Sporadic shooting was heard on the third day of an offensive against hardline insurgent positions as the joint force of AU and Somali troops closed in on Afgoye town, some 30 kilometres (18 miles) northwest of the capital Mogadishu.

Thousands of impoverished civilians living in plastic and rag hut shelters along the Afgoye corridor — the main road from Mogadishu to Afgoye, and the world’s largest concentration of displaced people — are fleeing, fearing violence.

“We are a few kilometers (miles) away from Afgoye and, God willing, we will complete the mission very soon,” said Somali military commander General Abdulahi Osman, who is with the government and AU troops advancing across the arid plains.

“We are not encountering much resistance and so far the enemy is fleeing,” he added.

The extremist Shebab have claimed to have repulsed the attack and have boasted of killing several soldiers.

More than 400,000 people, around one third of all the displaced people in Somalia, were living in the Afgoye corridor at the start of the year, fleeing war or drought, according to the UN, which has warned civilians must be protected.

“It is as if no one will be left in the Afgoye corridor today, hundreds of families are returning to Mogadishu before the fighting reaches them,” said Abdirahman Ahmed, a father of four, after fleeing into Mogadishu.

Somali conflict: AMISOM troops take on al Shabab

Long lines of trucks and buses piled high with people and their belongings lined the road towards Mogadishu, defying AU calls for civilians to remain in their homes.

Most were fleeing the Elasha and Teredishe areas between Mogadishu and Afgoye, where hundreds of thousands set up makeshift homes in 2007 after fleeing violence at the time in Mogadishu. Shelling killed at least four civilians on Wednesday.

“Stray bullets sometimes reach the tarmac road, civilians are emptying the whole area before they are stranded in the battle zone,” said Halimo Adan, another witness.

Mark Bowden, the UN humanitarian coordinator for Somalia, has urged all sides to “minimise the impact of conflict on civilians” and allow humanitarian access.

However, army commanders said they were advancing on foot and avoiding the main road of the Afgoye corridor to allow civilians to leave the battle zone.

“The army is advancing with caution, and not aiming directly for the main tarmac road to give civilians access to leave amid the fighting,” said Osman.

Afgoye is a strategic town that commands a road junction for routes to the north, west and south of Somalia, and its loss to Shebab would be another major blow for the group, who have been on the backfoot for several months.

AU and Somali troops have made significant gains in recent months against Shebab militants, although the Islamists have switched to guerrilla tactics in Mogadishu, including a series of suicide and grenade attacks.

Somalia’s weak and Western-backed transitional administration has less than two months to set up a permanent government, but the leaders have been riven by bitter internal divisions and tarnished by accusation of gross corruption.

The international community has expressed concern it is failing to meet key deadlines, but leaders late Wednesday committed themselves to choosing a new parliament by July 20, and a new president by August 20.

By AFP

May 24, 2012

MOGADISHU — Thousands of people in speeding trucks or pulling carts piled high with clothes and furniture fled a region north of Mogadishu on Thursday amid the sounds of gunfire and explosions as government troops and their allies tried to take more ground from Islamist insurgents.

The Afgoye corridor has been a shelter for hundreds of thousands of people seeking relief from violence that has plagued Mogadishu the last several years.

African Union and Somali forces pushed al-Shabab militants out of Mogadishu last August and are now trying to seize areas outside of Mogadishu. This week, they moved into the Afgoye corridor to pursue al-Shabab.

“It was a scary situation. Fighting has been going on since yesterday, so this is a chance to escape,” said Hakimo Ahmed, who fled from Afgoye town, 30 kilometers (20 miles) outside Mogadishu, with her five children. “Everyone has fled. Only animals and armed men are on the streets.”

She spoke with a reporter at a checkpoint where police searched people and their household goods.

Another Somali fleeing the fightingsaid anti-aircraft missiles were slamming into homes. Heavily armed soldiers and tanks massed on scrubland on the edge of Afgoye town. Military officials predict they will soon control it.

“Al-Shabab is on the backfoot,” claimed Paddy Ankunda, the spokesman of the African Union force in Somalia. “The idea is to set free the displaced people in Afgoye so that they can access humanitarian aid.”

An estimated 400,000 refugees had been in the agricultural town.

The top U.N. humanitarian official for Somalia, Mark Bowden, on Wednesday called on African Union and Somali troops to minimize the impact of the fighting on civilians. He said he is concerned prolonged fighting could lead to displacement of settlements where victims of last year’s famine now live.

Mogadishu is already teeming with thousands of displaced people, including squatters recently evicted from government-owned buildings. Rental prices have recently shot up as Somalia’s capital undergoes normalization after two decades of anarchy.

“I don’t know where I shall stay with my children, because there are no homes,” Mahad Tifow, a refugee, said in Mogadishu. “We can’t rent homes because they are overpriced.”

By The Associated Press (AP)

May 24, 2012

Ahmed Adow Anshur, who joined the station two years ago, was gunned down in Darkenley district by four unknown men armed with pistols near his house. According to eyewitnesses he was shot in the head and chest and died instantly.

Shabelle Media said the motives behind the murder was not clear to them. They added Mr. Anshur was well known journalist who covered critical issues such as the country’s political crisis. He was a correspondent for the station’s political services.

Shabelle Media Network, Mogadishu’s leading independent media house, saw many of their reporters and board members get assassinated over the years.

Somalia, which has not had a functioning government for more than twenty years is regarded as the most dangerous country in the world for journalists. According to local sources, six reporters have been killed in the last five months alone.

- end

[Somalilandpress sends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Ahmed A. Anshur at Shabelle Media. May Allah (SWT) bless his soul and our thoughts are with the family and all Somali reporters who are constantly operating in difficult situations.]

Somalilandpress

May 24, 2012

PRESS RELEASE

United Nations Development Programme

Sheikh, Somaliland, 21 May 2012 –- The livestock industry is the economic backbone of Somaliland, providing livelihoods for approximately 75 percent of the population. A new project, initiated by UNDP and Terra Nuova, aims to both strengthen this industry through improving food safety, and to harness its potential by piloting the production of biogas, using animal waste to provide energy to the residents of Sheikh. The funding for the project is being provided by the Government of Japan.

The joint venture, which was officially launched in Sheikh today by UNDP Somalia Deputy Country Director Marie Dimond and Mr. Yoichiro Yamada, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan in Kenya, will be conducted in partnership with the Sheikh Technical Veterinary School (STVS) and Terra Nuova. The school was opened in 2005 to ensure quality control of the Somali livestock industry, and trains its students on international trade rules and regulations and how to apply these when exporting livestock.

Food security is not only about ensuring food availability and accessibility, but also quality and safety. This means that food, whatever its origin, should provide the required nutrients without harming its consumers or the recipient environment. To ensure food safety, food analysis, requiring a testing laboratory, is essential. This new project will support STVS to maintain its food hygiene laboratory in order to monitor local food production, exports and relevant imported foods. As a result, this project will contribute to enhanced food safety among Somali consumers as well as consumers of Somali livestock products in importing countries.

Somaliland economy: UNDP, Japanese Mission, STVS and Terra Nuova officials meet

In addition, the project will support STVS to convert biodegradable livestock waste into an alternative source of energy that can be used for cooking and electricity. As a first step, UNDP will assist STVS to undertake a feasibility study for the production of bio-gas in rural and urban settings.

Lack of access to sustainable energy services is considered as the single main cause of deforestation for firewood and charcoal. These factors call for the exploration of alternative sources of energy – such as biogas – that are eco-friendly and cost-effective to meet the needs of local populations. Increased use of biogas has the potential to stall further land degradation, contribute to long-term environmental protection, mitigate climate change at the local level and increase livelihood opportunities.

Women community members will be direct beneficiaries of the biogas, as their exposure to the harmful emissions from fuel wood and charcoal will be minimized. The provision of biogas will also reduce the burden on household income for purchasing the fuel wood and charcoal at high prices from the market.

The project will initially be one year in duration and is funded by the Government of Japan, along with the other donors to STVS, such as the European Commission, the Royal Danish Embassy, and shortly the USAID. STVS has two prongs – the school with its 2 3-year accredited residential Diploma courses in Livestock Health Sciences and in Livestock Product Development and Entrepreneurship, and the Reference Centre carrying out participatory research and information sharing with livestock stakeholders from the region. STVS is academically mentored by Makerere University of Uganda to which is affiliated and is in the process of becoming an IGAD regional institution. Please visit: www.stvs-edu.org.

For more information contact: Aimee Brown: aimee.brown@undp.org

ABOUT UNDP: UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in 177 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations. Please visit: www.undp.org

ABOUT TERRA NUOVA: Terra Nuova is an international non-governmental organization, focusing on promoting sustainable socio-economic development initiatives, in various African and Latin American countries. Please visit: wwwterranuova.org.

