After the London Conference on Somalia: Share Your Views

144 comments on “After the London Conference on Somalia: Share Your Views”

1. This is such an important issue that needs to be resolved as quickly as possible and the UK need to continue to take tough stance on this. I hope the PM can put his diplomacy skills to use to ensure sufficient focus and attention is given to this cause and a solution is reached.

2. dear ambassador matt
   i agree with you that the conference succeeded but it must be consider the No6 point which talk the republic of Somaliland and Somalia
   we somalilander well come British efforts to solve Somali problem and we hope British government will continue our support I hope and I dram that one day is came and British government and international community will RE_recognize as independent state

3. This is for those who are posting comments on this blog.
   The blog is not meant to be a chat room among yourselves; rather this is designed for you to contribute ideas for the sole purpose of finding a losting peace for Somalis and Somalia.

   Regards,

   Abdul Ghelleh

4. Your Exellency,

   I am writing to ouline a point in which, I hope, will strenghten your mission and the objectives of the London Conference on Somalia. To further build on the momentum achieved by the joint Amisom/Somalia security operations against the spoilers of peace, It is highly necessary and timely suitable that we empoyer the security personnel of Somalia rather than consentrating on equipping foreign armies. We should not be relying on others to achieve a lasting peace in Somalia, and those foreign armies, particularly Ethiopians and Kenyans, have conflicting national interests in the country therefore, their contributions should be evaluated on a regular paces.

   My fear is that some individual countries with troop presence in Somalia may be working against the International Community, and they are capable of prematurely dismantling the remarkable gains that the IC had achieved over the past few months.

   I wish all the best for your difficult but extemely important mission.

   Warm regards,

   Abdul Ghelleh

5. The TFG didn’t recognise what they call khatumo state, before they come up with this name they used to call it Darawishland..which means the land of Mad mullah of British Somaliland and his followers. who fought British somaliland forces for 20 years..
   they assume themselves as true believers or patriots and other Somaliland clans as lackeys of British Colonialism.
   this group never bring this assumpions and accusation publically in thier English language written propoganda against Somalialnd.
   the only tool they have is to divide the people of Somaliland into clans.and Repeating the Same argument All over Again( that Somaliland is one clan state) which is not true.
   the population of what they call khatumo state(which is not under their control) is not more than 10% of Somaliland population,in which some of them are Somaliland independance supporters.
   recently when they realised that propoganda war failed,they started to make war in a place which was enjoying peace for long time.

   in my opinion a referendum on self-determination of Somaliland wil be the fair solution to be imposed by the internional community on pro and against Somaliland re-recognition

6. Clannish Argument of new warlords ; the so called Ssc(khaatumo seeg state): The language that Anti-Peace Anti- Democracy groups understand.

   http://www.somalilandpatriots.com/print-10827-0

7. Matt,

   Now that Khatumo State of Somalia has been recognised by the TFG and HE President Sheikh Shariff,would you and your government be willing to engage the leadership of this region.Or do we expect more deafening silence from you?

8. David Cameron seems to have liberated Somalia affairs from the hands of its traditional enemies as well as politically motivated Mahiga, who spent lifetime efforts to formulte strategies to disintegrate Somalia and ivide it into small colonies annexed by neighboring countries. From the day he graduated from lcal university in Tanzania to date Mahiga has written so much about the way forward with disintegration of Somalia. With strong background on ill-future of Somalia, he was able to to get appointed as the Envoy of the UN Secretary General for Somalia. For him this was much waited opportunity which enabled him implement his personal agenda for Somalia.
   As part of his negative strategy for Somalia, Mahiga orchestrated the so called Kampala Accord, organized the forced resignation of the nationalist PM, Formsjo, replaced with his favorate.
   The London Conferenece on Somalia has taken the Somali case from the hands of the above and placed in the hans of a permanent member of the UN security Council, with extensive experiences and knowledge on Somalia.

   By inviting Somaliland attend the conference, David Cameron has created profound expectation for timely return of Somalia’s national unity. By keeping undesirable actors such as Mahiga at bay, David Cameron has promoted the Somali cases into level of Syria, Kenya, etc, and created new window of opportunity for the stateless Somalia. There are even rumours that, with UK in the driving seat, the lost opportunity of Greater Somalia is now high in the agenda.
   Following the successful outcome of the London Conference on Somalia, David Cameron removed the Somali affairs from the black triangle of Ethiopia, Kenya and Mahiga and placed in a high profile triangle which involves UK, USA and Turkey.
   With, Somalia in save hands.

9. Dear Mohamed Awais,

   RE: Your post below,

   “We need the following established urgently to change the realties on the ground:

   1. Tribal/clan reconciliation is needed. The current TFG hasn’t really tackled this issue properly and it is unfortunate. When I say reconciliation I mean
   a. Not a political reconciliation but aimed at social level to reconstruct the social fabric. This is the key thing that is broken in our society. You can not have a nation without core fabric of society in crumbling state.
   b. Rebuild the communication between clans and tribe.
   c. Rebuild trust and genuine relationship
   2. We need to separate politics from tribal/clan to building a new political paradigm.
   a. Whether that is political parties or regional representation
   b. Moving away from 4.5 political formula
   c. Eliminating clan-politics from our political sphere
   d. Going by set of high standard and criteria’s in choosing credible leaders who are not corrupt and eager for power seat
   e. We need leader who are working, delivering and accountable for the people. Once that are fully transparent. They judge themselves but they get judged by others.”

   All that is excellent and have no any disagreement, whatsoever.

   The problem is as they say “It takes two to tango”, and that kind of environment does not exist at the moment.

   As you may know the Khaatumo population and their regional administration are well prepared for putting aside the tribal politics, because it something forced on them for self defense.

   The root of the problem is that you have a secessionist clan who is not prepared for your suggestions, talks, peace. good neighborly relations, mutual co-existence, and mutual respect. A clan who is armed and continued to arm itself, a clan on the march and attacking its neighboring tribes. A clan who is pursuing a futile agenda of secession.

   Therefore, I afraid, that yet we are not there to realize the civilized solutions you outlined. The secessionist clan is relentlessly and blindly attempting to force its way without consideration to anything that decent and logic.

   The majority of Somalis except the secessionists, for sure, have political differences of lesser degree that needs trust building, genuine political power sharing, justice, good governance. The only major barrier is the use of tribalism for political ends. We need selfless and honest politicians who have the interest of the people and country at heart and not their personal enrichment/empowerment. Your suggestions can be implemented only by those people with such characteristics. The AL Shabaab and its foreign backers and the use of religion for political ends is a major factor and obstacle too. This obstacle also needs to be cleared.

   Hence, the improvement and the security stabilization in the country is an important prerequisite.

   In the south the destabilizing force is AL Shabaab, while in the north it’s the secessionists. Unless these two dark forces (who are working together) are tackled and stopped, there would be a little or non to be expected to move the Somalia forward toward the direction of the civilized world.

   1. Brother Keenadeed,
      I know what you are saying and I agree with you. However we should never lose hope. There is always tomorrow and we should hope for the best. Eventually common sense and good will prevail. The question of when is not important for me. We are going through a trial and Insha’Allah I am certain we will be out of this mess it will happen one day so hang in there 🙂

10. Ahmed,

    Are you done? You relieved yourself. Good because after all nothing has changed on the ground not a single iota. Control your emotions; learn to be diplomatic rather than bull in china shop. I would suggest you do some reading; I never envied ISAAQ-LAND nor will ever. I am proud of what you have done in the last 20+ yrs or so. However I am not at owe with it either; I fully understand how you achieved your success and indeed I won’t hype it as you have because there is nothing to hype about. If we are honest about this and think really hard you will realise you really have not achieved that much not a lot really. You (ISAAQ-LAND) put your house in order which is great, but so what? It doesn’t mean you can now be independent country. I would encourage you to stop hitting your head against the wall asking (UK, US and reset the world) for the same silly question in the last 20yrs. You heard the answer loud and clear, I don’t know how many times they should repeat their answer, it must be obvious by now. There are ways and means to get recognition and it doesn’t start with International Community ie UK, US or any other country for that matter. It starts at home in Somalia hence why no single country in the world has or will ever recognise ISAAQ-LAND at this rate and with this bull-like approach (good for us = Somalia). Therefore don’t waste your time and energy writing how wonderful ISAAQ-LAND is. Accept the realities on the ground and learn to deal with them.

    Let me remind you the realities on the ground:

    1.No more Somaliland. The idea is dead and buried especially with the internal politics between clans in Somaliland. International Community knows it (hence why they are too embarrassed to even utter the word Somaliland aka ISAAQ-LAND in public except in close doors with your government) and it is time you and others wakeup to this harsh reality. I know it is hard bill to swallow but let me bring you a glass of water to help you with that:
    a.You get to keep all you have built in the last 20 yrs. However little it maybe (no anarchist agenda here as you have labelled me)
    b.You get to keep your parliament
    c.You get to keep your politicians
    What is the catch? The catch is you are part of Somalia as State or Federal State as you were before nothing has changed.
    2.Your government and President asked for talks and negotiation specifically to discuss how that will look like (concerning point 1) with current TFG & future government. TFG President swiftly named a committee to work with Somaliland to bring them onboard. I suggest you read news papers because currently it is embarrassing you call for something and your government is working on something else behind the scenes.
    3.Even if you say regional government ie IGAD support ISAAQ-LAND, remember only Ethiopia supports ISAAQ-LAND and we all know why. Ethiopia was the only country to arm SNM in retaliation of Siad Barre arming the Somali Ogaden in 1977 war. Hence Ethiopia still thinking strategically to weaken Somalia at any cost until to this day. However they themselves will never recognise ISAAQ-LAND in public that should tell you something.
    4.The appointment of Matt Baugh the British Ambassador to Somalia not to ISAAQ-LAND. This should also add to the common sense there is no more ISAAQ-LAND. This also includes regional countries opening embassies including Turkey.
    5.The United Nation Security council calling for United Somalia. Even right honourable Henry Bellingham, Minister of Africa for Great Britain and the current President for United Nation Security Council for his opening statement which he clearly stated:
    “The Security Council reaffirms its respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia.” Such beautiful words. Really can not thank him and British government enough for their frank and honest point of view.
    6.So it is the end of the road my friend. I see you on the other side, United Somalia.

    1. Dear Awais,

       You should not have to forget those who bring unity of Somalia is the British Somaliland, and now following London conference have been suggested needs both parts to talk each together if they decide separation they will not be part of Somalia they have a right of self determination and does not effect on territorial integrity of Somalia, because there is no foreign forces involved.

       thanks for your attention

       1. Samsamnoor you are right. Thanks for pointing me to this direction. I completely applud this. I know many Somalilanders try to make a comparison between South of Sudan and Somaliland. I want to draw some lessons from this and look for possible solutions between Somalia and Somaliland however what is overlooked when we look at South of Sudan is the difference and they approach to their independence.

          We need to realise the contrast difference between South of Sudan and North of Sudan. These differences don’t exist between Somalia and Somaliland. Let me point out the clear differences between North Sudan and South Sudan and why we can not say the same applies between Somalia and Somaliland.

          Here is why – North and South of Sudan analysis in terms of differences:

          1. Ethnicity & Origins:

          Historically, the north of Sudan had closer ties with Egypt and was predominantly Arab or Arabized ethinic people with Islamic beliefs.

          While the South of Sudan are predominantly if not all non-Arabized African indigenous people with belief of animist and Christian religion.

          2. Culture & Religion:
          North Sudan have much in common with much the rest of the Arab world, the gradual process of Arabization in Sudan led to the predominance of the Arabic language and aspects of Arab culture, leading to the shift among a majority of Sudanese today to an Arab ethnic identity. This process was furthered both by the spread of Islam and an emigration to Sudan of genealogical Arabs from the Arabian Peninsula, and their intermarriage with the Arabized indigenous peoples of the country.
          However Southern Sudan influence of culture comes from their religions both Christianity and African traditional animist religions, though Islam is not altogether absent but is not as evident and clear as it is in the North of Sudan.
          3. Language:
          North of Sudan who are Sudanese Arabs are by far the largest ethnic group in Sudan, they are entirely Muslims and speak Sudanese Arabic. Therefore Arabic is the prominent language.
          In contrast there are over 60 indigenous languages spoken in South Sudan. Most of the indigenous languages are classified under the Nilo-Saharan language family; collectively, they represent two of the first order divisions of Nilo-Saharan (Eastern Sudanic and Central Sudanic). The remainder belong to the Ubangi languages of the Niger-Congo language family, and they are spoken in the southwest.
          Now that the differences are clear lets look at the process they took to independence. What lessons can we learn from this process.
          4. Process to their independence:
          Quick summary of the history, in 1955, the year before independence, a civil war began between Northern and Southern Sudan and this continued for many year. There were many peace deals but peace talks between the southern rebels and the government of Sudan (North) made substantial progress in 2003 and early 2004. The peace was consolidated with the official signing by both sides of the Nairobi Comprehensive Peace Agreement on 9 January 2005, granting Southern Sudan autonomy for six years, to be followed by a referendum (with UN monitors + agreed by both North and South referendum committee) a mutual consent by both parties *North and South agreeing a separation of their country leading to South independence in 2011 as we all know today. One that Somaliland tries to emulate since then.
          After the peace deal a vice president position was given to South and allowed the north and south to form an interim unified government until the dust settled and during the 6 years there was split of resources or resource management, land/border deals and help from North with regards to nation building required by the South.
          This shows there was a clear road-map signed between North and South. Both agreed this was the best thing for them and a referendum took place. Can the same thing be said for Somaliland so-called referendum? Was it agreed between North and South? Was there a clear timeline or road-map to implement it? Was it a mutual consent between both parties? The answer to all these question is BIG FAT NO. In contrast Somaliland declared a unilateral independence and gone about their business as if this will make them a recognised country hence where we are today. This will not work and it has not worked for the last 2 decades nor will it ever work in the future for another 100 decades.
          Solution: Common sense must prevail
          We need similar approach today at least until South of Somalia stand on their own two feet. We need to work together and if after we need to go our separate ways we need a clear road-map. Without Somaliland, Somalia will never be stable, too many variables and too many puzzles to put together without Somaliland. We need to be united at this great juncture of both our futures. There is time and place for everything. Today is not the time of separation but today we need unity in the interest of all not just one group
          I welcome with great anticipation the talks between TFG/Future government of Somalia and Somaliland. In my humble opinion these talks must not have any pre-conditions either secession or unification agenda’s. However the joint talks should look at the rights of the people. What is their right, what do they genuinely seek. If it is peace and co-existence then what is the best way for both North and South to have brotherhood, honest, fair, caring relationship and can co-exist with each other without one or the other trampling on the other ones right. Only after this heart whelming discussions can a solution be drawn up. You can not bring solutions to the table ie secession or unification without fully analysing the problems first. Only after full analysis of the problem can a real viable solution be implemented. If they agreed after this process with mutual consent of separation then we need to follow the Sudan model of 5-6 yrs of autonomy and interim unified government formed during this period followed by a referendum (with UN monitors + agreed by both North and South referendum committee) to negotiate borders and land disputes and the question of what to do with ethnic Somali population who live in the North who want to be part of Somalia as federal state rather than Somaliland. This must be addressed and resolved
          Only after this will there be a genuine fair deal not what we have witnessed in May 31, 2001, National Referendum by Somaliland which there was hardly any time and room for debate. Moreover, the process was intimidating and hurriedly arranged to the extent that a large and politically significant zone of the population (particularly in the East) refused to participate in both the referendum and the 2003 presidential elections so there is a need to ratify the process and re-do the referendum one that is recognised by all parties *North and South hence why unilateral referendum won’t work.

          1. Mr. Mohamed Wais,

             I understand that you are a unionist and cherish the unity of Somalia. However, with all due respect, I do not think you fully understand the situation in north. From your expressed opinion above, it’s apparent that you think one clan rebellion could over-ride the wishes of all clans in the north and the rest of Somalis in the south. And, absolutely that is not the case The case is not about the north and the south, there is no such thing at all.

             Somalis are tribes who lived side by side for centuries. If they wish to unite in a civilized country and a system of government is fine. And unanimously Somali tribes are in full agreement to do so except the one clan secessionist in Hargeysa. Eventually, the resolve of the majority of Somalis (over 95%) will prevail as they can not be hostage for a monorty (one clan).

             Even explaining the obvious differences on South Sudan and the one clan secessionist in North West Somalia is not warranted, because the two cases are far worse than as if comparing/contrasting apples and oranges.

             The one clan secessionists in the north west Somalia know where their tribal territories and their size. They need to face the reality and if they are determined to secede, they have to market their tribal Isaaq territories and see if the Isaaq tribal territory would be qualified for a country, or even if it’s worth to take such hopeless case to the International Community. The secessionist minority should forget about the dream of taking other Somali unionist tribes tribal territories for secession. It won’t happen.

             Khaatumo State of Somalia is already a state within the existing federal states in Somalia. The suggested talks of the TFG and the secessionists in Hargeysa do not concern Khaatumo State of Somalia and other unionist population and their territories.

             The talks are set to include the secessionist clan and the Somali Government. Why? Because, the one clan secessionist group is the party complaining, and the Somali government must address their grievances.

             1. Brother Keenadeed,
                Thanks for your reply. However it is evident that you have not fully analysed my comments.

                1. I said and I will re-quote my comments and analysis it for you so you understand me and there are no miss-understanding:
                a. “to negotiate borders and land disputes and the question of what to do with ethnic Somali population who live in the North who want to be part of Somalia as federal state rather than Somaliland. This must be addressed and resolved.” Here clearly I am talking about people like Khaatumo or Awdal or any for that matter anyone. If they wish to join Somalia Federal government than their wish must be respected as Isaaq led government (aka Somaliland) demands their wish to be respected as well. It is hypocrisy if they call for their rights and trample on others. Hence it is:
                i. Vital to negotiate borders. No longer is it acceptable to take British protectorate borderlines as border bases. With all do respect Somaliland is not asking for independence from Great Britain they are asking independence from Somalia Republic. Hence they need to negotiate borders with Somalia not bring to the discussion colonial borders which were nullified after the unification between Somalia and Somaliland. I have always said this.

                b. I further went on to say any talks between TFG/Future Somalia Government with Somaliland “must not have any pre-conditions either secession or unification agenda’s. However the joint talks should look at the rights of the people. What is their right, what do they genuinely seek. If it is peace and co-existence then what is the best way for both North and South to have brotherhood, honest, fair, caring relationship and can co-exist with each other without one or the other trampling on the other ones right” Pay particular attention to the phrase North and South which encompasses all people of Somalia this includes all clans. Everyone North and South must:
                i. “look at the rights of the people.”
                ii. “What is their right,”
                iii. “what do they genuinely seek”
                iv. “If it is peace and co-existence then what is the best way for both North and South to have brotherhood, honest, fair, caring relationship and can co-exist with each other”
                v. “without one or the other trampling on the other ones right”
                c. If Isaaq-led government wants to be separate than rest of Somalia then so be it but they must follow process and protocol that is why I analysed the difference between South of Sudan and Somaliland. We need to see the process and protocol followed by newly formed government in our lifetime so we (Somali people) can take lessons.

