Opinions
Op-Ed:AwdalState, the endeavor of a desperate man
September 27, 2011 · 38 Comments
What was my surprise when I read Somaliland State minister for Foreign Affairs admonishing Mahiga for meeting Awdal State representative in Ottawa. And what was my astonishment when I heard that Somaliland Parliament speaker Cirro suggested that Magiha be barred from Somaliland for the same reason.
Senior Somaliland officials if they want to comment on diplomatic issued ought to get the fact straight. In in this cases, it seems that they do not.
I was present at the Mahiga event in Ottawa. Rashid Aw Nur, the so called Awdalstate spokesman was among the audience sporting an Awdalstate tee shirt. At the end of Mahiga presentation, members of the public got to ask questions as it became customary during the UN Special Envoy public assemblies. Most of the questions were dealing with the end of the transition period in Somalia. Some southerners blamed Mahiga for encouraging Somaliland for what they called #Somaliland secession#, to which the tanzanian diplomat responded that his main objective was to rescue South Somalia from the abyss. Mahiga said that Somaliland has perfected its institutions building and that commenting of its statehood quest is something out of his mandate.Rashid Aw Nur asked a question regarding his position on Awdalstate. The UN representative seemed not to understand the question, did not reply and just proceeded to the next question. At the end of the meeting, everybody in the audience went on stage to shake hands with Mahiga. At that point, Rashid Aw Nur went beside Mr Mahiga and ask a friend to take a picture of him. The next day, using the above mentioned picture, talked about a meeting with Mr Mahiga.
The point I am trying to make is that for all those present in the Mahiga event, for the Ottawa residents and for all those who happen to know Rashid Aw Nur, there were obviously no meeting and no talk between Mahiga and an Awdalstate representative (whatever this means).
Mr Aw Nur is a hapless unemployed man in Ottawa leaving off welfare in a housing project. He has absolutely no education, no command of the English language whatsoever, never held a job in Ottawa but yet claim to be garyaqaan (lawyer) on his website. Awdalstate is the endeavor of a desperate man. Tired of his welfare checks, Mr Aw Nur thought of a get quick rich scheme: announce the birth of Awdalstate, collect funds from people hailing from Awdal to pay for travel expenses to Nairobi to scam the UN. His plan did not go well, nobody gave him money for Awdalstate. His latest scam involves collecting money fro the Awdal diaspora on the pretension of helping the drought victims in Luggage. Never shy of inciting clan hatred, I saw him this last weekend making the rounds of Tim Hortons arguing that Hargeisa preferred to help Mogadishu over Lughaya and hoping to a quick cash for his khat sessions.
That kind of individual is obviously nort worth Somaliland senior officials time and energy. Better intelligence (information gathering) or better intelligence (judgment) is therefore required from now onwards.
Mohamed Weheliye
Ottawa, Canada
mohamedweheliye2012@yahoo.com
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Views expressed in the opinion articles are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of Somalilandpress editorial.
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By Mo Guled
Tags: Awdal, Somalia, Somaliland, Somalilandpress
Readers Comments (38)
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There is nothing that unemployed man living-off welfare (a parasite on the Canadian government) and living in a housing project, can do to influence a true Somaliland patriots. The last papagraph of this topic says all. Besides, desperate people do desperate things.
I agree with the writer. The good news is that Somaliland Foreign Minister, Dr. Mohamed Abdillahi Omar, who returned today to Somaliland from his US trip, actually clarified the government's position on this in his first press interview at the Hargeisa airport. Somaliland's chief diplomat has cleared the confusion and the embarresment caused by his inexperienced deputy who lacks sophistication and confidence, and stated that Mahiga did not held a meeting with any anti-somaliland group during his visit to canada. He also stated that the fact that someone with a shirt showing Awdal State or anything similar would not alter somaliland's relations with the UN and the SRSG, ambassador Mahiga. He advised political leaders and press people not to pronounce statements that could damage Somaliland's internatonal relations without first checking their facts and making proper enquiries.