Somaliland economy: UNDP, Japanese Mission, STVS and Terra Nuova launch new project

May 24, 2012

ADDIS ABABA — Somalia’s main political entities have ended three days of often-heated talks, saying they remain committed to a political process leading to a post-transitional government by August.

Participants say the United Nations-sponsored talks were surprisingly congenial given the number of contentious issues facing Somalia’s often-hostile clans.

In the end, the six parties agreed to put some difficult issues, and many of the less important ones, aside in the interest of keeping to a timetable for creation of a post-transitional government in less than 90 days.

Transitional Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, considered the driving force behind the so-called Road Map timetable, said the parties had been motivated by the desire to end Somalia’s reputation as a failed state. “Sometimes you can have some kind of heated discussions, but ultimately all signatories have shown they are committed to ending this transition on time to take Somalia to the next level and to bring Somalia back to community of nations as a useful member as it has always been,” he said.

The agreement signed at the end of the talks commits all sides to a rigorous schedule for rebuilding the state.

It calls for formation of a Constituent Assembly within four weeks, and adoption of a provisional constitution by July 10th. That will be followed 10 days later by the swearing in of a new parliament, which will complete the transition by electing a president before the transition deadline of August 20th.

Transitional President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, who could lose his post in the process, hailed the new spirit of cooperation among clans and factions, some with long histories of squabbling. He spoke in Somali with an interpreter. “All road map signatories came with goodwill and good faith and open mind and we have done good work together. And we have made new commitment to work closely for the remaining time of transition,” he said.

The African Union special envoy for Somalia, former Ghanaian president Jerry Rawlings, hailed the new attitude that seems to be bringing Somalia back from 20 years of lawlessness and misery. He said as recently as six months ago, few would have taken seriously talk of a functioning post-transition government.

Rawlings said part of the credit goes to Prime Minister Ali, an academic who returned to his native country from the United States less than a year ago. “Some kind of chemistry, as I’ve described it, some kind of dynamics seems to have taken place that is bringing the body politic together. They seem to be jelling, and the only way I can describe it in one word is that the political process has finally given us some hope,” he said.

Several participants also credited Somalia’s improved security environment as a key factor in creating a stable political atmosphere.

A newly energized African Union military force has cleared Mogadishu of al-Qaida-linked extremists for the first time in years. And as the meetings were ending, word was received from the battlefield that pro-government forces are routing the extremists in another of their strongholds northwest of the capital.

VOA

May 23, 2012

Morality is high and for the first time in over two decades, local and international observers have expressed optimism in Somalia. This week African Union troops aided by Somali government units launched operations against al Shabab in the outskirts of Mogadishu.

Residents have began restoring their bullet-ridden homes and businesses as they return to the city after many years living in makeshift camps.

Somalia is preparing multi-African force against the last al Shabab insurgents in the south of the country as more African forces pour in. This week it was reported the first contingent from Sierra Leone national army have reached Somali soil.

Troops from Uganda, Burundi, Nigeria, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Djibouti and Ethiopia are gearing up for the last offensive to help the Somali government regain control of southern regions.

Somali officials said they are expecting more forces from Nigeria and Ghana.

The Turkish government has pledged to restore the city’s famous landmarks.

Photos by Ahmed Abdisamad/Hiiraan Online.

Mogadishu: The legacy of two decade civil war

Mogadishu: Insurgents withdraw from the city and reconstruction begins

Somalilandpress

May 23, 2012

Ethiopian will operate daily flights to Hargeisa using its Q400 aircraft, with three morning and four afternoon flights.

Hargeisa is the second largest city in Somalia and the capital city of Somaliland, a self – declared republic that is internationally recognized as an autonomous region of Somalia.

Since, the suspension of Ethiopian Airlines flights to Hargeisa in November 2008, travelers between Addis Ababa and Hargeisa have been using bus services operating from Addis Ababa to Jijiga and from Jijiga to Hargeisa. The resumption of air links between Addis Ababa and Hargeisa, in addition to strengthening the trade and people-to-people ties, will enable international travelers from the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas a much more convenient and easy access to Somalia.

About Ethiopian

Ethiopian Airlines, the fastest growing airline in Africa, made its maiden international flight to Cairo in 1946 and now the Airline provides dependable services to 65 international destinations spanning four continents.

Ethiopian is proud to be a Star Alliance Member. The Star Alliance network is the leading global airline network offering customers convenient worldwide reach and a smoother travel experience. The Star Alliance network offers more than 20,000 daily flights to 1,293 airports in 190 countries.

Ethiopian is a multi-award winner for its commitment and contributions towards the development and growth of the African aviation industry and in recognition of its distinguished long-haul operations enhanced by the introduction of new routes and products. Recently, Ethiopian won Gold in the African Airline of the Year 2011/2012 Awards organized by the African Aviation News Portal. Ethiopian also received the 2011 AFRAA award for being consistently profitable over the years and has won the “AFRICAN CARGO AIRLINE OF THE YEAR 2011 Award” for its excellence in air cargo. Ethiopian also won the NEPAD Transport Infrastructure Excellence Awards 2009 and “the Airline of the Year 2009 Award” from the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).

With its acquisition of and firm orders for several new modern fleet, the airline is well positioned to pursue aggressively the implementation of its 2025 strategic plan to become the leading aviation group in Africa.

Aviation

May 23, 2012

Washington D.C.  – The Somaliland Policy and Reconstruction Institute (SOPRI) has officially re-launched on Friday May 18^th at the 2012 Somaliland Conference in Washington DC hosted by the US-Somaliland Ambassador, Rashid Garuf. The organization went inactive after the death of founder and former chairman, Sa’eed Maygag, in 2008. Now over 4 years later SOPRI’s new executive committee is proud to announce its re-launch. SOPRI is an independent professional organization founded in Los Angeles, California in 1992 by a group of concerned Somalilanders who were deeply committed to help Somaliland. SOPRI is one of Somaliland’s most renowned organizations internationally. Up until SOPRI initially formed there was no organized or institutionalized political action or lobbying efforts conducted in favor of Somaliland’s interests and its desire to be recognized as a sovereign and independent state. With this re-launch SOPRI hopes to again be the leader and the voice for Somaliland’s goals and aspirations in the diaspora. At the 2012 Somaliland Conference where SOPRI announced its re-launch, the new committee set up a table signing up over a 100+ new members and selling SOPRI t-shirts. They also sponsored the Youth Panel at the conference.
SOPRI’s Mission

1. To advocate, promote and support the desires of the people of Somaliland to have full rights to political and economic self-determination and to articulate their aspirations to gain independent statehood and recognition by the international community as a sovereign and independent state.

2. Promote and cultivate the building of democratic institutions and representative government and respect for human rights in Somaliland.

3. Solicit technical, material, manpower and minority reconstruction aid from the international donor community for rehabilitating and rebuilding Somaliland’s devastated physical infrastructure.

4. Foster long term economic development of Somaliland through the development and utilization of its indigenous natural and human resources by attracting foreign capital and international trade.

SPORI has sponsored a number of high profile events  and initiatives to address humanitarian issues and highlight democratic progress in Somaliland. Here are list of past events sponsored or co-sponsored by SOPRI.

Post War Aid
In March 1993 SOPRI collaborated with Direct Relief International (DRI) and delivered $133,000 worth of medicine, medical supplies and equipment to Somaliland. Having just suffered one of the worst humanitarian crises in the late 20th Century the people of Somaliland were in dire need of relief.

Lobbying Efforts
SOPRI was the first major organization to lobby for Somaliland in the United States. Through several fronts including press releases, petition writing, direct mail, and personal contacts with key policy making bodies and figures SOPRI was fundamental in helping to begin some dialogue between Somaliland and the local, state, and federal governmental institutions in the United States.

Ministerial Trip
In October 2003 SOPRI sponsored a trip by Somaliland’s Foreign Minister Edna Aden Ismail and Commerce Minister Mohamed Hashi Elmi to the United States and South Korea. The tripped focused on helping to; initiate and encourage the establishment of a formal relationship between the Somaliland government and the US government, to introduce and market the various investment opportunities in Somaliland to the US and South Korea business community, and to cultivate a bilateral relationship with US non-governmental institutions and organizations. on their trip the Minister’s met with government officials and top business leaders in the and Seoul.

Somaliland Convention-Los Angeles
In June 2005 SOPRI held the first ever Somaliland Convention. The Convention held in Los Angeles brought together extraordinary people from all over the world from members of the Somaliland Government, Opposition Party Leaders, Non Governmental Organization, Business Executives, Academicians, Journalist and members of the Somaliland Diaspora at large. It was a never before seen two day gathering to discuss, debate and deliberate the crucial social, political, and economic issues in Somaliland. The Convention was an unprecedented milestone in Somaliland’s history, never before had there been a gathering of such institutions for the specific purpose of discussing Somaliland.

