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Somaliland recognition & Somali unity

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This article will analyse the recent report of possible Somaliland recognition and how Somaliland independence is often perceived in Somalia. The future of the Somali nation will also be discussed.

Israel’s possible recognition of Somaliland has recently been a popular topic of discussion among Somali news websites. The idea seems farfetched, if not wishful thinking, for in reality the possibility of Israel recognising Somaliland is only marginal.

Nevertheless, assuming these claims are correct, bilateral ties with Israel could have some serious implications on Somaliland’s quest for nationhood.

This is undoubtedly a great prospect for the recognition Somaliland has been waiting for, for decades. If it handles it correctly with due diligence, this could be the master key to unlocking many new opportunities with either the Western/Israel or Arab nations. Recognition from Israel could encourage other nations to recognise Somaliland. This partly depends on how well Somaliland articulates its case.

Ties with Israel could have some serious implications for its ties with Arab nations on which Somaliland depends for much of its trade. However, Israel could prove a strong partner with regard to being a possible export market and exploitation of Somaliland’s resources.

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland would not come without strings attached as the previous Somaliland press article touched on. One benefit to Israel is the strategic position of Somaliland opposite the Arabian Peninsula, at the door of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. A military base there would enhance Israel’s military capabilities and give them the upper hand if conflict were to occur in the Middle East. However, Djibouti is a more realistic alternative for the military base. It has often displayed its sheer desperation for foreign investment in trying to earn some foreign currency. It currently hosts a number of foreign military missions and is far more pliable, secure and accessible.

Another reason is Somaliland’s unexploited resources which will be accessible to Israel probably within an agreement giving them preferential if not near exploitative conditions. The truth is that Somaliland has very few friends, Israel wants to exploit a poorly governed, poorly informed and poorly defended enclave in which it realises potential to fulfil its own aims and ambitions.

Nevertheless, Somaliland should actively seek ties with Israel. Recognition will be conditional on certain agreements (as described in the article and above) designed to enhance Israel and achieve its wider strategic and political aims and ambitions (particularly in the Middle East).

If and when Israel is content with recognising Somaliland, the Somaliland government should use this to lobby the (more numerous) Arab nations for recognition. If not recognition, Somaliland could usher greater support and perhaps even investment from Arab countries. Considering the historic conflict between Arab countries and Israel, the Arab nations would a risk to their national security. This may spearhead the nations standing in the way of Somaliland recognition to reconsider their view and see the other side of the coin or support Somaliland more. Maybe it’s time to stop the sweet talk and play hardball.

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The Arab nations may feel they have greater leverage over Somaliland as exports, foreign exchange and tax earnings consist of mainly livestock exported to these Arab Nations. A renewed livestock ban would be a real possible pressuring technique employable by the Arab nations to prevent it from establishing a relationship dangerous to them. Also any recognition of Somaliland by Arab nations will be due to their own interests rather than anything else. Therefore Somaliland needs to understand the strategic interests of foreign nations it is trying to lobby for recognition and take a cost benefit analysis when redefining bilateral relationships. When they realise this and learn to master the art of politics (deception?) (formerly only a forte of the Darood) is when they will succeed to achieve their aims.

A very important aspect in the case of Somaliland should be the case of Somalia itself. Somaliland currently is a government, a people and a power in limbo, imprisoned by those fearing what good it might achieve/do. Somaliland is trapped along the sidelines, unable to partake in activities so vital to its existence. This is the last hurdle of the revolution.

Somaliland and Somalia are perpetually linked and the people, government and conscience of Somaliland owe it to the suffering children, women and elderly in Somalia to establish peace. Somaliland can do more for Somalia as a sovereign country in the political arena (than as a spectator) to balance the negative influence of Ethiopia.

It is unquestionable that foreign forces, of which most notably Ethiopia, led to the downfall of Somalia. And my instincts tell me now that the seeds bearing the anarchy and chaos prevailing now, were planted by those same foreign forces. Somalia or the rebellion didn’t need a downfall, just a change of government, they fell fool to their enemies. This once proud nation has been fragmented and divided.

Somali regions have no benefit in each other’s failure, and the only realistic conflict visible to the naked eye is potential conflict over resources in Sool & Sanaag. Somali regions should not try to control/rule each other as history has taught us that that is doomed for failure. Walk not in front of me, walk not behind me, but walk beside me as best you can, for together we can achieve so much more.