             2. Dear M Awais,

                One of the luxuries of being a rational human being is you give credit where it is due. It tortures me that 25 years on and our leaders have collectively failed. You only need to see the children in refugee camps to come to that conclusion. Regarding Somaliland leaders which I know some of personally, you are correct there has always been an element of hardliners on the issue of independence. This group has always been part of the old guard who felt they never got the share of the pie they deserved in the Somali Republic. So now this was an opportunity.
                It is very important for me however to point this out and also for you to understand that the overriding objective for Somalilanders has always been peace, and so when you say they are not recognised, let me ask you this, do you think the child who is growing up in a peaceful land cares whether or not the Chinese or Americans recognise him/her? No they don’t is my answer.
                Also what I mean by political reality is if you ask the average 20 year old where he is from he will undoubtedly say he is from Somaliland.
                This has been borne out for two reasons, firstly it is as result of the hardline Independence culture/leaders and secondly but just as important it has been the failure of the TFG to forcibly try and integrate/resolve outstanding issues between Somalia and Somaliland.
                Lately I personally have been looking into the governance of the Somali Republic since late 70 & 80’s, and records such as the IMF indicate that this was a highly mismanaged state and was by 1987 fully surviving on international aid. This is therefore the reason why I don’t subscribe to the idea just because you have a unified Somali Republic things will be much better, history has shown us to be the opposite.
                My local grocery shop sometimes does a ‘buy one and get one free’ offers. I like these offers. The idea of having Somaliland as a recognised state for me is similar to such an offer. Just because there is a Somaliland (if recognised) will not mean I will not cherish the pursuit of Somali children all over growing up in peace. And it wont stop me being a Somali.
                And because of the historical context of the act of union we are the only African country who is able to take up on this offer.
                My final point and I would like your opinion on this is the issue of foreign intervention, which disturbs me the most. Currently you have a foreign army and in a few months time the TFG will be dissolved. Above all things one issue which must unite all Somalis is the desire not to have Ethiopian,Kenyan or any other forces present in Somalia. This therefore means alshabab (without foreign fighters) must be negotiated with.

             3. Brother Adan Geesi,

                I am so happy your honest and frank discussion on this topic. I am glad finally someone is admitting the truth and not closing their eyes and singing from SNM song sheet.

                To your point you have raise a few so let me go into each one of them.

                1. “It is very important for me however to point this out and also for you to understand that the overriding objective for Somalilanders has always been peace, and so when you say they are not recognised, let me ask you this, do you think the child who is growing up in a peaceful land cares whether or not the Chinese or Americans recognise him/her? No they don’t is my answer.”
                a. You are right, the children don’t care. However it is equally important for every child to know their history. To know who they are and where they from? How we come to be a Somaliland state yet no one care about Somaliland. This way of thinking doesn’t resolve the underling issue with Somaliland. I don’t want a land lived by my brothers and sisters to be a country of nobody! How long will you want to stay in country of nobody? You don’t have a seat at any institution around the world.
                b. Mogadishu today has attracted international flights and it is only been at peace for few months. Hargesia has been at peace for 20+yrs. I don’t see no international flight going to Hargesia specially carries like Turkish Airline or British Airways. I guarantee you in few months from now if situation continues to improve in Mogadishu more and more international flights will be coming. You guys have put yourself in shoe box which has no prospect of recognition. So do not underestimate the importance of that. Those children you talking about have rights and needs.
                c. Your so-called government hardliners SNM have denied basic values and freedom to their people just because of their hard-line policy and selfish thinking look where Somaliland is today. A country of nobody. This must change. It is in the interest of Isaaq people to realist this is a failed approach. New approach is needed surely you see that and agree with me on this point. Hence people must stand up to the hardliners. They are old and cribbing they are not the future they must step a side for the sake of change and progress. They were in power for the last 20yrs what have they achieved really? Except put their house in order and even that is crumpling now. You can not stack up a house of cards and expect they can with stand the wind of change. They will fall down and they will fall down hard.
                d. Going back to your point finally “do you think the child who is growing up in a peaceful land cares whether or not the Chinese or Americans recognise him/her?” the kids may not care today but they will care in the future when they try to establish business and no they can not attract anyone because no one recongnises them. Finally if the kids don’t care today you and others should care
                2. Regarding this point: “Also what I mean by political reality is if you ask the average 20 year old where he is from he will undoubtedly say he is from Somaliland. This has been borne out for two reasons, firstly it is as result of the hardline Independence culture/leaders and secondly but just as important it has been the failure of the TFG to forcibly try and integrate/resolve outstanding issues between Somalia and Somaliland.”
                a. Very true, however the TFG has failed themselves what makes you think they wouldn’t fail the people of Somaliland. TFG has failed in all avenues that can be measured. I can’t think of any success they have achieved thus far apart from liberating Mogadishu. However we must recognize both the TFG and Somaliland hardliners have failed our people and would like to keep the status-quo for their selfish reasons.
                3. Regarding this point “Lately I personally have been looking into the governance of the Somali Republic since late 70 & 80′s, and records such as the IMF indicate that this was a highly mismanaged state and was by 1987 fully surviving on international aid. This is therefore the reason why I don’t subscribe to the idea just because you have a unified Somali Republic things will be much better, history has shown us to be the opposite.” You have to understand the country at this period of time was in state of war. They fought the 1977 war with Ethiopia which they had fallen out with USSR a super-power at the time. Their only supporter. They switch side to USA which really didn’t want to provide anything apart from food aid. We had 1million Ogaden refuges enter our country. Suddenly the country was living on life-support in terms of economy. Siad Barre regime lost support of the whole world. His army was crushed by Cuban’s, Russian and Yemeni who were socialist at the time. The whole world didn’t want to help this mad dictator and he needed loans. Guess who comes to the rescue the loan sharks of the world IMF. We lend you money but with serious consequence to the economy. It really crippled what ever little Somali had. On top of that he was loosing support from within the country. Every day that past with these uncertainties that man was losing his sanity. He was going mad and mad because everything he was trying build was crumbling down in his face (specially if you look back in the late 60’s and early 70’s what he did some good things). We know the rest what he did in mid-1980’s and late 80’s toward early 1990’s on top of that the economic life-support was slowly being un-plugged as the world at be realised he was losing internal support therefore they thought if they unplugged his life support he would be toppled really quick which indeed what happened but they failed to realize the consequences and we are where we are today. Therefore this is not entirely the fault of Somali Republic it was collection of issue but ultimately it was the fault of the man at the helms. The buck stops with the leader. He failed us, failed himself and failed the whole generation of people.
                4. Regarding this point “My final point and I would like your opinion on this is the issue of foreign intervention, which disturbs me the most. Currently you have a foreign army and in a few months time the TFG will be dissolved. Above all things one issue which must unite all Somalis is the desire not to have Ethiopian, Kenyan or any other forces present in Somalia. This therefore means alshabab (without foreign fighters) must be negotiated with.” Somalia is now a failed state. We have Muslim extremist. I would have wished the Somali government and army to have the power to deal with this issue but because we can not deal with this problem ourselves we sadly have to rely on others. I am still puzzled why the UN and AU have approved regional countries to enter Somalia which was never the preferred policy. This will only inflame the issue rather than resolve any issues especially politically. Kenya and Ethiopia harbor their own selfish agenda’s which we all know about. We have to expose it and make it loud and clear what ever plans they have we are aware of them and will never let it pass. However currently it seems the international community has no other choice as it seems no other countries are pledging troops to Somalia except our neighbors who are ever so welling and ever so keen. Ethiopia is not even part of AMISOM but they are there because they are kind and love to help Somali people!!! I don’t believe so they have their own agenda’s which need to be careful about and monitor.

          2. Dear M.Awais
             The African Union was wholly against the creation of South Sudan. Why? Because the AU did not want to redraw colonial borders.
             Ironically the specific law which prohibits the redrawing of colonial borders was directly introduced to tackle the Somali state, which at the time was thought to be an expansionist.
             Now it is the same law which the AU uses to prohibit Somaliland recognition.
             Although I care about Somaliland independence I have to admit I care more about bringing peace to the whole of the Somali peoples.
             Therefore I take your point regarding we must come together north and south in order to tackle the priority issue of bring some decency to peoples lives.
             Another point is the desire to do something is all well and good, but also in politics you have to understand the reality on the ground. The reality is Somaliland is so far gone from the Somali Republic.

             1. Brother Adan Geesi,

                You made me really happy tonight. I salute your courage and your honesty. However never say never. It is never too late. However your leader’s hardliners SNM core secessionist will deny it. They lie to their people and say we are too far down the line. The truth of the matter they are not recognised by any government yet they close the door to give people a choice. We need to expose this reality. It is not too late. You can never go too far away from Somalia. The door is alway open for brothers to come and talk to each other we are one big family at the end of the day. The previous/current approach by SNM has always alienated our people. We need a solution for all. If you only think about Isaaq children and forget the children who are in dadaab in Kenya, Ethiopia and Yemen who are in refugee campus suffering the blight of our people, surely it must move you. Remember they are your people. They are suffering because we Somali people can not agree on political solution and stability. We need to stabilise Somalia if not for our sake but for the sake of innocent women and children dying everyday of hunger and lack of basic necessity. We need Unity today not division. Surely you must recognise the importance of collective wellbeing and not just your people or collective wellbeing of one clan aka Isaaq.

             2. Mr. Adan Geesi,

                reading your comment above, reminded me a quote in an article on google news that I come across few days ago. Here is the quote:

                Peter Bergen, a terrorism analyst and author of a forthcoming book on Bin Laden’s last years, commenting on a report about Bin Laden compiled by a retired Pakistani commander was quoted as saying, “Mr. Qadir’s report was larded with strange conspiracies… Mr. Bergen said, adding that it was indicative of a broader culture of conspiracy theories in Pakistan. “When I was in Abbottabad in July, plenty of people told me Bin Laden didn’t live there. What do you say to that? It’s so untethered from rational discourse,” he said.

                Your argument, “…but also in politics you have to understand the reality on the ground. The reality is Somaliland is so far gone from the Somali Republic.”

                using the same words of Mr. Bergen, “What do you say to that? It’s so untethered from rational discourse”

                There is no need in continuing a conversation/debate. Taking into account the reality on the ground, where is that Somaliland that is so far gone from the Somali Republic?!!!

                The political reality on the ground is that we got a collection of Somali tribes in the northern and southern parts of Somalia who are in loggerheads and in rivalry politics. No one Somali tribe is making any gains, and with all that death and destruction that is occurring nothing has changed and will change if we continue this same course. Period.

             3. Brother Keenadeed,

                I have said it before and I say it again.

                We need the following established urgently to change the realties on the ground:

                1. Tribal/clan reconciliation is needed. The current TFG hasn’t really tackled this issue properly and it is unfortunate. When I say reconciliation I mean
                a. Not a political reconciliation but aimed at social level to reconstruct the social fabric. This is the key thing that is broken in our society. You can not have a nation without core fabric of society in crumbling state.
                b. Rebuild the communication between clans and tribe.
                c. Rebuild trust and genuine relationship
                2. We need to separate politics from tribal/clan to building a new political paradigm.
                a. Whether that is political parties or regional representation
                b. Moving away from 4.5 political formula
                c. Eliminating clan-politics from our political sphere
                d. Going by set of high standard and criteria’s in choosing credible leaders who are not corrupt and eager for power seat
                e. We need leader who are working, delivering and accountable for the people. Once that are fully transparent. They judge themselves but they get judged by others.

11. We (Somalilanders) will not give in to the deniers of truth. We will never obey every worthless habitual swearer, [And] scorner, going about with malicious gossip. We will not listen a preventer of good, transgressing and sinful, cruel, moreover, and an illegitimate pretender.(who is ignoble and besides all that, base-born;like Awais ,Keenadeed and the like).
    When our developments and stability are told to them they say that is nothing, because they are enviers. We (Somalilanders and any other Somali who loves the goodness) will win, because we hate no one and we are not enviers like you. You will fail, because you hate everyone who is doing well. And indeed, we are of a great moral character. Soon you will see our ultimate triumph

12. Dear Amb.

    IMPORTANT – I am concerned that some (Keenadeed) have started to use this blog as a propoganda tool. I see no reason to limit free speech, however I do think it is a point of concern when links which contain false information are posted on here. As far as I am aware this not a ‘personal’ blog but within the FCO framework.

    Unless tighter controls are placed on here regarding accuracy of information i suggest this blog be closed.

    The advise on the FCC is that FCO bloggers should make effort to reply. Unfortunately I am not seeing many replies here from you and anyway you probably have far important things to be doing.

    1. Unfortunately, you do not know what constitutes propaganda and its meaning!

       This information is not something I made up. It’s in your secessionist websites, and as far as Ali Warancadde’s crying for AL Shabaab, the Hadhwanaagnews who submitted this audio, in the beginning of the interview decalares, “…one of our correspondents has taken this valuable interview…” just click the link see Ali Warancadde’s portrait and listen him speaking. In your opinion, Is this still a propaganda?

       Mr. Ali Warancadde just openly stated the truth that AL Shabaab is led by Isaaqs and that the secessionist rebellion in Hargeysa is using it as a tool to upset the southern part of Somalia and the International Community, why?

       The simple answer is that the secessionists’ intention is to mislead the International Community and create a false situation where the south to appear hopless and the secessionist enclave relatively peaceful. As a result, the secessionists think this might win them sympathy, more funds, and recognition!!!

       On behalf of Siilaanyo and the secessionist enclave, Mr. Ali Warancadde has finally came forward saying “…Today we are going to let all Somalis and the world know……this and this….AL Shabaab has been cruelly marginalized….they the legitimate ownwes and citizens of Somalia….Sheekh Shariif never honestly attempted to mend fences with them….Sheekh Shariif is destroying Somalia….Sheekh Shariif is hired by foreigners….Sheekh has betrayed his AL Shabaab friends and other Muslim Scholars who led the ICU (Islamic Court Union of Mogadishu…Sheekh Shariif has befriended with the infidels -America and Britain who were the leading forces fighting the ICU….Sheekh has betrayed Somalia’s independence and Sovereignty by putting the country under foreign trusteeship and the rest of the his talk in the audio”

       And Ali Warancadde long time minister in the secessionist administration and currently claiming to be the candidate for the presidency of the enclave from the UDUB, stated just the truth about AL Shabaab being the created and sustained by the secessionists in Hargeysa – A truth previously known to all Somalis, but now that the secessionists told the world about the truth of AL Shabaab and it’s theirs.

       It’s up to the International Community how to respond. Naturally, anyone who misleads, tells lies, cheats, and commits a crime can not be on the run forever, and would be caught and brought to justice one day – That time has come now for the guilty secessionists of Hargeysa.

       1. This kind of response fromm you Keenadeed is perfectly acceptable but please avoid posting links ascertaining to be the creation of state of which has no legal grounding. At minimum that is propoganda and at worst inciteful.

          I am observing the situation of Somalia & Somaliland and in the midst of chaos I am seeing this dark machineray at work wich has no good intentions other then to cause further suffering.

          It is my duty therfore to challenge those who seek to bring war to innocent men,women and children.

          1. You wrote, “… but please avoid posting links ascertaining to be the creation of state of which has no legal grounding. At minimum that is propoganda and at worst inciteful.” If your intention is to characterize the information of Khaatumo State of Somalia as a propaganda, you are totally wrong. Simply, because the Khaatumo State of Somalia is part of an Internationally recognized Somalia Federal Government seated in Mogadishu. Your characterization fits well on the one clan secessionist rebellion in Hargeysa a.k.a. Somaliland that no one recognizes.

             You also stated, “…I am observing the situation of Somalia & Somaliland and in the midst of chaos I am seeing this dark machineray at work wich has no good intentions other then to cause further suffering. It is my duty therfore to challenge those who seek to bring war to innocent men,women and children.”

             First, there is no such thing as Somalia and Somaliland. Secondly, let;s discuss who are the dark forces cause the suffering and bringing war to innocent men, women, and children. Remember, we started off with that the Isaaq one clan rebellion has no international recognition, and Khaatumo is part and parcel of an internationally recognizws Somalia government.

             Now, who initiated and is to blame for the wars between the Khaatumo State of Somalia and the one clan secessionist Isaaq rebellion a.k.a. Somaliland?

             Answer: The Isaaqi clan rebellion had initiated the war and attacks against Khaatumo territories. These Isaaqi attacks on neighboring tribes has no legal basis, and the wars created and continued by the Isaaqis and their rebel secessionist administration in Hargeysa is contrary to international law. The Isaaq tribe is the culprit who is bringing wars, killings, sufferings, death, and destruction to peaceful territories and innocent men, women, and children.

             The Somali tribes have been living side by side in Somalia for centuries and no one Somali tribe was able and will be able to take over the land of a neighboring Somali tribe and rule over others. The Isaaq who never learn from history and the present are up against impossible under-taking and a futile exercise.

             For more information, let’s look at what is happening in the areas of Khaatumo State of Somalia that the Isaaqis are attacking. To begin with, the Isaaq marauding secessionist militia is not only bringing death and destruction to Khaatumo locals (innocent men, women, and children), they are also killing their own untrained militias who were either forcefully brought to battle grounds and/or decided to escape the dangers of the situation. The poor Isaaqi militias are being hit from both sides. They’re being hit by the hands of the Khaatumo legitimate defenders and they are being hit by their commanders who by orders from Siilaanyo are told to kill on the spot any Isaaqi fighter who looks backs, refuses to fight, or tries to escape. The Isaaqi militia in Khaatumo areas is in catch 22 situation.

             The good news: Khaatumo State of Somalia, Khaatumo elders, and Khaatumo public considering the grave circumstances in which the Isaaqi militia is under going have offered a scape route to these Isaaqi militia who were irresponsibly and forcefully brought to the Khaatumo territories. The Isaaqi militia were promised to be safe and that they will be sent to their local tribal areas as soon as they are surrendered. This policy of winning the minds and hearts of Isaaqi militia has given dividend. hundreds of Isaaqi militias has come forward and surrendered and given food, cloth, medical attention and social welcoming and good treatment in all aspects. They have been safely and happily repatriated to their families. However, Those Isaaqi militia who still under the control of the secessionist administration of Siilaanyo are experiencing nightmare situations, because they are being executed by Siilaanyo militia commanders in great numbers everyday on the mere suspicion of trying to escape to Khaatumo forces for safe haven. What Siilaanyo is doing to his militia is even worse than what is happening to the local Khaatumites which amounts to atrocities and crimes against humanity.

             I think by now, you understand that Khaatumo people are in their territories and acting upon their permissible legitimate self defense rights. The trespassing marauding Isaaqi militia is responsible for all the death and destruction that have occurred in the Khaatumo State of Somalia and they will be paying the price.

             1. Keenadeed, Firstly thanks for the very indepth analysis and reply.
                I no doubt agree with you that there are issues of tribal dominance in Somaliland. Primary cause here could be because the Isaaq clan is the largest here (I dont know). My experience of Somaliland has been that the overriding objective has always been peace above all other concerns.
                I dont disagree no doubt that the people of Khaatumo do have genuine grievences but it is how you resolve those issues.
                I personally would have supported this regions desire to be self autonomous within Somaliland borders. However by aligning itself with what is a puppet governent and 96% (confirmed by its own accountancy) corrupt then I am afraid the leaders of Khaatumo have pretty much sealed their fate.
                You use language like ‘they will pay the price’. I beg of you to stop beating the war drums, that helps no body sir including your good self.

13. Below you can listen to an audio of Ali Mohamed Warancadde of so called UDUB of secessionist Isaaq enclave a.k.a. Somaliland regretting the joint effort of TFG of Somalia government and the International Community focused on defeating the AL Shabaab.