Somaliland Convention-Washington D.C.
In September 2006 SOPRI held the second Somaliland Convention which built on the year before success, the convention aimed to focus on the twin objectives of governance and development. The focus was on capacity building of nascent democratic institutions and economic development to improve the lives of the people of Somaliland. The convention engaged the international community, and highlighted the need for the Diaspora community to organize and pool their economic and intellectual resources globally to give back to their people.

Adan H. Iman (Former SOPRI Committee Member), who attended Somaliland Conference in DC said that, “SOPRI laid out an ambitious agenda, which was to promote international recognition for Somaliland, help build democratic institutions as well as capacity building for the public sector and to seek financial assistance for the country.”

The new executive committee wants to get as many people as possible involved in joining us to help grow this organization. Together we can make a difference.  Make sure to sign up on our website to become an official SOPRI member. We are also kindly accepting donations. For any questions or concerns feel free to contact us.

Contact:
Website: http://sopri-international.org/

Twitter: @sopri92

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SOPRI91

E-mail: sopri.organization@gmail.com

Hon Mohamed speaking at berbera marine collage, he told fishermen who had gathered there to receive equipment which was donated by the Italian government through UNDP that Somaliland will be a major exporter of fish in the near future.

However, are faced with a number of problems which impede development of the domestic industry and its ability to penetrate foreign markets Enhancing the skills and knowledge of all those involved in the marine sector.

Our mission is to help improve the quality of life for all coastal communities in the country through education and the responsible use of marine resources for food, fresh water, energy, minerals and medicine.

To fulfill this mission, we have to the develop new techniques and technology required to live and work in the sea and we can only achieve this by providing expert assistance that leads to the optimal performance of the country marine sector.

At the same time, we plan to create innovative and stimulating educational programs and research projects that enrich our appreciation of the marine environment and advance our ability to work more productively in harmony with the world around us.

The fisheries DG said much needs to be done so as to receive maximum long-term benefits from the sustainable development and utilization of marine resources – throughout the nation.

GOTH M GOTH

The unfortunate loss of life in Somaliland on May 15, 2012 is a matter of no concern to the UNPOS. For the past two decades, the state of Somaliland has developed a hybrid system of conflict resolution without any assistance or external intervention. The metamorphosis of this unique mechanism has been the envy of the global village and that is what sets the state of Somaliland apart from the anarchy afflicted rump state of Somalia.

Regardless of the gravity of the incident and the hasty ruling of the Military, the government and the people of Somaliland are capable and competent enough to handle the case in accordance with norms of domestic and international law; hence, the precedent setting paternalistic language of Mr. Mahiga are unwarranted and out of character. The veteran diplomatic should have known that state of Somaliland has survived more serious situations and this one will not be any different- We deal with our problems without the intervention of any United Nations agency. Somalia is where the expertise of UNPOS is needed most and it should be confined there.

For one thing the tone of the language of the press release of the de facto president of Somalia is ill-time, undiplomatic, and outright offensive. The admonitions of Mr. Mahiga are a sad reminder of the benevolent mentality of the Governor-Generals of the old British Empire.

On another level the frustration indicates the magnitude of the under current to scuttle the Somalia conference in Istanbul scheduled for June, 2012. The fiasco of southern Somalia has been around for twenty-one years; and the Istanbul convention will never change the dynamics of this hopeless case.

Ahmed Ali Ibrahim Sabeyse

May 23,2012.

The colourful grand inauguration yesterday by Coca-Cola, the world’s largest beverages maker, of their modern soft drinks plant in Hargeisa is obviously a deservedly major diplomatic coup for Somaliland and her long sought international recognition aspiration.

Given that before the same company tried to do the same in Mogadishu some five years ago, albeit in vain, they first had to train a 500-strong crack force that was envisioned to secure a conducive and peaceful working atmosphere.

In other words, for such a gigantic conglomerate to venture successfully in Somaliland, is an achievement that would open many commercial doors if harnessed well. It would coax other top multinationals to tap the abundant investment opportunities that are available, so far untouched.

Of course it is no secret that the gateway to the horn regions inland has Berbera as the most suitable and naturally best choice. This is lent credence by the fact that it is quite proximal to numerous surrounding cities which are very populous, more than its rival ports.

A notable impetus that nudged the Coca-cola investiture is definitely the stability prevalent.

Hot on the heels of the soft drinks company is the number one car maker, Toyota, whose top executives have so far made inroads in similar attempts. Their headway moves are indeed at an advanced stage, already having inducted a basic core staff to kick-start the business.

To say sky is the limit for the country which is starving of direly needed inputs cannot be said to be an understatement, or in riddance, vice versa.

Of course, the known and/or proven natural resources from minerals, gasses to oil, are more than just starters.

However, on the other hand, if in bad riddance the prevailing stability and peaceful scenario cherished is disturbed, it will be a catastrophic overstatement.

It is not a tall order for Somaliland government to ascertain that this precious commodity, in the name of prosperity, is continuously safeguarded. Since peace was for long established hence its essence became the beacon upon which the Somaliland rock as a haven was built, its nurturing ought to be tended round the clock.

For multi-prong development efforts to take root and be effective in various fronts of socio-economical and socio-political fronts, friends of Somaliland ought to help in deterring any breach of public peace and overall security in any ample way they may deem fit.

To compound on the Coca-Cola and Toyota Merrill bold moves, Somalilanders within the country and without ought to know better than most as to how and why their country became a household name winning accolades as a peaceful oasis in a frighteningly turbulent surrounding.

At least these two are more bold, business inclined, and by thus, more credible than the French oil company TOTAL who, despite reaping millions of dollars in profits in Somaliland opted to invest in Berbera through a proxy Lebanese company.

Reflecting back on the pomposity of the grand opening of the Somaliland Beverages Industry at Chalelo centre near Hargeisa, the festivities may as well not be for the probable foreign investors as perhaps intended, but surely, a worthwhile celebration for the realization, hence the magnitude, of the endeavour itself, something all Somalilanders have to be proud of.

This no-mean-achievement feat by the SBi (the venture’s local partner) is something to be marveled about given the confidence it wonderfully generates.

The author believes it to be a major diplomatic coup surpassing many a political effort!

Since actions speak louder than words, to have the President H.E. Ahmed M.M. Silanyo cut the ribbons while flanked by several Djibouti cabinet members and the regional Coca-Cola chief (east and central Africa), Mr. Nathan Kalumba are enough kudos for the worthy SBi crew that warrants emulating.

By M. A. Egge

Police operations in the central town of Galkayo netted several people over the banned substance during raids in the last two days according to local sources.

Government officials said they also arrested others in connection with security operations. They added they will stand trial in a criminal court in the coming days.

Puntland officials said alcohol usage in major towns was on the rise and most of the alcohol has been smuggled in from neighbouring Kenya and Ethiopia.

Recently similar raids were carried out in the port town of Bosasso.

The consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden throughout Somalia, where the people are entirely of Muslim population. Every year police announce alcohol seizures.

Somalilandpress

May 23, 2012

It won’t be easy, but three months before the end of the U.N.-backed transitional government, leaders of Somalia’s fractious political entities seem committed to working together in a post-transition arrangement. U.N. special envoy for Somalia Augustine Mahiga said if it holds together, this could be historic.

“We have 90 days till the end of the transition. The elders are convened, the principals are here. They are together. And they have demonstrated a commitment to end the transition, and certainly, touch wood, this will be a major breakthrough that has never happened in the past 20 years,” Mahiga said.

Critics point out that what Somalia will have after August 20 will not be a perfect representative democracy. After two decades of anarchy, there is no infrastructure to hold an election. What’s more, Islamist extremists still control significant parts of the country.

So instead, the parties have agreed to hold a proxy election. A body of traditional elders is selecting members of a Constituent Assembly who will in turn choose a new parliament, leading to ratification of a constitution and election of a post-transitional president.

Previous attempts failed, partly because of factional squabbling and lack of security. But with pro-government military forces expanding their area of control, Mahiga believes this time is different.

“This is different because of two major underpinning trends. The first is related to the establishment of security beyond the borders of Mogadishu. It is a different process than any other that have happened before because it is inclusive of all major political actors in Somalia,” Mahiga said.

Among the many things that could go wrong between now and August would be a resurgence of the al-Shabab militant group. Al-Shabab remains a spoiler, with the potential to create terror through suicide bombs and guerrilla attacks. But Mahiga says the extremists are a spent force.

“Let’s face it. They are really in retreat on all fronts, not only in and around Mogadishu, but in the south, the central parts, the expansion of AMISOM, the entry into the war of Ethiopia, and the determination by the TFG forces to combine with neighboring countries is putting tremendous pressure on al-Shabab,” Mahiga said.