Any future government that is going to succeed will be a decentralised, coalition of parties from different parts of Somalia who co-operate to achieve their wider political and economical aims in the environment of the greater political arena. The foundation stones were laid in Somaliland, Puntland and peace was moving downwards to Galmudug and lower Somalia when those same outside forces acted to defend that which was in their interests (war & anarchy).

Somaliland should not be seen as deserting its Somali identity and conforming to western/Ethiopian the pressure but rather be a cornerstone to a new era in Somali identity. One not associated with death, destruction and anarchy but where peace, prosperity and development flourish.

Even between Somaliland and Puntland Ethiopia has created conflicts. It is a normality that politicians from both entities travel to Addis Ababa for ‘meetings’. This reminds me of the UK Channel 4 documentary entitled the ‘Israeli lobby’ depicting how UK politicians were flown to Tell Aviv for similar ‘meetings’ after which they were more favourable to Israeli interests. Such meetings often, overtly or covertly, aim to achieve the goals of one party as there is always unequal power in a relationship between two parties.

Somaliland’s de facto independence has been hard-won and should be nonnegotiable in such a volatile region. Somaliland furthermore needs to be careful in its international dealing and should foresee the pressures of being internationally recognised. On the fine road to peace all Somali entities need to co-operate and establish strategic partnerships.

Somaliland is one of the few peaceful Somali regions and should be an example for others to follow. The intense disapproval of many Somalis towards Somaliland is unfounded; Somaliland should not be regarded as an opponent but given a chance to prove herself.

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Views expressed in the opinion articles are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the editorial.

Arabs losing Somaliland to Israel

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HARGEISA,  (Somalilandpress) — Somaliland people are Sunni Muslims with Arabic roots. The origin of major Somaliland tribes like Samaroon and Darood are from Yemen, while Isaaq tribe is from Iraq and has connected to Al-Ahlu Bait (the family tree of Prophet Mohamed PUBH). The history writes that Isaaq Bin Ahmed, grandfather of Isaaq tribe in Somaliland, Ethiopia and Djibouti migrated with his family from Mosul and Al-Anbar cities of Iraq to Yemen after the collapse of Abbasid Empire.

The name Abbasid is referred to the uncle of Prophet Mohamed (PUBH), and was used for the empire after collapse of Umayyad Caliphate in Damascus, Syria. Abbasid ruled from 750 – 1258 of Gregorian calendar. Abbasid transferred their capital from Damascus to Baghdad on year of 762. The Islamic civilization witnessed development in all sides including science and trade. The Abbasid era is known as ‘Golden Era’ in Islamic history. The Abbasid Empire varnished after Mongol invaded Baghdad, Iraq destroying the Islamic civilization.

After collapse of Abbasid Empire and Mohamed Al-Abbasid (Ruler of the empire) was killed by Mongol invading forces, the killing of the close associates of the empire started mainly the Al-Ahlu Bait, which forced majority of them to migrate to outside Iraq. The family of Isaaq Bin Ahmed was one of these families who migrated to saver places. The family started their journey from Mosul City, Al-Samara City, Medina and finally landed Hadramout City of Yemen.

The father of Isaaq Bin Ahmed passed away in Yemen, and his brother Abdulrahman Bin Ahmed travelled back to Saudi Arabia and to Iraq. Isaaq Bin Ahmed continued his mission of teaching religion to the people in the region and traveled to Harare City of Ethiopia where he thought religion many years. Isaaq landed undisclosed location in eastern Somaliland, and later married from the people in Harare City. This is overview of the roots of the people of Somaliland. Today, the tribe of Abdurrahman Bin Ahmed is living in Mosul City and is thousands.

Somaliland established functioning administration from 1991 without outside support, and contacted the Arab brothers to support their call for sovereignty, however, no one response their voices of freedom. Arabs know that Somalia collapsed, and it’s impossible to force Somaliland again into another out-of-wedlock marriage with southern Somalia.

In other hand, Somalia failed to sort out their problems and violence continues taking lives of thousands and forcing others out of their houses in southern Somalia. This indicates that peace-loving people of Somaliland are serious of separating from rest of Somalia. Somaliland built strong and sustainable modern nation. They hosted free and fair elections, and country had three presidents in less than 20 years.

