Beledweyne, 18 June 2009 – Somalia’s Security Minister Omar Hashi Aden has been killed in a suicide car bomb attack north of the capital Mogadishu, witnesses and officials say.
Somali diplomats were also reportedly among at least 10 people killed in the blast at a hotel in Beledweyne.
Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed blamed al-Shabab, which later claimed the attack. The guerrilla group has been accused of links to al-Qaeda.
On Wednesday, at least 10 people died when a mortar hit a Mogadishu mosque.
In Thursday’s attack, witnesses said a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle at the Medina Hotel in Beledweyne, some 400km (249 miles) north of Mogadishu.
Most of the victims were burnt beyond recognition after the explosion, a local medic was quoted as saying by the Associated Press news agency.
Abdulkarim Ibrahim Lakanyo, a former Somali ambassador to Ethiopia, was reportedly among those killed in the blast.
Mr Aden had recently moved to Beledweyne, a town close to the Ethiopian border, in an effort to stop Islamist insurgents gaining more ground in Somalia, the BBC’s Will Ross in Nairobi says.
Somalia has not had an effective national government since 1991 and some four million people – one-third of the population – need food aid, aid agencies say.
Al-Shabab belongs to a force of radical Islamic militants, which has been trying to topple the fragile UN-backed government for three years.
President Ahmed, a moderate Islamist, took office in Somalia in January but even his introduction of Sharia law to the strongly Muslim country has not appeased the guerrillas.
On Wednesday, Mogadishu’s police commander was killed during an attack on insurgent bases.
And the UN refugee agency’s representative to Somalia said the recent bloodletting in the failed Horn of African state was the “worst ever” in nearly two decades of chaos.
Hargeisa, 18 June 2009 Unlike every other breakaway state in the world Somaliland is more functional than the territory it wants to decouple from. The fact that Somalia is the country it wants shot of makes its case even more compelling because today it is impossible to find a better example of a failed state.
Somaliland’s argument for recognition rests on two pillars: peace and democracy, but both are more fragile than they seem.
Sporadic fighting with its federalist eastern neighbor Puntland, which wants to stay part of Somalia but have a greater degree of freedom, kills soldiers and uproots civilians from time to time.
And in October last year the peace was violently shattered when coordinated suicide bombings here in Hargeisa ripped through the President’s office, Ethiopia’s trade mission and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) headquarters. Human rights group have criticized the ensuing security clampdown.
But the most pressing worry is for Somaliland’s nascent democracy. Delayed Presidential elections are now due in September, more than a year late, but the pre-election process has been shambolic.
The seven-strong National Election Commission is widely viewed as incompetent, largely for its disastrous handling of the country’s first-ever voter registration exercise. “The voter register was supposed to prevent fraud,” said one exasperated civil society activist, “but the registration itself was fraudulent!”
Double and triple registration resulted in a register so bloated as to be un-useable: in the last Parliamentary election 675,000 people voted, four years on and the NEC has registered a frankly unbelievable 1.3-million throwing the prospect of free and fair elections into doubt.
There are, however, a couple of positive signs. The first is Somalilanders commitment to peace which has become a national characteristic that even a faulty election may not disrupt.
The second is the willingness of politicians to accept results in good grace: last time around the main opposition consented to a defeat by only 80 votes; recently the incumbent President, Dahir Rayale Kahin, told me: “I will run and whether I succeed or not I will accept the result.”
But if there are either dubious elections or further delays Somaliland’s hopes of – and argument for – international recognition will have suffered a major setback as will its reputation as an oasis of stability in a badly run region.
A woman holds the flags of the African Union and Ethiopia during celebrations to mark the Ethiopian New Year Sabir Olad/Wikimedia Commons
Washington, 18 June 2009 ) – Ethiopia is a source country for men, women, and children trafficked primarily for the purposes of forced labor and, to a lesser extent, for commercial sexual exploitation. Rural Ethiopian children are trafficked for domestic servitude and, less frequently, for commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor in agriculture, traditional weaving, gold mining, street vending, and begging.
Young women from all parts of Ethiopia are trafficked for domestic servitude, primarily to Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, but also to Bahrain, Djibouti, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. Djibouti, Egypt, and Somaliland are reportedly the main transit routes for trafficked Ethiopians.
Some women are trafficked into the sex trade after arriving at their destinations. Small numbers of men are trafficked to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States for low-skilled forced labor. While the number of registered labor migration employment agencies rose from 36 to 90 between 2005 and 2008, the government significantly tightened its implementation of regulations governing these agencies over the same period. This resulted in an increase in trafficked Ethiopians transiting neighboring countries rather than traveling directly to Middle Eastern destinations.
The Government of Ethiopia does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so. While the Ethiopian government’s ongoing efforts to provide pre-departure orientation to Ethiopian migrant workers and partner with a local NGO to detect cases of child trafficking within the country are notable, its limited capacity to prosecute trafficking crimes is a continued cause for concern. Police investigators remain unable to properly distinguish trafficking cases from those of other crimes or to conduct thorough investigations, and the judicial system routinely is unable to track the status of trafficking cases moving through the courts.