Transitional Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali says these Addis Ababa talks have been a big step toward the August 20 finish line. He sounded energetic as he surveyed the exhaustive course ahead.

“Next, [we're] going back to Mogadishu. Bring the CA [Constituent Assembly] to convene June 12, ratify the constitution, select the new parliament, and then by August 2012 we have the new parliament, new constitution, and a new political dispensation,” Ali said.

Diplomatic observers say the daunting tasks facing Somalia’s leaders over the next 90 days, even with all their potential pitfalls, will be the easy part. If everything goes according to plan, the hard part begins August 20, when a new government selected by Somalis tries to stand on its own.

By Peter Heinlein

VOA

May 22, 2012

As one of the poorest countries on the African continent, Somalia has challenges like no other from basic infrastructure needs to a fully elected and constitutional government. Ever since the outbreak of the civil war in 1991, there has not been a unified central government in Somalia. There have been regional substitutes, especially in the northern “Puntland” area where oil and gas discoveries have taken place, that have provided a modicum of stability, enough to attract foreign investment capital. The central bank was also reconstituted in 2009 and is beginning to formulate fiscal and monetary policy for the country.

The Central Bank of Somalia has reported that the country’s per capita GDP is $333, which is lower than that of Kenya, but better than that of Tanzania, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. In the absence of an official central government, the central bank has moved to establish a stable framework to attract foreign capital to develop new industries and local opportunities. War, poverty, corruption, and piracy are well known deterrents, but the allure of recent oil and gas discoveries has created the necessary financial incentives for a long-term development strategy.

Inflation has been a problem, but the national currency has had a positive track record. Prior to 2006, a single U.S. Dollar could buy over 3,300 Somali Shillings, but with the entrance of oil and gas exploration companies, the Shilling strengthened in a single year. Since 2010, the central bank has managed to keep the Shilling within a tight range of 1,350 to 1,650 per greenback. The unofficial “black market” rate is much weaker, and, for that reason, the U.S. Dollar is often used as a medium of exchange for all types of trading transactions. The Somali Shilling is a completely market-driven, independent, and freely floating currency.

Nearly 1.5 million Somalis live abroad, and their annual remittances of $2 billion contribute heavily to the nation’s receipt of foreign exchange, although there are no reserves to manage to support an import trade. Since 1991, the growth of domestic remittance companies has created the underpinnings for a quasi-banking system. Without a central government, however, interest rates find their own equilibrium.

What are the future economic prospects for Somalia? The necessary financial infrastructure is present to support development; however, there are a number of challenges that must be addressed. Political stability is key, followed by a stable “rule of law” environment to promote foreign investment and commercial enterprise. It is well known that, “Somalia lacks contract law, company law, the concept of limited liability, and other key pillars of commercial law.” Regional mediation tribunals exist, but as long as war and instability remain lucrative for a few clans and warlords, the “status quo” will resist any moves for national prosperity.

Despite the local turmoil, Somalia actually ranks in the top 50 percent of African countries on several key development indicators. The financial infrastructure is in place to support growth and development on a national scale, but the removal of corrupt politicians and regional warlords bent on maintaining the “status quo” is the next great challenge. Hopefully, with meaningful advances in these areas, long-term prosperity in Somalia will become a real possibility.

ForexCharts

May 22, 2012

By Ali Mohamed

Twenty-one years ago this month, Somaliland was reborn when the tyrannical regime of Siad Barre collapsed.

Since then, the people of Somaliland, which is the northern part of Somalia, have established a country built on the principles of freedom and democracy. But they still await recognition by the world community including the United States.

Somaliland first won its independence from the British Empire on June 26, 1960, an event soon followed by recognition as a sovereign entity by the United Nations and 35 countries, the US among them.

But then, a week later, Somaliland voluntarily entered a union with what was at the time known as Italian Somaliland, to the south, creating modern-day Somalia. This was in response to the dreams of nationalists who wanted to unite the lands in which Somalis lived in the Horn of Africa region.

The hope that union would lead the Somalis into a free and democratic nation never materialized. Instead, the brutal military regime of Siad Barre took power from a nascent civilian government in 1969. Barre was a tyrant, described by some as in the mold of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, who held power for 21 years through military force, money from foreign donors and by manipulating the region’s clan system.

Barre declared the majority of northern Somalis enemies of the state. They had legitimate grievances about his misrule, and the way in which the union between former British Somaliland and former Italian Somaliland was handled in 1960. Consequently, a political disenfranchisement and ruthless military campaign was unleashed against the civilian population. An insurrection followed and eventually, in 1991, the military regime collapsed.

Since then Somalia has been mired in chaos and violence. But Somaliland has succeeded in establishing a functioning government, with a constitution, defined borders and a flag. It is governed along democratic lines with pluralistic political institutions. In May 2001, its independence was supported in a referendum by more than 90 percent of the population. Two presidential elections took place with a peaceful transfer of power; one in 2003 and another in 2010. This summer, nine political parties are competing in local elections.

Despite its achievements, no country in the world has yet recognized Somaliland’s independence. The US State Department and the African Union each cling to the fiction that Somaliland is part of the failed state of Somalia. It would have made sense to award Somaliland the diplomatic recognition it deserves. Its brief history of freedom and democracy stand in stark contrast to the terrorism, reign of warlords and piracy that is rife in Somalia, where US President Barack Obama and the UN are expending vast resources to fund African troops, which are propping up the corrupt transitional Somali government.

The argument against Somaliland’s independence comes from the African Union (AU), which has been tough on Somaliland for creating an independent democratic state. There is understandable paranoia about accepting new states with shifting borders inherited from colonial powers in Africa. The AU’s argument to deny Somaliland sovereignty is not valid, however, because it has had defined colonial borders that were established at the time of independence.

The irony is that US State Department diplomats, for political reasons, endorsed the position of the African Union in order to appease other African leaders and to get their military support for America’s counter-terrorism efforts in Somalia.

For the last two decades, the international community has tried through outside military intervention and massive aid to reconstitute Somalia. These interventions have ended in catastrophic failure.

The United Nations is also arguing that recognizing Somaliland might hinder the UN-sponsored peace and reconciliation efforts for Somalia. Among these efforts is the US-backed “road map” for Somalia, which projects forming a new government at the end of the “transition” in mid-August. Most Somalis have no faith in the “road map” process, which seeks to reinforce and legitimize the nominal Somali government even though Somalia remains ravaged by violence and self-interested neighbors.

The world regards Somalia as a basket case, but Somaliland is not and deserves better. Recognizing independent Somaliland would have positive consequences, not just for Somalia, but also for the whole Horn of Africa region. Indeed, Somaliland is contributing the international community’s efforts to combat piracy that plagues the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.

Keeping the status quo in Somalia would only prolong the human suffering there and spread radicalism and chaos that could engulf the region. In this scenario, diplomatic recognition for Somaliland would be unjustly denied and would further delay opportunity for investment, trade and economic growth.

Obama should do the right thing and fulfill the aspirations of 3.5 million people of Somaliland to have an independent and sovereign state.

Ali Mohamed is co-founder of the Horn of Africa Freedom Foundation. It is a grassroots organization, located in Lewis Center, Ohio, that advocates for the advancement of freedom and democratic values for the indigenous people of the Horn of Africa.

The state-of-the-art facility, first of its in the country was officially inaugurated on May 22 by President Ahmed Mohamed (Silanyo).

Speaking during the opening ceremony, the President said he was delighted to see local and international investors unlock the potential of social entrepreneurship in the country.

He said his government will assist anyone who is willing to invest in commercial and industrial development and that they would endorse closer collaboration with the private sector.

Nathan Kalumba, President of Central, East and West Africa for The Coca-Cola Company described the significance of the investment made by the giant global brand. “We are very delighted to be opening this new plant which will offer an opportunity to refresh our esteemed consumers with high quality beverages choices,” he said.

Mr. Kalumba said the investment is expected to directly create 135 new jobs and generate an additional 2,500 job opportunities in supporting industries including logistics and the retail sector in Somaliland. Mr. Kalumba added, “our commitment to the African continent remains enduring and unshakable.”

The US$17 million investment by The Coca-Cola Company and its local partner, Somaliland Beverage Industries (SPi), is part of a US$12 billion commitment for the African continent by 2020.

The Chairman of Somaliland Beverage industries, Mr. Ahmed Osman Gueeleh expressed optimism and confidence about the investment the system had made in the region. “Bringing the production of Coca-Cola brands to Somaliland will not only bring the much needed entrepreneurial and employment opportunities, but will build local capability through access to global practice and manufacturing standards, including ISO environmental and safety standards.”

The Coca-Cola bottling plant investment in Somaliland is based on a 100% franchising agreement between the American global brand and SPi and its local investors.

The plant will manufacture brands including Coke, Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero and others.