    Main points of Ali Warancadde’s position:

    – TFG President Sheekh Shariif betrayed his friends (AL Shabaab) and the muslim Sheekhs of the Islamic Court Union

    – Sheekh Shariif ironically made agreement with his old friends the infidels of America and Britain

    – If Sheekh Shariif is a good person, he could have reconcile with AL Shabaab, Sheekh Hassan Daahir Aweys

    – Sheekh Shariif is determined to destroy Somaliland (which means that Sheekh has sided with America and Britain to defeat AL Shabaab, and as a result, if Al Shabaab is defeated then Somaliland is destroyed)

    – America and Britain were in forefront in fighting with the Islamic Court Union, and it is mind boggling how Sheekh Shariif managed to reconcile with these enemies and could not reconcile with AL Shabaab and other Muslim Scholars of the ICU. But, this shows that Sheekh Shariif is against the Somali interests (Here the secessionists maintain that AL Shabaab’s terror is for the interest of Somalia)

    – Sheekh Shariif Sheekh Ahmed is not working for Somalia, but he is working for foreign destructive powers, the communique of London Conference on Somalia which Sheekh Shariif has signed is a testimony, the following points are an example from the communique , he says:

    1. Article # 8:The creation of the joint financial Board. He explains that this is to transfer Somalia’s financial and economic management to foreign committees and take it away from the Somalia’s finance ministry

    2. Article # 11: The deployment of so many foreign forces (AMISOM) and transfer Somalia’s security to foreign powers

    3. Article # 13: Reduce Somalia’s maritime boundaries and allow foreigners to control Somalia’s seas. These will allow the foreigners to do whatever the wish, drill oil, minerlas, and even acts that would endanger Somalia

    4. He says that he believes Sheekh Shariif has indirectly transferred the independence and sovereignty of Somalia to foreign powers, which proves that Sheekh Shariif is hired by foreigners

    5. Ali Warancadde says, Sheekh Shariif has also agreed and signed that Somalia’s independence to be returned back to Somalis in unspecified time frame

    6. Ali Warancadde says, he believes that AL Shabaab are Somalis who are rightful citizens of the country (Somalia), and that he believes that the terrorist group has been wrongly marginalized. He also says to believe that if Sheekh Shariif Sheekh Ahmed is a good person, he would have reconciled with his friends of Al Shabaab and muslim scholars of the Islamic Court Union whom whom he shared with them the struggle against the enemies ( meaning America, Britain, and others)

    The above is my effort to translate the main content of the audio attached, where Ali Warancadde, a secessionist vying to lead that enclave, expresses his open compassion and support for the terror group of AL Shabaab). However, this is exactly the position of the secessionist enclave of Somaliland and all his supporters. They believe that the end of AL Shabaab is the end of Somaliland. AL Shabaab is the secessionist administration in Hargeysa led by Siilaanyo to keep the south and the International Community in termoil untill the secessionists granted recognition.

    This also sheds a light that the secessionist enclave of Somaliland sustains the AL Shabaab with logistics, finances and arms. And the Financial assistance the secessionists get from Britain, EU, and others allows them to pass assistance to AL Shabaab.

    Finally, If Britain and others continue the flow of funds to the one clan secessionist enclave a.k.a. Somaliland, these funds will surely gets its way to AL Shabaab who use the funds to cause havoc after havoc for Somalis and the International Community. Then Britain and others should not be disappointed as they are the ones who sustain AL Shabaab through the secessionist administration in Hargeysa.

    Click below to listen the audio from Hadhwanaagnews (Isaaqi secessionist website):

    http://www.hadhwanaag.com/detail.aspx?id=60500

14. Correction:

    “…and it is to everyone’s horror how Sheekh Shariif divided the Islamic Court union and the Muslim Scholars ans and instead was able to reach agreements with his old friends of Britain and America…”

    Corrected to be read as, “and it is to everyone’s horror how Sheekh Shariif divided the Islamic Court union and the Muslim Scholars and instead was able to reach agreements with his old enemies of Britain and America…”

    The above is a statement expressed March 08, 2012 by:
    Ali Mohamed Warancadde
    Secessionist and Senior member UDUB

15. To: Anarchists and malcontents who are still in pre-modern era..
    Learn from us
    In this ever-changing and unpredictable geo-political issues as well as global economic, security and diplomatic challenges, a solid and well thought foreign policy is vital for a young and yet unrecognised country, like Somaliland Republic. In a very short time, the current Somaliland Foreign Policy has transformed our country from a completely introverted and isolated country into an internationally respected partner for peace, stability and democracy. The current Somaliland Foreign Policy is absolutely geared up to the changes, needs, obstacles & geo-political challenges facing Somaliland’s people today in the Horn of African Region and beyond.

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somaliland Republic has beyond every doubt demonstrated throughout his diplomatic vision and skills and sustained achievements a belief in a constructive policy of engagement in international issues for peace, democracy and security relevant developments. Through his exemplary actions and profound diplomatic vision, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has silenced all the pessimistic voices and misconceptions propagated by Somaliland’s critics.

    Somaliland’s foreign policy emphasises the importance and the added-value of Somaliland Republic for the international community and especially for the neighbouring countries in the region regarding safety and security relevant issues in one hand. On the other hand, this policy highlights Somaliland’s democratic achievements and experiences that will serve as an example and provide useful lessons for all other African countries to learn and would certainly serve as a model in enhancing stability, democracy and development in the Horn of Africa.

    Somaliland’s transnational foreign policy is based upon self-confidence, the trust in their own abilities and skills. This policy is guided by a new modern and profound knowledge on international diplomatic affairs. Unlike its predecessor, this policy remains involved to all major diplomatic fronts without any compromise upon the sovereignty and integrity of Somaliland Republic. Constructive approaches, broad public consultation, breaking through the diplomatic barriers, reshaping the aloof and cautious policy and what formerly was regarded as a diplomatic taboo are the hallmarks that make the Somaliland’s foreign policy so unique and special.

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somaliland Republic is an unparalleled top diplomat with extensive understanding of global policy. He is a man of vision, a man of purpose who is determined to follow his will-power and belief. He is a man with strong convictions whose mindset tends not to change despite the challenges and obstacles he might encounter.

    Thanks to his leading and forward thinking Foreign Policy, the Minister has almost certainly put our country on the map. Our country is today certainly more valued and respected as a Regional and Global Partner for peace, stability, development and democracy.

    It was noteworthy and so fascinating to see the brilliant and the most convenient way in which the Somaliland Foreign Affairs Minister has prepared, networked, presented and put forward the Somaliland’s case during the London Conference. In fact, the Somaliland’s delegation attracted all the attention and the essence of the London Conference. The London Conference was the ultimate test of the diplomatic skills, ability and credibility of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Somaliland in which he unquestionably has succeeded with the highest rating.

16. Somaliland ruling party chairman meets Bristol supporters
    Lord Mayor of Bristol, Musa Bihi and Stephen Williams

    – The chairman of Somaliland’s ruling party has visited Bristol to meet his supporters and the city’s Somaliland community as a whole. Musa Bihi, from ruling party Kulmiye, travelled to the city ahead of upcoming elections in Somaliland. He also met with Stephen Williams, Lib Dem MP for Bristol West, and Geoffrey Gollop, the Lord Mayor of Bristol. Somaliland declared independence after the overthrow of Somali military dictator Siad Barre in 1991. The Somaliland local elections are due to take place in the next few months. During the visit on Sunday, Mr Bihi said: “Bristol is I think the most important place for our party in the mobilisation of financial support, political support. “The UK supports us in several fields – security, education, health, and we have a lot of gratitude to the British government and the British people for their support in our difficult time.”

    BBC employee Mohammed Ahmed, who attended Mr Bihi’s visit, said: “It’s an opportunity for the diaspora of Bristol to engage with the community back home and maintain its place as the most significant diaspora group in the UK, if not Europe.”
    http://waayeelnews.blogspot.com/2012/03/somaliland-ruling-party-chairman-meets.html

17. Somaliland next on Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation’s power grid
    By Muluken Yewondwossen – Somaliland is the newest nation to be part of Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo’s) plans of electric export deals. Sources at the corporation told Capital that the state electric power supplier plans to electrify the south-eastern border town of Somaliland, which is close to the Ethiopian border town of Togochale.
    According to sources, the electric transmission line installation work has begun around the area, but it is not known when the power transmission will commence.
    EEPCo, the sole electric power supplier in the country has been supplying up to 80 MW of electric power for Djibouti since mid 2011, which is the first time Ethiopia has exported electrical power.
    full story click here: http://www.medeshivalley.com/2012/03/somaliland-next-on-ethiopian-electric.html

18. Good news for Puntland and Somaliland( because Somaliland will be the next site).
    Oil chances in Puntland look much better after drill update
    Range Resources – By Philip Whiterow – Range Resources’ (LON:RRL) chances of a big oil find in Puntland, Somalia increased significantly with yesterday’s drilling update, according to broker Panmure Gordon.
    full story click here: http://www.medeshivalley.com/2012/03/oil-chances-in-puntland-look-much.html

19. Below you can listen to an audio of Ali Mohamed Warancadde of so called UDUB of secessionist Isaaq enclave a.k.a. Somaliland regretting the joint effort of TFG of Somalia government and the International Community focused on defeating the AL Shabaab.

    Main points of Ali Warancadde’s position:

    – TFG President Sheekh Shariif betrayed his friends (AL Shabaab) and the muslim Sheekhs of the Islamic Court Union

    – Sheekh Shariif ironically made agreement with his old friends the infidels of America and Britain

    – If Sheekh Shariif is a good person, he could have reconcile with AL Shabaab, Sheekh Hassan Daahir Aweys

    – Sheekh Shariif is determined to destroy Somaliland (which means that Sheekh has sided with America and Britain to defeat AL Shabaab, and as a result, if Al Shabaab is defeated then Somaliland is destroyed)

    – Sheekh Shariif Sheekh Ahmed is not working for Somalia, but he is working for foreign destructive powers, the communique of London Conference on Somalia which Sheekh Shariif has signed is a testimony, the following points are an example from the communique , he says:

    1. Article # 8:The creation of the joint financial Board. He explains that this is to transfer Somalia’s financial and economic management to foreign committees and take it away from the Somalia’s finance ministry

    2. Article # 11: The deployment of so many foreign forces (AMISOM) and transfer Somalia’s security to foreign powers

    3. Article # 13: Reduce Somalia’s maritime boundaries and allow foreigners to control Somalia’s seas. These will allow the foreigners to do whatever the wish, drill oil, minerlas, and even acts that would endanger Somalia

    4. He says that he believes Sheekh Shariif has indirectly transferred the independence and sovereignty of Somalia to foreign powers, which proves that Sheekh Shariif is hired by foreigners

    5. Ali Warancadde says, Sheekh Shariif has also agreed and signed that Somalia’s independence to be returned back to Somalis in unspecified time frame

    6. Ali Warancadde says, he believes that AL Shabaab are Somalis who are rightful citizens of the country (Somalia), and that he believes that the terrorist group has been wrongly marginalized. He also says to believe that if Sheekh Shariif Sheekh Ahmed is a good person, he would have reconciled with his friends of Al Shabaab and muslim scholars of the Islamic Court Union whom whom he shared with them the struggle against the enemies ( meaning America, Britain, and others)

    The above is my effort to translate the main content of the audio attached, where Ali Warancadde, a secessionist vying to lead that enclave, expresses his open compassion and support for the terror group of AL Shabaab). However, this is exactly the position of the secessionist enclave of Somaliland and all his supporters. They believe that the end of AL Shabaab is the end of Somaliland. AL Shabaab is the secessionist administration in Hargeysa led by Siilaanyo to keep the south and the International Community in termoil untill the secessionists granted recognition.

    This also sheds a light that the secessionist enclave of Somaliland sustains the AL Shabaab with logistics, finances and arms. And the Financial assistance the secessionists get from Britain, EU, and others allows them to pass assistance to AL Shabaab.

    Finally, If Britain and others continue the flow of funds to the one clan secessionist enclave a.k.a. Somaliland, these funds will surely gets its way to AL Shabaab who use the funds to cause havoc after havoc for Somalis and the International Community. Then Britain and others should not be disappointed as they are the ones who sustain AL Shabaab through the secessionist administration in Hargeysa.

    Click below to listen the audio from Hadhwanaagnews (Isaaqi secessionist website):

    http://hadhwanaagmedia.info/detail.aspx?id=60484

20. To Secessionist,
    It is sad to see educated Somali Diaspora still not having a clue of what has failed in the past. It is also equally sad to see that we have became so brain dead that we fail to pin-point the exact issues in Somalia. Everybody is pushing for the meagre agenda’s to put through their cause. The failure of Somalia state is not because of Somali Republic as some claim but rather Somali clans/tribalism. We ought to know our history by now and not listen to other people specially people with political agenda’s such as those who sing from SNM song sheet.

    Let’s not make cheap claims of the root cause of Somalia state failures specially blaming it on Somali Republic (pan-Somalia). The root cause of Somali issue has always been the break-up of social fabric structure which in essence is the clan/tribal systems.

    Historically it is critical to note the country known as Somalia differs in one curious aspect from reset of African countries. For centuries it has been made up of one homogeneous people who had a collection of tribes that were all interrelated to each other via blood since it was very common to have intermarriages. This of course should be a benefit, however there is a catch. The catch we live in one of the harshest lands in East Africa and to survive in this harsh lands used by rural nomads and farmers Somalis had to relay on their tribal/clanship a loose confederation of group of clans struggling over scares resources which is a certain recipe of instability and conflict between them.

    However because these were the realities, people on the ground learned to deal with this every day paradigms and devised ways to solving their own problems. Clans or heer as Somalis call it established some kind of central authority for all Somaals which share a common heritage, culture, religion and speak various dialects of the same Cushitic language. This authority had clan elders which people identified with and the clan’s themselves acted as community of all Somaals hence leading to each clan having their own community however loosely connected via clan elders and authority. This authority also is where disputes were settled specially when there is a tension or conflict between clans and it involves blood compensation (in the event of a man’s murder. In essence his clan was owed one hundred camels).

    This system of governance worked fine until colonial powers came. It is unfortunate the Somali people who are essentially the same people because of their clan structural society were prone to divide and rule politics by outside forces. This was essential the beginning of the clan structural decay in Somalia. Both Italians and the British used this divide and conquer rule to govern internal politics and keep the country stable since they were viewed as outsiders and colonisers. However this system was abused to the limit by the previous regime who also in turn wanted to keep control and power indefinitely. The previous regime turned a nation of homogeneous people into a nation of enemies; hence every region miss-trusted another and all clans became the property of the regime. Why was this attractive way to control the Somali people, today and in the past? Because while the clans were busy infighting with each other the assumption was they would fail to notice their common enemy but this backfired really badly as it was extremely exploited up until late 1980’s towards early 1990’s by the previous regime. As Professor I.M.Lewis stated “He [Siad Barre] was very knowledgeable about clan deficiencies, he exploited them and armed those groups which he thought were friendly and supportive to him. Therefore encouraging them to fight his opponents.” So by the time the regime fallen there was quiet high distribution of arms among all civilians in the country and this started as early as mid-1980’s as Siad Barre was struggling to retain central power control in Somalia.

    With anything in life if you exploit something to the max there would be serious consequences hence what happened to the Somali state still raging to this day. Today Somalia is failed state not because of the war that started in the North 1988 in Hargeisa but because the internal structures have broken down severally; there are lot of miss-trust within the clans and even with clan elders which were a stabilising force in Somalia. People are afraid of the return of the old times. The idea of one clan ruling over the others with iron fist is no longer acceptable. We must recognise this and acknowledge the only solution for Somalia is not to break-up of the country but to reconcile all clans and find new political paradigm.

    Solution:
    Some hail the Federal system of governance is the best approach for Somalia (Iam one of them) which in some ways resembles the old loose confederation of group of clans which hail from different regions within Somalia. However it is crucial we recognise and understand ownership of LAND is based on kinship and not territory borders based on defunct colonial-era boundaries drawn up by long-departed British or Italians for that matter. The federal system should respect this fact which existed centuries before the advent of European colonialism in Africa.

    The issue is not whether Somalis can live with one another as they have done for centuries but when will they reconcile, start a new page, work together and became one nation again. We have to remember we are in the 21st century we can not think like we are in 15th or 19th century. We have so much that Unite us as I mentioned before and with advent discoveries of natural resources of Oil, Gas, Uranium and Gold we are already one of the richest countries in the world so no longer we have scares resources which was a certain recipe of instability and conflict between clans as it was in the past. If we divide the resources equally each clan and region can thrive. If we adopt federal system each region and clan can rule based on their own house rules. We have an opportunity to reshape our future.

    We can be the next UAE which is a federation of emirates controlled by different families/clans which call themselves emir or sheikh. However we need to separate politics from clan/tribalism. We need a political system which is fair and equal. One that merit the individual qualities, promote good governance and leadership among our people. No more tribalistic system [4.5 formulae] which looks out for the right, interest of 4 big clans [Darod, Dir, Hawiye, and Rahanweyn] and gives .5 to the rest in label of small tribes/clan which basically stamps on their rights and interest.

    Both TFG and Somaliland governments are presently structured according to clan/tribal systems; the later disguised this setup now in political parities.

    It is time to put a stop to this madness and really think ways to unite people rather than divide them. We have been divided for the past 2 decades and look at us. We have achieved nothing naught zero to this day. The relative peace established in the North no longer seems a viable solution for many clans who are based in the North. Today if you look at how Somalia is divided based on this link from wikipedia which is accurate assumption it should give you a clear political illustration of the current situation in Somalia:
    http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d7/Fedmap4.png
    The funny thing is all the different areas represented by different colours are Unionist except the orange part which is secessionist. Therefore it is time people woke up from their selfish fairy tale which says me & I to the realties of we & us and stop the nonsense. The only solution for Somalia is United Somalia not divided Somalia, there was never an issue between people of the north and people of the south and anyone who calls for that is dividing the people when they are not divided at all.

21. Mr. Ambassador
    According to this reliable website, TFG has realized its grave mistake and revoked its consideration to nonexistent group that called themselves as khaatumo.
    Click here:
    http://www.allpuntland.com/article/anmviewer.asp?a=12846&z=2

22. Amid the celebrations for Khaatumo State of Somalia, here is an iconic picture regarding the Las-Anod residents putting the Somali Flag on top of the light poles in the streets of city.

    Click here:

    http://awdalstate.com/?p=11836#

23. Amid the celebrations for Khaatumo State of Somalia, here is an iconic picture regarding the Las-Anod residents putting the Somali Flag on top of the light poles in the streets of city.

    Click here:

    http://harowo.com/2012/03/08/calanka-somaliland-oo-ka-dhex-muuqanaye-holac-iyo-qiiq/

24. Learn from Somaliland.
    As we wrap up our quick look at the Core Democratic Values, I want to remind you that they are all important to us, that they all work together
    Popular Sovereignty
    This is the idea of majority rules. Whether it’s a vote for the President of the Somaliland or the presidency of your class, the one with the most votes wins(Silanyo came in this way). But it is more than that. It’s the idea that the power of this government comes from “We the People”, that the Somaliland government, our government, is ruled by its people through their votes.
    Patriotism
    Simply stated, patriotism is a personal display of love and devotion to our country, its values, and principles. Standing up during the singing of our national anthem at the start of a sporting event is just one way of showing patriotism. Patriotism is more though, it means being aware of all of our Core Democratic Values and using them to defend Somaliland borders .

