighbors, the Eritrean government often uses its ability to mediate negotiations to restore stability among its neighbors as a leverage in its foreign relations with countries in the horn of Africa. Eritrea wants to have leverage against the new Juba government since South Sudan has a long border with Ethiopia that can be used to infiltrate opponents of the Addis Ababa government.

     Since it became a country, Eritrea has been involved in conflicts with Djibouti, Ethiopia, Yemen, Sudan and in Somalia.

255. The government of Israel is ready to restore the de jure recognition it has offered to Somaliland in 1960 as it eyes the Red Sea and the Horn, an Israeli spokesman says.

     Below is an article published by Somaliland Press:

     The government of Israel is ready to restore the de jure recognition it has offered to Somaliland in 1960 as it eyes the Red Sea and the Horn, an Israeli spokesman says. According to a local source, Golisnews, Mr. Yigal Palmor, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman is quoted on the Israeli newspaper of Haaretz Daily saying his government was ready to recognize Somaliland again. He cited Israel was the first state to recognize Somaliland in 1960 when it received its independence from Great Britain.

     However, Mr. Palmor admitted Somaliland government has not contacted the Israeli government to seek ties. When asked a question regarding Somalia, Mr. Palmor answered: “Somalia looks like the Afghanistan of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, historically speaking we know the Somali people have different believes and politics. The Somali people have different political values of which they unified in 1960 that led to the whole misunderstanding and ultimately the collapse of Somalia,” he told Haaretz Daily. While answering to a question regarding Somaliland-Israel ties, he said: “Israel was the first nation to recognize Somaliland and indeed was the first country the State of Israel has recognized, after it received it’s Independence from Great Britain. When it unified with Southern Somalia, again we were the first to recognize it. We always wanted a relationship with a Muslim country in East Africa and which we can share the Red sea with.” Mr. Palmor said his country was ready to restore Somaliland’s old status however currently the two states have no bilateral ties.

     He added Israel has ties with number of East African countries including Tanzania, Uganda and even Djibouti. Many analysts believe Israel has growing national interest in the Red Sea region, a key shipping route. According to well-informed regional sources Israel believes the region is also a key route for arms from Iran for Hezbollah, Sudanese regime and number of other groups in Palestine. The Red Sea gives Israeli ships access to the Arabia Sea and are within cruise-missile range of Iran. Israel also concern about Arab nations such as Egypt blocking it’s commercial shipping lines. There are unconfirmed reports also suggesting Israel wants to deploy submarines in the Somaliland port of Berbera and possibly establish a military outpost. Many Arab states have in the past expressed concerns about the proposed Israeli-base in the Horn of Africa seeing it as Israel surrounding them.

     The region is well known for it’s strategic importance and it was days ago when an Al Qaeda spokesman, Said al-Shihri, said “taking control of Bab El-Mandeb, will constitute an escalating victory: the Jews will be crushed in a vise, because it is through the Strait that the United States brings its support to Israel.” Bab El-Mandeb, which means “tears of gates” in Arabic is a 20-mile long inlet located in the narrowest point of the Red Sea, between the shores of the Horn of Africa and Yemen. It is no secret to Somaliland though, the former president, Mr Ibrahim Haji Egal addressed the very issue in a letter to the former Israeli head of state, Mr Yitshak Rabin in 1995. Fifteen years ago, Mr Egal saw the threat of Islamic fundamentalism and the importance of Bab El-Mandeb.

     Mr Egal, who became prime minister of Somaliland at the age of only 30, wrote: “Today, however, although the West had won the cold war and the threat of communism appears to be vanishing in many parts of the world, we, in the Horn of Africa, are being threatened by a more sinister and pernicious enemy in the form of encroaching Islamic influence.” Mr Egal continues, “my government firmly believes that owing to this region’s strategic geopolitical importance as a result of its propinquity to the oil routes and the narrow Bab El-Mandeb entrance, as well as its proximity to the Gulf, the Middle East and the access to the Indian Ocean.”

     Egal, who was a champion politician, died May 3rd 2002 in the South African capital Pretoria. He was succeeded by the current leader, Mr. Dahir Rayale, who is said to have avoided approaching Israel in order not to harm Somaliland’s current fragile relations with the Arabs and Muslim world, which it heavily relies on for it’s only surviving economic engines – livestock.
     However many of the youths in Somaliland believe ties with Israel is better for Somaliland’s economic environment because of it’s economical and technological achievements. Many argue livestock is not sustainable economy because of health issues, climate change and urbanisation and prefer developing economy based on service and high-tech sector, similar to that one of Israel and Taiwan.

     Somaliland, like Israel, finds itself politically isolated, in the middle of a hostile region and at a thorny crossroads and if anyone is to reach out to the unrecognized republic, it would be Israel. It too knows how it feels to be denied it’s statehood and self-determination. While Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East, Somaliland is the only Muslim democracy in the region. Somaliland has it’s own hybrid system of governance under a constitution was former British protectorate which gained independence 26th June 1960 and was recognized by 34 countries including Israel and the United States. It later joined South Somalia in a union that was never rectified which lasted until 1991.

256. Best way to stop al shabaab and terrortism in somalia is support a national army remove the arms in embargo from the somali goverment TFG. Plus the Ethiopians and Kenyans back to there lands. End AMISOM all equipment be donated to the Somalia National government. Somali’s and British have been friends for a long time in history.

     Support a greater Somalia, the Ogaden is Somalia its worse then Darfur, give them there land. Build Federal states of Somalia, with diplomacy but what can bring terrorism is Ethiopians doing ethnic cleansing. In all parts of SOMALIA.

     Internal Affairs is Internal Affairs. Let the Somali’s solve the rest with opionions from there British and turkish counterparts and the world. thank you

257. ======================================
     Somaliland is a country in the horn of africa which retained it’s independence and statehood in 1991 after a bloody civil war with somalia, somaliland was a former british protectrate until 26 june 1960 it later united with italian somaliland to form the somali republic, and after many years of conflict and mayhem it retained itls long fought independence in 1991, therefore after demonstrating to the world three democratically held elections,peace and tranquillity which are a rarity in that region of the world somaliland is still waiting to be recognized a sovereign nation
     =======================================

     An old wise man said :“Rise and fall of a nation rests with every one of its citizens.”, so we need all Somalilanders around the world and any one who support our justice case to join us, to make the world hear us saying (Now Now Now it’s time to Recognize the Republic of Somaliland)
     so we need all your voice , all your Courage ,all your Effort and creativity .. to achieve our goal … Somaliland

     ==========================================
     In one day , one moment , one time all the somalilanders and who support our justice case we will send a message to the biggest countries, institutions, UN organizations and the media in the world.
     the day and the time , we will announce latter, suggestion r open
     =======================================

258. ladies and gentlemen,
     here i want to discuss why somaliland republic recognized, because somaliland’s people were build peacefull and stability state somaliland have a own flag,money,parleimentry and president who were elected or voted their people with justice and fairly and there is democratic and have ruler part and other opositional parties (KULMIYE AND UCID), in 1960 somaliland united southeren somalia and build one state but when the president of southeren somalia masacred the north population decide to stand indepedently and make other state, somaliland were save teroriest and slamic malia as well as christan terorist,

     somaliland speak loudly and want their rights and recognize them

259. Dear creates of the conferences, first and foremost.

     I would say that British have finally woke up, and they will correct the mistakes of the past, there has been conflict in Ethiopia and Somalia for years, living in Ethiopia and i believe the Somali government should have the land that is inhabited by Somalis as there somali state of the ogaden then can bring peace in the regime better future and resources in that land of somali will be shared by the somali goverment according the Somali goverment.

     Please be just, don’t steal wealth from orphans, and somali people that been living that god bestowed on them.

     Plus Somali’s are peaceful people, they live everywhere in the world without problems, and those Somali’s that were arrested for fighting with the Ethiopians to defend there land should be freeed thank you very much, its a national issue, ex if London your family were being mistreated wouldn’t you fly from anywhere to help them. end

260. Somaliland has fulfilled the legal requirements for statehood. The only element that prevents Somaliland from receiving recognition and enjoying all the benefits that flow from statehood are the political considerations of entities, which they are unable to control.

     Below is an article published by Somaliland Press:

     The 20th anniversary of Somaliland self-declaration as independent state will be on May 18th [2011]. Somaliland declared independence after the overthrow of Somali military dictator Siad Barre in 1991. Although the international community does not recognize Somaliland, the country has beacon of hope in a region consumed by endless civil war and anarchy.

     While Somaliland appears to fulfill all the requirements of statehood, the lack of international recognition prevents it from establishing its position in the world as an independent nation. Since the act of recognition by one state to another is triggered by political considerations rather than a legal threshold, Somaliland finds itself in a position whereby it must justify its existence against political interests of various entities like superpowers in within the Africa Union, where their self-interests come first.

     The United States maintaining the position that the African Union should be first to recognize Somaliland, while politically safe, also undermines aspects of their foreign policy that claim to promote democracy in vastly changing landscape in the region. President Obama has placed democracy ahead of political interest and regional stability as it had shown through support of public uprising in number of Arab countries.

     The United States should take a more supportive role in Somaliland’s quest for recognition. Somaliland has initiated its own process of creating a democracy that fits within their social framework. By deferring the decision of Somaliland’s recognition to the African Union, the United States is failing to fulfill its asserted position of promoting democracy.

     While the African Union’s concern of recognizing Somaliland is not absolutely without warrant, one must consider the consequences for failing to recognize Somaliland. On one side of the equation is a group of people who have exercised their natural right to be free from war and oppression and determine the direction of their land and way of life. On the other side of the equation is the ambition that all Somalis will unite to form one Somali nation despite the fact that this attempt has never been successful. Moreover, the current situation in Somalia is lawless and has been so since 1991. Gambling the fate of the millions of people in Somaliland for the convenience of upholding borders that were created decades ago is in my opinion is ill advised.

     In the leaked cables the United States acknowledges the Somaliland government is in control of the region. However, they have withheld recognition to Somaliland on grounds that the African Union should determine the question of Somaliland’s independence. In turn, the African Union refuses to recognize Somaliland based on fears that doing so would lead to a series of claims of secession by other territories in Africa. Moreover, the African Union believes that recognizing Somaliland would create further instability in Somalia by introducing “a new dynamic into Somalia and its warring factions, thus threatening current efforts to establish peace and stabilize peace within the country.” Furthermore, the African Union further basis its position on their history of upholding the borders demarked following colonization to deter tribal claims of secession.”

     Other opponents to Somaliland’s quest for independent statehood have continued to argue that the citizens of Somaliland should partake in the unification of one nation and give another chance at forming the country of Somalia, which encompasses both the former British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland. But the Somaliland people have shown strong assertion for independence from the rest of Somalia as results of last election and formation of national constitution that assert their rights as independent country.

     In the wake of birth of Southern Sudan as independent republic, Somaliland people hope that the African Union and international community will follow suit to recognize the efforts made by Somaliland people in maintaining functioning government and flourishing democracy in the region. The Somaliland Diaspora is planning worldwide campaign and rallies to pressure the international community to recognize Somaliland. The Diaspora community in England will hold a rally to mark the 20th anniversary of the birth of the Republic of Somaliland on 18th May 2011. The rally will be held on the said date at Old Palace Yard Westminster (opposite the houses of Parliament.)

     The facts illustrate that Somaliland has fulfilled the legal requirements for statehood. The only element that prevents Somaliland from receiving recognition and enjoying all the benefits that flow from statehood are the political considerations of entities, which they are unable to control. Therefore, Somaliland’s pleas for recognition must be based on policy. There current administration needs to lobby the African Union to recognize the statehood of Somaliland. The situation is ripe more than ever. Strong governments with the African Union are opposed to recognition of Somaliland out of self-interest agenda to keep the Somalia intact, where neighboring countries like Djibouti, Kenya and Ethiopia are realizing that Somaliland people have shown dedication to democracy and it is the turn of African Union to support their efforts.

261. of course security cannot be sustained with out political process: I thing there is one problem when it comes to political process of Somalia that is 20 years the international community were organizing reconciliation conferences in different countries so as to establish a fully functioning government for Somalia. But that way used by international community was wrong, the best way is that the reconciliation process should be started with in the country, with in the different clans and later the clans them selves will held a great reconciliation conference with in Somalia not out side Somalia. There fore the Somali people can easily establish a clan based government and later on international community is needed to help how this clan based government to be changed in to a democratic government ,were multiparty system will be established and the people will get chance to elect their leaders . This is the way Somaliland does with out help of any foreign intervention. So foreign intervention must be stopped and let Somalis to do their affairs and solve their problems by using the way their culture allows which is the only way they can over come their political and security problems . The last point is that there is one thing which is needed to be care fully considered that is the issue of Somalia and Somaliland. These two countries must be honestly mediated by international community and Somaliland must be given a chance to become a member of international community .if this happens then Somaliland could take a great role for the peace and reconciliation process of Somalia, Somaliland recognition is an important factor for the peace and security of the region in general, so UK government is needed to lead the recognition campaign of Somaliland.

262. Hollo, all of you. I think Somali peace conference in London will be very important to the Somalians, becouse there is no peacefull region which enjoys complete Low and order in Somalia, even somaliland and puntland. If somalilanders used to complain a bout that the previos central goverment of Somalia forced them to come all of their issues in to Mogadisho, now it is federalisim own your own for example: you will have your own universities, immigration and courts. So please keep what you have in somaliland right now and share what you don’t have in central goverment of Somalia. We also know that two of somaliland’s majer tribes are supporting Somali goverment, so please somalilanders come forword to the point and don’t loose your chance before it is too late.

263. Somalia need to recognise the Somaliland and referendum of North Somalia or ( Somaliland British protectorate), and then solve the south problems.

     thanks

264. A QUOTE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER
     In his speech to the Lord Mayor’s banquet on 14 November, the Prime Minister said that Somalia is a failed state that directly threatens British interests:

     “Tourists and aid workers kidnapped. Young British minds poisoned by radicalism. Mass migration. Vital trade routes disrupted………….”

     THE QUESTION OF SOMALILAND

     Given David’s speech, tell me two good reasons that Hon. Silanyo should attend this conference as propagated by Matt & Chris Allan in Hargeisa the day before yesterday. First, the conference is about a “failed state” called Somalia and the president Ahmed Silanyo of Somaliland should take care not to accept such labels (Somalia, failed state etc). Secondly, issues are being discussed from the perspective of the British interest (see above).

     AN OPTION FOR SOMALI LAND

     This isnot a question of whether this is an opportunity or not but it is a question of how best to to get our message (Somaliland’s case) accross and that is by NOT ATTENDING the conference. If you ask him, David Cameroon, will admit the effectiveness of such a strategy (he himself refused to attend the UN climate talks in Cancún, mexico)

     FED UP WITH THE BRITAIN NOW

     Britain, as Somaliland’s ex colonial power, failed miserably to understand issues at stake. Britain has always betrayed Somaliland and this is one of britains business as usual foreign policy towards Somaliland characterised by broken treaties and lack of good faith since 1960′s and quote the late president Egal’s portrait of this naive sort of politics..

     []“Yet, throughout this long period of unfulfilled promises, of broken treaties and of deliberate lack of good faith, the Somali people have always maintained an inexplicable warmth and high regard for Britain . It is perhaps a great irony that the Somalis, of all the people in this world, should so genuinely and touchingly attribute to the British an unimpeachable sense of justice and fair play. With all due respect, in his own dealings with the British, the Somali was never shown an example of this quality which he so sincerely attributed to the British. ” (Egal, 1968)

265. It seems to me some people have misunderstood what this blogger was asking for, so I would like to confirm and clarify what he was asking for

     I am sure the UK government would not adopt a foreign policy from comments on a website.
     So if I am not wrong you would like to know if we agree with what you hope to be the result of this conference, namely the below three points.

     “ – The opportunity to support a more inclusive and representative political process when the Transitional Period ends in August 2012;
     – The opportunity to help people return to Mogadishu and rebuild their lives in that city;-
     – The opportunity to take further action against Al Shabaab and piracy;
     – The opportunity to reinforce the relative stability in areas of Somalia, such as Somaliland and Puntland and in the south. ”

     Here I would say it is a good plan that no one would argue against, but the implementation is going to be frustrating to say the least. I think the representation should be passed on state or administration, because the current 4.5 is not true representation of demography in Somalia.

     In order for Somalia out of these nightmare we need competent and passionate leaders not people selected passed on their tribe or the number of arms they have, I know that is not possible for the time being but it should be the aim, or the next best thing is to select competent people from each state or administration.
     There should be a time limit on how long they can stay in office and there should be separation of power.

     The second two points of relocation of people who fled their cities and “Al- Shabaab” or Al-Shaydaan that goes without saying and you would have the support of Majority of Somalis.

     The final point is the peace in the stable regions of Puntland,(Somaliland, Khaatumo State and Awdal State), yes the peace and stability in these regions are as a result of the people who leave on this regions and they should be helped by disarming all the militias so the citizens who brought the peace can keep the peace and decide their future. There should be united nation/African union peace keepers in these regions to replace the militias that have the guns.