Recommendations for Ethiopia: Improve the investigative capacity of police and enhance judicial understanding of trafficking to allow for more prosecutions of trafficking offenders, particularly perpetrators of internal child trafficking; institute trafficking awareness training for diplomats posted overseas; engage Middle Eastern governments on improving protections for Ethiopian workers and developing a mechanism to refer trafficking victims for assistance; partner with local NGOs to increase the level of services available to trafficking victims returning from overseas; and launch a campaign to increase awareness of internal trafficking at the local and regional levels.
Prosecution
While the government sustained its efforts to prosecute and punish international trafficking offenders and initiated investigations of internal child trafficking during the reporting period, prosecution of internal trafficking cases remained nonexistent. In addition, law enforcement entities continued to exhibit an inability to distinguish human trafficking from smuggling, rape, abduction, and unfair labor practices. Articles 596 through 600 and 635 of Ethiopia’s Penal Code prohibit all forms of trafficking for labor and sexual exploitation.
The Federal High Court’s 11th Criminal Bench was established in late 2007 to hear cases of transnational trafficking, as well as any trafficking cases discovered in the jurisdiction of Addis Ababa. In June 2008, the court sentenced a man under Proclamation 104/1998 to 15 years’ imprisonment and fined him $1,357 for illegally sending an Ethiopian woman to Lebanon where she was forced to work as a domestic servant and later thrown from a building by her employer. A second defendant received five years’ imprisonment and a $452 fine for facilitating the same woman’s trafficking for domestic servitude. In 2008, police at Addis Ababa’s central bus terminal received 899 reports of internal child trafficking, an increase over the previous year.
However, unlike prior reporting periods, the unit did not provide statistics on the number of cases referred to the prosecutor’s office in 2008 or the status of cases referred to the prosecutor’s office in the preceding year. Some local police and border control agents are believed to have accepted bribes to overlook trafficking.
Protection
Although the government lacks the resources to provide direct assistance to trafficking victims or to fund NGOs that provide victim care, police employ victim identification and referral procedures in the capital, regularly referring identified internal trafficking victims to NGOs for care. During the year, the Child Protection Units (CPUs) – joint police-NGO identification and referral units operating in each Addis Ababa police station – rescued and referred children to the CPU in the central bus terminal, which is dedicated exclusively to identifying and obtaining care for trafficked children.
In 2008, this unit identified 899 trafficked children, 75 percent of whom were girls. It referred 93 trafficked children to NGO shelters for care and family tracing and reunified 720 children with parents or relatives in Addis Ababa and in outlying regions. Local police and officials in the regional administrations assisted in the return of the children to their home areas.
The Addis Ababa city government’s Social and Civil Affairs Department reunified an additional 46 children with their families in the capital and placed 40 children in foster care in 2008. During the year, police in Dessie Town, Amhara region replicated the CPU’s social programs without international assistance. In July 2008, the government assisted IOM with the repatriation of Ethiopian trafficking victims from Dar es Salaam to their home regions. Ethiopian missions in Jeddah, Riyadh, and Beirut have offices that provide general services to the local Ethiopian community, including limited referrals for labor-related assistance.
The Ethiopian government showed no sign of engaging the governments of these destination countries in an effort to improve protections for Ethiopian workers and obtain protective services for those who are trafficked. The government made no effort to interview returned victims about their experiences in the Middle East.
Returned women rely heavily on the few NGOs that work with adult victims and psychological services provided by the government’s Emmanuel Mental Health Hospital. In 2008, there were no reports of trafficking victims being detained, jailed, or prosecuted for violations of laws, such as those governing immigration.
While police encourage trafficking victims’ participation in investigations and prosecutions, resource constraints prevent police from providing economic incentives to victims. In January 2009, the government passed the Charities and Societies Proclamation, which, among other things, prohibits foreign-funded NGOs from informing victims of their rights under Ethiopian law or advocating on behalf of victims; this proclamation may have a negative impact on Ethiopia’s protection of trafficking victims.
Prevention
Ethiopia’s efforts to prevent international trafficking increased, while measures to heighten awareness of internal trafficking remained limited. In May 2008, after a series of deaths of Ethiopian maids in Lebanon, the government officially banned its citizens from traveling to the country; the ban remains in effect. During the reporting period, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MOLSA), employing two full-time counselors, provided 18,259 migrating workers with three-hour pre-departure orientation sessions on the risks of labor migration and the conditions in receiving countries.
While these pre-departure preventative measures are commendable, they need to be matched by meaningful victim protection measures provided by the Ethiopian government in the countries to which the workers were destined. In addition, Private Employment Agency Proclamation 104/1998 governs the work of international employment agencies and protects Ethiopian migrant workers from fraudulent recruitment or excessive debt situations that could contribute to forced labor. These statutes prescribe punishments of five to 20 years’ imprisonment, which are sufficiently stringent and exceed those prescribed for other grave crimes, such as rape.
In 2009, an amendment to Proclamation 104/98 outlawing extraneous commission fees and requiring employment agencies to open branch offices in countries to which they send migrant workers was submitted to parliament for review. In January 2008, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs established a Women’s and Children’s Trafficking Controlling Department to collect data from Ethiopian diplomatic missions, NGOs, and police sub-stations on the status of migrant workers. Though this office has not yet issued its first report, in December it hosted an interministerial discussion on child trafficking and labor abuse for mid-level government officials from the Ministries of Labor, Justice, and Women and Children’s Affairs.