Goth Mohamed Goth
Somalilandpress.com

May 22, 2012

While scratching my head on where to start this piece on the memory of Dr. Abdishakur Jowhar and how best to capture his unique character, pure serendipity (and Google News) brought the above quote to my inbox. Eureka; it looked like Dr. Abdishakur’s colleague at Grey Bruce Health Services, Owen Sound, ON., where he worked as a Chief Psychiatrist, had just snapped a live photo of him and hung it on the wall for all to see.

This was it. Immediately the vanishing memories I had of him when I first and last saw him, when he was high school boy in his last year, rushed back to me. It was in the summer of 1971 and Abdishakur was spending part of his school holiday with his sister in our little farming village of Dilla. It was the rainy season; the land was lush green, the ponds full of Xareed (rainwater), the sky was half cloudy, and the knee-high green grass around the ponds shimmered under the beautiful, bright African sun. We walked around the ponds, kicked the grass left and right, cut some of it and crushed it in our hands to feel its fresh smell. We ended up under the big Garbi and Gob trees for which Dilla valley was famous. I can recall many a day when wise community elders held their sessions to resolve issues, pre-school children took their Quran lessons, and my father spent mornings lecturing on Quranic exegesis for his Islamic studies students under the branches of the same trees. I was not if Abdishakur had similar thoughts in mind about the trees. We stood in that idyllic place, sons of great Sheikhs, young, smart and idealistic students, our heads in the sky but still searching the ground for our feet.

Being in his final year of high school, Abdishakur had some idea of where he wanted to go. In the little time we spent together, I knew him as bookish, reflective and likeable. As high school was the highest educational level available in the country at the time, at least in northern regions of Somalia, high school students of Sheikh and Amoud Secondary schools appeared to be scholars, and acted as such. As 7th grade student, I looked at Abdishakur as a scholar and a role model. He had been studying in Benadir Secondary School, Mogadishu, after spending the first three years in Amoud. In retrospect, I clearly see that although our journeys have taken different trajectories, the ideological affinity that we felt with each other on that day and the common family friendships we had have remained intact, only waiting to be rekindled many years later in cyberspace.

As I narrate this story of Dr. Abdishakur, who I reconnected with in 2004 and communicated with until a month before his death, I can imagine him looking at me with his sunny smile and telling me: “Bashirooow …What are you doing man writing about me; come on get a life!.” This was the way he would address me and many of his closer friends; he would address us in a calling manner…Bashiroow, Bahraoow, Ibrahimoow.

I will not talk about him in a chronological way. I will not say that he was born, raised, educated, and then he died. Such statistical memory is for ordinary people; people who didn’t reach out and embrace life, not people like Dr. Abdishakur who are alive both while they physically reside on the earth and after they depart it.

FAMILY BONDS

Dr. Abdishakur and I share a lot of bonds, both familial and personal. His father Sheikh Ali Jowhar, who was an Islamic scholar known throughout the Somali speaking region and beyond, was not only a teacher for my father in his early years of student life but a fatherly figure and a mentor. Even after my father had branched out with his own life, and continued his pursuit for knowledge through other scholars, and in such faraway places as Ethiopia, Sudan, Yemen and Egypt, and had become a well-known scholar on his own right, he still held special reverence and love for Sheikh Ali. For his part, Sheikh Ali returned the same respect and love. I remember as a young boy, people coming from Borama and bringing gifts to my father from Sheikh Ali, and my father too never missed a chance to send gifts to him.

The bond between our fathers was so strong that I even owe my name to Sheikh Ali. My father told me that he got a message from Sheikh Ali who was spending a few days in a place called Aw Buube, a cemetery of a famous saint, on the day before I was born. He was there with some of his students. As my father had a business in Borama at the time, Sheikh Ali had asked him to send some provisions such as sugar and tea. My father departed the following day not only carrying the provisions with him but also the good news of a new baby boy joining the family. After reflecting on the news, Sheikh Ali told him to name the boy “Hassan-Bashir (bearer of good news).”

When Sheikh Ali died, it was my father’s hands that laid him to rest in the grave. Thereafter the sight of Dr. Abdishakur’s sister, Saada Sheikh Ali Jowhar, who was married to Nur Dheere, the wealthiest businessman in Dilla, used to make my father’s eyes well up in tears. Whenever Saada, also a close friend of my mother Rahma, visited us to say hello, he used to get up and meet her with the same reverence and respect he would show when meeting Sheikh Ali himself.

I vividly remember one day when a land rover car came from Wajaale and stopped in Dilla. My father was seated under the miri-miri tree he used to sit under every morning to chat with the people of the village and enquire about their condition. Three young ladies descended from the car and walked straight to where my father was sitting. I was with him when the ladies greeted him. He asked them who they were and the moment they revealed that they were Sheikh Ali Jowhar’s daughters my father could not help but break into tears. He remained that way until the young ladies left him and he told someone to take care of their needs while in transit.

When the school today known as Sheikh Ali Jowhar was built, several of Borama’s elders came to Dilla with a proposal to my father. As he was the man who came up with the idea of building the school and conducted the first major fund-raising for it, they wanted to name the school after him. He thanked them for the honor but told them to instead name the school after Sheikh Ali Jowhar, who was buried in a graveyard close by.

IDEOLOGICAL TRANFORMATION

Dr. Abdishakur in his early ideological breaking turned left and embraced socialist ideology. Being as bookish as he was, he immersed himself in reading the works of all of socialism’s great names. Although I imagine that Dr. Abdishakur first acquainted himself with “progressive literature” in the bookshop of his elder brother, who had the first bookshop in Hargeisa where socialist books were sold, he also got hooked on the leftist ideology while he was at Banadir Secondary School; one of the first schools that had Soviet teachers.

This testimony comes from Abdishakur himself where he narrates a meeting he once had with his friend, Ali Aw Omar, who had the same ideological affiliation. In his article ( Midnight Forever), says:

“We were on the side of the progressive left of the political spectrum. Che Guevara of Cuba, Franz Fanon of Algeria, Amílcar Lopes Cabral of Guinea Bissau and Joe Slovo of South Africa were our heroes. We were the post-independence generation of Africa. We were fed up with tin pot military dictators and military coup d’états that devastated the continent of Africa like pestilence and plague. That was the turbulent seventies for my generation.”

No wonder that Dr. Abdishakur had followed in the footsteps of Frantz Fanon, not only in his ideological and revolutionary thinking but also in his profession. Fanon was a Martiniquean-French, psychiatrist, revolutionary, thinker and philosopher who worked with Algerian freedom fighters against French colonialism and wrote the mammoth psychoanalytic book “The Wretched of the Earth.” Dr. Abdishakur too had become a psychiatrist, thinker, and philosopher, but with a different message in another age.

The “turbulent seventies”, as he called it, was the time when Abdishakur’s and my life become ideologically interwoven. It was like history repeating itself again. We were both the sons of the great Islamic scholars, imbibed in Islam, who turned their backs on their fathers’ heritages and fell headlong in love with the ideology of the “the progressive left” that was spearheaded by the revolutionaries Dr. Abdishakur listed and besotted by the stories of African independence leaders like Lumumba, Nkrumah, Sékou Touré, Kenyatta, Nyerere, and Nasser.

Just like Dr. Abdishakur, I too was hooked on the anti-colonial works of Fanon, Walter Rodney, and the numerous works of the socialist ideologues. I remember someone who saw Abdishakur passing through Dilla one day telling my father: “Oh, Sheikh Omer did you hear that one of Sheikh Ali son’s called Abdishakur has become a socialist ideologue and is rejecting our heritage.” My father smiled and said: “I am not worried about him, I know at the end he would come back to his base…if he doesn’t explore all ideas when he is young, he will not do that when he is old.” It was not long after that when my father noticed that I was always reading books that were considered leftist and anti-religious literature. He called me one day and told me: “ Listen son, you can read whatever you want, you can broaden your horizon as far as you can, but always remember to have your faith in your heart…always remember to return to your base. Remember we have no other culture but that of Islam.”

Did we return to our base? Again I turn to Abdishakur to answer this for himself before I answer for myself. In the same article I quoted, he narrates when he met his friend Ali Aw Omar who had since then turned a religious person and had given him a book of Hadith and pointed out one particular hadith:

“Narrated Anas: Allah’s Apostle said, “Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is an oppressed one. People asked, “O Allah’s Apostle! It is all right to help him if he is oppressed, but how should we help him if he is an oppressor?” The Prophet said, “By preventing him from oppressing others.”

I hold on to the book of Hadith. I opened the same passage again that I read with Ali Aw Omar two years before. This time my head hung low in grief, I read the passage again with eyes unseeing flooded with the gravity of the loss.

I knew immediately why Ali selected the particular Hadith for my attention. Lifelong bonds of friendship ensured shared experiences and shared memories. Now that he has gone, in these memories, shared no more, I exist. I must remember to pass them on, to those who will come, for to bear witness is a responsibility.