     Kind Regards and Thanks

266. iam from Khatumo State which is newly established in Taleex Conference, we thank British Government their support in somali people, second we strong recommend the British government to invite President of Khatumo State Mr. Ahmed Karash and his cabinets to attend the conference expected to be held in London. We are dhulbahante we are not part of somaliland administration. we have our own state ‘khatumo’ and we have president and parliamentary and ministries cabinet. please visit our websites, like http://www.lasanod.com,,,,, http://www.boocameonline.com,,,,,, http://www.jidbaale.com,,,, http://www.horufadhi.com,,, http://www.radiolaascaanood1.com,, http://www.ceegaag.com, http://www.allssc.com, thank you very much

267. Dear Mr.matt, take care some people from somaliland are trying to give you wrong information about the somalia, we are dhulbahante clan and we did support Isaaq administration, although we have created Khatumo State, we have president and parliamentary and cabinet, somalia is only country, one blood and cultural and one religion, we are not supporting any separation, The isaq clan is maniotry, the somaliland regions consists about 6 regions, and 6 clans are living together, isaaq is less than 30%, dhulbahnate is more than 35% and gudabiirsi is more than 30% and 5% are madhibaan. so you should remember always only Isaaq clans want the separation of somalia while others want somali unity.. On the otherhand, please invite our Khatumo State in the somali conference expected to be held in London the mid of February 2012

268. If i’m right this meeting in UK is not a referendum on somaliland breaking away from somalia? to my best understanding “This is what the London Conference is about – bringing together in London senior representatives from over 40 governments, multilateral organisations and Somali authorities to agree how the international community can step-up its efforts to help tackle the root causes and effects of the problems in Somalia”.shame on you to those who are trying to make this meeting about Somalia VS Somaliland………UK sees Somaliland as another state in Somalia. UK OR USA will not recognise eberland somaliland…..etc

269. 21 years have passed and apparently we have learned much more lessons on the importance of nation/state governance functions. We appreciate for your support of giving us the consultancy, resources, advocacy and the venue, but I may advise for Somalia should be approached within the problem solving of the horn of Africa being optimized for Somalia to become a role model for Africa that could be realized through building a democratic society and effective government that abides the rule of law supremacy, good governance and human rights. The undemocratic, corrupted and who violated the rights of people when practicing of personal gains and the legend of clan supremacy should be brought ( the current and old surviving elites) to genuine court trails to shape the societal justice. A better representation of the civil society and their approaches should be given the top priority exclusively the business communities who were ranked as undemocratic groups where supposedly to be development actors, but in contrast now they remain trying to sustain the situation with no in-depth changes as they share no common understanding and interest with the rest of Somalia. There should be an in-depth changes in all aspects for the sake of new Somalia to
     enjoy life as global citizens.

     Somalia has an immense deposits of oil and gas and other natural resources too, but this should be exploited through bilateral interests. You started our socioeconomic development by taking advantage of our vulnerability, but this works if it is from up to bottom, however, we hope to put thing on the right track and ensure for new and greater Somalia to be established. Al shabaab and Piracy, you do not need any comments but you know better than us. Looking for your appreciation

     Rgrds.

     Jeylani Farah Mohamud
     Puntland Garowe
     Diakonia Sweden

270. Matt,

     we support the British government’s efforts to help Somalia to unite and build an affective central gov’t again. We, as the majority of Somali people around the world welcome your efforts. BUT, in order to reach a full momentum, the british government MUST invite Khaatumo State of Somalia, which is fully supported and recognized by all somalis except some isaaqs. Awdal State of Somalia MUST be invited as well, if that does not happen, I am afraid this conference will not succeed as many others. Remember, ALL Somalis are paying a full attention to this conference, and they only want the outcome to be UNITED SOMALIA, CENTRAL GOV’T, SUPPORT OF KHAATUMO AND AWDAL as Puntland and Somaliland….THAT IS BASICALLY IT, PERIOD.

     Again, I thank the British gov’t and its citizens for taking on this challenge.

271. Dear Sir/ madam,

     I came to UK to flee the war in Northern Somalia in the early 1990s, when I was 10years old. I am blessed to have had this chance to make something of myself here in the UK by studying and finishing University.

     However I still feel that something is missing in my life and that is obviously a stable democratic united Somalia.

     I have always wanted for an independent Somaliland, but I am now more in favour of a United Somalia, as both names are quite similar.

     Me and most of the Somali people have all suffered enough and urgently need Somali people to come together and be a strong United Country with our beautiful Blue Flag and white star, so we can compete with our neighbours in East Africa.

     I am sure there will be many disagreements, however I am quite certain the majority of our people would be in favour of a united country.

     I look forward to this conference and believe it is a step in the right direction, so let the talks begin and I want other Somaliland people to come and voice their concerns or support.

     Thanks Very much,

     Mr Jama

272. europeans divided africa into countries when they were in charge. onething to know is that in 1960 british somaliland( Somaliland) brought an idea which they tried to reunion the somali regions (british somaliland, italian somaliland, french somaliland, NFD (part of kenya), reserve area (part of ethiopia)), but that idea died and seems the whole world including you (englan) impossible, so if you want to return that idea and want to make true, welcome and start the union from NFD, reserve area, jabout, italian somali and somaliland. but if not, why you are forcing to unite only two countries.

273. Sheekada yey dhaafin fikirka reer Puntland, Anigase waxaan qabaa sidaa:
     Afartii sanoo la soo dhaafay Puntland dhib ay ummadda Soomaaliyeed ula siman tahay ayaa gaaray, ammaan xumo ha ugu darraatee (Shabaab dab hurisay, gal-gala qabadsiisay, Leelkase u gudbisay). Faroole af-lagaadyin geysay, waxaase ugusii darraa xaasid-nimada universalTV-Somali channel, BBC,VOA iyo web-side-yada qaarkood. Waxaas laga soo tag-yey.

     Dhibaatooyinkaas dhacay Puntland xallisay, Soomaali nabadaynteed-na ka shaqaysay(Shirkii Garoowe), Shidaal soo saar-na hawaysatay.

     Shirka London:Dhakhtaradda faraha badan waa lagu wareeraa,bal horta ROAD MAP-kaan halaga warsugo, haddii kale waa hadda iyo kow halaga soo bilaabo.
     Puntland tusaale fiican ha u noqoto(good role model) bulshada Soomaaliyeed. Xornimada Soomaaliya markii horeba imaansha-heeda reer Punland hormuud fiican bay ka ahaayeen.
     Waad mahadsan-tihiin

274. Hi Matt,
     No Matter how hard Somali south and their supporters try, We (Somalilanders) NEVER accept to be part of Somalia again. If you write here million times and The whole world support you, simply We will not accept it. We tried our best to work and be part of Somalia and the only thing we got from them was 32 years of destruction and hatred towards our beloved country-Somaliland. We love to help and support Somalia as we are doing all the time(thousands of them are in Somaliland and enjoying the peace they destroyed yesterday! What a good people). We sent lately food and money for their famine from our tax-payers money(the tax of cities you destroyed yesterday) and their children and cousins or family members are those filling this page with hatred comments about Somaliland and its people. From those Somaliland regions and claiming false states, please be reasonable and remember you tribal leaders, politicians and every single intelligent of your tribes signed the current declaration of Somaliland. Let’s give some other important issues to Matt and the organisers and not waste everyone’s time a baseless argument. Somaliland is gone for good and British government knows that very well.
     God Bless Somaliland

275. A QUOTE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER
     In his speech to the Lord Mayor’s banquet on 14 November, the Prime Minister said that Somalia is a failed state that directly threatens British interests:

     “Tourists and aid workers kidnapped. Young British minds poisoned by radicalism. Mass migration. Vital trade routes disrupted………….”

     THE QUESTION OF SOMALILAND

     Given David’s speech, tell me two good reasons that Hon. Silanyo should attend this conference as propagated by Matt & Chris Allan in Hargeisa the day before yesterday. First, the conference is about a “failed state” called Somalia and the president Ahmed Silanyo of Somaliland should take care not to accept such labels (Somalia, failed state etc). Secondly, issues are being discussed from the perspective of the British interest (see above).

     AN OPTION FOR SOMALI LAND

     This isnot a question of whether this is an opportunity or not but it is a question of how best to to get our message (Somaliland’s case) accross and that is by NOT ATTENDING the conference. If you ask him, David Cameroon, will admit the effectiveness of such a strategy (he himself refused to attend the UN climate talks in Cancún, mexico)

     FED UP WITH THE BRITAIN NOW

     Britain, as Somaliland’s ex colonial power, failed miserably to understand issues at stake. Britain has always betrayed Somaliland and this is one of britains business as usual foreign policy towards Somaliland characterised by broken treaties and lack of good faith since 1960’s and quote the late president Egal’s portrait of this naive sort of politics..

     []”Yet, throughout this long period of unfulfilled promises, of broken treaties and of deliberate lack of good faith, the Somali people have always maintained an inexplicable warmth and high regard for Britain . It is perhaps a great irony that the Somalis, of all the people in this world, should so genuinely and touchingly attribute to the British an unimpeachable sense of justice and fair play. With all due respect, in his own dealings with the British, the Somali was never shown an example of this quality which he so sincerely attributed to the British. ” (Egal, 1968)

276. I have to say thank you to UK Government for bringing Somalis around one Table on discussion of their goodness. UK wanted always that all Somali Speaking people to be united. It is not really first that Britain showed the world the interest of Somali Unity. It was before the independence when great britain recommended to unite the all Somalis where ever they were.

     I hope at this too UK Government will keep sovereignty of Somalia and lead this country to be held together and not divide it as some people of us are looking for. Wishing this conference that will be held in London in nxt month to be successfull and fruitful for all Somalis and Internetional Community.

277. Dear Mr Matt…
     these somalia losers are ignoring the reality exist in somaliland, you dont have to believe them beacuse somaliland in not in turmoil so somalialand does not need to participate that kind of reconciliation…somalia and its blood suckers need to go there rehabilitate them….
     I see some stale views agains somaliland…you people from somalia are envy of somaliland…somaliland has been stable,peace and progressive for the last 20 years and the whole world is appreciated…but this kind of envy is norm in somalia…you somalians please stop hating somaliland while you dont agree to rebuild your country….i got surprise when you somalians disagree to stop killing your brothers,mothers, raping your sisters,and killing your fathers, distroying your whole country and you all agree on destruction of somaliland…the independence of somaliland lies in the hands of somalilanders…….before you talk about somaliland and anyother country who is successful, stop raping your mothers and sisters….but losers always talk like this………if you try to intervene somaliland independence you will remember what SNM did to you loser guys…Faqash…somaliland and its people destroyed the army of great somalia…….we put them in our mouth within few years and still in great shallow…

278. All the jealous people from South Somalia, because harsh animals, eating each other, killing each other and back stabbing each other. we are your brothers [Somaliland] we always pray and beg Allah to give peace, prosperity and effective central government because we love to see you living in a peaceful life, and you always like to see Somaliland destroyed and became like your country. Why are you doing this????? We joined together, like many other countries joined together to form one government. if we couldn’t go together we must follow two different roads. Somaliland set up an effective government and the eyes of the world are looking in their side. All the world became fed up by trying to help Southern Somalia and the Pirate state of Puntland but they always fail. this conference were organized to inform all warlords and those representing un existed states that Britain will effectively work with Somaliland and recognizing it in this year of 2012.

     Hey Somalis, there is nothing you can do to weak Somaliland, cleans your hearts, organize your selves and come together, discuss and agree to make a government for Somalia, and be the fist country who recognizes Somaliland, then you will be in the hearts of all Somalilanders.

279. One of Somaliland Girl says in long comment and said In conclusion summary London Conference on Somalia: Building Momentum

     “We have a been working very hard as a Diaspora community with the national and the international community to address improvement and to address the needs of our community. And not to forget to mention the successfully achievement we had nationally and in the Uk as a Somaliland community
     I can continue to write about the most effective reasons and evidence to make Somaliland a recognized country but I’m confident and I’m aware of your knowledge about this matter,
     Could I Please kidney request you and the British government to respond to this great country and community of Somaliland and be the leading country of the recognizing the republic of Somaliland ….
     Thank you and thanks to the British government.”

     To substantiate that statement here the evidence : Crisis in the Horn of Africa: A Somaliland Perspective
     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0a0pM7YWz3I

280. hi first,
     secondly I 18 year old boy live in Hargiesa. The capital city of Somaliland, I never see war and problems. Becasue of our government secured the peace and stabilty. If we are somalilanders we are only peaple who have one vision and one mission. we don’t want to lose our nation. I don’t to lose the the Flag I was born under it. We really like our southern brother and sisters to get a peace and leave the war and problems. But we don’t want to unite with then again. Because still it’s on our minds the problems we had experienced by the time we united them. At least I want urge the international community to reconginze somaliland

281. Dear Matt,
     Thank you Math for solving Somali issues and understanding Somalia. Here are key important for Somalis to understand : 1) security and development, and fighting for Alshabab 2) Supporting Regions like Puntland State of Somalia. 3) Puntland State has model that worked last 14 years and it is successful now . 4) Somalis should stop blaming others for their own problems. 5) UK should support Puntland State 100% for creating jobs inside Puntland. 6) UK should support for Puntland Marine Force for fighting for pirates. so they can create peace and security in the sea , and Horn of Africa.

     USA,
     OHIO

282. Dear Matt.
     I want to tell you that the Rebuplic os Somaliland is not one of the somali regoin
     but the Republic of Somaliland is a Free country The country have border and they have an elected president Mr Ahmed Mahamed Mahamud , is somaliland s President
     not shouth somalia .

     if we are Somalilanders we suporting our Goverment Somaliland and our president Ahmed Mahamed Mahamud .
     No more Muqdisho.
     remmenber Somaliland national day was 1960 6 26 and somalia was 1960 7 1 we where two country befor joined .
     now somalilans have money goverment and international flag .
     we will never reunited south somali or Ethopia or DJabuti , we are free country
     Somaliland viva Viva UK

283. Greeting Matt Baugh,

     It seems we are not there yet to donate an accurate advice and plans to the world in order to end the horrible era. We should be good to find out better way to proverb, wiser to halt abhorrence and use all tools possible to accept the facts on the ground. Let us all remember that Britain won’t solve our harms their role is clear facilitation course only. Problem of Somalia’s for us to participate equally, sincerely to come up with rational termination of the past and generate new Somalia that can learn from the past and offer better chance for all walks of life. As we heard of or may be there to remember we had firs democratically elected government in Africa and for sure we have it in recorded history. We also had first presidential (may god give mercy His excellence Adan AbdulleOsman) peacefully power shift in Africa. Fair enough, we can do it again with even very much so or even much enhanced federal foundation to star from (bottom up approach)grassroots’ to the national level. We are all upset but we can make it well within this outstanding moment for all. As Puntlanders’ we have full of dreadfulness scenarios than North West Somali (Somaliland) ethnic group but we prefer to stay in accord. We share to a large extent in common not single difference perhaps political variation wherein collective responsibility is the only way forward.
     Finally, my advices as follows
     • International community must encourage Somali unity by adapting federal system.
     • Foreign military force is the only solution to defuse Al-SHABAB but our people are too sensitive to bear as such a brutal action. Given that, AL-SHABAB can benefit Ethiopian army on the ground for its religion misinformation therefore, to prevent any propagandas Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan and Malaysia would be an advantage to take the lead in its place.
     • Reinforcing Somali national army is crucial for Somalia and elsewhere (piracy, terror and all ill-actions) in the world. Consequently, huge investment should be made available to bring the law and order, to patrol its borders and secure its citizens.

     hope may voice is heard!
     Hussein A Fiqi
     Nationalist

284. It is very ironic that some people who subscribe to the elusive and dead idea of greater Somalia have nothing to backup that dream other then say something bad about Somaliland. Denying the existence of Somaliland a state that fulfills all the necessary requirements of statehood: a defined territory, a functional government (democratically elected on one) tells one very little about the merits of a so called Somali state. The Somali issue can only deteriorate when we disregard facts on the ground, Somaliland s here to stay.

285. Somalia needs no more foriegn intervention least from former colonial power who gave Ogaden and NFD to Ethiopia and Kenya respectively. You could do us a favor by staying out of Somalia. You have done enough damage,

     To Somalis,

     No one will solve your problems and will come to your help-wise up and sit down together.

286. My name is Mohammed and I have read some of these lines above. I sadly noticed a hattred opinoins based on regions, clans, tribes, etc we really dont need this confrence, because we aint ready yet, we need to grow up. Allah make us different tribes to recognise each other and not to kill each other if we dont agree. we had 16 FAILED confrences, ask your self why we fail, all inclusive is not the answer.
     If your are not part of the problem, you cannot be part of the solution.
     Somalind has gone wether we like it or not, and we are not in a position to criticize them lets be realistic. we have to stop to blame other people for what happen to our country, we left our doors open then we had alot of uninvited guests. let us unite the south first then we will be in better position, let us talk about our business and stop interfere others. lets kick out all politicians from the north to Somaliland they worthless and a pain in the backside. at the end we can sit down with Somaliland Gov. and intl community as witness only, if they still want to we can ask them a referendum with intranational observers presents if they gone we will congratulate them and work out a good brotherly relationship, they are not going anywhere they are there. in the meantime be civilised we are in the 21th century bros. do not lose faith, behave yourself, its not the end of world.
     thanks British gov

287. Somaliland people will never again go back to failed marriage. The British government and the International community can not fold their eyes from the reality called Somaliland. And if they think the solution of all Somalis is forcing Somaliland people into failed Union, I warn this will backfire on international communities face. Solution for Somali crisis is recognition of Somaliland period. Any thing else as far as Somaliland people are consired is none starter.

288. I’m still baffled, how does the recognition of Isaaq lands of Torgdheera and Wogoyi Galbeed as a ‘republic of Somaliland’ end somali problems. I see problems when non-Isaaq lands [ Awdal.Sanaag and Sool]become disfranchised with the government in Hargeisa and the reply will be clan cleansing and shelling with like is happening in Buuhoodle now. ‘Somalilanders cannot play victim and bullies at the same time.

289. like or not UK and interntional community can not force somaliland and its people to join somalia, SO called most power full ragime of Somalia try to use force in our people but it doest work it result 20 years civil war. we are genartion who was born under somlailand flag, am 22 years old.i dont know what is somalia i watch tv as watch it other countires. and I will fight till my last drop of my blood . long life somaliland. 3 million people majorty isaq , say no to somalia .get real , We will live peaeceful to our interntionl community and our nighboorhood ethiopia long life our alies, ethiopia, UK, usa, isreal, friends of somaliland long life peace and love somaliland african best kept secret.

290. what a wondarfull somalian ?