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Recently, the local Somali media published reports about Israeli interest in Somaliland, and the willingness of the Jewish state to recognize Somaliland and establish diplomatic relations with Somaliland. The fact is that Somaliland is eligible to gain UN membership because it met all the requirements of becoming independent state. However, Arab countries particularly Egypt and Sudan are suppressing Somaliland cause of independence. Both Egypt and Sudan vowed to walk out African Union meeting, if the meeting discusses Somaliland recognition. Majority of the Arab states realizes the stability and progress in Somaliland and that independence of Somaliland is public decision but continue neglecting.

Arabs, particularly Egypt and Sudan, has interest of keeping Somalia together because Somalia will always remain threat to the region, and violating the internationally recognized borders with Ethiopia and Kenya. This engages Ethiopia into war with Somalia, and it does not utilize its share of Nile Water.

The reports ensured that Israel is willing to recognize Somaliland and establish office in Somaliland that can serve its interest at Gulf of Aden water. This will bring Israel influence in the region of horn of Africa.

Arab countries, Egypt and Gulf Countries, should change their policy towards Somalia and recognize Somaliland; otherwise Israel is will do it. Today the Arab and Muslim world alienated Somaliland and failed to establish trade and diplomatic links. Somaliland students cannot attend the regional universities because their certificates are not recognized by the Arab and Muslim world. Somaliland people should use the fake and old Somali Passport, because Somaliland passports are not welcomed by the Arab and Muslim world.

Arab League and Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) should know that Somaliland will look for friends, because no country can stand alone. And if Arabs and Muslims continue neglecting Somaliland then Israel will fit in. Currently, Ethiopia is the Israel’s main ally in the region.

Arab countries should accept the changes in the region and that Somali unity theory of 1960 failed, and will never be again a united Somalia. Somaliland contributed 50% of the failed 1960 unity of Somali speaking people in the region, but today, after Somaliland realized that uniting with Somalia will not benefit them, they decided to go alone.

Arab countries, particularly Egypt and Gulf Countries, should face the new realities in former Somalia, and that Somaliland will prevail whether Arabs accept or not. Frankly, If Arabs reject Somaliland Israel and USA and European Union will accept it.

By: Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi
Email: az.almutairi@yahoo.com

Somalilandpress, 15 February 2010

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Views expressed in the opinion articles are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the editorial

Somaliland: Rotational presidency is a viable solution to reoccurring presidential election disputes

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Somaliland’s fledgling democracy has met many serious obstacles since the very first municipal elections that were held in December 2002. The peak of these obstacles was the deep political crisis that resulted as a delay of the presidential elections. This dispute was so deep rooted that for the first time in Somaliland’s history a solution came only after international mediation arrived at the 11th hour from both the Ethiopian and British foreign ministries. As a result, Somaliland’s tradition of solving their own problems and putting their own house through traditional elders and mediation suffered a blow for the first time.

The political impasse seems to have settled down for the time being but it can flare up at any moment because up to now no date has been set for the elections and even worse the irregularities of the voter registration system have not yet been corrected. This brings us to the question of how we can avoid political instability in the future and whether the current constitutional law allowing the winning party of a presidential election to hold power for a five year term is viable.

This five year term policy has only contributed to Somaliland’s problems because the ruling political party has had five years to consolidate power. We have seen with the incumbent Udub’s seven years in office how one political party will perpetually hold on to political power well past their 5 year term. But Udub alone is not to blame and it is a fact that the two opposition parties Kulmiye and Ucid never gave the government a chance to work and started their policy of destructive criticism immediately after the Udub party won the elections in 2003 and even tried to mobilize a hasty impeachment act against the president after he had served only 2 years as president.
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I strongly believe that a system of rotational presidency with each party holding office for a period of two or at the most three years is the only viable solution that can steer Somaliland out of the risks of a conflict that may arise as a result of presidential elections. A system of rotational presidency would make all political parties content, make them all feel included and at the same time contribute to an indivisible Somaliland.

I am in no way suggesting that Somalilanders are not sophisticated enough to practice democracy with a one man one vote system. Parliamentary elections and municipal elections should be held just as they have been for the past and the political parties would have the chance to display their support among the masses during such elections despite a system of rotational presidency. At the same time the Guurti or house of elders would still exist as the second chamber of parliament.