During the year, state-controlled Ethiopian Radio aired IOM’s public service announcements in four languages, as well as a program for listeners in Addis Ababa on the risk of trafficking through visa fraud. The Ministry of Education, in partnership with an NGO, revised primary school textbooks to include instruction on child labor and trafficking in the curriculum. Four teachers’ training colleges in Southern Nations Nationalities Peoples’ Regional State incorporated these topics in their teaching materials in 2008.
The government did not undertake efforts to reduce demand for commercial sex acts during the reporting period. Before deploying Ethiopian soldiers on international peacekeeping missions, the government trained them on human rights issues, including human trafficking. Ethiopia has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol.
Hargeisa, 17 June 2009 – A high-level of delegation from Somaliland’s second opposition Party Ucid has flown out of Egal International Airport to number of countries including the United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.
The delegation was led off by UCID Chairman and presidential candidate, Mr Faisal Ali Warabe and his vice-chairman, professor Mohamed Rashid Sheikh Hassan and Somaliland’s House of Representative’s chairman, Mr Abdulrahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro).
The party officials had no immediate comment about their trip.
Finance Minister & Minister of Interior
Currently all the leaders are abroad, President Rayale led a delegation to Kuwait after an official invitation from the Kuwaiti leader – Kulmiye opposition party leader, Mr Ahmed Mohamud Silanyo is also touring a number of Scandinavian countries. Meanwhile the Finance Minister, Mr Hussein Ali Duale led his own delegation to Kenya to hold talks with EU and donor nations, while the Minister of Interior, Mr Abdullahi Ismael Ali flew to Addis Ababa with his own team, he will take part in a conference designed to address piracy challenges in the region.
Stay with Somalilandpress as stories develop…we will keep you posted.
Re: June 27, 2009 event at the P.S., 76 Elementary Auditorium
220 W. 121st Street
New York, New York 10027
Registrations start at 1pm
Event 2pm to 7pm
New York City, 17 June 2009 ( – You are called this day to gather in a historical and note praiseworthy meeting to reacquaint Habesha Afrikan families who for so long have missed each other during the recent years of disunity. With the efforts of Afrikan Unity of Harlem, Inc all will have the opportunity to see each other in a neutral and social environment firstly to build the fraternal spirit, then to discuss collective oneness, which will lead to Heart felt HABESHA UNITY!!!
The whole of Afrika detailing unity for the Horn will also be of focus for discussion to highlight ancient history and culture as one people, with noted guest speakers sharing their academic and cultural experiences. For centuries Habesha has fought outside forces that served to divide their families and tradition, and now are seen fighting one another. It is imperative to work toward reconciliation from past abuse that only serves systems whose structure dose not value the people as the higher good.
The over all purpose of the gathering is to reacquaint and bring back family bonds that stood in oneness to build such ancient civilizations that give birth to the whole world in art, religion, language, and human morality. We are confident that the gathering will crash the fake stories about Habesha people being divided based on ethical lines and bring forward a nation of God’s free people focused education, health, economics, history and culture for the benefit of Afrika’s children.
Afrikan Unity of Harlem, Inc (A.U.H.., Inc.) is requesting your participation on this day of June 27, 2009.. As a learned team, we believe that the community would greatly benefit from meeting you and learn your expertise concerning Africa and the unity of Habesha people.
This event will be in two parts. The afternoon session is set-aside for representatives from the Habesha community sharing the commonalities of the people based on history, culture, religion, and developmental efforts centered on unification. The late afternoon/evening period is set aside for celebrations with traditional music and socialization the Addis Café suitably located at 435 West 125th on Amsterdam Avenue, Harlem New York 10027..
You will also have the opportunity to inform the community on your expertise and express how it can strengthen African and Habesha people worldwide.
Please respond so we can announce your presence. Also you are invited to be a guest speaker on our internet web cast radio program which airs live globally, Tuesdays at 2pm EST. If you can or not make it, please send a reply or ask for directions.
“SAVING OUR HOME LAND AND REACQUAINTING OUR FAMILIES!!!”
Afrikan Unity of Harlem, Inc., a not for profit organizational catalyst to spearhead the empowerment and unity of All Afrikan people worldwide is calling all Habesha People (East Afrikan Peoples) in the Diaspora to the, “Saving our Homeland and Reacquainting our Families”, event held June 27 2009 (2001 Ethiopic) from 2 to 7 pm, at P.S, 76 Elementary School Auditorium 220 W. 121st Street New York, New York 10027
For thousands of years Habesha has proven a collective greatness by defeating all areas of colonization and foreign invasion, by God’s own design for Afrikan People to be free. In this new millennia time all must see that posterity needs family bonds to continue in the old faith of one united people moving collectively by the spirit, defeating all powers that be, who try to come in to change an ancient tradition which is the integrity of all.
“Is there hope for Afrika? Yes there is. Our future begins with our present. Africa’s present condition has its origins in Africa’s history. An honest collective acknowledgement of our history helps to encourage Afrikan unity. From history we are able to pinpoint mistakes and injustices that may have resulted in our present conditions,” says Ato Kassayi Hailu, President of Afrikan Unity of Harlem, Inc.