291. All we need is a peace living Somalis in order to alternate contemporary situation of bloody civil war and obliviousness in the South. The British People knows everything as they have full diplomatic engagement with Somaliland, There is peace and development in Somaliland. A democratic State, an elected Incumbent President and the unprecedented Peaceful Transfer of Power from a losing Political Party to a Winning one. Relying on the common sense why Awdal State established after Rayale and not during his term of Presidency, just a Simple question? Awdal is one of the regions of Somaliland and its people fully support independence. I think this is not a big issue. I recommend to those live in Europe and North America who from this specific region to provide an assistance and upkeep the livelihood of their communities not to lead them hellhole. Those diaspora from Awdal Region of Somaliland are the only useless community who never help their community back, infrastructure, health and social service are a good example. They never support these important issues but animosity, war and uncertainty are what they exactly return instead. Please leave the hostility and support development and stability in Somaliland.

292. On behalf of the Somali national association in Sweden, we are very thankful and welcoming the recent British announcement on hosting an international conference on Somalia because of the need to overcome both the instability and piracy activities in the country. We are contacting you as represent Somali National Association in Sweden. The Somali National Association in Sweden is a non-profit and nationwide democratic national organization that represents the Somali community in Sweden.
     Again the Somali national association in Sweden is very thankful and welcoming the recent British announcement on hosting an international conference about Somalia because of the need to overcome both the instability and piracy activities in the country.
     The Somali National Association want thank again the British government to their efforts to help Somali people both humanitarian assistance to the famine stricken Somalis in Somalia but also the political efforts to solve the basic problems in the country which is the protracted conflict in the country. The Somalia National Association is very positive to the British initiative to help Somalia to overcome the protracted conflict in the country and to organize a national reconciliation conference in London next year but the Somali National Association calling for restraint and reflection.
     We believe that Somalia needs a careful restraint because we know that there are approximately some 30 self-appointed clan-based presidents in the country today. For example now there are two strong clan-based states, one of the most stabilized area in the northern part of the country which are against a divided Somalia. That is why the Somali National Association in Sweden calling for careful restraint and reflection.
     Somali National Associations in Sweden are interested in attending the conference to express our views and to provide participants with our advice to them and to help the British government to get the conference to succeed. We believe that our efforts will be valuable
     and effective to the conference and if the British foreign ministry accepts our request to attend the conference so we promise that our delegation will be one or two persons who will express our views to the participants.
     Abdullahi Mahamed
     Chairman
     Somali national association

293. MR MATT
     i must say as a somalian iam ashamed !!
     look what had become my people ONCE proud NATION and people with
     RICH history that dates back at least 1000 yrs are here asking help some dude called ‘MATT’ that is what is wrong with us.
     for those of you who’s fighting somaliland / somalia i have one thing to say to you TIME has come to look your self in the MIRROR that is if you have
     ayes with brain behind it!! LONDON is and will always be the root cause
     of oure ILL from the begening to the END
     isn’t it IRONIC you asking help those who colonized your for fathers AND
     give part of our land away to the ENEMY………………………………
     MATT please GO AWAY, GO AWAY GO,AWAY,
     OH ALLAH HELP US !!

294. Dear Sir
     It looks like the topic has been hijacked by some people who are advocating for the terrorist group by the name of SSC which operates in Buhoodle District. This terrorist group was existed when Somaliland was under British Protectorate. This group of terrorists had been a well known terrorist group who fought with the British forces led them by Mad Mullah. So please do not entertain the gentleman with incidents that he knows more than you lot in this blog.
     There have recently been reported some incidents in the area of Buhodle as it was believed that it was orchestrated by the violent Alshabab affiliated group, SSC.

     The Somaliland Diaspora in the United Kingdom has already condemned the terrorist group by the name of SSC which has affiliation with Alshabaab and Al-Qaida. One week ago, the terrorist group of SSC is reported to have committed atrocity and killed civilian people in the area of Buhoodle District. They wounded civilians and are currently treated in Garowe. The terrorist group then attacked a few Somaliland military personnel officers after them approaching to the area in establishing and assessing the security after it had been alerted to them by other personnel from Somaliland who was already in the town of Buuhoodle. One of the Somaliland personnel confirmed this to the local news papers.
     The personnel reported that the aim of the violent and Alshabab affiliated group SSC was to create a havoc in the area in order to divert attention of the Somaliland Army Force who had been closely watching the conference held in Taleex by some of the main SSC funders who came from Canada and America. The Somaliland Security Personnel had been made aware that Alshabab and SSC were having a meeting in Taleex too for discussing how to destabilise Somaliland since Alshabab told the conference that they will be moving from Southern Somalia to Buhoodle as some of their strategic territories had already fell in the hands of AMASON and Kenyan Forces. It was also conformed to the media by locals that Suleman Essa Ahmed (Hagal tosiye), and others who had been visiting Telex via Ogaden with the aim of carrying covert operation against Somaliland. Suleman Essa Ahmed (Hagal tosiye), from Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Ahmed is the leader of the violent Al-Shabaab-affiliated rebel group named SSC or PSS , a warlike group bent to destabilize Somaliland at any cost. It was reported that Mr Ahmed and his comrades were having a meeting at Taleex with Alshabab but Somaliland Security was aware of their movements. Reliable sources of Information confirmed to the media that the aim of the meeting was SSC and Alshabab to form a new strategy for destabilising Somaliland to see the recent article explaining this, please see (www.oodweynenews.com).
     For those who are living in Europe and America, you should know by law that you should not be advocating for terrorists like SSC and Alshabab.
     Thanks, Cabdi

295. we don’t need other south Korea and north Korea facing each other with war endless and why the do always saying Ogaden region Ethiopian is occupied and Britain did give a away west region somalia to Ethiopian in Berlin 1888 where the divide African to colonised Ogaden region is not a name region Ogaden is tribes not a region name by the away a different clans live in west somalia like isaaq and Hawiya clan like Murusade and Sheikhal Hawiya the population is about of a six million of somalia under control of the regime of Ethiopian how the daily suffering from drought and blocked of Ethiopian regime region of somalia west. somalia a one country and not two country in separated and we don’t need clans regions name we want a working government

296. Iam a somali man, thanks for those who give us chance to discuss about somalia in general, hard talk but fair.it is a long history more than 40 years but still part of somalia i mean south somali including mogadishu.why they coulden,t achieve peace? the answer is easy they don,t have good a leaders,tradionally or politically, that is what we have seen practically the last 22 years.secondly is the al-shabaab satanis who are only hungry for the blood of the young somalis they master minds are not somalis but crimanals who got save heaven in mogadishu and the hole south, but there si save heaven in somalia and this the future hope, that is the autonomous state of puntland since 1998.part of federal republic of somalia. a third of somalis population lives in the territory which contains about a third of the nation,s geografical area with it is capital city Growe, commercial citie bossaso, growe, galdogob, galkao, laskorey—-in december puntalnd hosted the somali road map conference peacefully, it has taken all necessary security and logistic measures alone and managed well , with presence of un representatives and many world ambassador especially those who interests somalia, the last 20 years puntland was peace island in a burning inferno, prasident abdullahi yusuf, prasident adde muse and the current prasident Dr. Abdirahman faroole all came through 1 man 1 vote. but puntland has many enemies who wants to destroy the peace, who are they? Alshabab and their friends we know last years al-qaida man shiek atom attacked puntland with the help of somaliland. what is somaliland? good question? somaliland the word means somali country, which means somalia, but the so called somaliland now is not more the separatist.they we part of somalia nord west region but the world is caming together look EU -look AU- lackly no body has yet recognized, we want to bring africa togther not to serarate again like colonialistis did, the worl will never aceept a small tribe to became a state, who will feed. if this haben. than each tribe wants it,s state choas kkkk. 4 days ago somaliland army attacked buhoodle and killed many people just because they don,t want to sepaarate from somali federal republicat the end iam really very and very happy to hear that puntland got a huge oil and started driling the dharoor one with canadian african oil company this is the end of th war, puntland will fed the hole east africa and will be the the imarate of africa. thanks again

297. Dear Mr Matt,

     Thank you for your efforts for somalia.

     Somalia is one not two. we locate in the north of somalia and we have our own system which is Khaatumo state of Somalia. There is only one clan which is the ISAQ who wants to seprate from the rest of somalia.The Dhulbahante, Warsangali and Gudebirsi tribes to be part of somalia.

     We want to participate the London Conference and would like to meet you there at the conference.

298. Hi, I am here to declare that somalia is one country and one people ,also there are alot of sides like KHAATUMO STATE OF SOMALIA, AWDAL STATE OF SOMALIA ,PUNTLAND AND ETC.there is no somaliland but there is different tripes in north somalia like dhulbahante ,samaroon, wersangali they all don’t want s/l the only solution is somalia and there is no need to divide , somalia is somalia and will be somalia no more then that.

     thanks.

     viva somalia for ever.

299. Dear Mr Matt,

     First, I would like to say thank you and the Uk Government forr helping the somali people. We have heard that the UK Govertment is helding a very important conference for all somalis. This is a good move for the Uk goverment and we Somali are so gratefull for the uk effort for somalia.

     Secondly, I come from the north of somalia Specailly Khaatumo State of Somalia, it is a new state and wants to be part of somalia. If you hear the name of so called Somaliland, don’t trust it. We as Khaatumo state are disagree what the one tribe wants. It is the Isaq tribe who wants to seprate from Somalia. WE don’t want the country do be devided by only one tribe.

300. Shame on the UK Government for rewarding thugs who are stealing from thier own people. Somalilanders does not support this meeting for obivous reasons and the British government know why!

     Ali Jama.

301. Dear matt
     Somali people are jealous people they are always trying to made Somaliland like a south Somalia the pro al shabab and other Somali gungs trying to made propaganda what so called (khatuma or awadl stete) which have no existence in Somaliland
     Somalilanders believes deeply their issue they support independent of Somaliland coz they voted 97% to separate Somalia so we hope the London conference to talk our issue of independence

302. hello ladies and mens

     my neme ist khalif nuur
     I am from Gar-adag Somaliland

     I just want to say a few things clear

     the people are from southern Somalia only opponents of the opposite Somalilanders

     because they have not done what we did as the Somalilanders, so they never want to say the is Somaliland own country, or was own country ,can be ,or wil be own country

     Since 1991, after s the dictator Siyad Barre

     until today we have done our best, so I think we’re even better than many other African countries, because there is almost no country like Somaliland did four times free and peaceful elections

     and we are waiting for recognition from international community

     and we hope now is the time to recognize Somaliland
     and we wil be Member of unated nation

     thanks every body

303. Though this Conference is about Somali Piracy & Al-shabaab Somaliland will be attending to make it’s case for Full International recognition.

     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuoRYG0kpf4

304. Dear mr matt
     Some people from Somalia trying to give you wrong idea in Somaliland because they refuse the reality that Somaliland is democratic and peaceful country and full fill all requirement to be a independent nation while somalia is failed country which is famous in terrorists and warlords so even we are Somaliland people our application is we need recognition we don’t like unification of Somalia we want recognition of republic of Somaliland

305. Dear Matt
     All thanks are to Allah who make us human been and make us different nation s and tribes who have different religions.
     We will thank the nations who were helping us when we needed.
     All thought we haven’t got same help like Kenya and other countries,
     But still we have to be thankful.
     My main concern will be if Great Britain makes the situation worse than we have now.
     USA was the main muscle which could make some differences in all that years but they chose not to.
     We don’t want another 22 years of civil war, and it will be great shame for Great Britain to fellow suit. Which I will doubts, because of the histories of Great Britain’s.
     Great Britain have all most one of biggest Somalia community in Europe, but sadly most of our youths has been criminals’ when we needed that they should be part of community.
     We need help in that area.
     Somalia was as everyone knows without government all most twenty two years,
     And our people are still trying to overcome their two decades of madness.
     We Somalian have to take our own responsibly if we want to get back our dignity and nationhood.
     Ones more we need our united Somalian, we don’t want small houses when Allah give us the biggest and greatest place in earth.
     May Allah bless our people and its great nations?

306. asma (from borame somaliland )
     hi my name asma i live borame awdal region somaliland We expected to add the agenda of a London conference the Recognition of republic of Somaliland because me made all the requirement we made democratic election as well we have all the systematic of government so its important that the world must understand the reality because its unfair to wait recognition more than 20 years so please British government must lead the recognition of Somaliland

307. After reading the comments of this page I realized that how low is the self worthiness, patriotism, dignity of the Somali people. It is really very misfortunate that in 2012 all of you would work for a colonialists of 20th century. This page has confirmed beyond doubt that the idoor or isaaq tribe worked for the colonialist and were never patriotic or had any pride or dignity whatsoever. I am really a shamed of sharing same name or speaking the same language. Just a man like you are all of you rushing to snitch one another. Very emberassing indeed.

     I am graduate and hold MSc in economics, very liberal, believe in peace and dignity among humanity, but never will I lower myself to this level or competiting for snitching one another for a british guy.

     I am Darood clan and I will stand proudly high above the sky, and never snitch another Somali or act like a dog and lay on the foot of a man like me. Not now and not ever.

     Somali conflict is better solved if you could believe each other as you are believing this british man. I am not anti britain or any country on earth but I am opposing this inferriority display. Come on guys. “WAAN BAAHANAHAY BAQTI LOOMA CUNO, HADAAD DHIMANEEYSO DHAREERKA AYAA LAISKA DUWAA.” You went on your knees and a man on his knees less than a man. Ask yourself, if you don’t show respect and dignity among yourselves who will respect you? You will be treated according to your category.

     You are what you feel and you can feel what you want. Don’t feel this worthlessness and inferiority feel proud and full of dignity. Wars happen, it happened in Europe, 100 years war between britain and france, 1st world war, second world war, but still kept their dignity.

     Stop this self inferiority and humiliation. Stand up and speak with dignity and not please mr matt, oh mr matt, mr matt we are this, oh the other is this, oh recognize us. Mr matt is not the owner of Somalia and has absolute no say whatsoever except facilitating this plog, and britain to try to stablize, which we are thankful no more than that.

     1. Dulmidiid, you are not better than them!

        1. thanks. you r a true Somali . don’t worry about this misleading information given by those Nuts and their claim of independence has and will never make a sense, it will never be realized.. it is like dreaming at day light.. be rational guyz.

           1. oh really i can see you are having problems believing yourself but let me tell you some thing dreams with dedication become reality..and we’ll see the republic of somaliland recognition after few months….

308. Dear Matt
     All thanks are to Allah who make us human been and make us different nation s and tribes who have different religions.
     We will thank the nations who were helping us when we needed.
     All thought we haven’t got same help like Kenya and other centuries,
     But still we have to be thankful.
     My main concern will be if Great Britain makes the situation worse than we have now.
     USA was the main muscle which could make some different but chose to not.
     We don’t want another 22 years of civil war, and it will be great shame for Great Britain to fellow suit. Which I will doubts, because of the histories of Great Britain’s.
     Great Britain have all most one of biggest Somalia community in Europe, but sadly most of our youths has been criminals’ when we needed that they should be part of community.
     We need help in that area.
     Somalia was as everyone knows without government all most twenty two years,
     And our people are still trying to overcome their two decades of madness.
     We Somalian have to take our own responsibly if we want to get back our dignity and nationhood.
     Ones more we need our united Somalian, we don’t want small houses when Allah give us the biggest and greatest place in earth.
     May Allah bless our people and its great nations?

309. Dear matt
     I am suahayb hasan from lasanood sool region and i support Somaliland as a sovereignty state which is pant in the world and unites nation some people writing propaganda comments and they pretend they are from in sool region of Somaliland and they are talking what they called khatumo state of Somalia in reality we don’t know what so called khatuma ste we are somalilanders and we support Somaliland independent and we hope British government and united nation to respect our effort and recognized as sovereignty state

310. DEAR MATT.
     First and for most ı would lıke to thank brıtısh government for thıs necessary conference.I was born ın mugadısho ın1985 ,ı know more about the conflıcts among somalıa groups,ı assume more of thıs people who are attackıng each other by gıvıng theır comments to thıs conference are teenages and they can ımagıne what they see daıly but most of them do not know the secret of somali conflicts.I am southerner and ı know more about our sıtuatıon becouse ıt ıs south where the most wars happen.Most of the comments ın thıs bage are somalıland and khatuma state who are attackınd each other,even they are blamıng each other that the other one ıs terrorısers,but ıam goıng to reveal the sıtuatıon and ı belıeve that thıs way wıll help you if you need to our peace.Brıtısh know that we are clan based communıty but fortunently,ıt seems that we are goıng to pass that stage becouse af states.You know we have aproblem of ALQAIDA lıke alshabaab and other slamıc groups besıdes that there ıs conflıcts ın north somalia between somalıland and khatuma state.It ıs clear that somalıland attacks and kılled more womens and famılıes in AYN regıon and SOOL regıon.I southerner man so,i have more experience about terrorıst wars ın somalıa that meens somalıland invaders looks lıke terrorisers like alshabaab.british should have to understand that somalıland state does not represent depart of somalia were british conquerd by.brirish government only looks the name somaliland,the name ıs the part of somalia were british admınıstaratıon ruled by alrıght,but thıs state ıs based by clan called(ISAQ).ı have another ımportant reason that you can know the sıtuatıon of somalıa,i am southerner,most of the terrorısers ın southern somalia are from somalıland and the leeder of alshabaab ıs MOHAMED AHMED GODANE, he ıs from somalıland espicially BURO town moreover,SİLAANYO the presıdent of somalıland ıs from BURO so. every body can easıly recognıse the sıtuatıon of our country.İ have told you that SILAANYO and GODDANE are cousın that ıs why ALSHABAAB not attack more ın somalıland becouse of the leader GODANE ıs from somalıland and most of hıs soldıers are from northern somalıa espıcıally BURO,BERBERA and HERGEISA .SILANYO ıs just actıng lıke GODDANE, thıs stream seems as plan.İf we are somalı we are bıg famıly we don’t need dıvısıon and seperatıon between southern somalıa and north somalia, we need to have apeace,development and great somalıa.