    Truth
    Unlike you Mr. Keenadeed, I believe that the concept of Truth is the most important Core Democratic Value. Somaliland democracy depends on our government and its citizens telling the truth. Our nation works because of the bond between its citizens and its leaders. Truth is the glue of that bond. Truth is trust, and without trust, we have nothing. We expect our government and its leaders to be truthful to us and they can expect the same.
    Equality
    According to our Constitution, people in our country, young or old, male or female, are guaranteed the right to be treated equally and fairly when it comes to politics, the law, or economic issues.
    Justice

    The concept of justice is the concept of fairness. Fairness is what we all expect from each other and our leaders. When correcting wrongs or making decisions, we expect justice. We expect everyone to be treated fairly.

    The Common Good
    “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”

    The common good is when we are all working together for the greater benefit of everyone in our community. Building roads, schools, libraries are all examples of the common good. Simply helping others at home or school is working towards a common good. Not that you are doing like collecting money from Somali Diaspora to kill Las-anod Police men and Judges.
    Hope you will benefit from those valuable lessons
    thank you

25. The difference between you and us is as clear as the sun. You are in pre-modern stage, that is hundreds years ago. Because all you are talking about is tribilism,libel and slander, and that is all what khatima is about. You cannot understand how this modern world and civilazations works, you have no clue about the nation state.
    Far from yours, we are in a modern era, to be honest, not yet post-modern, but even we can understand what postmodern is about.
    We have democratic values. Our political system is rooted in mutual respect, recognition, reciprocity, tolerance, consent, and equality.It has been founded upon self-rule and shared rule. We believe that we express diversity by embracing everyone, regardless of race, gender and/or gender identity, religion, economic status, etc.

    We express equality by continuing to insure that everyone gets a fair chance in employment, immigration, housing, healthcare, our legal system, etc.
    Justice, to my mind, goes hand in hand with diversity and equality. By protecting the rights of everyone to have an equal chance, we are protecting jusice.
    Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. We have these rights and it is the duty of our government to protect those rights.
    Unlike you and Sharif we have a final and absolute political authority in our political community.
    So, the gap between you and us is very large and it will take a time to be covered.
    Again and again I would say get real to the negotiation table.
    This is what Somaliland is about

    1. You and us! Brilliant, you got it right – we are different.

       Beautiful words, democracy, rights, equality, fairness, freedoms. You quote these words from the text books, I do not think you know or understand what these words mean. Let’s take an example for democracy and the Isaaq tribe. UCID party is one man property owned by Faisal Ali Warabe. Kulmiye is the property of Siilaanyo, and so called UDUB no knows who owns it, you know how Ahmed yussuf Yassin behaves in humiliating Mr. Rayaale (Habar Awal sort of thing).

       What you call Somaliland is just petty tribalism, tribalism, tribalism from A – Z. From the beginning the SNM was founded by tribalism and Isaqism. History records that the late Garaad Ali garaad Jama has visited London in 1981, at the time SNM was being formed. The Garaad hailing from the present day Khatumo State of Somalia went there to correct the Isaaq individuals who were handling the creation of the SNM and stear them from tribalism. Garaad Ali, being a visionary, had warned those Isaaqi individuals not to base the opposition against the dictatorship along tribal lines. Alternatively, the late garaad Ali proposed the opposition should be broad based and bring together all Somalis opposing the dictatorship rule.

       Unfortunately, the Isaaq individuals running the SNM laughed at him and sarcastically told him are not you a daarod and a kin to Mohamed Siad Barre! They told him that he was part the Daarood rule they are fighting against!!!

       The SNM tribalism never changed and the so called Somaliland is the extension of that petty tribalism.

       Again listen to the youtube video Ihad posted earlier regarding the Isaaqi welcome meeting for Siilaanyo in London on Feb 26, 2012. In this meeting, Siilaanyo and all his delegation are present. Listen to all the people who have spoken in the meeting and tell me about anything else they discussed other than tribalism, tribalism, tribalism!!!!

       Listen to Ali Sh. Ibraahim Aareeye who says, ” …you know what…. you Dhulbahante, Samaroon (Awdal), and makhir (Warsangeli) established your own regional administrations, and by leaving us (The Issa) with the Isaaq, they are going to chew us like meat (cannibals)….please do not leave and stay so we have a protection (meaning against the merciless and most tribalistic Isaaq)…”

       Listen to Mr. Andi Warabe, the oldest man who claims his age to be over 100 years, listen to him from the moment he starts the talk till he finishes, all he is talking about is tribalism and poison…

       All these people were talking over 2 hours and everything spoken was just tribalism. For the Isaaq, tribalism is their meals and snack! And that is what the so called Somaliland is all about.

       Click the video, watch, listen, relax, and enjoy your tribalism (funny Indeed):

       http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UWr33jVLCg&feature=player_embedded

26. Samples of the celebrations that are taking place in Khaatumo State of Somalia territories (including Las-Anod) with regard to the recognition granted for Khaatumo by the TFG of Somalia

    Click this youtube

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dM41riuL5Cc

    1. TFG – I class all actions by this group in the next few months as acts of desperation.

       I mean how anyone can take seriously a president who has been told by foreign donors that he must step down is joke.

27. So far we don’t have your address, and what we are wondering is your whereabouts? yes many somalis are living in abroad an they can organize meetings at there, but in Somaliland or Somalia actually you are not here, you are not in Sool, you are not in Sanaag you are not in Ayn either, so where you are? we(Somalilanders) are really in every single meter of our country, we are rulers of Somaliland.

    The other intresting question among Somalis today is this:
    We heard from the BBC somali section that Sharif has told that they are considering what they called Khaatima( it is really difficult to pronounce because it is not somali word) the question is: Where it exists naturally? ( TFG did not so far confirm this news, here is an intervieuw with the TFG deputy prime minister and defence minister who is denying the existence of the news at all http://toggaherernews.com/ogolaanshiiyahani-muu-soo-marin-sifadii-sharciga-ee-ahayd-baarlamaanka-iyo-golaha-wasirada-anigu-ma-ogoli-wax-alla-wixii-xasilooni-daro-ku-keenaya-somaliland-raisal-wasaare-kuxigenka-ahna-wasi/.Howeve)r, it is not really exist, and this is evidence that they(TFG) know nothing about! Somaliland.

    If it does exist, come on show us where it is, so that we will know your whereabouts, if not and I am sure it does not, then libel,slander and insult would not help you.
    Get real, go to the negotiation table, that your President( Silanyo) calling you since he came to power.

    1. Well Mr. Carab, the TFG Defence Minister, is there on the basis of the 4.5 formula (coming within the 0.5 Isaaq share). As such being from your tribe.

       On the Khaatumo issue, he expressed his personal biased view, and that’s understandable. Time and again, the Isaaq TFG members have shown this tendency of supporting the secession. In 2010-2011 we heard Mr. Hayir (former TFG Information Minister) and another guy within the TFG who openly supported the secessionist administration like Mr. arab and came against the unionist administration in the SSC who support the government they claim being members of.

       However, these personal views do not change anything at all. What matters is the formal and official decisions of the government. Khaatumo State of Somalia is a done deal. Most importantly, what matters most is the resolve of the SSC people who established the Khaatumo State of Somalia. Remember, the TFG did not create Khaatumo.

       Lastly, and I repeat, do the Isaaq individuals in the TFG, like Mr. Arab, represent the Isaaqi tribe?

       1. What is unfortunate that sheikh sheriff playing politics of Somaliland, he needs to sort out his TFG, is better khatumo make unity with African union because the TFG is rely on AMISOM.

          I know role of SSC in fighting British occupation historically, and how your previous leader Mad Mullah you supporting to him and we are aware SSC members are now supporting Godane.

          you need to learn how to live peace with your neighbours, and you should not have to forget important communique which come up from London conference item 6. which means if you are not satisfied with Somaliland taking her sofereignty back, the solution will be referendum as South of Sudan.

          1. Correction:

             “…and it is to everyone’s horror how Sheekh Shariif divided the Islamic Court union and the Muslim Scholars ans and instead was able to reach agreements with his old friends of Britain and America…”

             Corrected to be read as, “and it is to everyone’s horror how Sheekh Shariif divided the Islamic Court union and the Muslim Scholars ans and instead was able to reach agreements with his old enemies of Britain and America…”

             1. Let me help you understand what the honorable man is trying to convey. He is simply saying Sheik Sharif should be hailed as the first Somali President to give away Somali Sovereignty to an outside power.

                He is also saying by virtue of him changing his ideology so drastically he is not a man to be trusted. Wherever this man has been thus far there has been no peace.

                I personally am beginning to see the similarity between Sheik Sharif and the president of Afghanistan, they are both backed by outside powers, and it bothers me that in Afghanistan 10 years on British troops are still dying. People do not take well to foreign armies and history has proven that to be the case.

                My advise to the ambassador (if he is reading this) is in 2012 and with British power declining people which are effected by your actions should at least be listened to.

                And the only way to do that is to ignore the puppeteers.

    2. You seem to be someone who was born abroad during the Somali civil war. Thus, you were brain washed beyond repair and believed in the nonsense of the Isaaqi SNM propaganda.

       You more than once asked to know where SSC and I understand how helpless you are. Watch and listen the video below, do not miss to note the following:

       1. The natural resources like proud people, abundant livestock, and gas and oil in Holhol were Conoco started drilling in the 1980s

       2. As you isolated yourself in your tribal enclave, how you will be asked a passport and visas when you in the near future come begging for work.in Khaatumo State of Somalia

       3. Young khatumites children in North America and abroad coming back visiting their country and enjoying the stay, listen to their own words

       And more.

       You will never get empty talk (like the SNM) from Khaatumo State of Somalia, everything is tangible and supported by sources and clear evidence.

       Click to Watch

       http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oajuLGB3Kn8&feature=youtu.be

       1. I mean human and natural resources.

28. Matt

    Suprise! Surprise!

    BBC Somali service has broadcast at least two reports about Khaatumo State in the last two weeks.Should i give you the credit for hearing our cry and putting in a word to the British Governement to bear upon BBC Somali to have a fair countrywide coverage of Somali issues? I truly hope so.They have even covered the widespread public demonstration in support of Khaatumo state in Las Anod.However they have not reported that the Somaliland forces are using heavy weopons on the civilian population and that there have been a number of casualties,including pregnant women and children.Again we appeal to your conscience to get more accurate information from Las Anod and Buhodle and not to rely on the biased rport of the Somaliland authorities and media,which usually cover up such atrocities.
    As for the Somalilanders who post here,please stop the falsehoods about how good the Somaliland government is.Tell us how many projects you have initiated in the SSC regions in the last twenty years.Tell us how much aid money goes to these regions.tell us how many ngo’s and development agencies work in the SSC regions.Weall know that everything happens in the Habarbur Triangle.All the figures you quote in terms of aid,not one penny has or is being spent in the Dhulbahante regions of SSCThe only thing you have brought to our regions is war,destruction and displacement.History will judge you for your attempts to subjugate,opress and ethnically cleanse an entire community,just because they dont share your dreams of seceding from the rest of Somalia,and we the people of Khaatumo will hold you responsible for inflicting death and destruction on our innocent civilians and bring you to lawful justice in the near future.
    Please understand this.We dont want you in our land.We dont want the Somaliland regime.We have our own leaders and we have pledged allegiance to the Khaatumo and Somali TFG Governement.You are a single clan dominated regime and you cannot force us to accept your deluded dreams of dismembering Somalia.And dont call yourselves Somaliland if you dont want to be part of Somalia,because Somaliland is from Lughaya to Ras Kiamboni.Call yourselves Yitzhaqland or whatever you like and barricade yourselves in the Habarbur Triangle.Keep the few Dhulbahante lackeys you have,if that makes you feel good.The rest of us have left the room.
    The only true thing you have said is that we are related by marriage.But you have desecrated that bond by your vile actions in our lands.It is you who have destroyed these relationships and the consequences are on your heads.We are always surprised how your leaders,sheiks and elders are always united in supporting your opression in Khaatumo land.It reminds me of Nazi Germany,where the elites were united in commiting horrible crimes and no one dared speak up.
    Thank God that we now have Khatumo state and we shall never look back.We shall partner with our Somali brothers in Puntland,Galmudug, Ahlusuna wal jama,Awdal and other brothely neighbours to revive the Somali state and bring an end to decades of bloodshed and insecurity.We the people of Khatumo will always be part and parcel of the Somali national Governement.this is our dream and destiny as descendants of the mighty Daraawish who sacrificed for Somali unity and independence.

29. I am not here to engage any argument with such naive person who is really green about what is going on in Somaliland. Someone who is talking about just tribalism, that is what we have grown up many many years ago. We are really busy rebuilding in our country, thanks to EU we have now received 20 milion €( water and sanitation project in four cities) , thanks Kuwait goverment we rceived 10 milion$( building new terminlas at Hargeisa and Berbera airports). Thanks to our finnace minstery our budget will be this year more than 100 milion $. That is what we are doing this time. But if you are going to Sharif or Shangole, we know that you are out of our border.

    Dhulbahante is respected clan and again they are absolutely real and pure Somalilanders, they stay in Las-anod, don’t they,as well as in every region in Somaliland, they have more than 20 MPs and 4 Ministers in Somaliland Goverments, they have, seniour Military and Police officers, their businesses is in every city in Somaliland.
    They have flesh and Blood with other Somalilander, they are ready to defend their country from terrorism and anarchists like you. They were Founding Fathers of this nation( I think you are child),Ali Garad, Grad Abdiqani Grad Jama, Ahmed Aadan Qeybe, Said Ali Giir and many others who fought hard for this country. I have every right to say they will never agree with your destructive and hatred ideology. Look, who do you think we are, we know everything and we are every where, so your poisoning and hatred ideas will harm only you. I think you are here for defamation of the great clan.
    The only small village you are in our country is Taleeh, our forces/police will go there and will bring you infront of the justice.
    I would like to give you this name: UBD and it means in Somali Ururka Bahdilka Dhulbahante and that is may be Dhulbahante Defamation Group.
    Finaly, for your future, stop libel,slander and defamation that you are writing every time. Somaliland is now fully fledged democratic nation state, so neither you(miskiin) nor any one else can harm it.
    We are in every where, and the Somaliland police never kill its people, because they are from them. The police in Las-anod and the Mayor, the Governer and the millitary officers are all from Las-anod.

    1. By my courtesy, just watch the iconic youtube video about the Dhulbahante and other Somalis celebrating the birth of Khaatumo State of Somalia in London just last month Feb 2012. This Khaatumo celebration happened the same period when Ahmed Haabsade was lonely with the secessionists in London crying “…I am alone among you Isaaq (secessionists)….”

       23000 clicks in about 3 weeks, this is a testimony for how Khaatumo State of Somalia is popular and welcomed among Somalis

       Watch and enjoy it

       Click here to watch the video:

       http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgqK0o2Hy00&feature=related

       .

30. BBC Somali Service reporting on the massacre happening in Las-Anod. The secessionist one clan militia is cowardly killing the Dhulbahante civilians who are celebrating the recognition of the Khaatumo State of Somalia by the TFG.

    On the watch of the international community, the secessionist outlaws are committing serious crimes against humanity enforcing direct orders given by the warlord and war criminal Mr. Siilaanyo who is the leader of the secessionist rebellion of SNM (a.k.a. Somaliland)

    Click this link to read/listen the BBC Report:

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/somali/war/2012/03/120307_dibadbax.shtml

31. Somaliland ETA( I mean like Spanish ETA) but not really like ETA, more weaker and has no intention/goals at all.Those who are saying Sharif is supporting us to kill somaliland police men. Sounds like naive/ridiculous. What he can do for you, actually nothing,even Siad Barre had failed to help you. Now, I know you well, you are remnants of Siad Barre, who may commited serious crimes, so you afraid from the justice. Before you request something from the UK tell us where you are,answer my previuos questions, you are really really typical anarchists. You cannot use the name of esteemed/respected Clan, Dhulbahante by name, they are real somalilanders, they are in every region in Somaliland and Mr. Ahmed Abdi Habsade( somaliland minster ) who is from Dhulbahante was one of the Somaliland delegates that attended London Conference on Somalia.
    We never insult any Somali clan or tribe like the one who writes here before me, but I would like to remind you that you failed with Siad Barre and his forces, so to day with sharif( what a weak,lol) or with Alshabab, you name it, you will be beaten and defeated.
    We never scare easily and what you are claiming is absolutely nonexistant, it is a real nightmare, get real go to the next elections in Somaliland , that is if you are really from Somaliland, if you are not, then I would say you had better liberate your country from Alqaida, and belief me, I would support you in this regard.

    1. If the mercenary Ahmed Abdi Habsade is your yard stick, then listen what he said in the circus meeting in London on Feb 26, 2012, where he says, “…from all the Dhulbahante tribe, another fellow (he named by name) and I are with you (secessionists)….they are not with you, they are absent…”

       He was right and told you the truth right on your face.

       Secondly, tell us if Osman Kallun, Ismail Buubaa, Mr. Carab and others of the Isaaq tribe who are senior members in the TFG and/or believe in united Somalia, tell us if you believe that they represent you (The Isaaq secessionists)?

       If your answer is in the affirmative (yes), you might have a valid point on Mr. Habsade. Otherwise, …………………….(you’re throwing flat jokes)

       Where Dhulbahante stand?

       Dhulbahante are not with the secession, they established their legal regional administration “Khaatumo State of Somalia” and now is officially recognized by the legitimate Somali Government in Mogadishu and all Somalis.

       Click the link below below to listen to Mr. Habsade, speaking in London

       go to minute 0:31:40

       Also listen to Faisal Ali Warabe whose statements are basically the same with Haabsade

       Not surprisingly, anyone who is out of touch with reality has the same arguments as yours.

       http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4UWr33jVLCg#!

32. Correction:

    A typing error has been corrected on the following statement:

    “…, this fact of affairs is helping solving Somalia’s political and security problems”

    Corrected to read as:

    “…, this fact of affairs is not helping solving Somalia’s political and security problems”

    Sorry for the inconvenience.

33. The Transitional Federal Government has officially recognized that Khaatumo State of Somalia is a federal state within federal Somalia. The Isaaq clan secessionists, if they like it or not, should know that this is end of the story.. It is up to the secessionist clan whether they would like to talk to their legitimate Somali government in Mogadishu about their tribal affairs. Already, after the Khaatumo recognition, the Isaaq traditional leaders led by Buur-Madow has announced their decision to be travelling to Mogadishu soon to open talks with the Somali government. This is the ultimate destination, because the Isaaq could not afford to be isolated and left behind.

    The Khaatumo people had resolved to remain within Somalia, they created their regional State within the federal system of Somalia supported by the United Nations and the International Community. Khaatumo is not seceding from the illegal one clan secessionist enclave called Somaliland, as the secessionist tribe wishes to put it, because Khaatumo territories were never part of that secession

    Now, that the federal Somali government recognized the Khaatumo State of Somalia, the secessionist militia led by Silaanyo resumed the massacre against the uninonist population of Las-Anod wrongly using the funds provided by Britain and others intended for humanitarian and development programs.

    The secessionist used heavy arms and artillery against unarmed innocent civilians, the casualties are huge and increasing by the hour.

    Mr. Siilaanyo representing a single back-warded tribe (not an internationally recognized country) believes that he is allowed to commit atrocities against humanity – He did it before, he is doing it now, and he is committed to continue doing it in the future!!! The International Community does not allow the internationally recognized countries to commit atrocities against humanity and ethnic/tribal cleansing to occur.

    Mr. Siilaanyo was in London in last month begging for humanitarian and development aid from the Britain government. While Siilaanyo’s true intention is to use the funds to fuel his tribal war against the neighboring states, such as, Khaatumo State of Somalia. Unfortunately, the Britain government has announced that it will help the secessionist one clan of Somaliland with 105 million British Pounds over the coming three years.