Ali and I have been together in the social justice movement in Somalia since the early seventies when we both joined forces with other members of our generation to confront the military dictator of our time Mohamed Siyad Barre…

…We came to maturity in that decade and were immediately confronted with a nation in a crisis. We met head on a military dictatorship that was systematically destroying a nation. Ours was a political revolt, student movement, popular campaigns. We were determined to stand up to be counted. But we were crushed by the regime. To be brutally honest we failed miserably in the task we set up for ourselves. Our defeat and the victory of the short sighted selfish right set the stage for Somalia to become the prototypal land of statelessness, starving masses, well fed pirates, warlords and of course their social counterpart marauding ferocious machete wielding tribes.

Many of us ended as refugees in the four corners of the world. Few of the more dedicated, hardy, heroic types remained in the country and refused to go. Ali Aw Omar was one of the latter. He stayed with the people. He shared their lot, their wars, their peace, their hunger, their pain and their prosperity. I envied him then for his bravery. I think he knew of my envy, it was never mentioned. He was just too refined.

I sought refuge in the west and quickly got lost in its decadent capitalistic ways. I conformed to the locally prevalent creed of democracy, equality and free fair elections as the gentlest means of human progress. Ali Aw Omar having stayed home was caught up in the wave of Islamism that has swept over the new generations in Somalia. He also conformed to the locally prevailing political mood of a resurgent Islamic exuberance. He found safety in the Quran and sustenance in Hadith and Sunnah.

Ali and I witnessed the death of the ideology that dominated our childhood days as well as the death of the nation in whose bosom we grew. Like orphans in a ruthless world we had to evolve, adapt and improvise with all haste to survive. Like a football on the playground of fate, we were kicked around, cast, molded and ripened by the force of circumstances and times. At the end of it all here we were Ali, a Sheikh, and a pious man in Somaliland preaching to save my soul for the next world, I a Psychiatrist from Canada trying to understand my old friend in this present world.”

I could say that Dr. Abdishakur also spoke for me; like him I have met friends with whom I shared the same “progressive left” ideology and who have now returned to their base, just like my father predicted. And I can say after maturity, it is always in the comfort zone of childhood memories that one finds himself secure and safe. I have come to know that Dr. Abdishakur had become a pious man and was quoted to have said that the Fajr (Dawn) prayer was one of his favorite prayers. Only a person who went through a spiritually tortuous journey will definitely understand the pleasure of returning home. It is the same pleasure that prompted Abu Hamel Al Ghazali to write his short but canonical book Al Munqid Min Al Dalal (Deliverance from Error).

Being a traveler in soul and body, it is just fateful that Dr. Abdishakur had to meet his death on May 13, 2012 while travelling in the same road where he started his journey. Waxay baallisiyo, waxay balad martaba, xeradaw ballana (No matter how far it wanders and no matter whichever country they travel to, they should finally return to their stable), say lines sung by Somali cow herders during watering cattle.

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF FRANZ FANON

Dr. Abdishakur got a real wakeup call when he went sent to the Soviet Union to study the socialist ideology. But no sooner he landed there; he found how disillusioned he was. And he immediately packed his suitcase and returned to Somalia to the surprise of his colleagues like Dr. Mohamed-Rasheed Sh. Hassan who was with him.

Talking about Dr. Abdishakur’s disillusionment with the ideological and Siyad Barre’s regime, Adan Hasan Iman (Dhegay) told me the following:

“Abdishakour was my classmate from grade one through the 3rd year at Amoud Secondary. He transferred to Benadir secondary school for his his fourth year in the fall of 1971. In high school he felt in love with Marxisms. He was briefly sent to the Soviet Union with Mohamed Rashid, but he soon got the attention of the Siad Barre regime as a dangerous man. That was when he left the country for Egypt.

He did not go to any of the faculties of the Somali University. He did not work at any of the ministries. He just sneaked out of the country. He feared to be thrown behind bars. He did not fly out of Mogadishu. He boarded a vehicle and my recollection is he went to Djibouti through Ethiopia.

That was around 1973. He was far ahead of us. He became disillusioned with the Siad Barre regime earlier than anybody that I knew. He was highly politically conscious at a young age. One of the motivating factors was his empathy for the poor and his love for hard work.”

And it was in Egypt where Dr. Abdishakur followed the footsteps of his mentor Franz Fanon and studied psychiatry. But while Fanon had to expose the psychological impact of colonialism on the psyche of the colonized and had to fight colonialism and racism, Dr. Abdishakur had to explore and wage a similar war against the impact of the dark forces of tribalism, ignorance and disease on the psyche of the Somali people. It was not a coincidence that he died while on duty travelling from one clinic to another to treat the mentally disturbed people who are the most wretched people on earth in that part of the world.

Commenting on Dr. Abdishakur’s death, Mahmoud Hassan Saad (Saajin), an old friend of him, told me how Dr. Abdishakur when he came to Borama asked about Saajin’s brother, an intelligent man that Abdishakur knew in his school days but had since then descended into the dark world of depression.

“Dr. Abdishakur Ilaahay baa dadka u soo diray (he was like an angel sent by God to the people. He treated my brother and within no time he became well to the extent that he even married,” Saajin said “Most of our people are suffering from mental problems and apart from being the only psychiatrist available, Dr. Abdishakur was also a unique person in his compassion and optimism which played a great role in the people’s healing.”

IN THE WORDS OF HIS FRIENDS

Having talked about what Dr. Abdishakur and I had shared, it would be unfair to reduce his life to his ideological metamorphosis. In fact, one cannot feel the richness of Dr. Abdishakur’s life and the various unique levels of his character without looking into his wisdom, his humor, his optimism, and his hatred for tribalism, ignorance and other forces of darkness, as well as his compassion, kindness, love, and his nostalgia for the cherished memories of his childhood.

To get glimpses of these other facets of his life, I turned to Dr.Abdishakur’s friends and classmates who generously shared with me their recollections. I also turned to some of my correspondences with him (absolutely only those I feel allowed to declassify as my friend is today in another world and cannot tell me, Bashiroow, don’t let that out).

In the following email, one can see Dr. Abdishakur railing against ignorance and the Somali tradition of praising their heroes only after death and not while they are alive. It also reflects Dr. Abdishakur’s promotion of love, peace and justice even in close circles. The email is dated June 11, 2000 and was forwarded to me by Roda Mizan, a friend of mine, who was a member of Awdal Forum to which Dr. Abdishakur had sent the email.

“Awdalities,

…Here in cyperspace, I share the tears, Foox and Salool with our Poet and heroine Mizan…. I gain solace from being with you out here. I gain courage from the little dents that we make together. Yes the books are on their way. Knowledge is the healer. Ignorance is the enemy. Down with the enemy!

And we have a cyber niche where we can console each other. I welcome all my new sisters to the forum. I bid them welcome to this space that stands for peace, love, justice and sanity. I welcome Fatima, Farhiya, Khadra and Khadra as well Halima.

And alas we are people who are known to take their heroes for granted. They toil thanklessly amongst us. Oh yes we do miss them when they depart. We thank them not while they walk amongst us! Something, something corrupt turns us the other way. …

For maintaining sanity when we all go cyber crazy, for preventing us from tearing this shade apart in juvenile rage, for making it possible for us to pool our meager resources, for the endless hours he spends maintaining and nurturing this list… Allow me to thank, deeply thank the manager of Awdal forum. Deeply. Endlessly.

A million thanks brother Ibrahim Absiye. You are our hero and we will say it now. This time we will get it right!…”

RECOLLECTIONS FROM HIS FORMER CLASSMATES

Adan Hasan Iman (Dhegay), Abdishakur’s classmate from the start of primary school to the third year of High School, speaks to the positive impact that Abdishakur had on him during his formative years, and about how he has passed down what he learned to his children:

“From first grade to fourth grade, I used to hang with kids who were NOT very serious in school. But starting from fourth grade I hooked up with Abdishakur Sheikh Ali Jowhar, Hussein Dahir Obsiye ( Husein Sheena) and Ali Barkhad Dhore who died in 1972 in Mogadishu. We called ourselves, the Four Lords, because we were on top of the class, sort of different class from the rest. I believe that my association with Abdishakur and the other two changed my life. I fell in love with books. None of my old friends before fourth grade went to college. I tell my two young sons that you will become like whoever you associate yourself with. I remind them to befriend the best and the brightest.

But I lost in touch with him in 1973. I lost the intimacy I had with him before 1973. I talked to him many times in Canada, but I didn’t see him in person for over 40 years until I saw him briefly in LA at 2004 SOPRI convention. I invited him and his wife to lunch. We reminisced the old days. His wife was my eight grade student at 15 May Secondary School in 1976.. It was a good get together.