311. Dear Mr.Matt Baugh;

     Thank you for the online facility to contribute ideas about the London Conference on Somalia. In line with this, I strongly recommend the conference should be based on regional representations of all Somalia.

     Thank you for the good hope.

312. Dear Matt. Thanks for the brief information u have given above.
     I am a Somali Citizen originated from Puntland states. indeed it is a big disappointment to see the way my people are thinking and discriminating them selves after all we have gone through. Its like we are in 1991 and we never learnt from our mistakes.. only the fools do their mistakes twice. I am very delighted to see such a bright, pioneer people like Mr. ABDI in the first comment and the way he described the Somali and Somali-land is absolutely genuine and a true fact.

     Thanks to the Prime Minister of Britain Mr. Cameron for this generous invitation. I believe its a momentum for Somalis to address their issues very seriously leaving their echos and evil ideas outside that has destructed our country for the last 2 decades.

     let me highlight the best way we can look into the areas carry the name of Somalia for the time-being. Puntland and Somali land in one side are two areas and they have their own administrations. they have worked to maintain the peace and stability lucked by the rest of Somalia, though the second group claiming an independence since their establishment in 1991. while puntland is the opposite, their administration has always been a shelter to whole Somalis, currently hosted more than 800,000 displaced people from the south most of them in the last year. Puntland has played essential role searching for united Somalia, it has always been supportive to any effort made solving Somali issues. and they have never given up of their hope of seeing One United Somalia.

     The other side is the southern part which is indeed the only place that need a solution. these areas comprise the most important territories the Capital, Moqdisho and Kismaayo. the TFG is working hard to gain a full control of the southern regions with assistance from Amisom backed by the AU. and two other self declared administrations that control some regions in the south. Galmudug and Ahlu Sunna wal Jama’a.

     My suggestion to the International Community is to give a full support to the current efforts led by the TFG and the AMISOM to liberate the southern regions from the Al-Shabab Militia. I believe that International Community is giving much concern on the Piracy issues and the terrorist network organization establishing them selves from Somalia. it is a fact that Pirates has effected the whole world and they have negatively impacted the global economy and disturbed the world marine system. However, I believe now the International Community have realized bringing international coast guards won’t end the piracy attacks on the international civilian ships trespassing across the Indian and the Red sea. the best way is to eliminate the Piracy roots on the ground, the land is where they organize them selves. Thanks to Puntland administration, so far they have succeeded to reduce the piracy attacks originating from Puntland regions across the sea into a very low level, but it is an ongoing process and it requires full cooperation from the International community. Puntland set up marine forces to support their efforts to fight the piracy attacks and they have succeeded to rescue several local ships from the Pirate’s hand with out ransom.

     One day I am very hopeful to see United One Somalia and this conference is one such a chance that our people could reach into an understanding on their conflicts, now we have got the attention from the International community and they are willing to help finding our way back to peace and stability once again. hope something productive comes out from this conference.

     here is how I see the International community addresses the delegates coming to the conference. inviting those already established them selves and the rest can be represented by the TFG.
     UNITED STATES OF SOMALIA + USS ..
     Puntland,Somali Land, Khaatumo States, Galmudug, Ahlu sunna, Wal Jama (Expected), Jubba Land, Bay- Bakool region (Expected), Banaadir- Land (Expected) … these states could make up One Somalia and to informally suggest that Since Somali-land administration are the most extreme group claiming independence from the rest .. we the rest should be able to sacrifice either the presidential seat to be given to them or HARGEISA nominated as the Capital City. Thanks

313. my names abdirahman ibrahin hasan I am somalilander who lives in ethiopia and I support to recognize somaliland becouse somaliland
     is country which has full peace and confidence and development

314. Dear matt,

     My names is Ismail Abdi I’m from Somaliland, Somaliland was British protectorate and has gained its sovereignty 26 June 1960 4 days early then in Italian somalia, before 1 july somaliland has an independent and recognized several countries in the world by making their flag. but unfortunately somalilanders took their independence from Hargeisa to Mugdisho, by making unlawful unification, because it was early to unite another nation without any laws and written documents,and sign, After that former somaliland took another name which was Somalia, after several years the problem appears becouse the somaliland’s share was not given to them, and somalilanders realized that their independent become dark and not working, 1969 Siyad Barre take the rule by military coup, After 30 years of our people were punished and arrested innocent ones, Somalilanders try to find another time their independent from the lion’s nose, after a prolong war, mass of death,huge destructive and great humiliation somaliland people regain their sovereignty which was lost a 30 years ago, and now a nation is 20 years old although we don’t still have an international recognition but we have a great moral and confident, somaliland will be an independent nation even if we can’t get any recognition from the world whether it take 100 years, and reunite is unbelievable in any somalilanders mind, the February London conference will be great opportunity to prove that our nation is not part of Somalia, and asking the international countries to give as an international recognition. SOMALILAND WILL NOT NEVER EVER REUNITE A FAILURE STATE OF SOMALIA, uNTIL THE END OF THE LAST PERSON AND THE LAST DOT OF OUR EXPENSIVE BLOOD,

     THANKS ,,,,

     Ismail Abdi
     Hargeisa, Somaliland
     00-252-2-4465970

315. Somaliland is an asset to be good example to follow by the rest of Somalia. if somaliland joins with somalia, is up to its people. Somaliland is a ready system open to entartain new somalia as it did before but not this time. Somaliland was always such mature region for the nation building. This time around somaliland will not be the first such region that create new somalia, it will go along with its way. The international community cant ignore somaliland, and its freedom and its good leadership. the rest of somalia need only to follow Somaliland. somaliland lets its people to gun down and take the pen and the book. The somaliland people are mature enough to have basic understanding if somalia good for them or not. so far somalia is only in the mind of many people but not exist. the beautifull blue flag we rised in Hargeisa in 1960 they burnt for ever and killed many people under it. Somaliland will not threw it self in chaos, piracy and and conflict with other fellow somalis if they don’t harm our peace. For the world, in london Somaliland will be such example, good leadership, political parties and elected local governments. Silaanyo is coming also in the conference.

316. I am from SOOL especially Dhulbahante Clan I am supported my peaceful country SOMALILAND so please seperate somalia and somaliland and i suggest British goverment to recognize our mother land.

     we didnot believe Khatumo and other regional states

317. I am somalilander who lives is ethiopia
     first I want to thank in britian goverment
     second a support to recognize in somaliland
     b/c somaliland is nation who needs to be came
     one of the nations on the world

318. hi my name is sharmake ismaciil abdi and iam a somalilander and i believe that conerence will help the war for somalia to get a peace after 20 years of war but i believe we are a somaliland and we dont like to take a part from another somalia and we hope a british goverment will be the first goverment give as a recognition becouse we was a british protectrate we take our edipendance on 26 june 1960 then we became a union with other somlia and it was a mistake that our politition made it un conditional union
     and i say we will stay until we got a recognition we have full goverment and we have a right to talk about future time to get what we want to be a part of united nations like other country and we blieve we got it if allah say and thanks for british goverment

319. i am somalilander
     As we know the republic Somaliland has more historty between British government so when UK talk somali affair respect somaliland as indepedence nation. and know somalilanders people will never return what called union somalila, UK and every nation have to know our ambition is to be get recognize so that UK we will hope respect our vision

320. Dear Matt and all,
     I am very disappointed with all camps of my fellow Somalis who seemed to come to comment with bais and prejudiced line of thought. Simply, I would like to say this is a global issue and surely your tribal hatred, use of words and phrases to demean another human being,clan-sub-clan or region of Somalia is not going to help anyone.
     All you are doing is that to express your hatred and prejudice toward other people. You are inciting , blatant clan hatred. Prejudicing or discriminating another person in Britian and many parts of the world is a crime.
     Come on guys, is this is all you can contribute to the debate by merely showing your true colour -that is playing clan politics. Do not you have a mind to reasoned, your own ideas to express freely rather than simply following your cla desires or organisation?
     This is FCO platform where world decision are made not a polluted chatrooms where cyber bullying is the norms.
     Matt and the world need tangible ideas, they do not need know I am X Land and Y land or A tribe is against B. The globe knows this. I was born Burao, lived, studied and work in Britain most of my life and could not careless about what family, clan, tribe, nation, city, country someone came from, all I care about is how to live in peace and harmony with other human beings. Full stop!
     One more point Matt: As you can see from the comments made the Somali expatriate communities are the greatest problem because they can not simply contribute to this worthwhile initiative without polluting your mind and country with tribal hatred.
     Thus, if they are proud of the anarchy and complete destruction their tribe did to another clan, then surely there is need to educated the expatriate here EU one-by-one, family by family before they start their the dangerous tribal warfare. I will be the first to direct them to the best libraries and historical sources of good old Britain.
     Secondly, this shows that the biggest obstacle to Somali peace is tribal politics, if we can solve that then there is chance of getting somewhere.
     Once again my fellow Somalis please put aside your family, clan, tribe, nation, city and tribal backgrounds and simply help British Gov and the world to find a solution to the problem.
     All the best.
     Daljir.
     London, UK

321. matt i great you for the debat to recog nize somaliland my name is amal and i think that somaliland is an develop country and have peace they dont need any type for help from the somali country and other nations somaliland is a good place with democratic so we need to recognize to our country somaliland

322. thanks
     As we know the republic Somaliland has more historty between British government so when UK talk somali affair respect somaliland as indepedence nation. and know somalilanders people will never return what called union somalila, UK and every nation have to know our ambition is to be get recognize so that UK we will hope respect our vision

323. Lets put out our ideological differences aside for a while.

     Don’t we acknowledge the shame our people face everywhere? endless wars, refugeeness, lack of proper and continuous education, sanitation, health facilities etc. Please give this conference a chance.

     If Somalilanders want to leave us, then good luck o them. It is their land, they don’t want to be with us ‘politically’, we can’t force them to love us or share something with us, so let it be. But they should also accept that they also suffer because of the problems in other parts of Somalia.

     The tribes in the North know how to divide their territories, we the Southerners will wish them well if they accept each other and live peacefully. I fully support if Somaliland gets its recognition. I have learn’t that no one can ever stop the will of the people.

     However, what I would like to ask my Somaliland brothers/sisters is this “The people of northern Somalia tried to make their voices heard in the 1980’s but the Mogadishu government did not even listen to their concerns, instead they were imprisoned, killed and their properties confiscated. The uprising did not stop and the struggle simple gained momentum untill the central authority collapsed. Do you feel now that history is repeating itself? When the people of Awdal and SSC chose to leave Somaliland your response seems to be exactly that of Siad Barre. Yes there are some Awdelites and people from SSC in Hargeisa as there were many from Somaliland in Mogadishu in the 1980’s.

     These people are your cousins, in-laws and maternal uncles, they are your compatriots in the culture and accent. The moment you treat them as enemies is when things will fall apart. This is testing time for you. I hope your wise-men, not your hawks, will handle the matter in this critical time of your history. Good luck to all Somalis.

     Abdi Jama, Bosaso

324. Thanks to UK for sparing no effort on solving problems of the Somali people. Taking such steps needs better understanding of the situation and geopolitical division of Somalia.

     There is two issues with regards to getting solution for Somalia. This two issues needs to be addressed in different approach and different stage.
     In the first stage, let us get solution for Somalia different administrations and parties including Islamic groups, regional administration like Puntland, Galmudug, ximan & xeeb and so on. To solve the problem in Somalia there is a need for local solutions not imposed by international community. A good example is the Somaliland peace and state building process. Perhaps, we can ask our brothers in Somaliland to assist us on this. To do so, Somalia current administration and parties should have to respect the existence and self determination of the people in Somaliland, as well as involve Somaliland to take part the reconciliation process. There is a possibility we can request from Somaliland to offer a venue for reconciliation and facilitation process. I don’t think UN, AU, EU or anybody else can impose plan to Somalia unless local reconciliation process which all stakeholders and local structures are involved is done.
     In the second stage, Somaliland and Somalia can discuss the process of secession or unity – this depends on the wishes of people of Somaliland. What every they agree shall have to be good ends.

     I am wondering why Somaliland was invited to this conference. All other actors invited are from Somalia and believes Somalia. Somaliland is an independent country and issues of Somalia reconciliation not concern them. Even if they are invited, how this conference agenda and expected outcomes concern them. Since they are invited, the international community needs to consider their issue of independence to be part of the conference agenda.

     My personal opinion is that; inviting actors without common interest on such importance conference is contributing the failure of the outcomes. UK knows the situation in the region and have to think about who they are inviting how the agenda fits to them. Building state of Somalia does not concern Somaliland unless we agree and let them to be different state which its secession will be discussed in the future.
     UK and other international community are ignoring the truth. Somalia and Somaliland issues needs to be treated differently. If Somalia became failed state, why Somaliland did not get any respect of their self-determination. If good things and successfully society are not respected with their own wish and failed states get respect and support, this contributing all states to be failure in order to get the attention and support of the international community,
     Referring the comments people are posting here, I am wondering if we Somalis became failed states and discourage the people in the north who build their own nation with stability and democratic institutions as well as host thousands of Somalis from us who flee to their country. If they host our business people who run from war and hostility in south and central Somalia we need to respect them, respect their wishes and stop negative propaganda which we call Awdal land, Khatumo land and so on. Sure Somaliland needs to respect also the stability of tribes in Sool region which part of them are against them while tribes in this areas also forget about hostility and mobilizing civil war.

     As Somali in Mogadishu who loves all Somalis – I love to see Somalis in Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya and Somaliland living with peace and developed life and solution for Somalia. We all Somalis and need to love each other, respect the wishes of each other. We need to think about rebuilding Somalia state rather than increasing hostility with other Somalis.

325. Iam somalilander who live in Kampala, Uganda . i want to talk about the conference which will held in London the coming month . somaliland was colonized by British we are same ethics with Uganda, Kenya and all British protectorate countries who is always stable while the southern Somalia was colonized by italy they are same ethics with Libya and Eritrea who always unstable . somalia was at war for the last 20 years while somaliland was stable and progress their development such the infrastructure of cities , free and fair elections and uncountable things which is development . i can say somaliland is a fortgetting nation

326. dugsimale qabyaaladi waxay dumiso mooyaane, somali tii daacada wataa diihaalka u dhintee ku wii durdurinayaa waakuwa kolba doobinaaye, siyaasi baa kala dilay iyo niman dan eexeede, haday damiir leeyihin kolba daan maysheegteenee taariikhdii andulus dib may ufiirshaan sidii muslin hore loo dayacay ee loo kala daadshay haday xasuustaan tii darwiish loo dhigay iyo tii saylac lagu dushee marka la dacal marrey intay iyagu isdurayaan miyay diircad wax u qab adigaa dayooyo daawo rabe dalkaaga dhexdiis ku dhamayso danahaaga london dadbaa dhishtoo d waa dhididkii awawgaaye maantana adaa lagaa rabaa kaagan daalaye duul alow ilaahnoo barsha si aan dihaaalkan uga baxno
     by: Hadal wanaage

327. The AU Fact -Finding Missiion of 2005 recommended that the Sovereignty be endorsed for Somaliland ……….. AU Council has failed , so far , to ratify that Sovereignty for Somaliland . This conference should be the liong delayed Re-recognition of The Republic of Somaliland

     1. thanks mr TOBY Kenyon
        really thanks million times thank you to your support you are talking truth and you know our issue well but south Somalia people trying to hide reality because they are jealous people thanks second time Mr. toby kenyon

     2. The AU position is, borders shouldn’t be re-drawn once Africa countries were given independence. Sudan would have been a single nation if not for the stupid government in Khartoum imposing arabisation and Islamisation on the people of the South of Sudan. They forgot that all languages and all ethnicity comes from GOD.And that Sharia applies to Muslim only. [ Being a military dictatorship made things worse].

328. The Government , democratically elected in Somaliland , has brilliantly overcome the huge difficulties of poverty , drought and the destruction and genocide of 1988-1991 by winning the confidence of Somalilanders .The part which Somaliland will play at the Conference is showing how well Somaliland has succeeded .The Conference will be the long over due formal de jure political Re-recognition of the Sovereignty of The Republic of Somaliland . Somalilanders are happy and peaceful in their own country . The African Union Council may ( at last ) endorse the recommendation of the AU Fact-Finding Mission which recommended Sovereignty for Somaliland in 2005

329. my name is shafi’i ali mohamed live in hargaysa somaliland i think that conference will held in london is good for sothern somalia not somaliland because”SOMALILAND DESERVES TO RECOGNIZE, SOMALILAND IS A SELF DECLARED COUNTRY WHICH NEEDS TO RECOGNIZE, SURELY SOMALILAND IS NOT A PART OF SOMALIA, SOMALILAND GET BACK ITS FREEDOM FROM SOMALIA IN 1991″. Haye haye ka kaca Somalilanders-kaw walaalayaal maanta MEDIA ayaa

330. my name is shafi’i ali. i live in hargeisa somaliland i think that conference will held in london will be good all the somali states except somaliland because “SOMALILAND DESERVES TO RECOGNIZE, SOMALILAND IS A SELF DECLARED COUNTRY WHICH NEEDS TO RECOGNIZE, SURELY SOMALILAND IS NOT A PART OF SOMALIA, SOMALILAND GET BACK ITS FREEDOM FROM SOMALIA IN 1991”

331. somaliland needs recognize

332. somaliland has achieved undeniable progress since independence and still on tract no one can stop , the british invitation of somaliland to attend the converence with the somali militias and war lords is abuse to somaliland which has showed peace ,stability , democracy , equality and society of equal rights

333. Somali land come under British control 1884 and England gain again its Independence 1960 and then Somali land was made the union of two Somali after harsh rule including discrimination torjoil hash military orders and allot of incredible actions that faces the the northern regions which is called Somali land before the union the western people formed Somalia national movement which is worked to fight the regime of siyad bare government finally s,n,m was win to defeat the regime,
     then they hold conference all the six regions of Somali land regarded to form the new Somali land government which is called the republic of Somali land and the
     after civil wars Somali land become democratic government which is formed constitution
     Somali land people %97 are voted yes we regard
     then the second president of somaliland was open the democratic parties
     all in all somaliald people are not need second union but they are need a friend which is stand to development of the somililand

334. Dear Matt.

     Somaliland is in peace. Somaliland is busy fighting against priracy and exrtimists from Somalia without ouside help. Somaliland leaders can’t afford London conference. Great Brittian must not mix the democratically elected leaders of Somaliland with the so called “leaders” of Somalia who are not elected but simply nominated because they are warlords who rule no more than a part of the capital Moqadisho with the help of AMISON, Kenya and Itobia.
     Peace in Somalia is only possible when is recognised

335. If the British government really means what they’re saying to help Somalia to be a working country, then recognize Somaliland otherwise this stable region, that you know its history so well, will be the next problem.