    It is wise for Britain not to side with one Somali tribe (The Isaaq) against another neighboring Somali tribe (The Dulbahante), this fact of affairs is helping solving Somalia’s political and security problems. Instead, it will aggravate and prolong Somalia’s impasse..Again, this is not the stated intention of the Britain government which is to help solve Somalia’s problems that has its repercussions on the region and the world

    We hope that Britain would review its aid policies for one single Somali secessionist tribe, where this beneficiary secessionist tribe is fueling a rivalry tribal war against the neighboring tribes.

    Below is a link of BBC Somali Service reporting on the TFG recognition of Khaatumo (The norm for BBC Somali Service is not to report on Khaatumo, but this one, they decided is bigger than they could overlook)

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/somali/

34. Mr. Ambassador Matt Baugh
    Thank you very much indeed for giving us a way that our voices can be heard. I would like to let you know this:
    Last night Alshabab attacked the districts Kaaraan and Dayniile in Mogadishu,that is both south and the north of Mogadishu. Without the AMISOM support Alshabab would have had to capture president Sharif and his weakest government in the world. According to article number six of the communiqué of London Conference on Somalia is saying: 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.
    Thus, instead of liberating Mogadishu and its surroundings from Alqaida, instead of preparing to start dialogue with Somaliland, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed TFG president has started to destabilize Somaliland by meeting and promising to give arms and money some of Somalilands populists/anarchists, who cannot accept democracy and good governance (because they do not know it) to attack Somaliland police and civil servants.
    Furthermore from that, BBC Somali section which has nowadays became the camp of sons from Mogadisho( almost 90% of the BBC Somali sections’ reporters are from Southern Somalia) are disseminating news and information sent from Mogadishu that is really intended to destabilize Somaliland, unfortunately!.
    We, somalilanders and other Somalis who love the peace and stability of entire former Somalia are strongly condemning how the heart of British media (BBC/ Somali) is mismanaged.
    Finally, we are telling the Sharif of TFG that We wish them every success in the future.We wish them peace and prosperity, for they are our former union partner, but if he/they continue his ridiculous incitement, he will be responsible for the consequences.
    Long live Somaliland

    1. Wake-up people there is no Somaliland there is only Somalia.
       UN meeting on 5th of March 2012
       United Nation Security Council Presidential Statement on the Situation in Somalia Delivered by Henry Bellingham, Minister for Africa and the UN, to the Security Council debate on the Situation in Somalia:
       “The Security Council reaffirms its respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia.”
       Notice the point about “UNITY OF SOMALIA” so lets not go crazy about this subject. We can see clearly the International Community is clear about this Subject including Great Britain. Don’t waste your your time of this subject.

       Link:
       http://ukun.fco.gov.uk/en/news/?view=PressS&id=738517282
       Video link:
       http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41462&Cr=somalia&Cr1=

       Thank You.

35. hello every body
    What many of Somalis are really in dark is this:
    The state was ’sovereign’ in the sense that it admitted no rival or competing authority within its own territorially demarcated boundaries. The modern territorial sovereign nation state-the Westphalian state- was predicated upon the assumption that there was a final and absolute political authority in the political community. (Michael Burges, European Integration theory, Antje Wiener Thomas Diez,2009).
    The voluntary union with Somalia which was without bargain, treaty, contract or covenant cannot be binding upon its members, this is because it had not never rooted in mutual respect, recognition, reciprocity, tolerance, consent, and equality. The shape and the structure of that union was deception and daylight robbery. It had never been founded upon self-rule and shared rule.
    Somalilanders are paying the price of their relentless pursuit of the perfect union that had failed in the early stage.
    Moreover, as I told you before, Sanaag is well known region and we can visit in every single district and village in Sanaag when ever you like and Erigavo is regional capital we can start from it. Somaliland authorities are ready to welcome you at there, it is as peaceful and stable as any other region in Somaliland, Sool its capital city is Lasanod, we can visit any time you like, somaliland authority are there and ready to welcome you. Ayn or Cayn is very well known area among Somalis its capital city is Ainabo or Caynabo, we can go and visit there any time you like mr Ambassdor and others as well. So this is my question: those who are claiming Sool, Sanaag and Ain/Cayn or khatumo seeg, could you please tell us where you are and who you are? so that we can see you or visit the areas of which you are shamelessly claming!!!.
    Don’t you know that the lie cannot live.
    Whether you like or not Somaliland is an indepedent/sovereign east African State, its people are united and they will never reunite with Somalia. This growth of national consciousness is a political fact. We must all accept it as a fact.

    1. Brother Ahmed,

       Take a look at the UN meeting on 5th of March 2012
       United Nation Security Council Presidential Statement on the Situation in Somalia Delivered by Henry Bellingham, Minister for Africa and the UN, to the Security Council debate on the Situation in Somalia:
       Link:
       http://ukun.fco.gov.uk/en/news/?view=PressS&id=738517282
       Video link:
       http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41462&Cr=somalia&Cr1=

       Personal Note:
       First of, we welcome the British Presidency at the United Nation Security Council. This is great news for Somalia. We also welcome their leadership, continued effort for their quest to end the Somali conflict has not gone unnoticed by the Somali people all over the world and we welcome their genuine ongoing pledges to resolve humanitarian crises.

       Secondly, Somali people welcome with applause the statement made by the right honourable gentlemen Henry Bellingham, Minister of Africa for Great Britain and the current President for United Nation Security Council for his opening statement which he clearly stated:
       “The Security Council reaffirms its respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia.”
       This brings joy and great news to all Somali people and we thank and both Great Britain and United Nation Security Council for their reaffirmation of this important aspect.

       Thank you.

36. Matt,
    What’s with the deafening silence of the British Governemnt on the issues affecting Sol,Sanag and Ayn (SSC)Regions of Khatumo State.Is it that you don’t have enough information on what’s happening on the ground or do you get all your information from the biased Somaliland leadership and media?I have not heard a single word from any British official,including your excellency,regarding the atrocities committed by Somaliland forces in the Ayn region,especially the town of Buhodle and its environs where more than 200 civilians have been tortured,raped and killed by Somaliland forces in the last two years,in the name of securing Somaliland borders.I have not heard a single word about how all the aid you send to Somaliland is used to develop the Habarbur(Hargeisa-Burao-Berbera) Triangle and to arm the predominantly Yitshaq militia of Somaliland to commit atrocities in SSC regions and to ethnically cleanse the Dhulbahante people from their ancestral lands.
    I have not heard a single word from you on the formation of Khatumo state by over 2000 representatives of the Dhulbahante Community in the historic Town of Taleh.Are you aware that all other Somali clans have given their blessings and support to the formation of Khatumo state?Are you aware that the Somali President Sheikh Shariff has openly supported the formation of Khatumo state and has recognized it as a legitimate regional government under the TFG?Are you aware that this state has the support of the President of the Somali Region of Ethiopia?Are you awre that some of the most respected Somali nationalists,leaders and intellectual like Professor Ali Khalif Galaydh ,Dr Ali Issa and Professor Abdikarim Jama are part and parcel of this new administration?
    Do you have the faintest idea about these emerging issues or are you so besotted with Somaliland that everything else is a hazy blur.Or is it a case of typical British duplicity.I do sincerely hope that you do reach out to the other side of Northern Somalia.if you ever go to Garowe,please visit the historic capital of Khatumo state which is only 60 kms northwest of Garowe and you will be welcomed by President Ahmed Elmi Karash and his government, and the King of SSC Garad Jama Garad Ali.They are the only legitimate leaders of Khatumo State and are recognized as such by the peoples of SSC.
    We are a patriotic and nationalistic people and we will always support a united Somali nation.we consider all Somalis our brothers and sisters and they are welcome in Khatumo State.But we will never accept to be part of secessionist Somaliland,which stands for that which is most abhorrent to us,the partition of Somalia.And nobody can deny us our legitimate right to self-determination,which we have expressed in forming Khatumo state.
    We are also concerned that your BBC Somali service gives a nearly total blackout to news from Khatumo State.Is it too much to ask that you hire a stringer who hails from the SSC regions to report on those regions instead of relying on biased stringers from Hargeisa.How else do you expect to get an all round picture of news from SSC.Did you know that one of your stringers from Somaliland was injured while fighting alongside the Somaliland forces that were causing atrocities in Buhodle.I think you are clueless because of overreliance on your biased Somali Service and its tribally minded Somaliland reporters.For your information Somalis stopped listening to BBC Somali because of the endless propaganda for Somaliland.
    These truths will eventually out,and Ahmed Silanyo and his cohorts will be brought before the ICC in the Hague for warcrimes,crimes against humanity and genocide,and directly or indirectly,the British Governement ,which you represent,is complicit in these crimes.
    You may be young and naïve in Somali matters,but as a family man,I hope you have a conscience,and that you will not sleep soundly while Somaliland forces kill,maim,rape and torture innocent civilians in Buhodle.Break the rules and at visit SSC and talk to the traditional leaders.You may be surprised with what you find out.

    1. Dear Mohamoud,

       you must be grateful you are part of Somaliland and the region vision is peace. If Somaliland was not there belief me the misery you had will be worst than what is happening in south. My opinion if you are not able to live peacefully with your brothers or sisters you may need AMISOM, and I hope you know what AMISOM means?…

       You must be grateful of London conference communique and I am sure there is a lot of people who want to sabotage from president of the TFG and you are part of the card he is playing which call khatumo card..

    2. Dear M Jama,

       I am very sorry to hear of the things which you mention happening in parts of Somaliland. Where I disagree with you is how the representatives of SSC have chosen to tackle the issue. Where there are genuine grievences it is important to tackle them, but once you opt to do so in a way which destabalises the whole region then i am afraid that cannot be tolerated. You are fully aware that things in Somaliland happen using the ballot box instead of the gun. Therefore any aspirations by the SSC should be based on a political movement which utilises the current political mechanisism i.e. political discourse.
       It is ludicourous to say that simply you have opted to join a fedearl Somalia by neglecting the political reality which makes you part of Somaliland. I mean it would have been more feasable to say you would like to run your own affairs within a Somaliland jurisdiction.
       Finally it is neither wise nor appropriate to use words like ‘ethnically cleanse’ without appropriate accuracy or proof, if anything it damn right dangerous, these things are against international law.

       1. Adan Geesi,

          As you said:
          “It is ludicourous to say that simply you have opted to join a fedearl Somalia by neglecting the political reality which makes you part of Somaliland.”

          Let me ask you the same thing,

          Isn’t it ludicrous for Somaliland to say simply they “declared independence” would like to opt out from a federal Somalia by neglecting the political reality which makes you part of Somalia Republic to this day?

          Which ever way you look at it Somaliland is not recognised either by regional IGAD countries nor will it ever be recognised. Hence why Great Britain, Western Europe, US, Russia, China, South America, Asia dam any country in the world doesn’t recognised the little land called SOMALILAND for the past 20 yrs.

          Genuine Question:

          Isn’t time for you guys to call it a day and give up the so-called independence ISAAQ-led as evidently other clans are opting out of this independence and rightly so? Isn’t it time to join the discussion on how to setup Somalia Federal Government?
          Whether you like it or not Somaliland is part of the Somalia Republic. There is no other option!! You will know I told you so, history will show who is right and wrong!

          Funny thing is, Somaliland wants to break from Somalia Republic. Khartoom and Adwal want to break from Somaliland for the same reasons Somaliland wants to break from Somalia. History repeats itself in funny way. That is what happens when military regimes rule the people with iron fist. Somaliland is committing atrocities against their own people who live in the North, the same way Mohamed Siad Barre did. The only solution is federal system which gives every region their own right to rule themselves rather than be ruled by central government.

          1. There you go again, you are comparing the Siad Barre regime with the current Somaliland government, which couldn’t be further from the truth.

             Somalia has had enough blood shedding, all I am saying is accept the political reality because in my opinion the approach of the SCC will inevitably lead to further bloodshed, and I don’t know about you but I am personally for peace even to the extent of no recognition.

             Do you think the children who grow up in peace care whether or not the Chinese or Americans recognise them? Offcourse not you fool they dont.

             since you are a smart man and can put two sentences together, you will know that ever since its creation the Somali Republic has been an absolute failure, till to this day it tops the list of the most failed state in the planet. 10 years prior to its collapse the whole country was living on IMF loans and aid.

             Surely thus it is time to drop the idea of the Somali Republic and start thinking of alternative ways of governance for the sake of Somali children.

             Just how many men,women and children must the ‘Somali Republic’ consume?

             peace and love.

37. Guest Post: Why the New Plan for Somalia Will Fail
    Blog by CFR, written by a former U.S. ambassador to Nigeria, Senior Fellow for Africa Policy Studies in CFR: John Campbell
    https://blogs.cfr.org/campbell/2012/03/02/guest-post-why-the-new-plan-for-somalia-will-fail/

    Also mp3 talk about Somalia Geo-politics within the horn Africa region. Very interesting by Professor Anderson’s:
    http://media.podcasts.ox.ac.uk/africa/all/2012-02-23-africa-anderson.mp3

38. Here is an other flim/clip about how Southerners destroyed entirely the city of Hargeisa in 1988. As every Somali is well aware of they have killed more than fifty thousand innocent somalilanders, they have taken all their assets and destroyed completely every town and village around Somaliland. Despite that Somalilanders are still begging for peace and stability. They (Somalilanders) never seek revenge from those who did these atrocities, instead they started to rebuild their country from the ground. However as I can read from here or hear from them they are still preparing to repeat again what they have done already!!!!!. I don’t think this time it could be posible.
    here is the clip:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68B1sVucKZ4&feature=youtu.be

39. here is very interesting discussion on Somalia: could you please watch it to the end, and listen what David Anderson, an African Politics professor at Oxford University said on Somaliland(that is Minit 22 in this video). I realized that there are some people who understand Somali problem more than almost all Somalis!!!!!
    http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestory/2012/02/201222463747971197.html
    Ahmed

40. Dear Amb.

    I read a recent report on possible breaches of the UN Somalia weapons embargo. Coupled with a recent visit there by the infomous Col. Oliver North (Iran-Contra affair).

    I am not much of a conspiracist but the dots do point to an unhealthy development.

    http://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/private-firm-flouts-un-embargo-in-somalia-1.1242748

41. AFTER LONDON CONFERENCE
    23-Febrayo shirkii London, Somalida waxaa soo gashay rajo weeyn, waxeeyna meel walba la joogaan hadal heeynta shirka iyo farxad iyo reeyn reeyn, rajo weeyn ayeey ka sugayaan boqortooyada ingiriiska ineey soomaalida dhibaateeysaan wax u qabtaan.
    Magaalada Muqdsiho meel walba waxaa la suray calanka Britain waxaa darbiyada lagu qoray qoraalo soo dhaweeyn ah, hadaba farxdaas iyo rajadaas ummadda soomaaliyeed soo gashay maahan mid eey keeneeyn siyaasiyiin soomaaliyeed ama aqoonyahano soomaaliyeed ee waa mid ka timid dowlada ingiriiska. Hadaba waxaan codsaneeynaa inaan shirkaas fashilmin oo farxadaas looga dhabeeyo umadda soomaaliyeed iyadoo arimahaan la tixgalinayo.
     Soomaalidu arimaheeda iyadu ha qabasato waa Been ( Impossible) maxaan sidaas u leeyahay shirkii London ka bacdi Magaalada London waxaa ka dhacday Xaflado meeshii midnimo soomaliyeed la filayay maalinkii ku xigay waxaa bilaabatay qabyaaladii, Xaflada Dowladada lagu soo dhaweeynay ee central London ka dhacday waxaa isugu yimid ama ka hadlay hal qabiil oo ah qabiilka madaxweeynaha aaway umaddi soomaaliyeed ee kale
     Somaliland mid weeyn oo kaligeed ah ayeey dhigatay
     Puntland waxeey dhigteen xaflad gaar u ah oo qabiilka lagu weeyneeynayo
     Galmudug sidoo kale xaflad sidaas ah ayeey dhigteen
     Reer banaadiri Waa dhigteen
     Digil iyo Mirifle waa dhigteen
    Hadaba Midnimadii la rabay iyo waxii shirka looga hadlayay in soomaali taladeeda yeelato ma dhaceeyso qabiilkii iyo qurunkii na burburiyay ayaa naga buuxa mana ku heshiin karno arimaha dhexdeen ah, waligeen hadaan joogno, hadaan la helin cid nakala dhicisa oo na barta sida saxda ah muddo kooban.
    Dowlada Ingiriiska
    Waxaan kula talinyaa doowlada ingiriiska laba arimood.
    1. Arimaha soomaaliya ineeysan koox gaar ah iyo state gaar ah midna kala tashan qabiilna eeysan wax arin ah ka qaadan.
    2. Ineey raadiso individual persons kuwaas oo ah shaqaale contract saxiixa oo hadeey ka soo bixi waayaan shaqadooda eey ku waayaan.
    Qofafkaas eey sameeyso ineey ku darto khuburo heer caalami ah eeyna ku xirto ciidamada AMISOM iyago eey qabtaan Roadmap-ka iyo shirkii London waxii ka soo baxay fulintiisa.
    Shacabka soomaaliyeed farxadooda iyo hididiiladii shirka London eey ka qabeen markaas ayeey noqon kartaa mid dhaqan gasha.
    Hadii taas la waayo Dowlada Ingiriiska sharafteeda haka ilaashato hana raadiso wada kale oo eey isga ilaalin karto virus-ka Soomaaliya ka soo socda oo eey ka baqeeyso inuu soo gaaro.
    Emotional proposal and it can be wrong
    Sorry any inconvenience that my cause
    Thank you Very Much
    Mr Osman
    Somali Refugee in UK

42. Matt,
    The conference in london on somalia was generally a success, particularly for two points;
    firstly, the Somali delegations heard a very strong message from the world leaders which merely unmasked for the current TFG and their successors must understand the world will no longer be tolerated a dysfuctional Somali govt. or civilians that disrespect the international rule of law.

    Secondly, The president of Somaliland Mr. Sillayo made it clear on Somaliand’s ambition for international recognition without a delay.

    My question to you is, are you planning on visiting Somaliland sometime soon to see its achievements as an observer?

    Osman Ibrahim,
    Ottawa, Canada

43. In the aftermath of the conference, I offer a wrap-up of the best articles and books to read on the country:

    http://www.fragilestates.org/2012/02/27/what-to-read-on-somalia/

    1. Gerald Hanley, Warriors: Life and death among the Somalis.

       Here is a short extract; “Of all the races of Africa, there cannot be one better to live among than the most difficult, the proudest, the bravest, the vainest, the most merciless, the friendliest: the Somalis.”

44. This is such wasting time and so disguise talking tribalism here. Ridiculously shame all of you and how dare these people representative diaspora. Each one wants to his clan overpower it others.

45. @Shire

    If you read my comment again, you will realize that I wrote northern Somalia/Somaliland capital Hargeiesa instead of dividing that region into North Western and eastern region. In fact this division will bring all historical British Somaliland as one region.

46. Dear Respected Ambassador Matt,

    I will not write long because reality is always clear. But I just want to let you intention according to UN charter and as basic human rigth the people of Somaliland has the of self determination. So it is obligation for our Somali brothers , UK and the whole world to respect the will of the people of Somaliland. The people of Somaliland has a democratic system of governance they choose their own leaders and worked together to reach peace and stabilty.