I can tell you he was a highly intelligent. His IQ was within the top percentile. He was very intelligent, very jovial. He was a good person to have around.”

Adan also narrates a good anecdote when he, Abdishakur and two other friends went to Abdishakur’s father, Sheikh Ali to seek his blessing as they prepared for the leaving exams of the primary school (7th grade) before they were promoted to high school:

“We climbed up the hill to the Sheikh’s house. The Sheik stayed inside the hill top house all the time except on very rare occsions when he would venture downhill to the town. My recollection is the door in his house was split at the middle. Only the top half would open. We knocked. He opened the top half. After the greetings, we told him about the purpose of our visit.

He said “Boys listen. You need to work hard on your lessons. That is the right key to your success and passing your exam…

Here was the most revered religious leader mentoring us that hard work is the way to achieve your goals in life. That was the kind of Islam we grew up with.

We all worked hard and proved to be among top in the northern region.”

Ibrahim Absiye, another class mate who had known Abdishakur for 45 years, says:

“For me it is just too much to write about the too many recollections – but will try to be brief:

I have known Shakour for almost half a century – 45 years, or since grade 8. And for that life-long friendship, I have never seen him angry or mad at anyone, no matter what. Yes, we were classmates and shared the same desk in the classroom. He was an exceptional human being – humble, simple, caring, always smiling, people-person, full of aspirations, forward thing, friendly and, what can I say, a real friend of mine!

In the following anecdote Ibrahim narrates how he and Abdishakur, while campaigning for a candidate in Somalia’s parliamentary elections in 1969 in the hopes of getting a scholarship to the USA, had their vehicle break down at exactly at same place in which Abdishakur died recently:

“… it is in the Spring of 1969 and both of us joined an SYL campaign trip to Gorayacawl, Magaala-Qalooc, Idhan, Magaala-Cad, Dilla – Quraab gave us 10 Sh each and a promise to be sent on scholarships to the States! We were with elders in a Landrover. We left Dilla heading back home to Borama/Amoud at about 8:00 pm. it is raining cats and dogs. When we were close to Tulli, at exactly the current place of the accident, pure coincidence (!) (?), the Landrover had two flat tires. After a while a truck full of opposition supports from Gabiley (Baha Samaroon) came by.

I remember they were singing.. waa baa baryay bilic san … The truck stopped. Some of them shouted “waar waa kuwii SYLsha ee dhaafa” …the elders urged them to take only the two students who have classes tomorrow at Amoud –Shakour & I. They did and left the elders right there. The truck is full and quite noisy with drums and people with very high emotions –worst campaign fever. It is dark and still raining. Everybody is standing up, clinching to steel bars (dhigo). The truck climbed the hill at Gorayacawl and one of the passengers who has never been to Borama said “ alla, Borama way kaahaysaa, waar ayaa laydhka u sameeyey?” I opened my big mouth and answered him “ dee Adan Isaaq baa u sameeeyey”. All hell broke loose and they picked us up to throw us off the truck. The driver, I think his name Nirig, stopped the truck, came around and after negotiations, told them to ‘just bring them down and we will leave them here”. They did and we had to walk to Borama in Gudcur raining night. Cold and shivering, we arrived Borama around midnight and went to Harowo Hotel for rehabilitation ……

On how their friendship continued and even blossomed in Canada, Ibrahim says:

“We had the best time together over the last seven years. Shakour and Dr. Mohamed Beergeel were both working in a remote village in North West British Colombia, Canada. I was in constant negotiations with Dr. Jowhar for almost two years to convince him and his friend, the other psychiatrist, to move to Toronto where I was involved in community organizing/development, and where there is one the largest Somali community concentrations outside the country. They finally moved and in about a year, Shakour married his lovely wife, Amina Abdi Jama. They choose me to be the best man and Shakour called me to say: “ Yaa Sheikh Al-Abahri Wal Barri, you are not only my best man, but both of us have to wear the traditional clothes. So here we were in a Toronto west banquet hall among over 300 people standing out in what seemed to some funny clowns.

Over the past 3-4 years when Dr. Jowhar was practicing psychiatry in the Province of Ontario, he must have treated thousands and thousands of Somali Canadians in Ontario. Of course he was seeing other non-Somali clients as well. But I became known as the Dr’s friend and people will call me for emergency situations to put them in touch with Dr. Jowhar. Also, he must have seen dozens and dozens of patients in my home at weekends – all free of charge, simply because they came through Sheikh Al Bahri.

Bashir, I cannot stop talking about our brother and friend, late Dr. Abdishakour Jowhar, but I should. What about that skype call just the days before the accident – we chatted live for a 30 minutes and his last word to me was ‘ alla maxaan war kuu sidaa, see you next week! But I know he never arrived.”

Dr. Ali Ibrahim Bahar, another classmate of Dr. Abdishakur, thankfully allowed me to reprint the following prophetic email he sent to Dr. Abdishakur on March 25, 2010 in which he was inviting Dr. Abdishakur to attend a Gadabursi Conference that was being held in Minnesota:

“Dear Dr. Jowhar,

I was assuming you were coming to the Gadabursi conference, or may I say the Gadabursi Manifesti in Minneapolis. My wife informed me last night that you are not coming. What a shock! The author of the Gadabursi Manifesto is boycotting the conference!! I think you should come, man!!

Life is too short and this might be the last time you will see of some of us or have a laugh with some of your older friends—because our age group is dwindling and is approaching extinction just like the Dinosaurs. Also, I heard that great Mr. Bashir Goth is coming and the two of you might have the last opportunity to win a Somaliweyn friend to your side.

Seriously, I wish you are coming. What say you? “

This is more than prophetic. It seems that Dr. Ali Bahar was almost sure that he would not be able to see his friend anymore. What a premonition.

In fact, Dr. Abdishakur’s reply to his friend was not only a consistent, predictable, and emphatic NO, but he also asked his friend not to go to a tribal meeting. He said:

“Ali Baharoo

Good to hear from you brother. You are in a dark mood today. Our time may be on a state of countdown. But cheer up…

Seriously I am equally surprised you are coming. I thought making the tribal system stronger will be the last thing on your plate. These tribal gatherings are the poisonous opium of the masses that killed a nation. Ali Don’t Go.”

Describing Dr. Abdishakur amid tears, Dr. Bahr said: “Respect was a true trademark of Dr. Jowhar’s character-always keeping you in a special place in his heart and valuing your friendship, even when disagreeing with us; a memory of him to keep and cherish.”

Last but not least, I turned to Dr. Abdishakur’s cousin and friend, Muuse Ali (Joome), who in replying to my enquiry about his memories of Dr. Abdishakur:

“All what I knew of Dr. Abdhishakur is very well said in your wholesome poem. He always had a big heart for everyone and he was the man who was always ready to offer all what he could to others. His big heart was paired up with smile, bright face and a gentle joke. Wherever he went, he always carried a bright light above him and around. That was why Dr Abdishakur’s death touched the hearts of so many people. Dr Abdishakur was a bright shining star in all the networks of his contemporary society. We will never forget him. We will always love him.”

Muuse Joome’s words bring us full circle to Shannon Shaw’s remarks with which we started. Isn’t it amazing how a cousin who grew up with Dr. Abdishakur, and a colleague who knew him only during the short period they worked together, came to the same conclusion concerning his contagious personality? I cannot find any better words to conclude that do justice to Dr. Abdishakur’s life than a line by the Egyptian Poet Ahmed Shawqi:

(الناس صنفان – موتي في حياتهم وآخرون بباطن الأرض أحياء)

“People are of two kinds: those who are dead while they are alive and others who are alive in their graves.”

- END -

* This paper is published in a special issue of Dhaxalreeb e-magazine, dedicated to the Person and Works of late Dr. Abdishakur Jowhar (readsea-online.com/e-books)

Editorial

European Union forces last week made the first ever raid on one of the inland bases of Somali pirates who have recently stepped up their banditry on the high seas of the Indian Ocean. This looks like the first attempt at pursuing the pirates to one of their hideouts near the port of Haradhere.
Somalia-based pirates have evolved into a huge security threat – probably of equal proportion to the one posed by their politically-inclined brothers, the Al-Shabab. The pirates are said to be holding up to 17 cargo ships and over 300 crew members for ransom.
This calls for a more comprehensive international solution to rid the high seas of this menace. Alongside Al-Qaeda, pirates should be categorized as the number one terrorist organization.
The Amison forces comprising Ugandans and Burundians peacekeepers should be given logistical support and their mandate broadened to include neutralizing pirates on land while the EU and other forces tackle then at sea.
The world cannot afford to simply watch as piracy grows bigger than this. This is very dangerous and east Africa, in particular, cannot afford to look on as gunmen freely roam our backyard. East Africans must have strategic interest in ensuring that law and order returns to Somalia.
Such security threats are not good for free movement of goods, services and labor – the cornerstone of our regional integration. Meaningful integration can only be achieved when East Africans are free to go about their business without fear of having to pay millions of dollars in ransom to secure the release of their goods.
A lawless Somalia is bad for business because of its coastal location. Three of the five EAC member countries are landlocked – not to mention South Sudan and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo. So, insecurity along the coast simply makes the business of importing and exporting very costly.
Part of the reason the price of imports such as fuel are skyrocketing in the region is because of increased piracy that originates from Somalia. Shippers have been forced to increase charges because they have to take longer routes in the Indian Ocean to avoid the Somali coastline. Ships from Dubia that would ordinarily take about six days to dock at Mombasa now spend more than 12 days trying to avoid Somali pirates who operate with impunity from their base in Kismayo. This means additional fuel costs which the final consumer in Rwanda or Uganda has to shoulder.
Insurance companies have also hiked premiums, by up to $200 per container, due to the high risk posed by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden. This cost too is also borne by the final consumer.
Time is now to take the fight right at the bases of these thugs.