The writer is correct the way he describes this man; collecting Social Assistance. I know his wife, she is a hard worker and she provides for here Family. The Question is they bought a house 2 years ago in my neighbour. As owner i understand the payment you have to make each month on Mortgage, taxes, monthly utilities and all other expenses associated with owning a house. How can they afford all this in one income?????? let us put a fire under his feet and call the fraud hot line. Then may be he will get out and get a job and saving money on the way.
All this man's nonsense aside, we should leave his family out of it. We are all Muslims at the end of the day and I totally disagree with this new Somali habit of informing on one another in foreign countries. If they are cheating the welfare system then it is between them, the government, Allah(swt) and no one else. What do you think would happen if the government went after these people? The hard working mother and her children would be abused by the system, possibility jailed, publicly humiliated in the press and in the community at large. Knowing our culture even relatives would get some of the stigma.
Finally, who is to say that YOUR intentions are pure to start with. Some Somalis might take your actions as simple inter-Somali jealousy. They could say "he is only mad cause he doesn't want other Somalis to have what he has"…. I am not saying this is the case, but we should just leave this kind of stuff alone! The Somali communities all over the US, Canada and Europe are already having problems with Somalis informants working for the government as spies on their own communities.
@warya,
I agree with you brother in Islam. Well said!
I too agree with both of you. Let us leave his family out of this after all his kids and wife are Somalilanders. One other point, is there any one in Ottawa who can help brother Rashid find a job?
Well Warya, if you have skeletons in your closet, don't try to rock the boat or bring attention to yourself. Because of his stupidity this man has drawn attention not only to himself but also to his family. And there is nobody but himself to be blamed for his action. He made his own bed, so he may as well sleep on it. Don't try to make excuses for him.
"Don't try to make excuses for him"
kkk what are you going to do? Accuse me of hustling the welfare or social assistance system just for wanting to shield this man's innocent family? Based on what facts? lool
You got issues!
we don't need the emotions on the issue. warya is right and the hardworking mother shouldn't be the victim of the stupid actions of the husband.
It is not right to meddle with this man's private and family life. He should be confronted about what he does to our country in public not what he does behind his closed doors.
I totally, agree with the writer of this article, anybody can stand next to someone and ask their pictures taken. These kind of behaviour is normal in western world. I have a huge picture of mine standing next to president Obama, that doesn't means I have an influence on him about how he can deal with Somaliland causes. But I can put my picture standing next to him in any Somali websites and pretend I was talking with him regarding issues that is important to Somaliland.
This garbage calling himself a representative of Awdalland is no difference, and for that reasons Somaliland officials should not give any attentions to likes of this nonsense.
The writer had rightly pointed out about Mr. Rashid and l know this man since high school. I think that, he is a sick individual who likes to get rich without effort or work. He never worked and always depends on our tax money. And surprisingly he would like to insult our intelligent by attempting to fabricate false story or so-called awdalstate. He milks the welfare system and yet trying to tell us something …jerk.– go to work to become a real man.
those who know the man need to give his name so that it can be forwarded to the welfare bureay
Leave him alone, what he does in his private life is non of our business.
Ottawa you must be retarded, your comment is based only on snitching
It's sad but true that somaliland willl never achieve its political goals!!!
I can't believe our government is incapable of collecting even the most basic information about others abroad!! This should change as soon as possible.
Mahiga said in a meeting with Saado Cali and Somalia's minister of education that he recognises the territorial integrity of Somalia. But the catch word is that Somaliland is not part of Somalia and has never been a part of Somalia ever. Otherwise, he would have said the territorial integrity of the Somali Republic.
Therefore, I agree with Mr. Mahiga that territorial integrity and sovereignty of Somalia should be respected and maintained.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG-JU-NGCQI
Yes, Somaliland must stand for the territorial integrity of its sister – Somalia. I think Somaliland future line should be exactly what Mahiga just said, enough of boring our international audiences and wasting our time with Somalia this & Somalia that and enough of comparing our country and people with Somalia.
The Somaliland government must only talk about the illegality of the union, the atrocities committed by Somalia against our people and then proceed talking about our bussiness.
You had Quulo last night, that is why you are talking from your backside. I hope the racism you project towards SL is the racism you suffer in your host country.