336. mhmd ssc

     I would lıke to thank the brıtısh government for thıs opportunıty.fırstly,ıf we are thıs opportunıty would help the world to understand the conflıcts ın somalıa.why we are fıghtıng each other every day.I would lıke thank agaın the brıtısh gevernment and saudı arabıa who are workıng together to have solutıon ın somalıa and we are welcomıng every communıty who lıke the peace and the development ın our country.MR MATT,you have to understand accurately the our communıty ıs clan based communıty.fortunently,last 5 years ıt seems that we are goıng to pass thıs stage fot clans ınto states,although,the states are also based by clans.You know the southern somalıa there are conflıcts among slamıc groups and our federal government besıdes that there are conflıcts ın northern somalıa between 2 state based clans called somalıland and khatuma state.somalılan(ISAQ CLAN)has three regıon called BURO,BERBERA AND HARGEISA also khatuma state(DHULBAHANTE CLAN) has 3 regıon called SOOL,SANAAG AND AYN.But you can easıly recognıse theır mısunderstandıng ıf you look carefully.The name somalıland means the land that brıtısh admınıstratıon coquered by and ıt ıs orıgınally from terrorısm group called SNM.So we should have to understand the mısunderstandıng between thıs clans,somalıland ıs general name whıch means the northern somalıa but the states and the clans are dıfferent.ıISAQ must control BURO,BERBERA AND HARGEISA and DHULBAHANTE must control SOOL,SANAAG and AYN.Thıs states are seperate state KHATUMA STATE AND SOMALILAND STATE.BRITISH can only get the sollutıon of our country ıf they struggle to joın great somalıa .ıam talkıng the voıce of somalı people plz don’t try to dıvıde somalıa becouse just we have only 2 part south and north and brtısh know that we were 5 part NFD,JABUTI,OGADENIA,SOUTH SOMALIA AND NORTH SOMALIA so,we are enough we don’t need another dıvısıon.Somalıland ıs one of the states ın somalıa lıke KHATUMA stat and somalıland must stop the cıvıl wars ın theır neıghbours.

337. SSE: Response to the London Conference on Somalia: Building Momentum

     This statement clearly indicates that the organization of the Conference is not carefully considered. It indicates …….

     Date: 20th January 2012
     Ref:SSE 20919012011

     Dear Sir and or Madam,

     Somaliland Society in Europe (SSE) is a network of organizations representing about 45 Somaliland Diaspora community organizations from 11 European countries.

     We are writing to you to share with you our position on the upcoming London Conference.

     We welcome that the British government by hosting this International Conference has bravely decided to actively engage in restoring peace and stability in Somalia. It is a noble act and a goodwill gesture on the part of the British government to help Somalia stand on its feet again. As SSE we welcome every genuine effort to end the anarchy and lawlessness in our neighboring country, Somalia, and help her emerge from the abyss of total failure.

     We have closely studied the key objectives of the Conference and are startled to note that one of the key objectives of the Conference is to offer:

     “The opportunity to reinforce the relative stability in areas of Somalia, such as Somaliland and Puntland and in the south”

     This statement clearly indicates that the organization of the Conference is not carefully considered. It indicates a fundamental confusion and misrecognition on the part of the organizers of whose problem they want to address and whose interest they want to serve. The organizers intend to clumsily drag the peaceful and stable Republic of Somaliland into the lawless and chaotic Somalia. This is an ill-advised objective which at best will certainly fail to deliver any positive outcome, and at worst jeopardize the very peace and stability it very much seeks to establish. The organizers have failed to appreciate that the central themes of the Conference (peace and stability) are not relevant to the Republic of Somaliland anymore than they are to the neighboring countries of Ethiopia and Kenya and Yemen across the waters.

     We want to draw your attention to your gross negligence of acknowledging the de jure status of the Republic of Somaliland and mentioning it in the same breath as Somalia’s regional state of Puntland casts doubt upon the genuineness of the Conference. The aspiring Republic of Somaliland may not have secured an international recognition, but one cannot deny what it has achieved over the past twenty years and what it wants to achieve: an international recognition for its sovereignty. It is certainly clear that the organizers of this Conference have on both of these two accounts committed serious miscalculation and misread the political dynamics and developments on the ground.

     We fully acknowledge and trust you will agree that the Republic of Somaliland can play an instrumental role in restoring peace and stability to the Horn of Africa, in the fight against piracy and terrorism, and it can be a strategic partner in curbing the unpredictable and uncertain political situation unfolding in the Gulf of Aden. It can play a constructive role in the wider region because it has established effective and working institutions despite being unrecognized by the International Community and despite being surrounded by extremely violence, terrorism and piracy. However, the Republic of Somaliland will fulfill its role if, and only if, its aspiration to join the list of free nations is fully endorsed. SSE strongly believes that a recognition of the aspiring Republic of Somaliland as a sovereign state is in the interest of the International Community.

     For this London Conference to have any chances of success one should consider the previous 16 failed internationally endorsed Somalia Conferences. They all had one thing in common: piecing the fractured former Somali Republic together. For this Conference not to join its predecessors in the dustbin of history its organizers should seriously consider the dynamics on the ground. Any attempt to revive the failed Somali nation state either federalized or centralized will be disastrous and dangerous; and any attempt to persuade the government of the Republic of Somaliland to participate in this ill-advised Conference will surely be counterproductive. We, therefore, call on the London Conference organizers, the UK government and the International Community to seriously consider a Two-State Solution to the Somali conundrum.

     SSE fully endorses for representatives of the Republic of Somaliland to participate where there is a national interest for that emerging nation. We consider that this Conference is not serving the interest of Somaliland. On the contrary it undermines its aspiration to secure a de jure status. We, therefore, call on the government of the Republic of Somaliland to abstain from attending the Conference and strongly discourage our member organizations or individuals affiliated with us to participate.

     We fully support and welcome the decision of the government of the Republic of Somaliland that it will not be taking part in the Conference. Any change to this position due to pressure from the International Community will be considered as a dangerous move and a historical mistake.

     We sincerely hope that the organizers of the Conference will consider the concerns raised in the foregoing and correct it accordingly in order for the Conference to deliver positive outcome for all concerned.

     SSE Executive Committee,

     CC:
     – The Presidency, the Republic of Somaliland
     – The House of Representatives of the Republic of Somaliland
     – The House of Elders of the Republic of Somaliland
     – National Political Parties of the Republic of Somaliland
     – Dr Augustine Mahiga, UN Special Representative for Somalia
     – UK All Parliamentary Group for Republic of Somaliland

     SSE is a network organisation for Somaliland Diaspora organisations from across Europe. Drawing on the Diaspora resources and expertise, SSE aims to contribute to the cultural, economic and social development in Somaliland as well as to raising the political awareness of its members.

338. I am very glad to see so many comments here. I have just written a new blog, so please go and have a look at that, and leave a comment if you wish.

339. Dear Matt,

     Again, Mohamoud Abdi Abdillahi. I Would like to add some more points to my comments of 19/1/2012. In that comment, I mentioned number of reasons why Somaland withwrawn from the 1960 unity with the South Somalia and taken back its sovereinty from Southeners. To make you understand the Somaliand claim of independence, following need from you to carefully study:–
     1) In 1960 when Somalilanders joined to Southeners and they went to Mogadishu, Somalilanders faced discrimination from the Society living in Mogadishu and other southener districts and regions. For example, the Southeners gave bad named to the Northerners. Those named including: The wrong Somalis (In Somali, the Somali qaldaan), Mad Somalis (In Somali, means (Soomaalida waalan) etc.
     2) There were different accent of Somali language which was creating lack of understanding of both communities;
     3) There two dfferent systems of governance as Somaliland were using the the British system of governance which they inherented from Britain instead the Southeners were using the italian system of governance, which coloniliased them, this problem caused difficulties in harmonising the both systems, which finally influenced by the italian language;
     4) The different Somali government which was influenced by Southeners that exisi ng from 1960 to 1991 had a connection with italian government, instead that governments had no connection with British government or it had little connection with Britain.
     5) In 1980’s when the cvil war broke ou in Northern Somalia (Now Somaliland), the Somalilanders massacred, there properties were destroyed. These crimes we committed by the Recognized powerful government of Somalia in that time which used all its powers and resources. When these things were happenining to Somaliland people, there were no one single person who resigned from the Southener influence government to protest what Somali Government did to Somaliland people. Same to that, the Southener civilian population did not do any protest against what the Somali government in that did to Somalilanders.
     6) In 1960, when Somaliland joined to South Somalia, they were expecting that the five Somalis will be found and will be united but that became impossible;
     7) Some of the people says, the Somalis are same culture, same religion, same language, yes it is true, but these things do not help that somalis to be agreed, be to united. These things do not assisting that Somalis to co-existing peafullly, These things do not help that the Somalis to have same national government.
     8) These points and the reasons I mentioned had been contributed that the Somaliland to withdrawn from the Unity of 1960.
     Dear Matt, I hope that you and your government shall consider all the points of my comment.
     Thank you.
     Mohamoud Abdi Abdillahi
     cell: 00252 2 4423137

340. iam somalilander living in sweden .ithink we should understand one thing and that is somaliland will never join somalia .Somaliland has showed the world that they are a Country and met all the requirements to be a country, democracy, independency and constant development. and you saying that the Somaliland government is a militia is disgrace and disgusting. even if you do not like/agree the fact that they want separation you can deny what they did for the region and the progress they made to the situation of somalia,

341. to my think and many other Somalis inside the country have the following comments.
     1. All the agendas sound good and it’s not the first time this agendas are addressed as such many other international community, UN, AU, EGAD and countries who have interest in Somalia had tried those agendas but all were in vain and despite further deteriorated the situation to worse.

     The major problem in Somalia are the Islamist group who have the majority support of the populations and they had convinced the people that the TFG, regional states are all for foreign interests as all are lead by Diasporas.
     IT’s clear the Islamist rebel groups have not been invited so it wouldn’t make meaning !!

     Mohamed ADEN,
     SOMALIA

342. Dearest Matt we Somalilander appreciate you in advance, and we hope that you will convince the British government to recognize Somaliland as a Somali land Democratic Republic.
     If I give you a hint about our grand fathers who participated in Camel Court and lost their life, I personally my Grand Father was one of the Somaliland camel Court fighter who lost his life for the sake of the United Kingdom.
     The West has proven a valuable source of democracy-building and development aid for Somaliland, a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it republic in northern Africa. But it is China that has been willing to gamble big on the economic-development projects it needs most.
     “When you talk about infrastructure development, China is one of the leading countries in the world,” said Somaliland Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Omar, who is in Washington this week. “You cannot get roads built and bridges done, and ports done and airports, with humanitarian and development assistance.”
     “Contemporary development assistance focuses on what I would call ‘soft sector’,” Omar said: things like institutional development, education, health, capacity building. “Aid is not aimed to build roads—and for the economic development you would need to develop that infrastructure,” Omar said. “The Chinese are very good at that.”
     Chinese oil company PetroTrans plans to turn Berbera port into a modern facility, in a deal with the Somaliland government that will help PetroTrans export the natural gas it extracts from Ethiopia. Modern roads connecting Somaliland and Ethiopia will be part of the deal, which has yet to be finalized, Omar said.
     Somaliland’s democracy is still far from perfect, 20 years in transition from dictatorship, said Ibrahim Hashi Jama, a Somalilander and a lawyer now living in Britain. It also took a long time to build: Clan meetings on the constitution began in 1991, but the document was not finalized until 2001. Building up the judicial system to check government power and make sure that elections happen on time remain major challenges.
     The government is “an eclectic mix of our own,” Jama said in an e-mail: a U.S.-style president and separation of powers, but a parliament that includes a “House of Elders,” a body similar to the U.K.’s House of Lords that has a special focus on traditional issues. Somaliland is an Islamic state, and sharia is the basis of its constitution and legal system.
     Somalilanders themselves were “the ones who decided they were going to have a stable Somaliland,” said Paul Fagan, Africa director for the International Republican Institute. “They came together across clan lines, set aside their differences, and did it with no international intervention whatsoever.”
     The Somaliland system balances Islamic law, tribal tradition, and republican governance with respect for human rights and a commitment to fighting terrorism.
     “There aren’t many places like this in the world,” Fagan said. He called Somaliland an “easy place” to work because the government wants to improve its democracy and eagerly cooperates with capacity-building efforts.
     The institute is helping Somaliland’s legislative branch develop, a project financed by USAID. USAID and Britain’s Department for International Development both set aside unique aid budgets for Somaliland.
     Somaliland’s government believes it can set an example for Arab nations beginning to wrestle with regime change—and it may have something to teach the Western aid world as well.
     “We offer a lesson” for other countries going through a democratic transition, Omar said. “Somaliland did it. Why can’t you do it? And with limited resources and limited possibility and support, we have done it, and we are still working on it.”
     Omar traveled to Washington this week to raise his country’s profile and ask for humanitarian and development assistance. Lack of political recognition has hampered his country’s ability to attract humanitarian and development aid—not to mention foreign direct investment.
     But Omar, Jama, and Fagan all agreed that Somaliland is ready to move to a new phase and that economic investment is going to be vital, if the impoverished, arid country is ever going to develop. Until Somaliland is officially recognized as an independent nation—and not part of Somalia—it will be extremely difficult for foreign businesses to take on the risk of investing there.
     China has increasingly taken a more active role in Africa. As state-owned companies move in to extract African resources, Chinese investment in the continent has skyrocketed. Chinese involvement in Africa has worried some Western observers, but Omar argued that partnerships with China and the West were both vital and would complement each other.
     “The Chinese seem to be taking a bit more risk than any other country,” he said. “And where else would you go in this climate of economic difficulty? China has got the most cash and investment.

343. Sovereignty the greatest and most important legal right or quality a nation, monarch or royal family can enjoy or possess.
     In other words, Sovereignty is the immediate jewel of a nation, {It is not only} the great vital of a state (it is it glory and independence the most precious thing it has).
     For that sake as of May 1991 Somaliland declared it re gaining it independence of the Somalia with taking revenge from their brothers of Awdal land Soul who was been support the former Government of Siad Barre, and up to the present we dealing with them as brothers, unfortunately they consider our brotherhood as an enemity. Somaliland was not given as a gift we have sucrificed and lost millions and millions of our nation and assets for the sake of our independence as such and we are very proud of it for ever what ever it might be.

344. Hi all
     I am faisal. I was born in Somaliland 1980 in Burao region, I am going to talk about that Somaliland is an independent country which declared it’s independence in 1991, it is a democratic country that hold four fair and free elections.
     it has all governmental structures, it has a constitution voted in 2002, 98% yes, and also it has its own currency and beautiful flag.
     Finally the people of Somaliland will never ever reunite again with the Somalia.
     we wish them all the best but nothing more than that.
     Thanks UK for its efforts but never think of that Somaliland will be part of it.
     my regards
     Faisal

345. DEAR MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS;

     I think we should understand one thing and that is Somaliland will never join Somalia again. so the question is where do we go from here?… I am somalilander living UK and I will never except
     somaliland joining somalia again… Now I want our brothers and sisters from Somalia to support us not against us and except the fact that we will not join Somalia again. I support the British government initiative to find solution for Somali issues.

346. somalia need a strong army doesn’t need conference holding when the army was collapsed country turn into chaos .about Ahmed Mahamoud Silanyo he was first person to opposite Maxamed Siyaad Barre government he did served his government he said I’m opposite reported say Ap associated press
     because of Maxamed Siyaad Barre if he is removed then we can build government in somalia with the other opposition he did’t had any agenda to break the country into piece why are there inviting self interested clan leaders
     how the do not wish to see a strong government in my advice build a strong army

347. Suggestion to Matt: to hear an all-inclusive aspect of the discussion, please also write your introduction in somali . So whomever wants to say something will not shy away from commenting here. Thanks.

348. hi all
     I have good news for Somalilanders, today Mr Saleeban Eisse( hagla toosiye)
     told BBC Somali section, that SCC warriors will give up their rebellion against Somaliland forces and clearly welcomed the negotiations President Silanyo has called. This will be final arguments between Somalilanders.
     as a Somalilander, I would say, welcome back Mr: Saleban Eisse to your Homeland Somaliland.

349. Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed said his famine-afflicted country has undergone significant changes since the arrival of Turkish charities, the Anatolia news agency reported on Wednesday.
     Ahmed, explaining that hunger is a national issue that plagues the Somali people, told Anatolia that the Turkish government has given the country great support in coping with this problem.

     “Before the Turkish officials came here, the people were in danger of dying. Now children who were once waiting in line to die are full of hope and life and are playing in the streets,” the Somali president said.

     “We thank the Turkish president, the prime minister and the people for all they have provided us with,” he added.

     The Somali leader called the Turks the “true brothers” of the Somali people, and said that “the Somali people see Turkey as true brothers who have made and not forgotten their promises.” The opening of a Turkish Embassy in Somalia is an expression of Turkey’s desires and commitment to help their Somali brothers, the president also said.

     Though the Turkish government and people’s outpouring of support is greatly appreciated, Ahmed stressed that the hunger crisis has not disappeared.