47. Allemagan, it is really wonderful idea to base power-sharing around the date you mention as it is much more equitable during reign of Said Bare Regime who nepotistically gave away most of these 18 regions to his sub-clan and political allegiance but having read your comments bit more, I astonishingly deplored your cleverly put heavily baised towards North of Somali (Somaliland) whom you gave them only one region ( Hargiesa).

    if we do not give them their fair share, we have to let them be Somaliland as they were Government in 1960 when they united to seek all the region of Somalia but we treated them unfairly and now you suggested that we can even treat them worse.

    Apart from that, it is good idea.

    1. First of all the dictatorship military regime led by Mohamed Siad Barre did not take land belonging to any somali tribe and gave it to another tribe. The false notion that he did so is untrue. The exercise of creating more regions was meant to expand the administrative jurisdictions in more equitable manner. The formula of the previous eight regions can’t be an alternative. The 2 gentlemen Allemagan and shire have the same agenda to semi-cleverly camouflage what they call Somaliland (Isaaq) under a different arrangement with the same idea, where Isaaq controls the north!!!

       This will never happen. The secessionists must forget and abandon the idea that they either secede with the north or as a plan B to try keep it under their control within a federal Somalia.It will not work.

       The Isaaq had took arms and tried to achieve that goal under the barrel of the gun and they miserably failed because there are other tribes who are defending their home lands in the north, such as unionist Khaatumo and Awdal States of Somalia who believe in the unity of Somalia.

       Any one tribe who is driven by greed (like the Isaaq) and falsely claims that they are pursuing justice will, at the end of the day, have to face the reality. – wether they see it as a biased or equitable their territorial share of the land (Somalia) is the fair share and they will not get anything more than that, the same applies to other Somali tribes.

    2. I would like to correct you here, it was not the Isaaq tribe only who are from the north and united with the south. There are other major tribes in the north, the Dhulbahante, Samaroon, Warsengeli, Issa, and others who brought Somalia’s unity. Non of these major tribes in the north are against the Somali Unity. The only disgruntled tribe in the north is the Isaaq.

       Secondly, without consulting with any other tribe in the north and the south, the Isaaq have tribally organized themselves took arms and fought with all other Somalis and at the end claimed they seceded from the rest of Somalia!!!

       Now, if they as a tribe claim they wand to be separated from other Somalis, why would they at the same time want other unionist Somalis to go with them?

       The logic says, you can’t get it both ways. you either be a secessionist or a unionist.

       The Isaaq tribe should get the courage to say the Isaaq are separating with their tribal territories from the rest of Somalia, they can’t claim the unionist territores because these unionist territories and people are the same ones they wand to secede from.

       Simple and clear

       Otherwise, the Isaaq does not know what they are talking about!!!

48. Dear Ambassador Baugh
    The way out of the crisis of Somalia:
    As you can see from most of our comments here we as Somalis don’t have any good thoughts to contribute to the restoration of Somalia as a nation and to the search for peace for Somali people. We are people divided along tribal lines and for the last twenty years we were killing each other senselessly. We are always in competition with each other on sub-clan lines. Clearly many of the contributors of the comments in this page are not interested in nation building. Instead each one of them wants you to supply them with the video feed of the speech of their tribal warlord at London Conference of Somalia. I don’t think that your responsibility for Somalia includes scouting you-tube for videos to satisfy the foolish pride of nomads.
    The Somali problem like any other complex issue can be approached by following the classic method of problem solving:
    1) Identify the problem: the scourge of tribalism and tendency of the Somali people toward anarchy. After the departure of Mohamed Siyad Barre, no one Somali tribe wants to be ruled by another tribe. Also many people including the business people and warlords in Somalia want to capitalize in the lawlessness of the country. Some people have become billionaires (in US$) in a place where tens of thousands of children perish by starvation. In addition to above we have terrorism and piracy as pressing side issues.

    2) Choose one of a number of solutions: a) should Somalia have central government b) federal states c) divided (e, g. Allow Somaliland to secede from Somalia, d) involve Alshabaab in the negotiations for peace in Somalia or e) do not involve Alshabaab in the negotiations to bring peace back to Somalia.

    3) The above 5 solutions unfortunately are traditional and haven’t worked in the past and history is likely to repeat itself. Further, these choices must be made by Somalis and the concerns of the international community should take a back seat when discussing the best choice to solving Somali problem. In my humble opinion none of the above solutions should be implemented now, they will fail. Somalia needs a radical change as outlined below in point 4.

    4) Implement this solution (in 5-7 years): Somalia should be divided along the original seven regions that existed before the revolution of 1969. These seven regions were Upper Juba (capital Baidoa), Lower Juba (capital Kismayo), Benadir (capital Mogadishu) , Hiran (capital Beletwein) , Mudug (capital Galcaio) , Bari (capital Bosaso)and Northern Somalia (capital Hargeisa). The idea is to make Somalis to learn to live together one again regardless of tribe in the regional level. Clan cleansing took place in all over the regions of Somalia. People who used to live side by side in one region are now divided along clan lines and each group is ridiculously claiming their own state within one traditional region. The eighteen regions that are mentioned in Growe agreement are nothing but Siyad Barre’s blueprint and Machiavellian work to divide Somalis along clan lines to control the country and should not be followed. The beauty of this alternative solution is that every tribe will be forced to live with other tribes and this will eliminate the tribal exclusive zones. The country should not have a president for those five to seven years and should be run by council of seven elders each from one region. Each region should be responsible to build a local government including own parliament, judiciary and security forces in his or her region.

    5) Monitor the adapted solution for a feedback: you need to have a Viceroy (UN representative) in place in Mogadishu who controls and dispenses all the money collected or pledged in London Conference for Somalia. Do not give one penny of this money to any entity in Somalia unless they agree on the above arrangement. There is a good reason why you had all the leaders of the squabbling tribes in Leteschire – they are all after the money. If there is one thing that unites Somalis, it is greed. If anyone of the Somali parties who participated in the meeting in London does not participate in this project, they should not receive any funding. In fact all other funding sources such as governmental and non-governmental that goes to anywhere in Somalia should be managed this way. Also during these transitional five or seven years, AMISOM forces in Somalia should spread in all regions but Ethiopians and Kenyans should leave Somalia immediately due to the sensitivity of the history between Somalia and these two countries.

    If this plan is adapted, it will solve the crisis in Somalia and bring peace and security nationally and globally. Terrorism and piracy will eventually disappear from the shores of Somalia since no one region in Somalia wants to draw world attention to their corner.

    1. Brother Allemagan,

       This is exactly the kind of input we need. Now your plan makes sense and it can go far, with exception. Somalia people are adopting a federal system that we all agree; only question is what type of federal system? The jury is out on that and still being discussed. Now we seriously needed an alternative to the dogma of 4.5 clan-political formula. Of course it has failed gazillion times and we are still adopting it based on the Garrowe Principals. Also the fact that this was suppose to be only for interim power-sharing during the transitional period have been forgotten, it seems the current TFG are extending their mandate in hidden way using this pathetic political division and formula. Here is where your plan comes in. The power-sharing you mentioned can be based on the way constitute assembly (parliament) be select along with both upper/lower house and upper house act as legislator and advisory board to the presidency. I understand the wisdom behind not having President the first 5-7 years of your plan however that period is too long. Why because who will represent Somalia at International Conferences, UN meetings. We would be a country like Belgium which many European countries make fun off because they have 3 Prime Ministers, one from French side, one from Dutch side and another from German side. Even though it is a tiny little country, their political system is divided. Sorry to side-track but my point is we need a President and Prime Minister in any future Somali Government. The Prime Minister goes to regional elections. President is rotation based, since Somalis love the power seat of Presidency, even though in Federal System Prime Minster has more political power then President but never the less, I envisage power hungry people would be fighting over what they regard the top seat of the house. To avoid this, we can adapt a Nigerian style rotation of Presidency. Therefore every region gets to be a President, either the Presidency rotates between North and South or it rotates between all 7 regions based on the power-sharing you mentioned above and why not? As long as it brings stability to the country, people are selected based on their merit not their clan, this system can work and will flourish.

       Now the question is who will implement this. Current TFG have made their road-map based on 4.5 and they are steaming ahead with enthusiasm and optimism. Who will stop them? International Community made their decision very clear at the London Conference. The political solution is owned by Somali people and should be left alone for them to solve this issue. They should come back with a system of governance that works for them. However TFG are not looking beyond transition they assume the next government will still be a transitional government hence they choice of 4.6 sorry 4.5 not even sure where this .5 comes from and how that was devised but hey it is what it is. Let’s see if TFG come to their sense and listen to the people. However your plan is workable solution and totally applaud your out of the box thinking.
       WS

49. Dear Samsam Noor,

    Rather than being sadistic about the recent meeting between the Dhulbahante tribe and their president Sh, Sharief you better discuss here about the atrocities that the Isaak (Isaaq) clan are inflicting in Buhoodle area.

    Khatumo State of Somalia (KSS) does represent its population and the Isaaqland’s (aka Somaliland) propaganda is doomed to fail soon.

    The whole world will know the true facts of the emerging democracy from, Khaatumo and Awdal States of Somalia.

    1. I am not talking about SSC militia or Somaliland army what i am talking about is inspirations of London conference communinique, there is no justification of war by the militia, need to resolve political solution.

       if you are unionist or nationalist need to accept whether you are like it or not referendum, we had enough atrocities

50. Hi, Matt. I fully support and will reference what: “Brother Saeed Warsame” had for the Somalian people in a nutshell because it echoes and adddresses the important point: “In conclusion we need people to work together; we need people to forgive each other and forget about the past 2 decades and start a new leaf, a new page.

    We need people to seriously think how we can jumpstart Somalia because at the end of the day it is with our interest to have stable Somalia, not stable Puntland or stable Somaliland or stable Gulmodug, of course stable regions constitutes stable Somalia but my point is not focus our efforts in one region but all of them” .

    With respect to, Samsam Noor: The TFG president is not De-stabilising Somaliland, but pointing out what the criteria is for a state and that is 2 or more! Thus, Khaatomo state CAN be! And will BE! a STATE. So what is wrong with that? They believe in Republic of Somalia.

    Thanks

51. i am very sorry to hear that president of TFG had already breached London conference communique in his meeting with Dhulbahante tribe, by saying khatumo regions has to be this is first time unfortunately the president is trying to de-estabalising Somaliland.

    please watch this video link:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=1dy3z9O6Eg0

    best regards

    Samsam Noor

    1. Desperate actions from a desperate man. The west will no longer fund him thus his tactics must change. Understandable but also predictable. Looser.

52. Dear Amb Matt Baugh

    Firstly, to say the least I am more confused than ever, as we are deprived of basic information surrounding the conference. Most Somalis didn’t get a reasonable explanation about the comminique of the conference. Additionally, Somali media outlets are telling us what ever suited their interest, of course this is not a first. I have also visited the link that you have posted above and have come across this one which clearly shows the logo of the UK Foriegn Office and denies the speach of president Silanyo at the conference http://audioboo.fm/boos/684267-beentii-siilaanyo-oo-laga-daba-yimi.

    Could you please help to clarify whether president of Somaliland spoke at the conference.

53. Thanks to Great Britain for hosting this Grandiose Gathering. It is still too early to gauge the success of it but we hope for the best and comment about it as we go along.

    With respect, Mohamed Awais is now retired, university dropped out in 1960s sent from Somaliland to Great Britain who carry tainted “suitcase clan state” and Abdi Samatar is controversial academic based in US looking for platforms to leap the political wagon though they are entitled their views.

    let me also mention that on the diaspora meeting in London attended by President Sharif, Farole of Puntland and Mayor of Mogadisho, There was an argument about whether Somalia would be a federal or else.

    Farole kept saying Somalia is federal system like Puntland and president Sharif clearly said it is up to Somali people to decide what sort of federal they would take. and then hell broke out.

    That means, there are a lot to do yet, while some people in certain regions trying to manipulate Somalia to their own end playing different cards to deceive Somali people like the user of Mohamed Awais who is from Somaliland geographically but have multiple personality ( khatumo, puntland, Somaliland, dhubahante,Harti, Darod,Great Somalia saviour).

    We are carefully watching deceitfully activities and we commend our brothers in Somaliland with what they have achieved with their meagre resources while keep bribing betrayals from within who have different agendas suffering like sour grapes sydrome etc. Somalia and Somaliland are brothers in arms and we would be shoulder with shoulder to achieve viable democratic Somalia when time is right.

    We hope and pray the goals and objectives be achieved on time and we all be singing ( we have risen from ashes to functioning state again, thanks to Mighty God and Great Britain)

    1. Brother Saeed Warsame,

       Thanks for your kind comments, I support your views and welcome criticism. However I am not going to resort to low punches especially with the lens of clan-mindset and clan political games. I am Somali who is calling for United Somalia. I am a different breed than what you probably use too so that is probably why you are confused hence your comments but hey your entitled to your views. You said from reading my comments I have multiple personalities. That is maybe true only if you read them with lens of clan-mindset and clan-politics. However if you read them with open mind you will see I don’t hail from specific clan, or demonstrate clan-political mindset or hail for a particular region but I hail for all Somali people.

       In conclusion we need people to work together; we need people to forgive each other and forget about the past 2 decades and start a new leaf, a new page. We need people to seriously think how we can jumpstart Somalia because at the end of the day it is with our interest to have stable Somalia, not stable Puntland or stable Somaliland or stable Gulmodug, of course stable regions constitutes stable Somalia but my point is not focus our efforts in one region but all of them.

       We seriously need to wakeup because we are sleeping and it is the 11th hour, time is short. People need to stop calling each other names, labelling each other when we don’t really know anything about each other. People need to stop hailing for specific clan or your little corners of Somalia. No more disillusions we need solutions, no more cussing games we need seriousness. Join the discussion but don’t make yourself look like a fool. Oh yes I have tainted suitcase except there is no sign of clan stripes but a Somali flag and Somalia Unity Strip. I wasn’t born 60’s I was born in the 80’s. I am not a dropout but I have 1st class honours degree. Thank you.
       Wa’alykum Salaam,

54. Dear Amb Matt.
    I here-by appreciate the good work done by the UK government to host such a conference for Somalia. We are very grateful to his Excellency prime minister of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his country for the endless support they offered to the Somalis. We welcome the outcome of the conference it has really touched on all aspects needed to be addressed. We call upon our brothers in Somaliland to be with us, we need you and you do the same, unity is our interest. The country can fit us no matter how many hectares of land one wants, which gvt post one wants to occupy and how much wealth you want to have.
    We whole heartedly apologise for what the previous dictator did to you although, every one suffered direct or indirect during his era and after his departure.
    We now know what war brings and we are saying we had enough no more of it. Let’s forgive each other and make Somalia stand on its feet.

55. Where are the women’s? The young people? why are they ignored?

56. Dear Amb Matt.

    We all Somalis and other participants have common objectives to address all issues including – political sytem, security, terrorism and piracy, etc ; it is in the best interest of all to address these common problems, but, the bottom line in addressing these all issues is getting a political solution which is leadership platform.
    Once we formulate the organisational leadership format than we can address the subsidiary issues. Therfore, if we allow humbly, may I suggest that, since we “Somalis” come short to agree to elect genuine representation or because of the vacuum we lost the direction, strategy and the will to reconcile ; we let the internationaol community choose or nominate “100 Somalis” intellectual universally and academically known figures who will be asked to seek a vote of confidence from different regions to take the lead to formulate “Goverment Structure” provided that these selected figures should exclude warlords, criminals, old rotten politicians and should at least have Masters degree or Bsc Hons with equivalent exprience.
    I know some may belong to the same regions, but, we can still make regrouping based on regional or clan representation until we came up with enlighted group even if the number comes lesser and lesser

    These internationally chosen foroum will initially make two round brainstorming exercises in each region to collect ideas from all the regions including “Shabab Area” and then analyse / refine collected ideas which they will be free to share with all concerned stakeholders and finally hold conference inside Somalia for all the influential community members to redefine purposed solutions. Ultimately, they will by “June” submit their presentation and recommended serious plan of action that finally gets endorsed by international concerned bodies and all regions which more or less geared towards making or setting a federal system of goverement encompassing all political lines and supported by the Somali people inside /outside the country.

    1. You have my full support Prof. Abdi Isamil Samatar 🙂

57. Somaliland is not a troublesome country not for the last 15yrs. It does not wish to be part of Somalia nor Puntland.

    Somaliland Independence was declared in 1991. It’s soverignty is not negotiable.

    Somalia was in a civil war and declared a failed state. Furthermore, Somalia has many problems that world has already showed concern over its effect on the rest of the world.

    Thus, Somaliland see the failed State of Somalia as a threat to its hard earned security and peace. It deserves not to be dragged into it and the wishes of its people safeguarded.

58. Somalis!! Silanyo of Somaliland, Farole of Puntland and Sharifs and Abdiweli of TFG are not what the world needs to pay attention to. They understand SOMALIA, a troublesome country on earth. The world has come together to solve the Somalia problem and that is what matters, not your clansmen who attended there. Shame on your clannish statements.
    We need to call software engineers so that they can delete ‘clan virus’ from Somalis’ minds. Maybe Norton of Mcafe could be contracted to do so.

59. Dear all

    Somalia was a failed state since it became a state. It seems that Somalia’s current, so called politicians are not at the level of solving such an extraordinary situation. We Somalis need an extraordinary people, who have the knowledge, courage, commitment, who first have a good understanding of their proplems then look solutions for it. I understand, the international community’s efforts to stabilise Somalia, but I doubt the results, as long there is puppets that come to power with a tribal allegiance and vague Islamic values.

    In reality, we need from UK and international community to empower and strengthen Somali intellectuals to take their role and lead the people of Somalia to be part of the wider world community. Somalis in majority has no idea what modern state means, as they have no clue the terms of modern state that is why Somalia has become a heaven for Alqaida. If you look Somalis mentality about rule of law, you may be simply recognize the treble and the confusion they in. In other words, Somalis concept of state is the one occurred 7century ago in the Arab peninsula. And that is what we need to do something about it, if we want Somalia to come back as sovereign state, free from fanatics and terrorism.
    Alshabaab is been defeated militarily, but I want that to fellow a moral defeat, which can be attained by reaching and supporting those Somali grass root movements, already in the field and established their own Islamic theories to oppose Alshabaab. i.e (Somali movement for change), isbadaldoon group.

    I hope coming Aug 2012 will be crucial for Somalia. Let us wait for it.

60. Matt, when will you move out from Nairobi, your new office will be located in Mogadishu, and oppening the doors of British High Commission?? will your goverment ready helping to restore Somalia’s peace presperty and education system and more?? -Fletcher- Cheif-in-Editor (Somalisouthafrica.com)

61. Thanks Matt.
    I thought you have asked “how the aspirations of this conference could be achieved”, but most of us are talking about how they feel about agreed communique, some seem to be appealing the arrangement. I think there is nothing substantial for Somaliland and it is clear that Somaliland is willing to take an important role whow Somalia’s law and order could be restored and help the world its experience in nation building after a civil war. Somaliland sacrifices valuable time by allowing the world’s recongnition and support the need that Somaliland and TFG or what ever replaces it to have dialogue about thier future relationship. Somaliland are very patient with the Somalia as they waited for dialogue for 21 years. I suggest that the dialogue should be initiated as soon as TFG is replaced by permanent Somalia. While Somaliland is supporting the peace and stability of Somalia, should the world protect the peacefull Somaliland from the hostile political and violent interventions from the Somalia’s regional adminstrations. Somaliland should be given the right of self-defence. The world can not afford the achievements of Somaliland to be undermined and destroyed.