It has been a long time coming, for Habesha people to set down with one another to allow their children to meet and see each other. When we look to history we see that it has been the East Afrikan people who gave to the whole world culture, civilization and moral values that have been established throughout the earth. Our continent, Mother Afrika, is the museum of the world that has given birth to a free people.
Ato Kassayi agrees that, “All Habesha people must work for the integrity of East Afrikan countries. Forget about our personal political interest. Come out of your Ethnic trenches and collaborate with all Habesha for the benefit of all, based on our collective history as one Afrikan People.”
AVENUE: Re: June 27, 2009 event at the P.S., 76 Elementary Auditorium
220 W. 121st Street
New York, New York 10027
Registrations start at 1pm
Event 2pm to 7pm
Sincerely,
Sister Ivory Ann Black II Woletta Sellassie Executive Secretary Afrikan Unity of Harlem, Inc
Office Phone: 212 531-0384 / Fax: 212-531-0382
Mobile: 414-429-2160
Website: afrikanunityofharlem.com
Blogesite: http://360.yahoo.com/african.unity
Radio/TV Program: Tuesdays starting at 2pm Est. watch live at afrikanunityofharlem.com
Hargeisa, 16 May 2009) – Greg Garland, media and outreach coordinator for the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, answered questions in a June 16 CO.NX webchat on Somalia.
Following is the transcript:
(begin transcript)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of International Information Programs
Webchat Transcript
CO.NX Webchat: Is there hope for Somalia?
Guest: Greg Garland
Date: June 16, 2009
Time: 8 a.m. EDT (12:00 GMT)
Gregory L Garland: Hello everybody! Thanks you for taking the time to participate today. I won’t be able to answer all the many questions you have, so please be understanding. I’ll try to answer those that have a broad interest and applicability. Let’s start!
Q [Mbekwe]: What are the main factors driving problems in Somalia?
A [Gregory L. Garland]: The two biggest factors? A shattered economy that magnifies the temptation for young men to enter into piracy, and the lack of a rule of law that could enforce national and international law. There are a variety of other factors unique to Somalia, such as illegal fishing, but lack of effective governance in much of the country and few jobs opportunities are the keys.
Q [Rooble]: Why the US government is not taking a brave step to recognize Somaliland as the first step to settle things in Somalia?
A [Gregory L Garland]: The U.S. believes that the Transitional federal Government provides the best solution for a unified Somalia. Inasmuch as Somaliland provides a degree of good governance, it offers an example to what is possible to all Somalis.
Q [jigoli]: Do u think imposing shariff to the presidency will solve the Somalian problem?
A [Gregory L. Garland]: No one person can solve the country’s problems. What is needed is effective and inclusive governance that extends nation-wide.
Q [Joseph]: What role will USA play in fixing Somalia?
A [Gregory L. Garland]: Somalis themselves will fix Somalia. The United States, along with the rest of the international community, will play a vital role in maintaining levels of humanitarian assistance, such as food and medicines. We are also participating in the international, multilateral Contact Group on Somalia to devise long-term ways and programs that can bolster the efforts of Somalis to establish rule of law and revitalize their economy.
Comment [Shakur]: Of course, both Somali Land and Puntalnd regional administrations can be seen as good role models.
Q [Rooble]: Why the American government is not doing anything effective about the piracy in the Somalia’s waters with those huge warships?
A [Gregory L Garland]: In fact, there is considerable evidence that the multinational naval presence off the coast of Somalia has become an effective deterrent against piracy. But it is only a short-term answer, a band-aid let’s say. The long-term solution is on-shore — the establishment of effective governance throughout Somalia and the revival of an economy that will offer employment alternatives.
Q [Joseph]: How would you repair Somalia as a country?
A [Gregory L. Garland]: Somalia has gone almost two decades without an effective central government. Thus, it’s necessary to establish effective national authority that extends into the interior and all along the coast. That, in fact, is the goal of the Transitional Federal Government that is situated in Mogadishu but controls little beyond the capital. Once that authority is established, there should be a return to the rule of law based on Somali traditions. The economy will rebound once rule of law has been established. The international community — East Africa, the Arab world, East Asia, Europe, and the United States — has a vital role to play to nurture the economy while in the meantime maintaining levels of humanitarian assistance.
Amelia Vance IIP Washington: Thank you everyone for your questions! Mr. Garland is currently reviewing them and will respond shortly. If you are new to the web chat, please let us know where you are from. Thank you!
Q [Mukesh Williams]: Marine piracy has a long history though ‘illegal waste dumping’ is new. Since 1992 environmental rules in the Anglo-American world became quite strict and it became increasingly difficult for companies to dispose toxic and nuclear waste illegally in the civilized world. In such a climate, politically or economically weak countries were easily exploited. Poor and politically weak Somalia became an ideal victim. The solutions proffered today do not take account of this factor and are therefore not acceptable by the Somalis themselves. What should the world do?
A [Gregory L Garland]: You’re statement in general is correct. First, about the history of marine piracy. It is one of the oldest professions. But it is controllable, as recent history has taught in the Straits of Malacca. Piracy thrives where there is weak governance and poor economic choices — the formula in Somalia today. As for dumping of illegal waste, there is considerable evidence that a problem has existed in Somalia, with damage to its waters. This does not excuse or even explain the motives behind the wave of piracy, it is a factor that certainly ought to be assessed and dealt with as part of the long-term solution. At the end of the day, it is Somalis themselves who have to come to terms with the root causes of piracy with effective, inclusive governance throughout their country.