     “We want the aid and support from Turkey to continue until we can stand on our own two feet,” Ahmed said. He also pointed to Somalia’s obstacles, namely the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab militants and the decades-long civil war. “Despite this, our people are full of hope and believe that this bad situation will change in the near future,” he said

350. Hello, Matt
     Im from Khaatumo state. There is one Somalia.
     KHAATUMO state=Sool, Sanaag, & Cayn.Tribe dhulbahante, Daarood.
     Awdal state = Awdal, saleel. Tribe Samaroon & Ciise.
     Maakhir State= Sanaag & Haylaan. Tribe Warsangeli, Daarood.
     Somaliland= Hargeysa & Burco. Tribe Isaaq.

     Somalia peace & unity.

351. Dear friend
     I am the under signed a somaliland merchant recently residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I am deeply appreciating you for requesting a debate to write about somalia for the last 20 years.
     As a matter of fact I am not a somali, I am very proud to be a Somalilander for that sake I am deeply appreciating, and don’t like to write any thing about Somalia while i didn’t belongs to it, and I don’t have anything to say about it anyway.

352. SNM project is failure its time to joint the rest of Somalia people becouse Isaaq(Clan) Can not be a country But Hargeisa is a provice that consists with Somalia..

     peace and love in Somalia

353. I don’t think that there is no nation that is familiar with the grass-root of the prolonged problems exist in Somalia other than Britain. It colonized whole the Somalia. Somaliland was under kingdom’s rule nearly century. The politicians of U.K. can understand how to solve most of the problem as simple as recognizing the Republic of Somaliland as an independent country.

     Recognition of Somaliland could give its government more capable to solve the problems of rest of Somalia than any other nation. Lack of recognition brought in Somaliland bad influences from warlords of the south. Now a group claimed what they called Khatumo State in Taleh (the home of Mad Mullah which was a terrorist fighting the Britain more than 18-years) has the characteristics of terrorism and can deteriorate the situation.

     So why United Kingdom should not take a concrete step and recognize the republic of Somaliland that could be 80% of the problem of Somalia solved?

354. DEAR MATT
     I would lıke to thank the brıtısh government for thıs opportunıty.fırstly,ıf we are thıs opportunıty would help the world to understand the conflıcts ın somalıa.why we are fıghtıng each other every day.I would lıke thank agaın the brıtısh gevernment and saudı arabıa who are workıng together to have solutıon ın somalıa and we are welcomıng every communıty who lıke the peace and the development ın our country.MR MATT,you have to understand accurately the our communıty ıs clan based communıty.fortunently,last 5 years ıt seems that we are goıng to pass thıs stage fot clans ınto states,although,the states are also based by clans.You know the southern somalıa there are conflıcts among slamıc groups and our federal government besıdes that there are conflıcts ın northern somalıa between 2 state based clans called somalıland and khatuma state.somalılan(ISAQ CLAN)has three regıon called BURO,BERBERA AND HARGEISA also khatuma state(DHULBAHANTE CLAN) has 3 regıon called SOOL,SANAAG AND AYN.But you can easıly recognıse theır mısunderstandıng ıf you look carefully.The name somalıland means the land that brıtısh admınıstratıon coquered by and ıt ıs orıgınally from terrorısm group called SNM.So we should have to understand the mısunderstandıng between thıs clans,somalıland ıs general name whıch means the northern somalıa but the states and the clans are dıfferent.ıISAQ must control BURO,BERBERA AND HARGEISA and DHULBAHANTE must control SOOL,SANAAG and AYN.Thıs states are seperate state KHATUMA STATE AND SOMALILAND STATE.BRITISH can only get the sollutıon of our country ıf they struggle to joın great somalıa .ıam talkıng the voıce of somalı people plz don’t try to dıvıde somalıa becouse just we have only 2 part south and north and brtısh know that we were 5 part NFD,JABUTI,OGADENIA,SOUTH SOMALIA AND NORTH SOMALIA so,we are enough we don’t need another dıvısıon.Somalıland ıs one of the states ın somalıa lıke KHATUMA stat and somalıland must stop the cıvıl wars ın theır neıghbours.

355. Khalif Y. Ahmed, Somali Union ( Wadajirka Somaliyeed) Burnsville, MN, USA

     Comment on Using Satellite
     Imagery to Track the Developmental
     Effects of Somali Piracy
     This paper most probably and most doubtlessly has not been subjected to peer review. The “data” presented and the inferences from the “data” are fundamentally flowed, deficient and do not meet the lowest standards of intellectual integrity(1). The response to this paper from the “Ministry of Puntland” was baffling and different, too.
     Firstly, The satellite imagery presented does not supplement the “non-traditional sources” data where the underlying events that influenced the data were not clearly established. The satellite imagery of Garowe or Bossaso for 2002-2009 could have been augmented with a current ground level statistical analysis of data sampling/collection scheme where the fractions of houses legitimately owned by the right people and/or by the questionable owners could have been established after which the piracy onset period had been established. This kind of experimental design using carefully planned statistical illustration, credible light could have been shed light on piracy and its subsequent effects and economic contributions could have been ascertained. We could have compared likewise the images and data of similar city size to Garowe or Bossaso like Burao, Northern Somali Republic, keeping in mind that the Northeastern region ( Puntland) and the Northern region ( Somaliland) of the Somali Republic have enjoyed similar peaceful conditions, growth and development trajectory for the past 20 years. That kind of well thought experimental design and statistical illustrative analysis coupled with the satellite imagery could have been the minimum requirement to bring to light the alleged Somali piracy case. The gist of the satellite imagery by itself as presented is meaningless and has no merit as presented by the author. The author miserably failed to draw a credible evidence to finger point “the beneficiaries of the piracy” except to wage baseless lumped data, convoluted allegations against the innocent people of the Northeastern region (Putland) of the Somali Republic collectively.
     Secondly, the erroneous “data” presented in Figure 1 as local wages is so disingenuous without stating the effects of the underlying circumstances for instance, the US enabled Ethiopian occupation in 2006, the concurrent CIA money bags for the warlords, the after effect and impact on the trade disruption between Mudug, Bari, Benadir regions and the massive slaughter of the trading civilians and labor. There is no statistical variance analysis if the differences claimed among the regions is significant for different matched month to month time frames rather than the six months selected where substantial influencing effects where in progress. The author showed lack of knowledge of pertinent events relevant to the analysis and the to the misleading recommendations. This paper is a good illustration of the saying, “there are liars and there is damn statistics”. This is a convoluted study, where statistics is not used as an illustration but as a support like a drunkard uses a walking stick. In short, this paper lacks merit to recommend anything of substance to curtail the alleged piracy impact on the economics of the different Somali Republic regions. The coastal villages missing out on the “piracy loot” and to engage the coastal villages to combat the piracy is akin to the poorly thought “dual track” , the pet project of low level US State department bureaucrats to balkanize the Somali Republic. The recommendation to finance the coastline villagers to engage them in an effort to curb the piracy is like the US policy “dual track” clan engagements to curb the mindless Al-shabab on the one hand, and fragment the Somali people, on the other, without regard of the consequence for the cohesion of the Somali State. The US State department proponents of the “dual track” declined to participate in the US Somali Diaspora meeting designed to examine the “dual track” policy in Columbus, Ohio in January-27-28, 2012. This paper is another leg to balkanize Somalia further. The timing of this misleading paper is most doubtlessly to furnish “evidence” for the Prime Minister of Britain’s planned Conference in February, 2011 with the Somalis in London to justify the balkanization effort . This paper lacks intellectual integrity and peer review scrutiny and should be withdrawn from the Chathamhouse. It is equivalent to the report by the discredited gang that formulated the Bush Invasion of Iraq for bogus nuclear weapons.
     Thirdly, the assertion by the Ministry of Maritime Transport, Ports and counter-Piracy in “Puntland” that they have many “pirate” prisoners in their jails leaves one to wonder whether this jailing is to appease the west and lock many innocent fishermen who have no legal counseling. The rule of law in “Puntland” is a big question mark without the Human Rights scrutiny. Furthermore, the ministry has no concern or is ignorant about the toxic, nuclear and medical waste dumping in the Somali coast by the European pirates. The Ministry response is conveniently ill-informed about the lasting effect of the European pirates impact of waste dumping in the Somali Coast. Sadly, the exhaustive illegal fishing in the Somali coast by the European and Asian ships is not in the press release rebuttal. The countless Somali fishermen whose fishing boats were sunk or shot in the back by those fishing European and Asian factory trawlers for being Somalis fishing in their coastline is not even mentioned or acknowledged. The legality of jailing Somali citizens in foreign lands without due legal process is very troubling, although there are Somali criminal Somali elements. It is baffling that the Ministry is more concerned about the input “by a political Somali group” into this piracy bogus paper while the Ministry lacks any knowledge to mention Somali national issues. I hope Putland authorities get counseling before they attend the coming Somali Conference arranged by the UK Prime Minister(3) in February, 2012. This clearly reflects a deficit in leadership for the Somali Nation at every level.
     1) http://www.chathamhouse.org/publications/papers/view/181277
     2) http://allsbc.com/press-releasesomalia-%E2%80%98piracy-research%E2%80%99-insult-to-common-sense/
     3) http://localhost:8888/mattbaugh/2012/01/17/london-conference-on-somalia-building-momentum/

356. A Response to the London Conference on Somalia: Building Momentum
     Last Modified: Fri 20th Jan,2012
     The Republican
     Somaliland Societies in Europe
     360 Great Western Street

     Manchester

     M14 4BY

     Mob: 00447930655099

     Website: sseuro.com

     Email: info@sseuro.com

     Date: 20th January 2012

     Ref:SSE 20919012011

     Dear Sir and or Madam,

     Somaliland Society in Europe (SSE) is a network of organizations representing about 45 Somaliland Diaspora community organizations from 11 European countries.

     We are writing to you to share with you our position on the upcoming London Conference.

     We welcome that the British government by hosting this International Conference has bravely decided to actively engage in restoring peace and stability in Somalia. It is a noble act and a goodwill gesture on the part of the British government to help Somalia stand on its feet again. As SSE we welcome every genuine effort to end the anarchy and lawlessness in our neighboring country, Somalia, and help her emerge from the abyss of total failure.

     We have closely studied the key objectives of the Conference and are startled to note that one of the key objectives of the Conference is to offer:

     “The opportunity to reinforce the relative stability in areas of Somalia, such as Somaliland and Puntland and in the south”

     This statement clearly indicates that the organization of the Conference is not carefully considered. It indicates a fundamental confusion and misrecognition on the part of the organizers of whose problem they want to address and whose interest they want to serve. The organizers intend to clumsily drag the peaceful and stable Republic of Somaliland into the lawless and chaotic Somalia. This is an ill-advised objective which at best will certainly fail to deliver any positive outcome, and at worst jeopardize the very peace and stability it very much seeks to establish. The organizers have failed to appreciate that the central themes of the Conference (peace and stability) are not relevant to the Republic of Somaliland anymore than they are to the neighboring countries of Ethiopia and Kenya and Yemen across the waters.

     We want to draw your attention to your gross negligence of acknowledging the de jure status of the Republic of Somaliland and mentioning it in the same breath as Somalia’s regional state of Puntland casts doubt upon the genuineness of the Conference. The aspiring Republic of Somaliland may not have secured an international recognition, but one cannot deny what it has achieved over the past twenty years and what it wants to achieve: an international recognition for its sovereignty. It is certainly clear that the organizers of this Conference have on both of these two accounts committed serious miscalculation and misread the political dynamics and developments on the ground.

     We fully acknowledge and trust you will agree that the Republic of Somaliland can play an instrumental role in restoring peace and stability to the Horn of Africa, in the fight against piracy and terrorism, and it can be a strategic partner in curbing the unpredictable and uncertain political situation unfolding in the Gulf of Aden. It can play a constructive role in the wider region because it has established effective and working institutions despite being unrecognized by the International Community and despite being surrounded by extremely violence, terrorism and piracy. However, the Republic of Somaliland will fulfill its role if, and only if, its aspiration to join the list of free nations is fully endorsed. SSE strongly believes that a recognition of the aspiring Republic of Somaliland as a sovereign state is in the interest of the International Community.

     For this London Conference to have any chances of success one should consider the previous 16 failed internationally endorsed Somalia Conferences. They all had one thing in common: piecing the fractured former Somali Republic together. For this Conference not to join its predecessors in the dustbin of history its organizers should seriously consider the dynamics on the ground. Any attempt to revive the failed Somali nation state either federalized or centralized will be disastrous and dangerous; and any attempt to persuade the government of the Republic of Somaliland to participate in this ill-advised Conference will surely be counterproductive. We, therefore, call on the London Conference organizers, the UK government and the International Community to seriously consider a Two-State Solution to the Somali conundrum.

     SSE fully endorses for representatives of the Republic of Somaliland to participate where there is a national interest for that emerging nation. We consider that this Conference is not serving the interest of Somaliland. On the contrary it undermines its aspiration to secure a de jure status. We, therefore, call on the government of the Republic of Somaliland to abstain from attending the Conference and strongly discourage our member organizations or individuals affiliated with us to participate.

     We fully support and welcome the decision of the government of the Republic of Somaliland that it will not be taking part in the Conference. Any change to this position due to pressure from the International Community will be considered as a dangerous move and a historical mistake.

     We sincerely hope that the organizers of the Conference will consider the concerns raised in the foregoing and correct it accordingly in order for the Conference to deliver positive outcome for all concerned.

     SSE Executive Committee,

     CC:

     – The Presidency, the Republic of Somaliland

     – The House of Representatives of the Republic of Somaliland

     – The House of Elders of the Republic of Somaliland

     – National Political Parties of the Republic of Somaliland

     – Dr Augustine Mahiga, UN Special Representative for Somalia

     – UK All Parliamentary Group for Republic of Somaliland

     SSE is a network organisation for Somaliland Diaspora organisations from across Europe. Drawing on the Diaspora resources and expertise, SSE aims to contribute to the cultural, economic and social development in Somaliland as well as to raising the political awareness of its members.

357. first let me thank to mr matt and his government for their effort to settle somali prolonging luck tranquility secondly let me express my opinion vividly and explicitly if we glance back somali unification history as we all well known somalia where to independent state before they unite and somaliland has being colonized ur country and other was Italy so later after long row and problem we waged to retrieve our independence and every thing back his origin and we r again different countries so my recommendation toward u sir is to treat somaliland differently as nation not as regional state of somalia and u better not to invited somaliland these kind of in vain conference instead to better organize another conference which will be discussing somaliland and somalia issue and how they will separate peacefully …….thank u anyway

358. It’s really funny how much hate you guys have for somaliland but Don’t worry because that hate you have for us is what makes us stronger. We somalilanders are trying very hard to correct the mistakes our grandfathers made 50 years ago and the good thing we have now is that we have learned you for 30 long years to figure out what u all about which is nothing but destructive and poverty so please stop trying because that manipulation won’t work on us again..

     If i look back the mistakes that our Grandfathers made which was united With Zooland. I am sure that if they waited for about months they would have realized there were nothiing there for them and would have kept their nation just like djibouti did..WE HAVE BEEN FIGHTING FOR SOMALILAND OVER 90 YEARS AND I WOULD LIKE THE WORLD TO RESPECT OUR WISHS AND RECOGNISE OUR NATION….we somalilander are in the middle of HATE Ocean just like the Nation of Isreal…….. GOD bless The Democratic Republic Of Somaliland…..

359. Simply, the peace in Somalia does NOT depend on Somaliland or unity.
     brothers from Somalia should focus how to make peace and solve their own problems. interfering with Somaliland my further complicate the situation.
     the unity of the country would be goood but unfortunately, this will NEVER happen just because of the Somali people’s nature. instead of quarreling all the time, each must focus on their problems first. don’t lose time and money to where there is no solution. if Somaliland want to separate n develop by their own, why would you refuse it? let them go coz Qabil shit will never end!!
     that is my opinion

     short comments are recommended brother and sisters.

360. Dear Matt,
     Firstly may I take this opportunity to thank Hon. Matt for giving this platform to the Somali ‘Community’ to share with you their thoughts and idea about the Somali peace process. Warmest greetings to all.
     Secondly, I would like to thank the British government for its wise decision for hosting this much needed debate. It really makes me proud to be Somali-British.
     Having said this, it makes me sad to see many of the people who commented did not get it – that nothing really works without peace.
     Certainly it cannot be denied that some part of Somalia there has been relative peace and stability (SL and PL) and we should all praise them in what they achieved but that is not the point here.
     Let us set the bar high rather than creating clan warfare in here.
     My take is that, EU should not conveniently wash their hands of from their historical role in sowing the seeds of all these problems. The key point is that historically, as you probably know in the latter part of 19th Century Britain, Italy and France made peace treaties with Somali elders in good faith; however without their consent Britain, France and Italy negotiated with Emperor of Ethiopia, (Emperor Menelik 1844-1913) without the Somali people’s consent divided Somalia into five parts.
     In my view, historically, this is where all today problems of Somalia really began. If we can all agree this factual premise then we can start to think the right direction. Otherwise like a headless chicken we will always go around and around a circle.
     Therefore, a good strategy would be surely not empty rhetoric but the European Union to take an active role to solve this puzzling problem. In other words, Britain is capable of solving many problems but in the case of Somalia France and Italy should aslo take the lead to solve this problem they created in the first place.
     To achieve this it would be a suicidal to proceed with sceptical and preconception agenda. In other words, politically, morally and strategically, it would be unwise to not be cautious dealing with or legitimise despots and the very people who caused the destruction and displaced in their families, villages and their communities.
     Words of advice: Britain should not shy away from the fiasco and massive failure caused by failed political leaders who slogans are “corruption is good’, ‘killing is cool’; ‘aid and clan are our keys’. Poverty, ignorance, disease and clan are their best comrade without this they would not last a minute.
     One last point, softy, softy approach will not work put your offensive geo-political-moral hat on and deal the matter head on by simply state that guys this tribal warfare has to stop immediately. To do this we need to start from scratch because for the last 20 years your urban- based clan politics hypothesis is not working. The world will not be at peace until we cannot how to learn to live together in peace.
     Regionally: the African union is useless as they failed to respect its promises of promoting peace and uniting African nation like EU did. Britain should criminalise the corrupt conduct of all African leaders who only think for their own self- interest rather than the common good of their country and beyond.
     Lastly any peace initiative would be fruitless and futile unless the Somali traditional leaders are involved because as you are aware ideologically clanship is the first principle of Somali society. In another words, the Somali vision of the cosmos is based on tribe as you may already sense in this debate.
     Therefore it is important to take this into account genuinely.
     To the Somali people: The world is confused about what to do with us. Please for the sake of humanity and peace let us put aside our cheap and immoral political, personal, tribal philosophical differences and look at how we can be part of this historical moment to build peace instead of building clannish cyber bullying.
     To my fellow Somalis, whether you agree or not, nothing really works without peace; without peace there can be no dignity and that’s fact. Think about that.
     British Gov. thank you, God bless and keep up the noble work. Matt, you can count on me at any rate.
     Warmes Greetings and All the best.
     Daljir, from London, UK.