62. Shocking someone by the name Mohamed Awais
    Credit when credit ids due.
    I am from South Somalia and I am proud somali for the achivement of brother in Somaliland

    Somaliland is a former British protectorate. It gained independence in 1960 and was recognised as an independent State. However, acting on the desire at the time of Somalis to live in one State, Somaliland voluntarily joined with Italy’s former Somali colony to form the Republic of Somalia. The union turned out to be disastrous for Somaliland, as the people found themselves marginalised in the new State. In 1969 Siyad Barre overthrew the government of Somalia in a coup and began a policy of calculated repression of the people of Somaliland. When the Somali National Movement stepped up its armed resistance to Barre’s oppressive regime in Somaliland in the late 1980s, the armed forces of Somalia bombed Somaliland, completely destroying the capital Hargeisa, killing an estimated 50,000 people and displacing another 500,000.
    Therefor I am delighted to see my brothers for enormous achievemnet, I fell nothing but admiration for Somaliland’s pragmatism, courage and creativity to form a unique political system which combines indigenous and western models towards state and institutional building. It is an intercultural exercise that should be an example for the Global World . My admiration for Somaliland is growing stronger every day: so many stories of audacity and willingness to create something different from oppression, exclusion and injustice. I really hope every Somalilander continue owning this process promoting change and they can achieve a better quality of life. The presidential election was an important tipping point.

    Somalia and Somaliland was two state and happy for the two state again,let’s stop the hypoctite for such “One Somalia”.Somaliland reated one Somalia but this days they decided to go back as Somaliland because what have done in the past.

    1. I agree there is a mad man called Mohamed Awais who wants United Somalia and doesn’t want his country men to be divided merely on the flimsy basis of CLAN-Politics. His not calling for secessionism but calling for Unity, Respect and Trust between two families who with outside interference lost their way and need to be re-united again on the basis of brotherhood, love and honesty.

       Please understand the blight of our people and sufferings have continued for more than 2 decades now with the mindsets we have today. Please also understand nothing will change or be fixed with the current standoff between two idea’s Unity and Secession.

       It is important we acknowledge first and foremost that “United we can stand and divided we fall” this was the motto of our forefathers when they United our people in 1st of July 1960. It is also equally important that we realise and acknowledge we have so much to lose than gain by dividing the people of Somalia on basis of 1988 war by repressive regime who you and I know wanted to rule the country with iron fist. Secessionism and isolating yourselves will only make Somaliland weaker rather than stronger. It will also bring more division, deep division among our people which I really do not want to see happening.

       Therefore there is a great need to discuss the whole Somali issue without feeling or remorse from intellectual level, political, social and economical. There is a great need from all Somali clans both at Diaspora and inside the country including our brothers/sisters Somaliland to seriously talk and decide their fate. We have to recognise our people are unique and have a great history, tradition and brotherhood between them. We are one people of the same ethnicity, culture, religion and language. We have intermarriages, inter-social, share inter-economics and there is lot of inter-dependencies between North and South of Somalia. Together we can make a huge difference because we share the same value and same inner core Somali belonging. Deep down whether we know it or not we have so much that unites us compared to what little that really divide us.

       If we are serious we can solve our difference because at the end of the day when two brothers fight they always find a middle ground to agree on their difference and continue to be brothers. We alone can find our solutions if we come to the table without any pre-conditions either Unity or Secessionism. Only after genuine, heart-whelming, deep rooted discussion we can decide the future for our Somali people because you are after all are a Somali whether you call yourself Somaliland or not let’s start what is our first common ground which we are a Somali people.

       To be frank, our brothers from Somaliland need to realise as we from the South realise and acknowledge they were not alone in the repressive of the previous regime. There was a systematic discrimination of all people. Yes it has started in the north and that was the beginning of the Somali civil war. However all the Somali people from South suffered consequently after. We all know 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 religious, political leaders.

       We have to agree from outset all the injustice that happened to Somaliland 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 and no one escaped the horrors that followed before clinching days of the collapse the previous regime.

       We all suffered tremendously. So if every region in Somali stands up and says I was discriminated, I was tortured, my family was killed, previous regime destroyed my city and therefore I want to break-away from rest of Somalia. Can that seriously work? With that mindset suddenly all 18 regions want to setup a min-government. Do you understand the dangerous precedence of what Somaliland is calling for?

       Therefore lets be honest this will not work; we need to seriously consider the political solution on the table which is federalism. Let’s talk about that what that looks like, how we can shape a future that gives all of us, peace, tranquillity and rejoice our shared wealth because we Somalis have so much wealth. Wealth in people, wealth in natural resource, and wealth in land, there is so much land. Wealth in everything we can imagine. However we need to work together and cultivate this wealth and turn into a real paradise. Somalia is know for the hell on Earth, lets change that reality and make it the paradise on Earth as it once use to be.

63. That conference hald in London seems sucessfully. but my question is: do they meaned to help Somalia cuz they feel the misery of people in Horn Africa?

64. Dear matt
    Ambassador there are those who do not want Somalia to be ever stable again. Reports are coming out that the Ethiopian prime minister has already thrown doubt at the final communique of the London conference claiming it has been written before the conference was covened. This is a man who played a big part in somalia’s instability. He must not be allowed to once again jeopardise this golden opportunity that the united kingdom and others invested so much on.Thanks again

65. Was most successful conference which Somalis had, and first time Somali-land included in terms of includeness.

    Next step needed is how what had been agreed will be implemented and this will give UK international leadership.

    As British citizen in my opinion if Somalis agreed to separate Somali-land to become 55 member state of commonwealth countries as they already applied for sharing history, vision, development, collective and profound belief in the power sharing which comes from bottom to top.

66. We the Somalis must thank whole heartly the UK government for putting the Somalia agenda in focus. This was the biggest gathering of this level of International Community on Somalia ever. Thank you UK.

    We have to thank Turkey and the Turkish FM by bringing the timetable to June 2012 when Turkey will host another conference on Somalia and giving the TFG timeline to make progress until then.

    Finaly the press conference of PM Cameroon and PM Gaas,made things clear for many critics and hopefully the TFG will cary on with all inclusive reconcilitiation and come with clear constitution before its term ends.
    Hopefuly, the many thousands of young fighters that are with Al/shabaab will be given a chioce to make and window of opportunity will be there open for them,. In the meantime the foriegn forces that are advancing deep in to Somalia will be made accountible of respecting civilians as the Somalis are still 100% muslims and are very sensitive to humiliation by occupyers.
    That will be the only way that one could see violence easing in Somalia in the future.
    People still need someone to trust so that one can put down his arms or to distance himself from Al shabaab commanders.
    Thank you

67. I believe President Siilaanyo’s speech — no matter whether presented in an audio or a video format — clearly explained Somaliland’s case: Somalilanders have chosen their future through a ‘bottom up’ approach, which has consequently enabled them develop a unique political sytem based on cultural democracy; and the Somaliland government is eagerly looking forward to working with the international community (as an equal partner with a recognised mandate) find solutions not only to the problems of Somalia, but also dealing with relevant problems that of concern to human development, both regionally and globally.

    More importantly, the president unequivocally stated that the idea of reuniting with Somalia is not an option for Somaliland and its people. As a result, according to my intgerpretation, the Conference acknowledged that the international community can no longer ignore the Somaliland’s case for re-recognition. The official communique, not the widely leaked (13 February 2012), of the Conference supports this point. Article 6 of the Communique states:

    “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.”

    1. Your take on the outcome of the London Conference is flawed and if you believe that for the Isaaq clan to reunite with Somalia is not an option, then you should believe that for the Khaatumo State of Somalia to be part of what you call Somaliland is not an option.

       As far as article 6 of the Communique is concerned which states:

       “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.”

       You need not to be fooled and understand that this means the Isaaq clan and the TFG will be talking so that this clan is appropriately accommodated within the Somalia mainstream political process. Khaatumo and Awdal States of Somalia are already talking and supporting the TFG

       1. Mr Keenadeed, I believe you are entitled to express your opinion. But you should make sure to understand and respect other people’s thoughts before you respond to them. Somaliland does not belong to one tribe, but it belongs to all the clans that live its defined boundaries. In fact, the clan that you have mentioned is a prominent member of Somaliland’s clans; they participated every stage and had a leading role of the main traditional clan meetings (Shir Beeloodyo) that recognised and laid the foundation of the rebirth of Somaliland — as a sovereign state. Thereby, all the clan leaders (whether from a minority or majority) had endorsed the agreements of these meetings, including Burco (1991) and Boorame (1993), and subsequent clan and tribal meetings in Sanaag, Sool and Cayn.

          However, I would earnestly urge you to make constructive suggestions. The fact is that Somalilanders are committed to solve any internal issues peacefully through available institutional justice and traditional tools. But all those concerned must be willing to come to the table as equal partners, not as aggressive and arrogant warlords.

68. At the onset I wish to thank the UK govt specifically (the PM – Mr Cameroon, FS – Mr, Hague, Mr-Bellingham and all those involved in the conference) for their endless effort to make the conference success; and simultaneously, putting all presumed heinous doubts and smears aside reflecting clearly the good conference’s intention and I will say loudly ” Congratulations – Welldone job”. Secondly, after the clearing the doubts what is remaining is to continue the explicitly and transparency of the process by sharing and keeping it as crystal white as possible. From my side, I have already prepared website and other tools to support the well-intended mission and I promise to share and do my level best to support achieve the targets. Finally, I wish to share with you all, the below proverbial abstract which I hope will remain our motto from now and even after crossing the bridge.
    •(Old proverb)”Me and my clan against the world; (after LC – London Conference it became); me and my World against time to meet goals.
    •(Old proverb) “Me and my family against the clan,: (after LC) ; Me and my compatriots against accepting anything less than “Somalia”
    •(OP) Me and my brother against my family; (LC); Me as “Somali” and my brothers (Universal friends) against a new failed “Somali State”
    •(old Proverb) Me against my brother. (after LC ) “Me and my brother (the Universe) against Somali plight, Piracy and Terrorism.

69. Dear ambassador
    I agree with you 100% the conference was a success and it gives every reason to be optimistic.However, those agreed points which are extremely important need to be followed through.watching prime minister David Cameron’s passionate speech at the conference I think he meant what he said.i am very grateful to him. He can count on my vote come the next election!.thanks

70. Actually somali has not had active government since last somali government ware ousted 1991,since then country remain lawless and chaos, thousand somali lost their live also more ware wounded,and thousand somali people felled the country to the region
    Public and Private property ware destroyed what is hapen is total loss.
    What is happen yesterday in london was history.
    Iam leaving london when i hear months ago that British goverment is organizing to be held meeting with international community and some 50 president from all ova the world that news make me my hope to see somali will stand its legs and appear as good image in front of the world.
    Iam very very support all the effort from the British goverment.
    Iam know all somali in side and out side they supporting what is doing british government.
    I can say if this British goverment support containing somali again come back and i hope to be succeed.
    i am somali british i wish to thank my government to all that effort to bring somali to the word.
    .

71. For the first time in my life I can sympathise with the plight of Afghanistan and Irag. Now I know what it feels like to be a citizen of a country in which the true representatives are ignored, different occupying forces all eyeing up their own intrests, and where every so often these occupying countries hold a conference for the well being of the occupied.

    The prime minister of Somalia has said he welcomes air strikes in Somalia – For whom does this man speak for? For which community of Somali’s have given him the right to advocate such unspeakable acts of terror.

    This conference has helped e to understand that Somalis in the ground need to come together to forge peace (North & South, East & West). Above all they must unite this monsterous creation of a so called Somali Government which welcomes ‘air strikes’ on its own people. That is a Somali I dont know what he is!

    1. For the first time in my life I can sympathise with the plight of Afghanistan and Irag. Now I know what it feels like to be a citizen of a country in which the true representatives are ignored, different occupying forces all eyeing up their own intrests, and where every so often these occupying countries hold a conference for the well being of the occupied.

       The prime minister of Somalia has said he welcomes air strikes in Somalia – For whom does this man speak for? For which community of Somali’s have given him the right to advocate such unspeakable acts of terror.

       This conference has helped me to understand that Somalis in the ground need to come together to forge peace (North & South, East & West). Above all, they must unite against this monsterous creation of a so called Somali Government which welcomes ‘air strikes’ on its own people. That is not a Somali, I dont know what he is!

72. Dear ambassador
    I agree with you 100% the conference was a success and it gives every reason to be optimistic.However,those agreed steps which are all important need to be followed through.watching prime minister David Cameron’s Passionate speech I think he means what he said.he can count on my vote come the next election!.

73. This is a concerning comment in the communiqué:
    Point 5: “We agreed that the Transitional Federal Institutions’ mandate ends in August 2012. There must be no further extensions. We welcomed the agreements that chart the way towards more representative government: the Transitional Federal Charter, the Djibouti Agreement, the Kampala Accord, and the Roadmap. We welcomed the progress represented by the Garowe Principles, endorsed the priority of convening a Constituent Assembly, and emphasised that the Assembly must be representative of the views of the Somali people of all regions and constituencies, and that women must be part of the political process. In line with Garowe II, we agreed to incentivise progress and act against spoilers to the peace process, and that we would consider proposals in this regard before the Istanbul Conference in June.”

    Although I understand why this has found it self in the communiqué, I guess it seems Britain had no other options but to adopt Somali initiative agreed upon weeks ago before the London Conference in Garowe, Puntland Somalia or NOT?

    The Garowe II agreement outlined power-sharing to be based on 4.5 failed political formula. Of course everybody knows this, including Great Britain and International Community and we Somalis were hoping this wouldn’t be adapted. However it looks like it has been, my only question is Great Britain and International Community willing to take another political gamble on Somalia by adapting a failed political formula known as 4.5 CLAN-POLITICAL formula. I am sure people know we have tried this formula for power-sharing for the last 14 peace initiatives and every time it has failed. It is as if we are doomed to always make the same mistakes over and over again, specially now a heightened time for Somalia when so much is at stake including the stability and formation of credible Somalia State. I would have hoped common sense would have prevailed and Great Britain questioned on the view of this political process.

    This of course now raises the possibility of another failed Somali Political process? Which is not What Somalis want, neither what Great Britain nor International Community wants based on what we have witnesses from London Conference today.

    I am normally not a pessimistic but reading the Communiqué again I realised the devastating consequences of adopting these corrupt initiative drawn up by the corrupt TFG government. I guess I can expect that from TFG but to agree upon this as way forward after London Conference is not something I expected from International Community, with all due respect fully understand why though.

    Although I would have liked to not close the door on this matter even though the Communiqué says at the end of this point: “We agreed to incentivise progress and act against spoilers to the peace process” I initially thought on new political process but if the process agreed on Garowe is the mandate process then we are in trouble to say the least.

    However I do understand why Great Britain adapted this process and had to be seen taking Somali initiative rather than bringing their own because then the solution would be foreign driven rather Somali driven. However please keep the door open for any future government to change these initiatives to make the political power-sharing something other than 4.5 formula ie more broader and respected by all Somalis, such as political parties or regional elections. However if this precious process for Somalis fails, people should not ask how or why it failed but should know who was responsible for its failures.

    1. A part from the above concerns overall happy with the outcomes and initiatives of the London Conference 🙂

    2. Dear Mohamed,

       We the Somalis are always the once who should come up with the approach and the solutions for our problems. I think the interntional community including Great Britians role/s will be to support the grassroot initiatives and therefore the failed 4.5 should be eliminated by us not Great Britian. For the time been it seems the Garowe conference had no any other option/s but to use the 4.5 formula. Today, if you were tasked to come up with another formula that is agreed-able to the somali clans what would have been your options?. Lets work with what we have as we tend to correct our mistakes and ask the international community to support our process towards peace and stability and avoid if if questions.

       1. Brother Mowliid Ali

          As you know at the core of much of the past, including recent political crisis is a system of selecting leaders that is intrinsically anti-democratic, anti-meritocratic and unfair. Hailed as ensuring greater clan balance and representation, it has in practice locked many competent people out of office, perpetuated clan chauvinism and prevented the emergence of issue-based politics.55 As long as this rigid system is in place, democratization and political pluralism will remain a pipe dream. Defenders argue that 4.5 is a stop-gap measure designed only for the transitional phase, but this does not explain why a system that is demonstrably flawed and produces crop after crop of inept leaders should be considered even a temporary remedy. Clan representation is a legitimate and emotional issue, and debate over a fair system is necessary. However, the sooner Somalia abandons this retrogressive formula for policy-based politics in which leaders are freely chosen on merit rather than clan affiliation, the sooner that is done the sooner progress can be expected on all fronts and ofcourse there are many avenues we can take to achieve such goal if we are serious about alternative political system that is fair for all and conclusive.

          For example and this is just one of many examples, as you know we have 18 province in Somalia we can certainly pick men and women of outstanding civic credentials who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to justice, competence, and the collective wellbeing of the Somali people. Of course to be sure, selecting such people will not be simple, but it is quite feasible if enough commitment and wise energy is forthcoming from the Somali Community both at home and Diaspora.

          We can put a system in place through which Somalis from various regions could be nominated and later be through election. Only considering individuals whose CVs are public records. However, always considering the competence of individuals and ofcourse competence would trump representation whenever the two criteria collide. It would be up to a committee of intellectuals/Somalia leaders (well respected group) who are solely responsible to select outstanding individuals through rigorously scrutinised process.

          This would be fare more effective and fruitful than the dogma of 4.5 political formula, it shows lack of imagination, no time or effort was spent to seriously resolve the political problem by the current TFG government.

74. And at last the TALK ended ….. now will wait what will be the outcome on the ground…
    Somalis I believe are a race that at the moment are so divided in every aspect of life… agreeing is so difficult at the moment … the world even saw that the only way to solve the current situation in Somalia is to rule them ….
    What I also know through History is that there is mostly always an interest involved whenever a stronger side wants to do anything for a weaker side… So The world wont help Somalia because they feel for their misery life no but they are doing it because the Somalis are also hurting the international community as well .. whether it is through piracy or terrorist … let us be clear here the PM said it clearly at the meeting but the way to do it is actually very difficult…
    I just wonder if the day will come that Somalis themselves realize the need to be nationals and feel for their own … I bit the Somalis they still live in last century with their tribal difference and stupid internal wars..

75. Greetings to HE.ambassador Matt, we are the ppl in Sool , dhulbahante clan why you excellency don’t condemn the acts of ethnic cleansing and genocides against our ppl commited on the hands of the Isaaq Tribe Cheif Mr. silanyo. and to shed the light Silanyo is elected by his tripe only, we from sool and sanaag we dont have any thing to do with Isaaq’s elections. and if this aggression continue then it will be a civil war all over again.

76. Great Job Mr. Ambasador for preparing this conference, It is true to mention the effects of pirates in the region was addressed on the conference, however what causes Pirates to increase should have been on the agenda. On politics, as diaspora somali living back home my suggesting to the international communinty is to start dialague between somali leaders specially between somaliland and puntland regions who have relatively enjoyed piece and stability for quite sometime unlike there southern counterpart, it’s easier to finish building a house when it’s have way build.” Mr. ambassador somalis living in somalia are now completely attentive of the international community follow up after the conference.