Some critics would suggest that such a system of rotational presidency alongside parliamentary and municipal elections is not the ”truest form of democracy.” But, rotational presidency is not undemocratic it is rather an all accommodating democracy. A nation is qualified to be called a democracy if it respects agreed rules and procedures. Switzerland provides a good reference point for analysis on the subject of rotational presidency. Switzerland, a small nation though it operates a system of “collective presidency” in which leadership is rotated annually. Yet Switzerland is one of the world’s most democratic and stable nations. The only difference is that Switzerland’s rotational presidency is based on rotation between the 6 cantoons (provinces) that make up the country, some of which speak different languages: French, German and Italian. However, in Somaliland it would be more ideal to base it on political parties rather than regions in order to counter the tribal/clan factor since every region is inhabited by certain clans.

Rotational presidency would regulate a system whereby all political parties would feel inclusive with each party knowing that they have at the most 6 years until they too are in office. As a result, both the party in office and the others not in office at the time would be obliged to work together closely. It would redesign the political equation of the country so that no party would be left out in the wilderness and eliminate the risk of one political party having the chance to monopolize the leadership of Somaliland and especially the presidency. At the same time we would no longer have the current unethical politics of “ku jiq sii” which is nothing but political sabotage by all the three parties.

The current system of presidential elections of every five years has only divided the country deeply along party lines and endangered the country’s stability on two occasions: first during the disputed presidential elections of 2003 and later in the aftermath of the delayed elections that were scheduled to be held in 2009. The harsh truth we have to accept and bear in mind is that presidential elections just has not worked well for Somaliland. With the current system and status quo we will always have the curse of an incumbent government trying to cling on to power by hook or crook even well past their five year mandate and on the other side opposition parties that feel alienated and frustrated.

In contrast to this, the political vision of rotational presidency in general emphasizes more of a politics of representation. In this case, the focus is to ensure that the different political parties in the country all have an equal chance to occupy the executive branch of government. It is believed that representation touches a sensitive aspect of human life, which relates to some basic human pride, guaranteeing a sense of belonging. In Somaliland’s case rotational presidency would bring the political parties more together in the spirit of team work and cooperation and thus lead to a solid unity within the country. Moreover such a system would ensure that the party which is the underdog in parliament would have the chance to demonstrate good governance during their two year term and this could give them a chance to increase their parliamentary seats during parliamentary elections.

I am sure that critics would say that our constitution does not stipulate a system of rotational presidency but politics is about pragmatism and such a change in the constitution would be held as a referendum and set before the people to give their verdict. I am also aware that some would argue that a system of rotational presidency amongst the political parties alongside an elected parliament and house of elders has never existed before. To them I would say that even the greatest democracies in the world today for example the U.S.A. evolved and enhanced their democracies by putting it to the test and went through many changes in order to suit the needs and structures of their own societies.

The system that I advocate for would be a unique home grown solution to our dilemma of presidential elections that have paralyzed Somaliland on many occasions and are a potential source of future conflict. It would be our remedy to avoid presidential elections that have been so synonymous with nothing but a nation sitting on a powder-keg just waiting to explode at any moment. I strongly believe that rotational presidency among political parties offers the only solution for peaceful existence in Somaliland’s case and a way to steer clear of future conflicts. that may arise as a result of presidential elections.

By Ahmed Hussein Kahin
Sweden
tabhaye1@hotmail.com

KENYA: President Kibaki rejects Raila's move

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NAIROBI (Somalilandpress) — President Mwai Kibaki has disowned the decision by Prime Minister Raila Odinga to suspend ministers William Ruto and Professor Sam Ongeri.

In a statement, the President say such a decision has to be taken after consultation and concurrence between the two principles. The two ministers have also defied the PM until they get communication from the president who is the appointing authority.

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Source: NTVKenya, 15th February 2010

SOMALIA: United Nation envoy praises government's performance

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MOGADISHU (Somalilandpress) — The United Nation’s special envoy to
Somalia, Ahmadou Ould Abdallah, has congratulated the Transitional
Federal Government of Somalia [TFG] on its first anniversary and urged
it to continue with its efforts to restore peace and security in the
country.

“The president, the prime minister, the speaker of parliament and
members of the Federal Somali Parliament have all taken important
steps in the last 12 months which I have been a witness to when I
visited Mogadishu,” said Mr. Ahmadou Ould Abdallah in a statement.