361. Dear Matt Baugh
     Confusion is in the word SOMALIA
     Originally and today (and correctly ) Somalia means , ( in the Italian language ) , the Somali territory which Italy colonized .
     The British Somaliland Protectorate is now The Republic of Somaliland
     Somalilanders are NOT AN AREA of the old Italian colony
     “The Somali Republic” was from 1 July to 18 May 1991 , and it was the two areas ( or regions ) of Somaliland and Somalia
     Mis-naming is a UN fault and confusing and wrong .

     1. Somalia was the union of Italian Somaliland and British Somaliland. Northern Somalis don’t have monopoly of the word Somaliland. Djibouti was know as French Somaliland before it was changed to land of Afar and Isa, after independence the gave themselves name, Djibouti.

362. To my perspective, Somalia is a nation that suffered a civil war, famine for more than 21 years. People of Somalia need to rebuild their nation in economically, politically, security. And it is unacceptable to divide Somalia with two nation such as Somalia and Somaliland. Somaliland is not a nation and it is a small region of a part of Somalia living a small clan (Isaq) who don’t have anything such as agricultural, ecomical depends on Somalia that wants to divide Somalia. If UK wants to make this meeting to produce a good result, they must not create a more difficult to the people of Somalia. And I am encouraging you to stop those millitary funds that you give to the Somaliland because they are attacking their neighbor such as (dhulbahante Clan). I am from South Somalia particular Mogadishu and I believe Somalia is one nation and there is no body can separate us. I support Puntland because they believe Somalia owns Somali. People of Somalia want political, Moral, econommical support rather than division. I want to encourage to those who called Somaliland you better think a right path rather than to divide the nation of Somali. And i see you are claiming that you lost 50,000 people and we are lost more than 2 million people and we still love to be United. Thank you.

363. I wonder why some people denying the reality of Somaliland, Many people talking about States, but you can understand what Somaliland stands for, our value is democracy, conflict resolution, peace building, respecting human right. Every one know that Somaliland is Only Nation in Horn Africa which Opposition Leader beat the incumbent president and transferred power from incumbent to long time Opposition Leader. The Elected President of Somaliland His Excellence Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud Silanyo cannot share and discuss other self opinionated states he has legal represnetative of people of Somaliland but all other leaders in Somalia they dont have that legal power since they oppionted them selfs or elected few people which reperenst 0.02% of the population

364. Hello ladies and gentlemen organizers English
     I’m HIIS Mohamoud I was born in Sool region in Somaliland I lived in Switzerland I am originally from Somaliland. I love my country and I am more determined than ever to be borne by all means accession to the sovereignty of my country, I am still the signal is not fully recognized.
     I am absolutely in the fact that the solution to Somali DEPENDS ON THE RECOGNITION OF THE REPUBLIC Somaliland. And I speak as a connoisseur of policies and problems typical Somali and I am convinced that the solution to problems of state failure in Somalia is directly dependent on the political sovereignty 0 ACCESSION AND DIPLOMATIC WHOLE OF THE REPUBLIC Somaliland.
     that’s why we should and that it is high time to take PROBLEM FACING REALITY AND POLITICAL VIEW OF THE REGION SOCIO ECONOMIC, namely that the key to success of intauration of lasting peace in this corner of the planet is directly related to RECOGNITION oF THE REPUBLIC OF tHE Somaliland is a fact and a reality that can not exceed Dear Sirs AS THIS iS THE SOLUTION tO PROBLEMS.
     NOW I HOPE YOU PUT THE WEIGHT AND DARE raises the issue loud and bearing in mind that the one and only solution to the Somali problem HOLD SAID SOVEREIGNTY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOMALILAND. SOMALILAND IS STAND RECOGNAITION FROM INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AND BIG COUNTRIES. SOMALI PROVERB. TO SAY. When The Truth Is Every Bad Things Happen died. SOMALILAND IS ONE NATION

365. Somaliland is not few figure counted paid actors behind the creating what they called push button states such as Khamtimo State and Awdal Lands only existence in the Cyber Space. Somaliland Incredibly important of the next election coming up very soon. No body can’t ignore that Somaliland independence:

     Long life Somaliland nation, They have nothing to satisfy the problem of other Somali people because we speak almost same language doesn’t any political sense because the Arabs do speak same language too and yet spited our with 22 sovereignty governments. That’s made no political solution for other Somali’s deep problems for last 21 year with help all international communities and held already 15 international conference before this one . Somaliland is independent country needs to be recognized in this gatherings.

     Message to the Conference and Re presenter of Foreign & Commonwealth Office

     Now and urgently the people have aspiration of hope that UK will be the first government should morally unanimously Declare of supporting the Somaliland recognition.

     Matt, we should overlook and must be careful about the World MAIN STRATEGIES that laid down by the super power including UK and the location of Somaliland which is line with western world military and political together with Ethiopians regional control and has very good bi lateral and friendly relations with Somaliland as independent country.
     Means the things are bigger than just conference and blogging comment by depressive public of Somalia people.

     Good luck Somliland for the coming conference held in London and acceptance by the whole World the determination of declared and regained it’s independence in May 18,1991.

     1. he Committee to Protect Journalists is alarmed by the deteriorating press conditions in the semi-autonomous republic of Somaliland after this weekend’s detention of 21 journalists protesting a police raid on a private broadcaster.
        On Saturday, armed police raided Horn Cable TV headquarters after President Ahmed Mahmoud Silyano accused the broadcaster of spreading propaganda against his administration, according to news reports. Officers told the entire staff to leave and sealed the premises without a warrant, local journalists said. Horn Cable had recently reported on a meeting in the disputed Sool region in which the Dhulbante clan announced its intention to form an autonomous state under Somalia–and not Somaliland–according to local journalists.

        On Sunday morning, Somaliland presidential guards dispersed a demonstration by two dozen journalists protesting the shutdown of Horn Cable TV, according to local journalists and news reports. Officers beat journalists with the butt of their guns and detained 21 journalists at the Hargeisa Central Police Station overnight, local journalists told CPJ. Somaliland Police Chief Mohamed Saqadhi released the 21 journalists at around 2 p.m. local time the next day, news reports said.

        “The Somaliland government’s claims of upholding press freedom are belied by the mass arrests of journalists and the arbitrary shuttering of broadcasters,” said CPJ East Africa Consultant Tom Rhodes. “These acts of intimidation seem to be part of a pattern to punish the Somaliland press for its independent reporting of political news.”

        Local journalists told CPJ that Horn Cable TV returned to the air briefly Monday evening and was expected to be fully functioning soon.

        Seven other journalists were arrested in the past week, CPJ research shows. Only one, journalist Ali Ismail Aare, still remains behind bars. Aare took photographs of a petrol station in the northwest town of Borama that was allegedly owned by Vice President Abdirahman Abdullahi, news reports said.

        18 January 2012

        1. if we are somalilanders we are very proud to held a big conference which a negotiating somali state lost , which was anarchy goverment till the dictator
           siyad barre wer remevod the postion od admin of somali natioanal state.
           then after that somalia suddenly went out untherec state which is to split and created different leaders which every one claim that he is the leader of state, so its good to held a big conference in order to revise the default state
           and we are expecting that every thing will go right way if God says amin amin
           in other side the the remours says that somaliland is neccesary to take part
           that is not true somalia and somililand are same in the side of stateness and also govermental way so its alsway people dont mistreat somaliland dignity
           somiland persistence its nation that a flag and get its depence full from the somalia fully and the caller of the conference about the information so somaliland says we are expecting somalia to to regain its calm and we are saying forget somliland ist national exist that now stronger for you and some to you have good .

366. Dear Matt,

     We thank Britain for its efforts to help the Somali people get together to resolve their differences and reach a lasting peace. However, the Somali problem can only be solved if the root cause is known, I am afraid the AU, EU and US did not carryout proper research in their pursuit for a lasting solution to the Somali dilemma. The remedy to the Somali problem is not in London or Washington, it is neither in Addis Ababa nor in Djibouti, but it is in Hargeysa! How?

     Here is the fact; the root cause is the missing brother which they are hopeful but unsure of his return (Somaliland) once they know the fate of the missing brother (gone forever), they will face the reality and deal with a factual situation.

     Somaliland and Somalia have united voluntarily in 1960, that unity has failed and led to a bloody civil war in the 1980s, this resulted the withdrawal of Somaliland from that UNION and the subsequent collapse of the so called Somalia state.

     The reality of the situation is Somalia has collapsed because it lost the engine that was pulling the cart, they are hoping that engine (SOMALILAND) will be back and start pulling the cart again (a dream that will never come true) Somaliland knows it can help to sort out the Somalia problem but does not want to do so because this will damage the stability of their country as people will feel that the current leadership is misleading the nation. The leadership knows this and will not dare to involve themselves in the Somali affairs with confidence. This will prolong a problem which has already taken 20 odd years.

     The only Solution is to Recognise Somaliland because;
     Firstly, after the recognition of Somaliland, the Somalis will realise that the engine they were waiting to for 20 years is gone for ever, and finding another one is necessary. This will help them to negotiate better without waiting for Somaliland.
     Secondly, Somaliland as an independent state, will engage more confidently in solving the problem of their brothers and sisters in Somalia because they will worry less about the local ramifications.

     In short, recognition of Somaliland is the key to a lasting solution of the Somali problem and the sooner the world realises this, the sooner the Somali problem will be resolved.

     Ali Adam Awale

367. Hi !
     Yes. I believe that Somaliland can be part of Somalia’s solution. But first and foremost Somalia & its citizens must accept the fact that Somaliland is a country that exists and have existed before the failed union. Each one of them must recognize the other fully, to respect their wishes. Their recognition for each other will certainly create a friendly atmosphere of mutual understanding between the two sisterly countries that existed before, and can exist side by side once more – same like the Arab countries, or the Swahili-speaking East African ones. Their help to each other can start from there. But if we continuously deny one another, our major concerns will be ignored by us, and the rest of the world would be unable to help too. Thus continuous failures of all efforts, whether it is made by us or are orchestrated by international organizations. Thank you for opening that kind of positive dialogue between our successful Somaliland & the ailing Somalia country that needs our help. May God bless you, and may God bless all the positive-minded Somalilanders like you in this world. Once more, thank you & thanks to Matt as well as UK, since they are giving this good chance to Somalia

368. It seems to me that most of you area touching the issues that in a way it suites you and whether you favour of having Somaliland or not that is not how to solve a conflict if Somaliland want independent away from Somali. Therefore they need to take a referendum and ask everyone that includes awdal people if they won the vote then i dont see why they cannot have their own but when snm overthrown Somali government their intention was not form country so called Somaliland letter it became their objective. .could anyone please tell me why it took so long to act from Somali conflict from UK governments prospective bear in mind what happened in 1992 many Somali dead as result war conflic and lettre hanger why now n and why not before although Aim welcoming the British Prime Minister’s announcement to host a Conference on Somalia.

369. Mr. Matt, thank you again and your government, As I am Khatumo Lander and UK Citizen, we are kindly requested you to invite our newly born which is ‘KHATUMO STATE’ and also Gudabiirsi have their own state, which state which is AWDAL STATE, do not invite only somaliland, because we are living in somaliland but we are not a part of their government, we created our own state ‘khatumo state’ we have president and ministers and parliamentary, therefore if the British government wants the solution of somalia they must invite all parts in somalia. As i stated to you earlier, firstly you should understand our problems, specially, we are Dhulbahante, we are not part of somaliland govertnment ,,,, thank you

370. Thank you Mr. Matt and your government for trying to solve Somali problem, My dear Mr. Matt do not forget and always you should remember, there is no fuctional government in somali and the central government was callapsed in 1991. but all others like Puntland, Somaliland, Galmudug and Xin iyo Xeeb, Khatumo State and Awdal State are local governments, so if your govenrment wants to solve the problem of Somali, they should inivite all. Thirtly, Somaliland consist 7 clans, Isaaq, Gudabiirsi, Dhulbahante, Ciise, Warsangali and Others, you should remember the Isaq family which is less than 36% of the puplication of somaliland are want separation, but others like Dhulbahante and warsangali and gudabiirsi do not want any saparation, they want to united in Somalia. Fouthly, Dhulbahante have local goverment called KHATUMO STATE AND we are as

371. somaliland is one who want problems in somaliland please leave as alone must of them live outside somaliland like jabuti and canada and usa and uk. if we are somaliland we do not want to go back to somalia we lost 30years we have peace and love somaliland 85% want somaliland 15% makeing problems long live somaliland we want somaliland to be free from somalia and war

372. You guys, you still keep complaining to Matt about your brothren country men.
     The site has become a platform where clans complain against each other as such that a British governor is still in control of Somalia.
     Please be decent and stop clannish business here.

373. Hi all of my bro & sisters. I think this canverance is important to the all of Somali people. So i,ll say we have to seport and see what happens . If we are puntland people and government we are ready to talk all other people face to face. But I think the broplem is a Somaliland because they don’t want samthings that makes piece all of Somalia. I’ll say u guys are Somali and always you guys will need Somali. Thanks all of you

374. Dear Matt,

     Britain should have ethical and moral obligations and must respect the wishes of the Somaliland people and must advocate the recognition of the Republic of Somaliland,

     If the world is serious about peace, stability and security in Somalia in particular and the world at large, then it should first recognize those who decide to take a bold step for the sake of peace, stability and democracy. The people of Somaliland did just that and must be recognized as a sovereign state.

     Somaliland deserves recognition because they succeeded in saving their people while Somalia has been burning for the past 21 years.

     Article 1 of the Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States (1933) defines qualifications for statehood as follows: (1) a permanent population; (2) a defined territory; (3) government and (4), capacity to enter into relations with other states

     The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the UN general assembly in 1948, specifically declares rights of citizens to resist human-rights violations. This underpins the legitimacy of citizens’ rebellion against oppression, such as the opposition which caused the collapse of the state of Somalia in 1991.

     The continuing denial of Somaliland’s recognition by the international community could result in yet another catastrophe on the African continent.

     Continuing non-recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty will lead us three possible scenarios:

     A. Civil war with the Islamists. If the latter advance north as far as Somaliland, this may result in an exodus of refugees, millions of internally-displaced people and the further destabilization of the entire Horn of Africa. At the same time, Somalilanders would fiercely resist an attempt to end their independence, as they did when they defeated Siad Barre’s strong army

     B. This would demonstrate the international community’s denial of economic empowerment and development, and give an impetus to poor governance, corruption and instability in Somaliland. The current lack of recognition acts as an impediment to receiving international reconstruction and development aid, as well as to bilateral agreements with governments and the international financial institutions such as the World Bank and IMF

     C. A combination of civil war and non-recognition it will lead to a collapse in democratic government

     The recognition of Somaliland would bring stability, prosperity and a vibrant state with much to offer. Its continuing progress on developing the private sector, democracy and human rights (particularly those of women) makes it a model for other African states.

     The Only option for this International conference is to recognize the Republic of Somaliland, a peaceful corner of Africa with one of the continent’s few democratically elected governments. There is no hope left for Somalia, Somalia is dead and you cannot resurrect dead person

     Thank you

     Kaysar Maxamed
     Bristol. UK

375. am welcoming GB effor, and i wont somaliland to participate this conference not as a part of somlia but to told the delegate of this conference what the somaliland people wont, am not condeme idea of person but shere with u may idea if you ar with my idea welcome if u dont its up to u

376. I understand Somali people over abroad have the right rice issues important to them but you have to be careful not to contradict the points you try to make for instant there are plenty of comment in here attacking Somaliland without facts specially these ones making out is one tribe country (isaq) these guy making States in a Western Mijilis Awdal/Khaatumo etc. who possibly have not seen Somalia last 30years there are no any facts of your claims but the people of Somaliland have facts and evidence for what they stand for (you are claiming Somaliland is for Isaq and the majority of the country then how come longest serving president was not Isaq). looks like they using these peace conference to gain some individual interest which I think is pretty sick because if have any consciences there are Somali children dying out there who need this conference to be used step stone for sustainable peace ……………….