Q [Shakur]: I must admit that I find it difficult to understand the word “international community”! Eretria, Ethiopia, North Korea, Iran, etc – are members of the international community, the definition of international community may be as wide as you cannot imagine. That is the reason why I think America has to take the lead?
Shakur: I think the federal government deserves the maximum support, without compromising peace and stability in other regions. Yet, we learned from past interventions that there are seemingly disagreements from within the international community. I would think, Somalians are ready to grip the opportunity, provided America takes the lead of international help.
Amelia Vance IIP Washington: America.gov just released its new feature on piracy, so after the chat anyone interested can check out http://tinyurl.com/n96534 . There will also be a chat specifically on piracy in the 21st century on June 30, 09:00 am EDT (13:00GMT) at http://statedept.connectsolutions.com/conx . For more info on the chat, check out http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=89483129015.
Q [Mukesh Williams]: Many African leaders within and outside Somalia believe that instead of attacking the pirates and extremists it is wise to negotiate with them. Western leaders however feel otherwise. They feel that there can be no negotiation with pirates or extremists. The only way out is military action like the one successfully mounted in the wake of the hijacked US cargo ship Maersk Alabama. Both these approaches seem to be fraught with problems. What is your solution to break this impasse?
A [Gregory L Garland]: I have to disagree with the conclusion that an impasse exists. The multinational offshore naval presence is a short-term bandage supported by United Nations Security Council resolutions and contribution worldwide. Nobody pretend it is the solution. What is has succeeded in doing is keeping major shipping lanes more or less clear. Meanwhile, Africans, Middle easterners, Europeans, Americans, and Asian have gathered numerous times in the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia to discuss all aspects of the problem. Somalia’s TFG is an active participant, as is the African Union, Kenya, Yemen and Egypt. I know because I have attended meetings as a U.S. head of working group in Cairo and New York and have worked closely with the Africans (including Egypt) in particular. Force has rarely been used, and no country argues that it is an answer — though it makes for sensationalist television footage. The solution, all agree, is for effective governance to be reestablished throughout Somalia with a revived economy.
Q [Shakur]: Greg. It is not up to the Somalians any longer. You see, we are on life support machine; our country has been destroyed by million and one conflicting interests. Today so many countries call themselves as “the stake holders” Stake holders of what I wonder?
Comment [dia alesawi]: guys we forget the that there’s a countries like Ethiopia and Eretria supporting some of militia against the other they bring to them the money and the weapons and if they stop it gona fix some of Somalia problem
Q [Guest]: Hiiraan Online: Why the international community is out financed by the extremist’s elements in Somalia? Due to the financial situation in Somalia, young improvised Somalis are flocking to extremist camps; however these same young men could be recruited to the Somali Security Forces if the international community comes forward with promised financial support to TFG
A [Gregory L Garland]: You’ve hit upon one of the short-term answers — there has to be economic incentive to wean young men away from the temptation of piracy to other means of earning a living. The U.S. believes that the TFG is the best path for establishing effective governance in Somalia. Our support has and is taking many forms, including humanitarian assistance and starting work on building a coast guard. Can we do more? Yes, and that’s what we’re mapping out in the international Contact Group on Somalia (separate from the one on piracy).
Comment [Shakur]: Dia, they will not stop. They need to be told enough is enough. Take the case of Afghanistan, the neighboring countries were told to stay away mainly because of the direct interest they may have. In Iraq, again same applies. It is only when it comes to Somalia that we consult Ethiopia, Eretria, Kenya – that seems double standard to me.
Q [Rashid Ebrahim]: Hello Everyone…I’m From Bahrain where as many of you know the anti piracy task force is stationed (The US 5th Fleet). My question is Will we ever really put an end to this pirate menace?
CO.NX Moderator (Mark): For those of you just joining the webchat, welcome! Feel free to introduce yourself.
Q [Abdiaziz Hassan]: The fact is that a Failed Somalia is a threat to the global security and Something needs to be fixed. The nation and its people are ready to take the lead, but are you, U.S, the world’s number one power ready to assist Somalia militarily to overpower its rivals who do not have agenda? As much as I know, the peace for Somalis is peace for the world. Now, young, uneducated men who have no bigger agenda have disrupted world trade and caused the mess we can see in the maritime. Therefore, did you ask yourself [as Obama administration] what the consequences of Alshabaab takeover, which is getting direct order from Al-Qaeda can be?
A [Gregory L Garland]: The world understands that a failed Somalia is a global threat, not just one to its own people or its immediate neighbors. The U.S is working closely with the international community — including nations in East Africa and the Middle East as well as the African Union — to find answers to the issues you raise. As I have said, the U.S. believes that the TFG is best vehicle for rebuilding Somalia, and the international community is proceeding to support it. At the same time, the U.S. continues efforts to combat violent extremism and eliminate the terrorist threat in Somalia.
Q [Wise]: Do you think that the US did enough for Somalia? like do you think that sending navy troops at the sea and not helping the new government?