@ MOhamd
Your comment is out of Somaliland character. Therefore, I want you to re-read my comment and apologize to me in public. Xaal i sii , waa hadii xaal ku qabto !
nice post , well done for exposing this cedh guy who is only thinking about his calool
People who want to be in public like this man will actually welcome any sorts of publicity, but the truth about his fitna will catch up with him whether he is outed or not. He has no issue smearing millions of people struggling to make a descent living in Africa anonymously, so I have no sympathy for him and the families who support such character.
I completely agree with the article and it happened as said in the article because I was there and I was the one who asked Mahiga about Somaliland then insisted on an answer to Somaliland and Mahiga then went on for 20 min in praising Somaliland, which made the individual wearing the Awdal State Tee shirt upset and he asked his question but Mahiga did not understand because was not aware of an Awdal State or the whereabouts of the state, then the Government of Somaliland overreacted with Dr Abdirashid and the speaker Cirro saying that Mahiga was doing something untowards against Somaliland, but the reality is the Rashid Aw Nur is just un upset guy, I did not even understand his point, he seemed to be someone upset and illogic by the way he was talking.
If Somaliland has tolerated the great anti Somaliland sharks in Mogadisu (crooks like Jama Yare, Osman Kaluun, Ismail Bubaa) why worry a small fish in ottawa. If you do'nt like the views of Rashid, attack his political views but not his family. Those other crooks have families in somaliland who peacefully live there. Somaliland is democratic country and tolerance is it's virtue.
I really wish that SLPress do more scrutiny before posting any article. Re-read this article and you will be able to see the writer hidden political objective. While trying to appease SLders he is also projecting that our country is a state the same way that puntland or galmudug or others are. In his first sentence he wrote: SSOMALILAND STATE FOR FOREIGN AFAIRS INSTEAD OF SOMALILAND FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER. I hope that was a sincere mis-typo from the writer but the true faults lies with somalilandpress editorial. This is a constructive criticism WAKE UP Somalilandpress and be more vigilant; too many enemies
I did not get your point? The word state here refres to the state minister, Mohamed rashid, not the Somaliland as a country.
the key word is state as in somaliland state and not just somaliland. When you add the word state it implies that it is part of a greater country. i.e. california state of USA
Their is a popular saying in Somali ' nin is Fanshay wa Ri is nugtay'…The reasons why I quote above is despite all Somaliland claim is still has not done any real thing to claim for Statehood. Secondly as the article points out one individual has caused big issue with Somaliland concerning Awdal State etc. my take in these is it could be true what the author is saying but are we surprised if others want separations from Somaliland?
Are we prepared the are big percentage of people who do not agree with the idea Of Isaaq dominated State? Or independence. My points is these what has Somaliland achieved over last twenty years apart from Peace? Has Somaliland pre emptied other issues like economy,job creations,investments etc….No it has not, All the State Minstries are merely empty portfolio and expire some economic activities on ground and others the key areas have long been neglected. it hard to change from culture of looking for a blame to actually doing something for yourself.
Hamar have looked enviously at Somaliland and have decided that they to want too want peace,But they have not been so luck in these regard. But when you look what they have done on ground then theybare not to far away, War has not stopped economic activities at all and even Al Shabaab allows continuing of daily business activities,import,export etc. All these is done with fun fair and when you compare with Somaliland every little actions is broadcast like it big deal. my conclusions is Somaliland are in Limbo State and would continue in these state for another 20 years before they realized that nothings is movings.
Let look at How international community is propping up TFG with sole authority over all Somalia and Somaliland despite having oil block cannot explore further or trade in Oil without permission of International community, Their are excuses Insurance is not etc. I think we are looking at excuses al the time and people without jobs,economy would give these fancy dreams.
If reer Somaliland want independence they should be more open minded and forget Hamar all together find away of being legally independence without breaking any international issues. But lack of immaturity and inferiority complex seem to have taken root, fast forward 30 years from now where would Somaliland be? More Television channels,more newspapers,more quasi economic status,more narionilsm but on ground nothing changes for people.