77. Dear Ambassador Matt Baugh
    we are very happy with the meeting result outcome , but one thing is very important is that the most power full somali leader DR faroole who has a good and power relation ship with his people who have elected was attended the meeting as we are from puntland intellectual group may we have to heard aboout the speech of the president of puntland , the outcome was really in need thanks ambassador Matt baugh

78. It was great to see the work of fellow British to sort out the issue of Somalia, still not sure what is in it for the UK.
    I believe the president of Somaliland should have been given a chance to express his involvement in this conference in the first session of the meeting, after all Somaliland is being asked to deal with alshabaab and pirates, having said that the diplomatic relations of Somalia and Somaliland should be interesting aspect of all Somalis.

79. Does it end at round-table meeting and much speeches? Let it not be like other conferences held so far! Helpless people are dieing everyday. Let’s save this land!

80. hi,ambassador matt,we are happy and we are wel come a political solution for somalia,but we need re-form and good government,and we are waithing august,new government,new parlement,agian thank you and all the best,—ali jamac jirac-somali pro re-form group,london,uk.

81. It was good, constructive and lot of ideas. It was more similar to the number ICG meetings held twice annually for Somalia. However I pray it is not of the same consequence. Both the British PM and the Foreign Minister clearly stated that they were not coming up with radically defined solution prior to the conference – and it was so. However present in the communique and in the rhetoric of the conference was the harsh and severe reiteration that the Road Map should be followed to the letter , and that the Transition ends in August 2012. Yet if that fails there is a plan B which is not yet clear. There is where the ambiguity lies.

82. Dear Ambassador Matt Baugh
    Please can i get the speech of president of Puntland H.E Farole if he get opportunity thanks Matt

83. Hi, Matt so far so good!. At the press conference, PM of Somalia mentioned their are 2 types of priates, where the international community focuses on 1.And these are Our bros, where all Somalis viewed them as “National heros” for protecting our “EEZ”. Unless the other pirate is not mentioned & dealt with forcefully for dumping toxic, it is another day of international fanfare meeting.
    Problem, is land based and needs to be address with development for the coastal community & build its security. Moreover, can you please upload what Somalialand president said i.e Video!.

    Many thanks.

84. The conference was a success in terms of the turn out from head of states and foreign ministers. It has given somali a new hope and we just hope that they follow up with their agreements.

    I wanted to know what the contingency plan is if the TFG do not achieved its targets by the August 2012 deadline?

85. it’s not my own business cos i believe my Allah. Allah could do everything that you are trying and England is our biggest enemy that we have got ever, they divided my country into 3 parts. i hate England for many reasons. look if they want to help us why they don’t to give their support Somali youth rather than they call conference people without nothing.

86. Great article i liked the result of the conference and i hope united peacefully Somali soon

87. I thought the conference shed the important point that Somalia is now everyones problem not just somalis.People need to understand that, and address it. I think that came across very well.

    With regards to the President of Somaliland, I didnt get to see his speech and was very much looking forward it.Where can I get to see it now? Please let me know.

    Thanks

88. Dear Amb. Baugh

    Minister for Africa offered the Somaliland President to give speech at the conference. May we be able to see what he had to say. Unfortunateley only an audio version has been uploaded thus far.

    Please get back to me.

    1. President Silanyo’s speech can be found on this link
       https://audioboo.fm/boos/682038-president-silanyo-of-somaliland-speaks-at-the-london-conference-on-somalia

    2. We only have this audio recording of President Silanyo at the London Conference on Somalia: http://ht.ly/9gzrk.

       1. Shocking! The only mandated representative whom was dully elected by a genuine Somali Community and the FCO didn’t even bother to tape it. Somaliland has taken an enourmous risk with the offer to imprison convicted pirates on its shores.

          The Somaliland president had assured the public that he would be given a platform to help explain how peace can be built from a bottom up approach and not from a top down. I am so dissapointed and to top it off the President of Somalia whom we have got video footage of didn’t even speak in Somali, instead it was Arabic.

          I know Matt it isn’t neccesarily your fault but in a world of pereceptions this is very bad news.

       2. Dear Matt,

          Thanks for uploading the speech of President Silanyo and from his speech we have learned the following:

          1. His willing to support bottom up approach and share lessons learned from Somaliland relative peace
          2. His willing to support peace process in Somalia
          3. His eagerness for a recognitions of Somaliland State

          First 1, 2 we welcome with open arms. All Somalis all over the world welcome the support of their brothers and sisters from Somaliland and welcome their learned lessons to be implemented in any future Somali Government to be formed after August 2012.

          However point 3, recognition of Somaliland. I understand the British Government invited Somaliland to the negotiating table merely to give President Silanyo an opportunity to mingle with International leaders rather negotiate a political process that would make sense for both Somali and Somaliland. This way of thinking was evident in the debate for Somalia in the House of Commons as many MP’s openly endorsed the recognition of Somaliland as a STATE!

          Great Britain can not ignore the reality and if this is ignored we are in danger of creating another Kashmir in Horn of Africa. There is a huge area which is disputed between the people of Somaliland and Somalia. Also Somaliland claim on the borders is not something recognised by the Somali people. The claim that in 1888, after signing successive treaties with the then ruling Italian-Somaliland and Somali Sultans such as Mohamoud Ali Shire of the Warsangali Sultanate, the British established a protectorate in the region referred to as British Somaliland is true however that can not be the basis of border division between Somali and Somaliland today in the 21st century. Because once Somalia and Somaliland United all agreements that were done during colonial times became nullified. Somalia started a new era and new state was born on July 20, 1961.

          Now to be dragged on treaties that were signed in the 18th century as the bases for borders not only flay argument but it will bring dangerous precedence and serious political instabilities between Somaliland and Somalia. We don’t want another British created problem. Great Britain needs to fix their mistakes from the past not create a new BIG mistake. One that Somali people will never forgive nor forget. It is dangerous initiative to invite people on the precedence of reconciliation but at the same time secretly working on diminution of that same country on the bases of supporting a group who want secession.

          How can Britain be honest brokers if they have other agenda in Somalia such as recognition of Somaliland as State, as it was evident in the debate for Somalia in the House of Commons on Thursday 09 Feb 2012 and it is the largest donor to Somaliland any where in the world which by the way we applude and welcome this support to our brothers and sisters.
          The only statement that was welcoming and encouraging for Somalis on Somali debate at the House of Commons on 09th of Feb 2012, was the statement by right honourable Foreign Secretary of state, William Hague, when he replied to MP Alun Michael’s on his long speech on Somaliland secession, said: “We give it [Somaliland] a lot of assistance in many ways and welcome the fact that it has become a more stable area within Somalia, and we will welcome its participation at the London conference. The emphasis here is “we give it a lot of assistance ………….within Somalia”. Emphasis here is within Somalia. It was eloquently and beautifully said by right honourable Foreign Secretary of state, William Hague a real states man and diplomat.

          Therefore the International Community including Great Britain must be firm and acknowledge Somalia has recognised borders and territories by AU, IGAD, Arab League and the whole world. Great Britain need to be frank and honest with their partners in Somaliland ie President Silanyo and tell him, the only way for recognition is an agreement from within Somalia political sphere. It has to be ground up approach not Great Britain & Somaliland cosying up to International leaders and giving unrecognised state a platform to further its cause.

          The solution for Somalia is only Somalis to accept the willing of their brother Somaliland to break-up from Somalia Republic. This will of course constitute an honest fair referendum to be done as the previous one was corrupt and not genuine, therefore not recognised by the Somali people as well as the International Community.

          The fact also today Somaliland CLANS are all divided except with ISAAQ CLAN on the issue of secessionism has been covered up and dashed a side. We the people will not allow such false paradigms. The fact that we are one people, we speak the same language, we share the same culture, we believe in the same religion there is nothing that divides us except CLAN mindset and CLAN politics is not fully evaluated. I urge all Somalilanders to please rise above this mentality of supporting your clan wishes and look at the bigger picture.

          The fact also the former British Somaliland is home to five major clans and other numerically smaller ones: Dhubahante and Warsengeli on the east, Gadaboursi and Issa on the west and Isaaq in the middle. Of all these clans, only hardliners among the Isaaq clan are pushing for a complete separation from motherland Somalia at the expense of other clans. This can not continue unnoticed by the International Community including Great Britain and therefore must acknowledge the political realities on the ground have changed for Somaliland.

          This includes the formation of Khaatumo state of Somalia and the earlier declaration of Awdal State. Somaliland can not quell the voice of these people through military action and force them to join their endeavour of secession and creation of Somaliland State.

          Consequently since so much has changed when Somaliland declared itself independence since 1991, it is not as easy as International Community recognising Somaliland and the matter is resolved.

          The best way forward for both Somaliland and Somalia, is for Somaliland to join Somalia peace and reconciliation process. Abandon “temporary”[this is the key word here temporary means until viable solution is found for all Somalis] their ambition for secession. To form one Somali government which is based on a Federal State which, even President Silanyo in his speech in London Conference also acknowledged Somalia solution can not be another central government but on the basis of Federal states which have the right to govern their own regions/territories. Therefore Somaliland can “temporary” join this initiative and agreement whilst retaining all their political systems including Parliament and President, but the President will be recognised by the Federal Government as Senator/Governor/even as Vice President/PM as Somaliland leaders traditionally were Vice President or Somalia PM. That level of power-sharing is for sure on the table to be negotiated with current TFG or future Somali Government.

          Once Somalia has the infrastructure and institutions where we can host United Nations including the whole world to witness a referendum by the Somali people then that would be the day where we can seriously look at a two state solution including the border solution. One that works best for interest of all Somalia rather than on bases the border is based on Colonial agreement which Somali people disregard and was nullified after Somali and Somaliland unification on July 20, 1961 and through a popular referendum.

          I am sure Somali people can come to a genuine agreement that would please their brother from Somaliland. However this has to be a bottom up approach not an approach at the International level. International Community and Great Britain need to tread carefully and can not and will not dictate if Somali affairs specially the break-up of Somalia, it isn’t their call frankly. It is the call of Somali people. Therefore this needs to be clearly addressed and understood.

          1. Somalia Debate at the House of Commons on 9th of Feb 2012 link for anyone interested:
             http://tinyurl.com/7ulyz2j

          2. Mr.Awais seem to be missing the point that Somaliland had defined borders recognised by the British Government followed by over 35 sovereign states still existing today and despite the emotional desire of Somalilanders for Pan-Somalis(which had no Act of Union and Judicial bases), none of those governments withdrew the recognition of Difined borders,population and government at anytime.
             I don’t think your lengthy writing to Matt can never cover prevailing facts of Somaliland and history and surely will be able to help Somalia settlement.
             Furhermore, don’t you realise your views to ask people of Somalia about Somaliland recognition is similar by suggesting people of Yugoslavia about the recognition of Bosnia.
             Their are 82 democratically elected parliamentarians representing over 12 clans in the Somaliland Parliament enacting legislature, along with independent excecutive, Judiciary and multi-party elected system of government.Therefore, you may look for other reasons of opposing Somaliland – perhaps a shorter one carrying sense.

             1. Thank you brother Meigag, I assume you are African from you name so you are my brother. Thank you also for your fair comments but false one too. Fair because you have right to share you views with us and false because your claims are unfounded and with no backing what so ever.

                Let’s begin and understand why they are false:

                Point 1:

                “Mr.Awais seem to be missing the point that Somaliland had defined borders recognised by the British Government followed by over 35 sovereign states still existing today and despite the emotional desire of Somalilanders for Pan-Somalis(which had no Act of Union and Judicial bases), none of those governments withdrew the recognition of Difined borders, population and government at anytime.”

                1. You point here implies the British Somaliland protectorate is reconginsed by Great Britian and International Community including some 35 countries. Wow, please inlighten us and tell us exactly where you got this information from? Where it is documented? Who wrote this document and which countries of this 35 countries you referring too claim recognition of Somaliland borders as British Protectorate. Please I challenge you to come to this forum and bring your evidence.

                I on the other hand will not make some false claims without basis and will give you why this is false with historical backgrounds that we can all learn from.

                Reference from Wikipedia:
                From 1899, the British were forced to expend considerable human and military capital in a bloody struggle to contain a decades-long resistance movement led by the Somali religious leader Sayyid Mohammed Abdullah Hassan, leader of the Dervish State. Referred to colloquially by the British as the Mad Mullah, repeated expeditions were unsuccessfully launched against Hassan and his men before World War I.
                At the end of the 19th century, the Berlin conference gathered together Europe’s most powerful countries who decided amongst themselves the fate of the African continent. The British, Italians and Ethiopians partitioned Greater Somalia into spheres of influence, cutting into the previous nomadic grazing system and Somali civilizational network that connected port cities with those of the interior.

                War with Dervish State:
                The Dervish State was an early 20th century Somali Sunni Muslim state that was established by Muhammad Abdullah Hassan, a religious leader who gathered Somali soldiers from across the Horn of Africa and united them into a loyal army known as the Dervishes. This Dervish army enabled Hassan to carve out a powerful state through conquest of lands claimed by the Somali Sultans, the Ethiopians and the European powers [Uniting a Greater pan-Somalia]. The Dervish State acquired renown in the Islamic and Western worlds due to its resistance against the European empires of Britain and Italy. The Dervish forces successfully repulsed the British Empire in four military expeditions, and forced it to retreat to the coastal region. As a result of its fame in the Middle East and Europe, the Dervish State was recognized as an ally by the Ottoman Empire and the German Empire. It also succeeded at outliving the Scramble for Africa, and remained throughout World War I the only independent Muslim power on the continent. After a quarter of a century of holding the British at bay, the Dervishes were finally defeated in 1920, when Britain used aeroplanes to bomb the Dervish capital of Taleex.

                When Britain conquered all of pan-Somalia, During World War I, Britain secretly reached an agreement with Italy to transfer 94,050 square kilometers of its Somali-inhabited Jubaland protectorate (in present-day southwestern Somalia) to Italian Somaliland. This was Italy’s reward for allying itself with Britain in its war against Germany. The treaty was honored and in 1924, Britain ceded Jubaland. In 1926, Jubaland was incorporated into Italian Somaliland, and was later re-dubbed Oltre Giuba by the Italians. After its conquest of Ethiopia in 1936, Italy also annexed the Ogaden region. In early World War II, Italian troops invaded British Somaliland and ejected the British. However, Britain retained control of British East Africa, which included the almost exclusively Somali-inhabited Northern Frontier District that is today part of Kenya.

                Britain regained control of British Somaliland in spring 1941, and conquered Italian Somaliland and the Ogaden. In 1945, the Potsdam conference was held, where it was decided not to return Italian Somaliland to Italy. The UN opted instead in 1949 to grant Italy trusteeship of Italian Somaliland for a period of ten years, after which time the region would be independent.
                Meanwhile, in 1948, under pressure from their World War II allies and to the dismay of Somalis, the British “returned” the Hawd (an important Somali grazing area that was presumably ‘protected’ by British treaties with the Somalis in 1884 and 1886) and the Ogaden to Ethiopia, based on a treaty they signed in 1897 in which the British ceded Somali territory to the Ethiopian Emperor Menelik in exchange for his help against plundering by Somali clans. Britain included the proviso that the Somali nomads would retain their autonomy, but Ethiopia immediately claimed sovereignty over them. This prompted an unsuccessful bid by Britain in 1956 to buy back the Somali lands it had turned over.

                In conclusion:

                In May 1960, the British Government stated that it would be prepared to grant independence to the then protectorate of British Somaliland, with the intention that the territory would unite with the Italian-administered Trust Territory of Somalia (the former Italian Somaliland). The Legislative Council of British Somaliland passed a resolution in April 1960 requesting independence and union with the Trust Territory of Somalia, which was scheduled to gain independence on 1 July that year. The legislative councils of both territories agreed to this proposal following a joint conference in Mogadishu.
                On June 26, 1960, the former British Somaliland protectorate briefly obtained independence as the State of Somaliland, with the Trust Territory of Somalia following suit five days later. Later the same week, on July 1, 1960, the two territories united as planned to form the Somali Republic. This state that was formed in 1st of July 1960 is what the whole world knows as both Somalia and Somaliland. This is Somali Republic state which has defined borders respected by its neighbours and recognised by the United Nation as one nation not Somalia and British protectorate Somaliland. The key point I wanted to emphasis there is no British Somaliland Protectorate and therefore any borders defined by British Somaliland Protectorate is not recognised by the UN nor Somali People. If you think otherwise please bring you facts and proof me wrong.

                Point 2:

                Furthermore, don’t you realise your views to ask people of Somalia about Somaliland recognition is similar by suggesting people of Yugoslavia about the recognition of Bosnia.

                Ok my response to your question is you are forgetting Somaliland and Somalia are one people, speak the same language, share the same culture, believe in the same religion there is nothing that divides us except CLAN mindset and CLAN politics. Can this be said for Yugoslavia [who are Serb] and Bosnia [who are Bosniaks]? Please read your history and discover why Somaliland and Somalia situation is so unique and different than any other people in the world. So it is wise not to mix situations and problems and look at the Somali problem in unique manner as it is a unique problem. This type of interference by outside foreigners who don’t really understand the Somali issue increase the suffering of the Somali people as whole.

                Point 3:

                Their are 82 democratically elected parliamentarians representing over 12 clans in the Somaliland Parliament enacting legislature, along with independent excecutive, Judiciary and multi-party elected system of government.

                My response to this point is I acknowledge and applude them and welcome their sense or leadership and organistation. Something the rest of Somalia can emilate and learn from. We Somali people are truly proude of this fact. However how is this constitute their independence? It means they organised their house but just because they had a head start and organised their house before us because Somalia was in Civil war while they put their house in order. We can for sure work together and come to an agreement that would not repeat past mistakes. We are humans we make mistakes and the mistakes were not made by Somali people but a repressive regime who wanted to control the people with iron fist. That is the difference between old Somalia and new Somalia based on Federalism.

                So please understand the Somali problem before you speak!
                Thank you

             2. Do people like Mr Meigag have any sense of truth, honest and credibility? I for one do not realy think so after having just read what he wrote in his comments about ‘Somaliland’ which can only be described as: white little lies! Pure and simple.

                So, my advise to him if he would consider it would only be one: bro get real and get over it! there is no such thing as somaliland.

                Does any one really think, the Brits in their right mind would recognize ‘somaliland’, a one clan enclave in NW somalia as a sovereign state? What would they benefit in doing so? Create another begging bowl at the UN? I don’t think so!.

                Listen guys, let us stop playing lies, and the blame game and for once get real! Because the truth of the matter is that we failed collectively as people as nation to govern ourselves and to respect and live peacefully with one another and with rest of world community.

                We destroyed our country in the name of short sighted and backward thinking clanish interest and the best we can now do is to be bussy posting these silly, childish (tit for tat) cyper messages to each other and for the entertainment of HM Amb. to Upper Hill, Nairobi (no disrespect to the Amb here i wish he was in Mog flying the union jack!)

                Finally, in a nutshell, I would say tthis to bro Maigag and others in the same mindset as him to stop crying this somaliland thing and think big coz surely we are better united than divided!!!!

                After all, what’s there to divide: all of us (somalis) put together are insignificant in the eyes of the real world – in terms of economy, trade, military and political.

       3. Dear Amb Matt Baugh,

          We heard Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed gave a nearly hour-long speech to international delegates at the Conference. Can you please send us a voice recording or video either one it doesn’t matter really.

          Many thanks for kindly uploading other recordings.

          Best Regards,
          Mohamed

89. Amid so much constructive and positive discussion, there was disappointment that there was no mention of the plight of 194 innocent seafarers held hostage by pirates in appalling misery.

    Someone at the table was in a position to allude to and recognise their terrible misfortune and maybe even influence it.

    The threat of obstructing ransom payments, which offer hostages their only line of hope, was greeted with extreme disquiet in maritime circles.

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