A [Gregory L Garland]: On-shore and off-shore contributions are two sides of the same coin of U.S. policy toward Somalia. The U.S. and a number of other countries could immediately respond to the piracy threat to international shipping with naval units. Hat naval; presence has helped maintain the Gulf of Aden as a viable waterway in the face of extraordinary piracy menaces. But it is only a quick fix; the long-term solution is tackling the root causes of piracy on shore The U.S. is also deeply engaged on shore in Somalia to assist the Somali people. It is the major provider of food and other humanitarian supplies that keep so many Somalis alive. It has supported the Africa Union Mission in Somalia — key to the security of the TFG — with logistics. And it has led international coordination through the two contact groups and the United Nations.
Q [sahardid from DC but in Kenya]: who must/should be involve in formulating the change plan for Somalia?
A [Gregory L Garland]: Somalis themselves, not outsiders. The core U.S. objective has been to encourage dialogue among Somali stakeholders with the goal of resuming the transitional process outlined by the Transitional Federal Charter. This means bringing in parts of society who can agree to the shared goal of effective governance, rule of law, and revival of the economy. Much of the world is willing to support that process, but the leadership and implementation must be Somali.
Q [Mohamed Ahmed Ali]: Current Somalia will be like Afghanistan and it may take decades to overpower the militants, the recent international policy is giving Somaliland as a present to the militants Muslim radicals, what is the US policy to safe Somaliland?
A [Gregory L Garland]: You are likely correct that Somalis must plan for decades, not years, much less weeks. We are acutely aware that two decades have already been lost. The U.S. believes that Somaliland is part of the solution for a unified, well-governed Somalia. I have heard the TFG Somali foreign minister himself make this assertion, and recognition on the record the accomplishment of the region’s governance.
Amelia Vance IIP Washington: Hi everyone! Don’t forget to check out the other programs CO.NX has available after the chat today. Find out more at http://co-nx.state.gov . If you are new to the chat, please say where you are from. Thank you!
Gregory L. Garland: Posted by Nwadi Udoka Eze (Nigeria) – bye this was great event. I am so happy to be an honored guest here. The food is great, the wine, off the hook. or maybe tea, depending on where you are or brunch, whatever. I am just trying to say: It’s funny attending an event online, but it feels good. I feel important. lol!
Gregory L. Garland: Posted by Muntaka Ghana – Somalia could be a beacon of the horns of Africa if a stable democratic platform is mounted with a structured society. It’s sad the ferocious tendencies of religion has infested deeply patrolling and controlling the minds of my brothers up there. I hope one day Africans will realize religion is primitive and whiles they might has been instruments of liberation sometimes in the past are now predominantly the contrivance and agents of the enormous ignorance in our societies, despotism and persecution of our thoughts and freedom.
CO.NX Moderator (Tim): Posted by Baba Iddi – Dialog with stakeholders in the region is a sure way to resolving the Somali crisis. Military approach to the issue would lead to undesirable results just like we have seen in many parts of the world. The west must be committed to finding permanent workable solutions to the crisis. The Obama approach to dealing with states such as Somalia, Iran, Cuba may yield great results for the US and the world at large, if sustained with sincerity.
Q [Mukesh Williams]: In a book entitled Villains of All Nations: Atlantic Pirates in the Golden Age, historian Marcus Rediker points out that when poor seamen become pirates it draws attention to their social class, when enslaved Africans turn pirates it poses questions of race and when women take to piracy it reveals gender issues. All those who became pirates and sailed under their Jolly Rogers were participating in a political drama exposing the ills of their nations. They represented a specific geography and a dramatic condition, which was hard to ignore both literally and metaphorically. Most pirates went to sea to prevent starvation and death exposing the irresponsibility of the state. Do you think modern piracy in Somalia exposes the ills of the state and the complicity of Europe and the US in destabilizing it?
A [Gregory L Garland]: Yours is an academic and historical analysis that bear attention inasmuch as those of us in the present can learn from the past. It is granted that piracy is an ill (and an international crime) that has roots causes in social, political, and economic chaos. So does murder, and so does drug trafficking. But as a crime that threatens a major international trade corridor, it must be treated criminally. That’s something the world’s nations have agreed on. An analogous case took place in the Straits of Malacca some years ago, and international cooperation combined with effective local governance to stamp out most of the piracy. That’s effective governance and long-term economic opportunity in Somalia is crucial as long-term solutions. That’s not a matter of race or gender — interesting as those approaches might be. Just as piracy law came about in response to threats to international commerce centuries ago, Somalia reminds us why this is so and the common interest of all the world in containing it through effective governance on shore.
CO.NX Moderator (Tim): Posted by Rashid Ibrahim (Kenya) – I believe, the only thing that has the slightest chance of bringing stability in Somalia is more bloodshed; but it should be organized and precise. An individual of immense resources and an army of around 4000 well trained vigilantes will surely get things straightened. What we have had in Somalia is a confused and disenfranchised population that believes its interests are best served by individuals of their own ethnic background and this myth can only be quashed by getting rid of the trouble makers and ensuring that the power vacuum is filled and in the short run putting in place institutions that will safeguard the sovereignty of a nation and creating a constitution that protects the rights of all.