“It is unfortunate that they have had to spend both time and money to
defend themselves from attacks by extremist groups who are trying to
stop them from establishing peace and security in their own country,”
said cited.

The Envoy added that the TFG has attained tangible results since it
first went to Mogadishu in February of last year [2009] in areas such
as the port, the airport, the parliament and the Isbaheysi mosque in
Mogadishu.
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He says the government despite not having been able to get major
support from the international community still managed to reopen the
Radio Mogadishu which now broadcasts new and other programmes for at
least 18 hours a day to many of the listeners that are interested in
its programmes.

“Many are now coming to the realisation that Somalia is no longer a
failed state that is in conflict, but rather a weak one that needs
substantial support in development and reconstruction. Current efforts
should not just be on the attainment of peace and security, or
politics or just humanitarian. The countries economy needs to be
revived and employment opportunities need to be created,” Abdallah
said.

The envoy also praised countries that were quick in assisting the TFG
and other regional bodies such as IGAD and the African Union whom he
said “are the ones that have provided the most support as they are
ones that are most affected by the problems in Somalia.” The envoy
added that he was hopeful the international community will show
renewed commitment in the country so that the TFG can continue with
its progress.

“Frankly speaking, one year isn’t enough time to stop the human right
violations. We are disappointed that these violations are still
ongoing. Those that are opposed to the government have attacked
students, women, and aid workers. Fighting in the country has resulted
in continued displacement and trading of human lives. However, we must
recognise the positive steps that have been taken forward,” he said.

“I would also like to acknowledge that the public and the business
community have played an important role in working towards the
attainment of peace and security in their own country. These steps
should be pursued further, ” he concluded.

Source: Somalilandpress, 15th February 2010

SOMALILAND: Hargeisa Airport launches upgrade as Aviation Minister returns from China

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HARGEISA (Somalilandpress) — Plans for a multi-million-dollar upgrade and extension to Egal International airport at Somaliland’s capital have taken a major step forward, revealed Aviation minister on Sunday.

Mr. Ali Mohamed who returned from a three-week long trip from the People’s Republic of China, has revealed that a Chinese firm will be arriving soon to upgrade and expand the facility to international standards.

During a press briefing at the VIP Lounge at Egal airport, Mr Mohamed said “the equipments will start arriving after the Chinese new year and the process will take up-to two months”.

He said the Chinese were eager to work with the African people and expressed great interest in the African continent. “You do be amazed how they have transformed the Ethiopian road system,” he added.

The minister said their trip to China has been fruitful and he plans to discuss it with his cabinet first before revealing it to the general public.

The Mayor of Hargeisa, Mr. Hussein who also spoke there said, the trip has been very successful and that they had visited five states in China and two of them had Somaliland representatives. He added that the Chinese are well aware of the difference between Somalia and Somaliland.

surveying the equipment the Chinese firm plans to bring to Hargeisa

Mr Hussein said they had met with members of China’s Overseas Investment Group, who promised to invest in Somaliland. China has been heavily investing in Africa in recent years in a bid to win supporters in the continent and also to secure access to raw materials for it’s growing industries.

Mr Hussein, concluded a Chinese delegation is due to arrive in Hargeisa in the near future.

When the work is completed Egal airport expected to cater
for some of the world’s biggest commercial jets and ultimately drive air traffic growth in the region, both inbound and outbound. Egal international airport will become one of the largest airports in East Africa and an important hub for passengers traveling between East Africa, Middle East and parts of Asia.

Security at the airport will also be upgraded to meet a request by a number of airliners including Ethiopian airlines, who suspended their direct-flights to Hargeisa following five suicide bomb attacks on October 2008.

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Currently, the airport service a number of locally operated airlines and Kenyan based, East African Safari Air Express has announced early this month (1st February) it will launch direct flights from Nairobi to Hargeisa.

Mr. Mohamed has stated that the airport has received an investment of an undisclosed amount from local companies and individual investors.

The Chinese company has also signed a separate contract with the mayor of Hargeisa, Mr. Hussein Ji’ir, to rehabilitate Hargeisa’s long neglected roads.

The Chinese have also vowed to assist Somaliland in the field of education and have extended a warm invitation to the Ministry of education to visit China.

This is the first time the airport and Hargeisa’s public roads are getting proper upgrade since 1960.