Let look at Nations that have succeeded in more mature way, when Chiang kai sek nchinese Nationalaist army left mainland China after losing war o Mao Ziadong Communist he retreated to Taiwan and the quickly politcally aligned with avower enemy and made economic agreement, created a Chinese GOVERMENT in exile, Today Taiwan is big economy by itself and has invested billions into China mainland….they did niot rest in the laurels waiting for recognision, but the economic boom and even rejoining mainland china is on card in return for recognision but with it own autonomy.
So what is the points having a State for it own sake without it benefiting people on ground? Nothing Somaliland need to see beyond it own propaganda and ask itself questions? Find solutions and open minded , instead of a collective inferiority complex. Hamar has moved on and at these rate it has enough problem on it plate without seeking another one. It up to Somaliland to move on and find it vocations instead of looking for conspiracy where their is none. Move on
@ Hassan
"My points is these what has Somaliland achieved over last twenty years apart from Peace?"
1. We have had successive elections with are 3 party system. And more political parties are in the works
2. We have 450 + primary schools, 5 universities and 3 colleges. With more than 110,000 kids attending primary schools
3. More than 44 health centers and a few hospitals.
4. A Central Bank with branches as far as las anod, tax collection and annual audits
5. We have an efficient parliament and an upper house (UK equivalent of house of lords) for our tribal elders
6. A thriving private sector
7. Booming real estate and construction sector
8. The best Telecommunication companies in East Africa. With very competitive rates.
9. A standing military, trained, equipped, and disciplined. They don't kill each other and civilians
10. Zero piracy off our coasts; which is thanks to our anti-piracy force
11. Our ports have also seen tremendous improvements in efficiency as well as productivity.
12. The manufacturing sector in Somaliland has also begun to move with the creation of various types of factories like soap and cement. These companies also export to the south and Ethiopia.
13. In the Sanaag, the warsengali have setup a well functioning fish cannery.
14. There are also a few privately owned fishing companies operating off our coasts.
15. Somaliland has internally trained and educated doctors and engineers.
16. The number of mosques being built and number of children memorizing the holy Quran also continues to rise year after year.
17. Egypt, Yemen, Ethiopia and now South Africa have all opened or are in the process of opening political offices in Hargeisa.
18. In Somaliland's government, we have representatives from the Gadabursi, Warsengali, Dhulbhante and Isaaq communities; which means this ISSAQ domination nonsense is just that NONSENSE!
I could go on and on and on, but that will not get us anywhere. Somaliland is a work in progress no doubt, but not get it twisted brother the only one with a inferiority complex here is rar xamar. They don't want to let us go and continue to talk nonsense, because of their inherent greed. They can't help themselves and so they want to prevent us from shining as a new country.
3
@ Hassan
Points 1&2 – Your education system and infrastructure is in a total mess. Go read what the your minister of education has just relied to the press.
Points 3 & 4 – The ports have been under Al shabab's control for many years and their short retreat does not give a right to brag about something you have not controlled for less than 1 year. In terms of government spending, well let us be honest here brother, Mogadishu is the recognized capital on the world stage and this has been the only factor behind their " government spending". When the entire region is on international welfare its tough to compete, but Somaliland has still managed to do MORE with a lot LESS. shame!
As for your point that the south and north share similar achievements except points 9 & 10 then I find it difficult not to laugh at your dishonesty. If the south was similar to the Somaliland then why are so many southerns leaving for Dadaab, Ethiopia, Puntland, Somaliland, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia for a new life?
I wish the south with their "government spending" all the best, but I am sure Somalilanders will continue to do their own thing. Somaliland is a work in progress and things will take a while to improve, but we are a patient people. We spent 20 years working hard, building institutions, public facilities, discussing and debating various issues amongst ourselves.
- Why would we need Mogadishu now?
- What can we learn from them?
- What can they give us that they could not give their own people?
Answer to your questions
You don't need anything from Hamar and Hamar does not need anything neither Unity with NORTH. I just hope you people get on with it.full stop
2. You have nothing to learn from Hamar
3. they can give you nothing and their own people they have no choice.