CO.NX Moderator (Tim): Posted by Suleiman Abdullahi – As long as individual rights are respected, the will of the people upheld and accountability, transparency and human rights are upheld, we don’t need to coin the word democracy to any kind of government. What is essential is satisfaction of the citizens with their country and how its affairs are being run. Again, it’s the bearer of the shoe who knows where it pinches most? Have we taken the time to listen and to reflect upon the wishes of the Somali people, we haven’t. Most of the people today only know about the existing problems in the country through media outlets and intelligence services who base their findings on “reliable” sources, too bad.
CO.NX Moderator (Tim): Posted by Ali Macalin – Hello..Always Hope and life goes on.. Positive thinking..When we take the first step in helping someone else – we are helped – often in ways that we do not know. We become part of a community that matters to us. We matter… Consider the people as potential resources, not as problems AND develop human potential through a proper education that acknowledges and promotes human nobility HOW- Learning to know,- Learning to Do,- Learning to Live Together and,- Learning to Be Peace, Ali
CO.NX Moderator (Tim): Posted by Suleiman Abdullahi – Somalia’s rich mineral resources that lie untapped is the reason we are focusing so much on this nation in the Horn of Africa. Why are we not giving similar attention to Kosovo which remains besieged by Serbia? And Armenia which has been constantly bullied by Turkey? why don’t we lend support to Myanmar which lives at the mercy of a military junta and where religious tolerance is non-existent? For crying out loud, let us be impartial and most importantly honest! A lot of the people who will lend their comments to this discussion have skewed and irrational view of Somalia. What we think of are the war mongering lords and hard line politicians but what we should be focusing on are the people of Somalia who live in fear everyday and are constantly on the move in search of safer grounds.
Comment [Abdi]: addressing seriously the situation and supporting the TFG is the only way to sort out the problems in Somalia
Comment [ahmed indepedebt researcher]: There is hope and the hope is that Somalis will force the world to balance the need of the Somali people for stability and prosperity against merciless international politics in the form of international NGOs
Comment [katus]: The situation that is….
Q [katus]: Osman am keen to know is nearly as bad as the media makes it…or is it worse?
Q [ahmed indepedebt researcher]: There are more than 800 international NGOs working in Somalia all the UN agencies are supposedly working in Somalia with a combined expenditure of $2billion since 2002 according to UNPOS so why not there is no peace still?
Osman Moallim: There is hope when you compared in the past. For example some time people now talking and thinking how the administration where before they were busy to support clan ambition. We have seen election of president as well as president resignation and elected another one. 10 years ago it was dream to believe such of this change
Q [rafiandra]: what should UN do about Somalia?
A [Gregory L Garland]: The UN is already deeply engaged in Somalia. There are two international contact groups, on for on shore and one on piracy off shore (I’m participating in the latter). The UN Office on Somalia (check on the formal name) in Nairobi coordinates aid effort. The U.S. has placed the UN at the center of its Somalia policy. But please remember that the UN is made of member-states, and is only as effective as its membership. By the way, the African Union has the only peacekeeping troops actually in Somalia — a bold testimony to that organization’s evolution. You mention Indonesia. While Indonesia has an interest in Somalia as a growing economy reliant on international shipping, as an Indian Ocean littoral state, and a fellow Muslim nation, we should remember that Indonesia has its own piracy issues. Together with Singapore and Malaysia, it has effectively controlled piracy in the Straits of Malacca. As such, I would suggest (personally speaking, not as a USG spokesman) that Indonesia offers the priceless expertise of having been there and done that well — that is, fought and reduced piracy in one important waterway.
Q [Iqraa Alamiin]: I am Iqraa, from Indonesia I think that I am so optimistic that there is hope for SOMALIA in future. The United Nation must pay attention in deed to make the situation becomes conducive and the world must help the Somalian from starving. They are our brother as human beings. I do hope that Somalia will be better and better as soon as possible. All Nations can take participate materially and morally as well to decrease the suffering of the Somalia. I just wonder about the children’s destinies dan the future in Somalia. They have to cooperate hand by hand to bring our only one earth planet into peaceful and love. My question is What actions can be done by United Nations to make the situation becomes normally.
A [CO.NX Moderator (Tim)]: Hi Iqraa…check above for UN engagement in Somalia.
Osman Moallim: the recognition of the Italian government to the TFG is one of the sign that shows you the hope because the Italian government is one of the key player the Somali conflict
Q [Rooble]: (09:28) Why this sudden support for Somalia after 18 years of civil war under the eyes of the US?
A [Gregory L Garland]: (09:28) That’s a common perception, but wrong. The U.S. has struggled with Somali issues for decades if we are to talk history, going back long before 1991-92. But support for effective nation-wide governance and rule of law by an inclusive national authority has been consistently a core objective of US policy. Somalis know better than most the strong voices of the Somali émigré community in the US, as well as in other Western countries. They have helped keep Somalia on the table so to speak, in the public eye domestically here in America. The current interest is exceptional in one important respect: piracy has made it to the front pages. It has given the American media a story that can be told easily with occasional valuable footage. Now, Americans think of piracy first when they think of Somalia. I would argue that this is an opportunity for all those concerned with Somali’s future, including Somalis themselves, to take advantage of. Americans don’t pay sustained attention as a general rule to the rest of world. Right now, with US naval units off shore, an American freighter that was attacked and freed by US naval intervention, and a suspect being detained in New York, piracy is still headlines here. This is the opportunity that the TFG, African Union, regional leaders elsewhere, and the UN all recognize. But believe me, as an Africanist I can assure that the US Government has paid sustained attention to Somalia since the early 1990s and before.