Hargeisa airport was named after long-time Somaliland politician and it’s first Prime Minister, Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim Haji Egal, who died in the South African capital in 2002.

Photographs: Qarannews

Somalilandpress, 15th February 2010

SOMALILAND: Somali pirates get 15-year sentences – officials

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BERBERA (Somalilandpress) — A court in Somalia handed out 15-year prison sentences to 11 pirates on Sunday, the presiding judge said.

Prosecutors at the court in Berbera, in the breakaway northern state of Somaliland, brought a number of charges against the men, including piracy and attempted armed kidnapping.

They showed the court photos obtained from NATO naval forces showing the pirates when they were arrested last December.

“The trial, which lasted a week, was finally concluded today after the evidence brought before the court showed that the eleven were involved in piracy and hijacking. The court finally announced its verdict — a jail term of 15 years each”, Osman Ibrahim Dahir, the presiding judge, told AFP by phone from Berbera.

The pirates were detained last December after they attacked an international naval force ship mistaking it for a commercial ship off the Somali coast.
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The international forces released them after disarming them, but they were arrested against a few days later by Somaliland coastguards who spotted them in a coastal village near Djibouti.

“Some of the pirates confessed their crimes while others were still reluctant to confess, but they were sentenced and sent to jail,” Jamal Abdikarin, security officer in Berbera told AFP by phone.

Source: AFP, 14th February 2010

Somaliland MP urges Somali pirates to unconditionally release British couples

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HARGEISA (Somalilandpress) — Somaliland MP, Mr Ahmed Mohamed Diriye called Sunday for the unconditional release of British couples, Paul and Rachel Chandler, who were kidnapped in the Indian Ocean more than three months ago.

Mr Ahmed pleaded to the Somali pirates to restore the couple’s freedom without preconditions.

The lawmaker said he had the full backing of Somaliland’s 82 member seat House of Representative locally known as “Golaha Wakiilada”.

“I also want to notify the Somali people, whom we have religion and cultural ties to restore the rights of the British couples without preconditions and to keep in mind the honour and dignity of the thousands of Somalis who call UK home,” he said in a press release.

Paul and his wife Rachel, who are 60 and 56 years of age respectively are believed to be held in separate locations in the notorious pirate-strong hold town of Harardheere under 24-hour surveillance.
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The Somali pirates have demanded $7 million in ransom, a figure not even the rich families can afford to pay and thus far the British government has refused to deal with the Somali pirates.

In recent days Somali community leaders in UK as well as politician, tribal elders and influential figures in both Somalia and Somaliland have called for the immediate release of the couples.

The Somali people who have a culture naturally opposed to the oppression of the elderly made it clear to the pirates they will no longer tolerate such barbaric and inhuman treatment of these harmless elderly couples.

The Somali pirates have enjoyed the backing of the Somali community before the Chandlers because many felt that Western ships were either dumping toxic waste or over fishing in their waters. So many have seen the pirates as national heroes however in recent months, many criminals have hijacked the cause and exploited the situation to their own advantage to make profits rather than protesting about the illegal fishing.

Photograph: Paul Chandler being examined by Somali doctor Abdi Mohamed Helmi Hangul. (Mohamed Dahir/AFP/Getty Images), 31st January 2010

Somalilandpress, 14th February 2010

SOMALILAND: Darod clan spokesman backs Somalia's Islamist insurgents and condemns Israel, EU, Ethiopia and United States

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MOGADISHU (Somalilandpress) — The spokesman for Darod clan in Southern Somalia, Sheikh Ahmed Abdullahi has unanimously condemned the State of Israel, United States and the European Union in a press conference he held in his residency in Mogadishu.

Sheikh Ahmed, who was responding to a recent story Somalilandpress has published regarding Israel and Somaliland [Israel says ready to recognize Somaliland] said, “the infidels want to prey on the people of Somalia and further divided them, they want to establish base in Berbera and turn the north (Somaliland) into a new Palestine.”

He added this was no surprise to him and that the “infidels” were always fueling the conflict and unrest in Somalia.

Sheikh ahmed said the West wanted to divided Somalia between Israel, Ethiopia, EU and the United States.

Sheikh Ahmed is a member of the Darod sub-clan of Dhulbahante, who are currently engaged in insurgency activies in the town of Las Anod with the support of Somalia’s Al Shabab and other Islamists groups against Somaliland forces.