About issue of refugees that is happen to all Somalis…your own own women have been stranded in southern Sudan married to gaalos and under slavery..these are reer Somaliland women….no matter how desperate Hamar is these is something new. your so called prosperity why are people crossing deserts to reach Europe and majority are from Somaliland…..of course you have selective …go find out about 200 plus Somaliland women and more who are held in Southern Sudan by militia…force to live with them and have children. I really feel for you guys you are in denial
Bal u kaadi.. waan soo akhriyey waxaad qoraysay oo dhan, laakiin imika waxaad ku booday dumar.- shame on you. Waxaad doonto Somaliland ka dheh, laakiin markaad dumar doonato ayay kuu dhamaatay.
STOP IT.
Xamar is the failed state of the world. Piracy, famine, war, warlods and terrorists. Please reer Hamar leave us alone. You guys have destroyed the Somali name. Shame!
@ Hassan
Typical rar Xamar when you can't discuss along normal lines you go stoop low and take shots at WOMEN. It is not surprising, since rape is normal amongst your people. Secondly, where is your proof? Coffee shop talk will not get you respect or creditability. Secondly, with all the recent skirmishes in Somaliland and Puntland, have you heard of any women getting raped as a result of tribal warfare? NOT a single Dhulbhante, Majeertan, and Isaaq have been raped! What does that tell you? We don't have the same culture!
It is funny you say I am being selective, yet I have repeatedly said that Somaliland is a work in progress. Furthermore, who is the desperate one taking shots at women of all groups. I already know of all the rapes and forced marriages that are being done in the south, but I have chosen to take the high road by debating progress, institutions and infrastructure. But for you, you went straight for the weak and defenseless!
Brother, the people of Djibouti do not want to join Somalia. The NFD (Kenyan Somalis) are proud members of the Kenyan society and fully support Somaliland. The Ogaden are in the process of integrating with their Ethiopian neighbours.
The south has ZERO and you want to discredit Somaliland's accomplishments and insult our women? That says a LOT!
These is funny, these what you said' typical reer hamar' then ' your People'…….my question to you warya and few hardcore total separatist is does that mean you are no longer Somali……strange isn't
I would also points your lies here as Somali/ Kenyan…NFD is never happy with being part of Kenya it only happen at point of Gun, Djibouti has refused to recognized Somaliland why? I think if you really want to be separate it better you come with better options than what you posting here. I am Isaaq and I do not subscribe to your views at all. not long ago 1994 Habar younis and Habar jecklo where fighting in Burou . I remember that cause my parents are from both tribes and I hope peace remain but back then it was crazy to witness such a blood letting.
Warya you would be surprised that the view you are calling for is only your and these site alone,it best you do not try to say reer Somaliland like we all speak with one voice. Majority do not agree with your view and on facts about Somali women in Sudan it a facts go and read it..if Somaliland is bed of roses then why are people migrating?
in the African continent migration is normal and the people of well-built nations have migrated to Europe and North America like Nigeria, Ethiopia, Senegal and Morocco. I always get surprised by the hatred of the southerners to the Somaliland people especially women. you usually tag them with crooked manners when they refused to marry you. yours have been prostitutes in Islii, kenya, and are in total destruction, they were the italian hookers and now they hung around the Amisom compounds to offer there body cheaply. your dishonest argument blinds you -reer xamar- all your nakedness in front of the whole world indiscriminately. To those Issaq in Kenya, you are not somalilanders as you left your culture and – many of you- your religion so please do not dream of coming back. as somalilanders, we keep the somali culture and do not blame women because they are among the community and share them with all life aspects. dumar la caayaa, dumar la caayo ayuu leeyahay ee gabdhihiina gogol dhaafka ku caanka ah maxaad u arki weydeen. I am a university student in a foreign country, most reer xamar fail or pass with corruption. somaalidii sumcaddii ayaad ka qaadeen. cadaalad ma taqaanaan illaa sida majeerteen aan idiin garaacnana waxanu qabsannay ma qiraysaan. go to Hargeisa and see the mosques and islamic schools where there is the light of islam being spread day and night. the qur'an memorizing schools produce xufad every year in enormous lots. cool down and tell the truth otherwise we will deport you from our lands.
Plz read what he wrote, he said your women.not somali women were beeing held by southern sudanees.