377. SOMALILAND DESERVES TO RECOGNIZE, SOMALILAND IS A SELF DECLARED COUNTRY WHICH NEEDS TO RECOGNIZE, SURELY SOMALILAND IS NOT A PART OF SOMALIA, SOMALILAND GET BACK ITS FREEDOM FROM SOMALIA IN 1991

378. we welcome any country that could make peace (southern of somalia)

     but, I told any one, Somaliland never,ever unite the rest of somalia

379. Dear all,

     We should be grateful to Britain and the International Community for their efforts in trying to bring the Somali puzzle back together. It is healthy to debate the future of Somalia and what ever form and shape it might look like in the future. Whether it would be “Nation of Federations” “Complete Devolution with full powers or Regional Autonomy with limited powers”. What matters to me now, is to find a peaceful platform in which we can all join and work alongside in re-establishing our identity, dignity and sovereignty. Above all what matters to me is the lifting of the sufferings from those in Somalia whit their daily struggles! A lot of good people said before me that as Somalis there isn’t much of cultural, linguistic and religious difference. The difference is the level Stubbornness and the level of past blame we would like to attribute to each other. For me :
     1) It would be helpful if Britain and others support us in setting up a form of Transitional and Reconciliation Commission, similar to that of ex-Yugoslavia and South Africa a decade ago, albeit with a difference.
     2) Somalia should have Council of Presidents not A PRESIDENT, (maximum of 5 council members and 2 year turn each president) based on Somali Tribe make up
     This Council would act as the Supreme Council for the Country whilst we settle down, draft a constitution; establish normal state funtions etc etc.
     3) Establish only the most needed Ministerial Positions. We seems to be adding more and more ministerial positions every year just to please tribes. This should stop, there will be plenty of other jobs!!
     4) International community to support the funding of Somali Intellectuals going back to support their country (some of them perhaps resigning from well paid jobs) lawyers; doctors; economists; teachers and nurses, and finally for my fellow Somalis: Be united; Be Proud and be Forgiveable.
     5) Re st

380. long life somaliland. mya ALLAH bless u.

381. hi first,
     secondly I 19 year old boy live in Hargiesa. The capital city of Somaliland, I never see war and problems. Becasue of our government secured the peace and stabilty. If we are somalilanders we are only peaple who have one vision and one mission. we don’t want to lose our nation. I don’t to lose the the Flag I was born under it. We really like our southern brother and sisters to get a peace and leave the war and problems. But we don’t want to unite with then again. Because still it’s on our minds the problems we had experienced by the time we united them. At least I want urge the international community to reconginze somaliland.

382. thanks u.k
     As we know the republic of Somaliland has more historty between British government so UK respect somaliland as indepedence nation and know somaliland will never return somalia later. and our ambition is to be somaliland get recognize,
     our last dicision recognize
     thanks

383. lam somalilander l live city of somaliland repuplic but l want to talk about somaliland only and l say somaliland is countery and somaliland people 100 95 they are belev somnaliland nand l say or l thel the govermanty of uk dont think somaliland is somalia

384. Somali is an ethnic identity and not nationalities so if you want to describe the people of Somalia please call them Somalians. Somalis are a multinational ethnic group and inhabit in five different countries (Somaliland, Somalia, Ethiopia , Djibouti and Kenya). And i would like in my opinion the name of our country to be changed into another name instead of Somaliland!

385. Dear ALL

     I AM PROUD TO BE SOMALILANDER AND SOMALILAND DESERVES TO RECOGNIZE, SOMALILAND IS A SELF DECLARED COUNTRY WHICH NEEDS TO RECOGNIZE, SURELY SOMALILAND IS NOT A PART OF SOMALIA, SOMALILAND GET BACK ITS FREEDOM FROM SOMALIA IN 1991 I HOPE SOMALILAND WILL RECOGNIZE INSHALAAH

386. Hi;
     Somebody at Northern Somalia must admit that Somali land is not here anymore after Awdal and Khatumo’s move and settle with Isaaqland.
     If the case is so our 360 degree turn is just around te corner of 20 years or so of living a dream and war.
     Let us go to London and start from Zero as Siilaanyo acknowledged the fact that he has no choice but come to london and ready for a broad based
     Somali government from the scratch and those of you living the dream of the states and lands say S O M A L A…..and hoist the Blue flag every where.
     Do you think Siilaanyo will do it……wil do happily and champagne to become the head of the newly found Somalia.

     Will see.
     Thanks.

387. Dear Matt..
     I am from North Somalia and I am Real Somalia

     Here let me share you how to solve ongoing problems of Somalia..

     Call the conference all leaders of

     1. KHAATUMO STATE OF SOMALIA (sool, Sanaag and Cayn)
     2. PUNTLAND STATE OF SOMALIA ( bosaso, Garowe and galkacyo)
     3. SOMAlILAND STATE OF SOMALIA ( Hargaisa , BURCO)
     4. GALMUDUG STATE OF SOMALIA ( galkacyo and mudug)
     5. AWDAL STATE OF SOMALIA ( Borama)
     6. TFG FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ( SOUTH SOMALIA AND NORTH SOMALIA)

     if you need to over come the following problems of somalia

     1. Terrorists
     2. Pirates
     3. hanger and famine

     you have to the following steps

     support the government and all states of somalia and respect their freedom which is Khaatumo state and Awdal state of Somalia will need the union of Somalia..

388. I think Turkey Prime Minister’s moral speech at the last UN general Assembly was a wake-up call for all western countries after they neglected Somalia for the last 20yrs. As a result, Britain firstly felt ashamed and has scheduled a trivial conference for Feb 2012. the conference’s major aim is Britain’s presence in Somalia’s affairs to be felt, although such presence has ever been unfruitful. As announced by the Prime Minister, the agenda is to tackle the menace of Piracy off Somalia coast. This obviously indicates the Britain’s dishonesty in the stabilization of Somalia’s long-existed Political gridlock and security issues, which are the most important for Somali People.
     I think Puntland should strive to properly advice Britain to review the agenda so that the most needed and pressing issues are addressed in the meeting instead of westng time on the perhaps the third priority issues.

389. I am very thankful for the British government for their endless of Somali people. But what we know so far as Somalian is that the people of Somalia had no chance to resolve locally their internal problems.. due to a great direct or indirect intervention from the neighbouring countries. If this step that the Britain starts is true. then i would suggest very greatly to the British and their prime minister to consider first the Somaliland recognition; which will lead a great opportunities for the other Somali people to get solve their internal while Somaliland people and its government will contribute much more both technically and practically.
     Beside that the recognition of Somaliland will saves the somalia, and safe guards whole horn of Africa as well as the rest of the international communities.
     With this consideration, Somalia has a great chance to survive from further destruction as well as harbouring the international terrorist, if this is ignore, while other somalian are also covering their eyes on the reality on ground then we expect the country to torn apart widely then it is now. and remains and be the Afghanistan of the horn of Africa.

     Best regards

     Mo

390. DEAR MATT
     SOMALILAND AND SOMALIA ARE TWO DIFFERENT COUNTRIES; SOMALILAND NEEDS ITS RECOGNITION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. SO FIRST OF ALL MANY THANKS FOR YOU TO SHARE US YOUR OPINION. OK MATT YOU KNOW SOMALILAND WAS BRITISH SOMALILAND PROTECTORATE WHICH BRITAIN GOVERNMENT GAVE ITS RECOGNITION IN 1960. AT THAT TIME SOMALILAND UNITED WITH ITALIAN SOMALIA AFTER 4 DAYS YOU GAVE US THE RECOGNITION. THEN FOR 31 YEARS WE WHERE SOMALIA GOVERNMENT WITH MANY COLONIAL AND HARD SITUATION FOR SOMALILAND (NORTHERN REGIONS). MATT ALL IN ALL WE GET BACK OUR LIBERTY IN 1991; SO WE NEED A RECOGNITION, WE DON’T NEED SOMALIA ANY MORE.

     WE DON’T NEED SOMALIA, WE ARE SOMALILAND, WE NEED RECOGNITION, WE NEED TO BE RECOGNIZED GOVERNMENT. SO PLEASE MATT ALLOW SOMALILAND TO BE COMPLETE AND RECOGNIZED GOVERNMENT.

     AS SOON AS POSSIBLE PLEASE RECOGNIZE SOMALILAND.

     SOMALILAND AND SOMALIA WILL NEVER UNITE WITH THE NAME SOOMAALI. SO WE HAVE TO BE TWO GOVERNMENTS BRITISH SOMALILAND AND ITALIAN SOMALIA.

     SOMALILAND PEOPLE ARE TOUGHER THEN SOMALIAN AND THE OTHER SOMALI.

     1. One is a true country, the other a fictitious ‘republic’.

391. Deat Matt

     How ironic Mogadisho gangs are misleading people by claiming Somaliland are tribal Militia and part of Somalia. Let me tell you something, Somaliland facts are well known in the international community and no one on earth can derail the future of Somaliland.

     We have the fastest growing economy in the world, free elections, currency, Passport, police, army, navy, and free press. Not to mention peace, a world without fanatics and terrorist. Now Gangs of Mogadishu, your so called government in Mogadisho cannot even liberate their capital city from Al Shabab terrorist, while at the same time your ragtag government have fights everyday among themselves in the parliament. Whereby every other month government are dismissed and new ones are announced.

     All you do is fighting among yourself of how to control the small hand outs given to you by International community in order to help your starving people. While my Somaliland lives in peace and property, your sh*t hole is no more than doomed house of Hawiye tribe and their hapless minorities who cannot come together to form a decent government since the overthrow of Siyad Barre 30 year ago. For a long time now Mogadisho was a lawless city of crime, starvation, mindless killing, rape, terrorism and extremism, and piracy. Mogadisho tags and their warlords created instability in the whole of horn of Africa.

     I think it’s time Mogadisho regime and its pirate Allies (Puntland) is to be re-colonised, because they’re in a state of total chaos. And as far as Somaliland is concern, we don’t really care whether the world recognises us or not. We are shining light of East Africa and the only viable state in that region. Viva Somaliland and to hell with the rest

     1. The well known fact is the people of the Hargeisa,Burco and Berbera triangle represent 20% of the population of Somalia and maybe 15% of the land. I believe the regions of Awdal, Sool, Sanaag don’t share your break away desire, the shelling of Buuhoodle has shown that you just wolves in sheep clothes.

392. Dear Matt

     How ironic Mogadisho gangs are misleading people by claiming Somaliland are tribal Militia and part of Somalia. Let me tell you Mr so intelligent, Somaliland facts are well known in the international community and no one on earth can derail the future of Somaliland.

     We have the fastest growing economy in the world, free elections, currency, Passport, police, army, navy, and free press. Not to mention peace, a world without fanatics and terrorist. Now Gangs of Mogadhishoy your so called government in Mogadisho cannot even liberate their capital city from Al Shabab terrorist, while at the same time your ragtag government have fights everyday among themselves in the parliament. Whereby every other month government are dismissed and new ones are announced.

     All you do is fighting among yourself of how to control the small hand outs given to you by International community in order to help your starving people. While my Somaliland lives in peace and property, your shit hole is no more than doomed house of Hawiye tribe and their hapless minorities who cannot come together to form a decent government since the overthrow of Siyad Barre 30 year ago. For a long time now Mogadisho was a lawless city of crime, starvation, mindless killing, rape, terrorism and extremism, and piracy. Mogadisho tags and their warlords created instability in the whole of horn of Africa.

     I think it’s time Mogadisho regime and its pirate Allies (Puntland) is to be re-colonised, because they’re in a state of total failure. And as far as Somaliland is concern, we don’t really care whether the world recognises us or not. We are shining light of East Africa and the only viable state in that region. Viva Somaliland

     1. The well known fact is the people of the Hargeisa,Burco and Berbera triangle represent 20% of the population of Somalia and maybe 15% of the land. I believe the regions of Awdal, Sool, Sanaag don’t share your break away desire, the shelling of Buuhoodle has shown that you just wolves in sheep clothes.

393. Siilaanyo what they call the president of Somalilan or the Isaaq Clan which is Burco, Hargaysa, and Saaxil Killed more than 500,000 people of Khaatumo State of Somalia and today half of the population of Sool, Sanaag and Cayn are refugees in all over the world. however, these people of SSC Somalia or khaatumo State of Somali is not believe and they will never except the separation of the country.. If these Isaaq clan needs to be independent country they will not take one hand of SSC Land or Khaatumo State land which is Sool Sanaag and Cayn and their capital cities of Laascaanood, Ceerigaabo and Buuhoolde… Isaaq cland land which is Somaliland they only have burco and hargaysa comparing to Khaatumo State of Somali which is Sool, Sanaag and Cayn regions, these regions are double of Isaaq land State of Somalia.. Khaatumo State of Somalia will never Except any think regarding separation of Somalia and my people of Sool sanaag cayn regions of Somalia believe it is an obligatory the union of the country…

394. Hukun says.

     21 yrs of chaos and misery is enough,what the somali people need now is unity,Somaliland is and will be part of the greater somalia ,we have already lost the Ogaden area and NFD,if we assume that Somaliland be recognised it will create wars lasting centuries,if the UK government is keen in helping the somalia people we need investment now and its urgent we dont need seperation…

395. Dear Matt:
     I think that the conference should focus on these up-coming issues:
     1. International community must harmonize, review and revise its policy on Somalia; Unified policy approach is better-off For Somalia and for the expense of international community
     2. secessionist or separatist groups must be pressured and communicated clearly that it’s their interest to accept the creation of Somali central government; instead of waging clan based war against unionist clans inhabited in the north of the country; otherwise they think that they can achieve own clan based state in the north..Khaatumo, Awdal state and Maakhir land can be invited to the conference (Unionist groups from north of Somalia): while promoting Hargaisa as the temporary capital of Somalia, because I believe Mogadishu is the central city of conflict at this time.
     3. In the light of the formation of new central government based in Hargaisa as its capital for time being; and the support of U.K. and international community to the new government, then we can reach peace in Somalia and witness the fell of Al-shabab ideology and its organization. Most of Somalis need peace and state hood security where law and order prevails, but yet that requires courage and empathy from international community as well as clear and ratified policy from international community to communicate the leaders and fighting groups in Somalia. I wish you good luck and We promise to support British and UK initiatives on the establishment of Somalia Statehood…Historically, our ancestors failed to recognize that the British leadership under U.N to Somalia was better-off compare to Italian preferences in the days of freedom search; but now we know what went wrong; our society had Superiority complexity, which is not good and less humanity including degree of wilderness, but this has been also accepted as a mistake in the History books. This time the good will of Britain will be supported with Somalians. What we need is not tribal warfare and tribal competition but to enforce the establishment of central government and its functioning institutions
     We appreciate for what you are doing for us (as a British citizens and Somalians ) and wish you good luck in supporting us to become part of world community:
     Sincerely;
     Lasanod institute for peace and reconciliation

     Farah Ahmed

396. Hi all!
     It is a great pleasure for me to be here today to post my opinion on London Conference on Somalia: I believe the conference will not move the current efforts forward but instead will back paddle the whole process unless, you respect and recognize the independence and dignity of Somaliland. Somaliland took the first step to establish the united Somali Republic on 1st July 19960. This past history clarified how much Somaliland people wanted to be united with other Somali people. Unfortunately, the price appraisal for Somalilander became to kill many innocent people from Somaliland.
     Britain invited Somaliland to take a center role in the conference, but I am not sure that Somaliland will accept the conference or will reject it.
     Somaliland has nothing to do with Somalia warring factions, why would we want to be part of it? Let them clean their house and stop the killings of innocent people first and foremost.
     This proposed conference will not be any different from the past failed conferences, unless international community recognizes Somaliland

397. I hope this letter will reach you to learn a lot the people of Sool, Sanaag and Cayn…

     The diaspora from Sool, Sanaag and Cayn (SSC) regions of North Western Somalia,

     Bearing in mind the precarious situation that has prevailed in Somalia since the collapse of the central government in 1990;

     Congisent of the particular cirisi in the North Western region of Somalia in which one clan had unilaterally declared the secession of the region from Somalia, and calling itself Somalialnd (the former colonial name of the area);

     Taking into account the invasion and occupation of Sool region of Somalia and its capital Lascanod on 15 October 2007 by the one-clan based secessionist enclave in the misguided belief that this would enhance their prospects for international recognitgin;

     Responding to the declaration of the Garads (chiefs and traditional leaders) from Sool, Sanaag and Cayn (SSC) regions of Somalia at their conference at Boame town, Sool region of , Somalia on November 2007 in which they called for the liberation of Sool f rom the secessionists and the defence of Somali unity;

     In the light of the above, and effectively from the date carried by this announcement, the people from the SSC regions of Northern Somalia have established the Northern Somali Unionist Movement (NSUM), an umbrella organisation that will represent them and all the diaspora organisations belonging to these regions. The NSUM, whose members are drawn from SSC regions of Northern Somalia, but not exclusively, is mandated to inter alia pursue the following objectives:

     •Defend Somali unity at the international, interregional, and national levels and counter secession and other threats to Somali unity particularly in the NW region where one clan has declared secession from Somalia: •Promote peace within the SSC regions and with other neighbouring clans: •Promote the unity of the people in the SSC regions, strengthen the traditional institutions and assist in conflict prevention and resolution, •Through relevant information dissemination, enhance the awareness of the people in the SSC regions on critical matters relating to their welfare such peace, health, education and good neighbourliness with other regions; •Promote good governance, democracy, human rights and the rule of law at the SSC and national levels ; •Promote the socio-economic and political development of the SSC regions in collaboration with development partners at the national and international level. In pursuing the above-mentioned objectives, the NSUM is to work closely with other partners, in the quest for peace, unity, and development in the SSC regions and the wider Somalia, such as such as the central government and its organs and institutions, foreign governments, international and regional aid agencies, and international and other national NGOs

398. I am a Somalilander, currently in Hargeisa. I seem confused with the name “Khaatumo, Khaatumo 2, etc. which i have never heard before. can some one help me out if there is a relationship between the emergence of this new name and the timing of this London converence? why Khaatumo now? initially, I thought it was a village near Salaxlay. But someone told me later this week as a new a saga orchestrated to undermine Somaliland Republic – new group who wants to squeez to get space in the london conference! Isn’t this a saddening project to dismental our progress achieved over 20 years of nation-building and finally isn’t that a Khaatumo xumo for some who says I love peace and tranguility?

     1. Because the people of Sool,Sanaag and Ayn don’t the want the break-up of somali nation into mini clan states. The 1991 Burco agreement between the clans of the north was a peace treaty and not a secessionist manifesto.