In recent weeks, a number of road side bombs have killed both civilians and military personnel in the disputed town.

A recent report by Somaliland police has revealed the presence of Al Shabab elements in the Sool region of Somaliland who have found safe heaven among some of the Dhulbahante clan.
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Sheikh Ahmed has urged Al Shabab, Hisbul Islam and other Islamists to attack Somaliland and Western interests. Sheikh Ahmed has spoke highly of the Islamists rebels and condemned Israel. “Israel must not try to come to Somaliland, its our land, we tell the Jews to keep away, they will be slaughtered and our regions, Sool, Sanag and Ayn are part of greater Somalia” he said. Sool and Sanag which the Dhulbahante clan inhabits parts of it are disputed regions by Somaliland administration and the semi-autonomous region of Puntland of Somalia, which is dominated by the Majertein clan, who also belong to the Darod clan family.

He said no Jews will come to our land and our “Mujahedin” were ready to fight with them. He urged Islamists groups to be ready to fight against the Israelis and the West.

Darod is one of the largest clans in Somalia and sees a recognized Somaliland, mainly inhabited by rival Issaq clan as an imminent threat and future Darod division.

The Darod which also includes the Ogadens, occupied by Ethiopia, are traditionally opposed to the West due to Britain dividing them up into what is today Somaliland, Kenya and Ethiopia.

The Sheikh, was angered by a recent story, where by a local source quoted an Israeli newspaper indicating that Israel might recognize the State of Somaliland.

Sheikh Ahmed fears if Israel recognizes Somaliland that would be the final blow to a greater Darod clan.

Al Shabab, a hardline insurgents group in Somalia early this year announced their affiliation with Al Qaeda. The spokesman call for Al Shabab and Hisbul Islam to unit under one front against Somaliland and Western interest could be an indication of already suspicion that elements of the Dhulbahante clan might be sympathetic to the hardliners. Al Shabab militants have already inspired the leaders of Dhulbahante clan to carry out attacks against Somaliland forces in the Sool region.

Meanwhile, Al Shabab fighters pour into Somalia’s capital as they seek control of Mogadishu and plan to push up north into Puntland region and Somaliland. Al Shabab vowed to drive the weak government of Somalia and bring all Somali speaking regions including the Ogaden under their control with the assistance of Ethiopia’s ONLF rebels and the backing of Iranian arms arriving via Eritrea.

Many Dhulbahante tribal leaders have  in recent weeks called on Darods in the Diaspora to support the “cause” and many have responded by holding conferences in American, European and Kenyan cities, raising funds to support terrorism acts against Somaliland police and military.

Sheikh Ahmed’s remarks are no surprise to many, a UN report from 2006 said Somalia’s Islamist hardliners have sent more than 700 combatants to Lebanon for Hezbollah as Israel battled the mainly Shia group. The report which added Iran wanted to acquire Somalia’s uranium deposits also trained Somali rebels along with Egypt, Libya and Syria.

Listen to Sheikh Ahmed (Somali): [audio: sheikh_ahmed.mp3]

Audio: XOL radio
Somalilandpress, 14 February 2010

Somalilandpress: upgraded and monitored

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We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our visitors, its been amazing in the short time that we have been online and serving the forgotten people of Somaliland, as their voice and freedom of speech.
As you might have noticed, we have been offline for an hour or so today, that’s due to high demand and visitors from the usual levels. We noticed while most of this visitors were genuine, we have also had unwanted spam and people who want to abuse our site.

We believe this is due to our recent story about Israel want to recognize the Republic of Somaliland, please see: http://somalilandpress.com/11628/israel-says-ready-to-recognize-somaliland/ It shows you that, how sensitive the issue is and how important Somaliland is to the region and thus we believe the threats were coming from elements opposed to Somaliland’s right to stand as statehood and also denying Israel’s right to exercise it’s foreign policy in any where in the world.

We will not allow them to silence us, because no matter how much their disagree, they will never stop Somaliland reaching it’s goal, whether it deals with the State of Israel or any other free nation.

Our hosts, based in the United States are fully behind us and they continue to advice us and monitor the situation. Our site has been upgraded to the latest servers and will load even faster than before. Cheers to our support team!

We will continue to be the voice of the forgotten people and those enemies of freedom of speech can continue to admire us along the way.

we apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Thanks for the visit!

Qalinle

Somalilandpress

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