Al-Qaida’s branch in Yemen claimed responsibility for Monday’s bombing, saying in an emailed statement that the suicide attack was intended to avenge a U.S.-backed offensive against al-Qaida in a swath of southern Yemen seized by the militant movement last year.

The bombing left a scene of carnage, with scores of bleeding soldiers lying on the ground as ambulances rushed to the scene. Several severed heads were on the pavement amid large pools of blood and human remains.

“This is a real massacre,” said Ahmed Sobhi, one of the soldiers who witnessed the blast. “This is unbelievable. I am still shaking. The place turned into hell. I thought this only happens in movies.”

Al-Qaida said the bomber was targeting Yemen’s defense minister, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Nasser Ahmed, who had arrived at the heavily secured city square to greet the assembled troops just minutes before the blast ripped through the area. He was unhurt.

Khaled Ali, another soldier, said the explosion was followed by heavy gunfire.

“In the mayhem, we were all running in all directions. I saw the guards of the minister surrounding him and forming a human cordon. They were firing in the air,” he said.

The bombing comes as Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi has been pressing ahead on two difficult fronts — battling al-Qaida in the south and purging loyalists of ousted leader Ali Abdullah Saleh from military and security top posts.

Saleh stepped down in February as part of a U.S.-backed, power-transfer deal brokered by Gulf Arab countries aimed at ending political unrest in the country after a yearlong uprising. The deal gave Saleh immunity from prosecution in return for relinquishing his power.

Saleh originally appointed Ahmed to lead the defense ministry but recently has pressed from behind the scenes for his dismissal because Ahmed has been cooperating with Hadi.

Military officials said the bomber belonged to the Central Security, a paramilitary force commanded by Saleh’s nephew Yahia Saleh. He detonated his explosives in the midst of the Central Security unit as it received orders to pass in front of the parade view stand where both the defense minister and the military chief of staff were sitting.

“They are playing their last cards and blackmailing the new leadership,” said political analyst Abdel-Bari Taher. “This is one desperate attempt by both al-Qaida and Saleh’s regime to survive.”

Shortly after the attack, Hadi demoted two of Saleh’s relatives, including Yahia, from their top positions in the Central Security forces and the Interior Ministry.

A statement in Hadi’s name read on state TV said, “The war on terrorism will continue until we win, whatever the sacrifices are.”

“We are speeding up the restructuring of the army to bring back stability to the country, which was on a brink of all-out war,” the statement said.

Soldiers who were at the site told The Associated Press that the bomber could not have been an outsider. The soldiers said their commanders selected them from different branches of the military to participate in the parade, and that they had been practicing together for a week.

The site of the attack, close to the presidential palace, had been sealed off by Republican Guard forces for the previous 24 hours in preparation for the National Day celebrations on Tuesday. No cars or pedestrians were allowed to enter. The Republican Guard is led by Saleh’s son and one-time heir apparent, Ahmed Saleh.

Saleh, who ruled Yemen for some 33 years, was a key partner with the U.S., which poured in millions of dollars in aid and training to fight al-Qaida.

However, Saleh was seen as unreliable. He directed funds toward bolstering units led by family members and die-hard loyalists. He often struck deals with Islamic militants, even releasing some from prison, as a tool to play his foes off against each other.

During the 1990s, Saleh ordered integration of Yemeni Islamic militants in the army ranks after their return from the fight against the Soviets in Afghanistan.

In its statement Monday, al-Qaida said “our main battle is against America so don’t stand as a deterrent in the way or be tools or soldiers commanded by John Brennan and the American ambassador in Sanaa,” a reference to the White House’s top counterterrorism adviser who visited Yemen last week.

The White House said Brennan called Yemen’s president to condemn the attack and offer U.S. assistance in the investigation.

The attack came one week after the leader of al-Qaida, Ayman al-Zawahri, released an audio recording online scolding Hadi and describing him as a U.S. agent and a traitor.

The Obama administration has thrown its support behind Hadi and his fight against al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, which was behind three failed bomb plots on U.S. soil.

With U.S. help, Yemen’s military launched a wide and so far a successful offensive on several fronts in the south over the past week. Yemeni officials said earlier that nearly 60 U.S. troops were steering the offensive at the al-Annad air base in Lahj province.

The Pentagon also confirmed Monday that three civilian contractors helping train Yemen’s coast guard were attacked in Yemen. Cmdr. Bill Speaks, a Defense Department spokesman, said that injuries were minor.

The three were traveling in a car in the Red Sea port city of Hodeida on Sunday, when they were shot at by militants in another vehicle.

Al-Qaida claimed responsibility for that attack as well.

“After we have witnessed the American involvement in Yemen, we call upon all free Muslims in Yemen to target Americans everywhere,” the group said. It was not possible to verify the authenticity of either statement attributed to al-Qaida.

Yemen, the ancestral homeland of Osama bin Laden, was the site of the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole, which killed 17 American sailors. There have also been a spate of assaults on the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa, including a 2008 bombing that killed 10 Yemeni guards and four civilians.

Michael reported from Cairo, Egypt. Sarah El Deeb contributed to this report from Cairo.

The Associated Press

May 22, 2012

Worshippers arriving for Friday prayers at Addis Ababa’s Awalia mosque found a notice posted at the entrance, which read: “They managed to get in through the back door before. Let’s make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

The notice was signed by a mosque committee opposed to what it says has been a quiet government takeover of Ethiopia’s Islamic Affairs Supreme Council. The committee is demanding elections for new council members, to be held in the city’s mosques. They rejected a suggestion that the vote be held in neighborhood government halls called kebeles.

Standing at the entrance to the mosque, Ibrahim Hassan who teaches computer science at the Awalia Mission School, says holding the election in kebele halls would open the door to mischief.

“It should be inside the mosques, not in the kebeles because if it carried out in the kebeles there will be corruption, or some of the government authorities may participate. That is not fair. It is related to religion. There must not be interference of government in such tasks,” he said.

Awalia mosque has been at the center of protests against what many Muslims see as government efforts to ban the teachings of the conservative Salafist sect of Islam. The Islamic Supreme Council recently fired several teachers at the Awalia mission school and shut down an Arabic language teaching center.

Teacher Ibrahim accuses the council of trying to indoctrinate Ethiopian Muslims into the little known al-Abhash sect that preaches non-violence, as opposed to the more militant Salafist brand of Islam.

“They think that the committee may be terrorists,” he said. “They consider us terrorists, but it represents all the Muslim communities. They said that [some] Salafists are members of al-Qaida, but in Ethiopia all of the Muslims are not members of al-Qaida, they are simply regular Muslims.”

Prime Minister Meles Zenawi last month signaled a crackdown on those he accused of “peddling ideologies of intolerance.” In a speech to parliament, he said a few Salafis had formed clandestine al-Qaida cells in the southern part of the country.

Days later, four protesters were killed and many others injured in the southern state, Oromia when they tried to prevent police from arresting a Muslim cleric accused of promoting a radical ideology.

Last week, five men, including one Kenyan national, were arraigned in Addis Ababa’s federal court on charges of operating an al-Qaida cell out of a mosque in Oromia.

In another incident this month, Ethiopian authorities expelled two Arab men said to have been visiting from an unnamed Middle Eastern country. The two were detained after making what police called “inflammatory statements” and distributing materials at Addis Ababa’s main Anwar mosque.

And last Friday, dozens of young men were reported to have stood outside Anwar mosque with tape over their mouths in a silent protest. Young men standing at the entrance to Awalia mosque at last Friday’s prayers said another big demonstration is planned for this week.

More than half of Ethiopia’s roughly 90 million people are Christian, while an estimated 35 percent are Muslim. The Horn of Africa nation has long prided itself on its religious tolerance.

VOA

May 21, 2012