Gregory L Garland: (09:32) Thank you all for participating, listening, reading. I learned at least as much from your questions as you may from my answers — that’s what keeps me passionate about the business of cross-cultural dialogue. And thanks to my colleagues at IIP for making this program possible. Regards, Greg Garland
Amelia Vance IIP Washington: (09:35) Thank you so much for joining us today, Mr. Garland. And a big thanks to our audience. This chat is now closed. A transcript of this chat will be available in one to two days on America.gov and on our facebook page at http://co-nx.state.gov. We love to hear feedback so please email us at conx@state.gov or write on our facebook wall.
An illustration shows a woman looking at the Twitter page of US President Donald Trump reading "Sanctions Are Coming November 5" at an office in Washington, DC on November 2, 2018. - The United States will add 700 individuals and entities to its Iran blacklist and pressure the global SWIFT banking network to cut off Tehran when expanded sanctions are put in place next week, US officials said November 2, 2018. The sanctions come six months after President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal struck between world powers and Iran. (Photo by STF / AFP)
Hargeisa, 16 May 2009 – The arrival of BCIMR commercial bank in Somaliland is a great indicator of how fast the region is progressing economically, socially and politically as a bank that is a subsidiary of a major international banking organisation such as BNP-Paribas which is based in France, would not have taken the decision to open a branch that offers such a large variety of financial products and services in Hargeysa so lightly.
The most important factors for any businesses to consider when investing outside their home countries are security, political stability and most importantly, the potential for growth and expansion within the new market and within Somaliland, BCIMR has found all of these. Despite, the widespread poverty within Somaliland, what is clear is that not only is their peace but that peace itself is what the citizens of the nation value most and hence there is very little risk of their investment being wasted.
Somaliland has also enjoyed political stability for over a decade now and this is best illustrated by the free and fair election that is to be held this year with the two main opposition parties being in a better position than the current ruling UDUB party to form the next administration after the election. Furthermore, as is evident from the expansion both in size and trade of the major cities in Somaliland such as Hargeysa, Berbera, Burco and Borama, the potential for growth and expansion is not only a real possibility but it is one that is achievable within a short timescale.
In the last ten years, despite the civil war in the South, Somaliland has seen an explosion of business activity in the major cities such as Hargeysa which has been strongly driven by the tourism, construction and education industry. Currently, Somaliland welcomes over a hundred thousand visitors a years from Europe, the Middle East and North America who all come to spend their summer holidays in the country.
The construction and education sectors success and growth is evident in the large number of private schools and higher education providers that exist and the reconstruction of the major roads, towns, hospital and privately owned homes that line the streets of most major towns. It is this very boom that has attracted BCIMR Bank to Hargeysa and whilst it is a sign of progress and prosperity, the government of Somaliland must be warned in advance that if unregulated what can now be perceived as progress could easily turn into an economic disaster.
In order to avoid this disaster banking and lending practices must be regulated thoroughly to ensure that the consumers not only get value for money but also a service that is solidly trustworthy unlike the ponzi scheme that conned hardworking investors and savers in Hargeysa out of, what for some, were their life savings. In line with Lord Turner’s (of the UK) recommendations, the government of Somaliland must ensure that BCIMR and other banking groups do not encourage risk taking on the sale of exotic financial products by offering large commissions and incentives to bankers who sell these products to the public and that these same banks actually put aside reserve capital to compensate for any potential loss on their investment so that the government does not become burdened with the expensive task of bailing them out like in the USA and UK.
The government should also encourage competition within the market so as to make the market more consumer led than it been dominated by a few large corporation who have a monopoly within the banking sector and as a result heavily influence the policymaking process which would bring Parliamentary sovereignty in Somaliland into question.
There are many effective methods of regulating banks and general business activities but what is crucial is that this should be carried out by an impartial and well qualified agency staffed by professionals and academics with experience from the same sector. Furthermore, a select committee of MP’s should be set up to scrutinise banking and business rules and practices within the region so as to ensure that the corporations such as BCIMR remain accountable to the public and are governed in a way that best represents their interests as well as that of their customers.
The entire G20 Summit in East London was an excellent illustration of what the ramifications would be if the markets are not well regulated because despite the fancy rhetoric and the utopian like promises, the entire summit was called to discuss ways of getting back to banking basics and formulating regulation methods that would ensure that the financial system would not collapse again in the future. The Western style economic models that are encouraged by the developed world in Africa are risky and these are not risks they insure them against in case they go wrong.
The lesson to learn from the G20 summit is that the Anglo-American economic model breeds greed and should be discouraged and based on this, it is better for Somaliland to start with strong economic foundations by creating a system whereby good regulation is standard practice so as to insure itself and its people against the greed of a few which in the banking circles is known as “investments.”
In conjunction with regulation the government must encourage and to some extent, enforce social responsibility upon businesses that operate in Somaliland by creating clear and fair business tax structures which they can enforce for the greater good of the wider, poorer population. Just like in the West, in Africa a small percentage of businesses and wealthy families control over 95% of the wealth and Somaliland is no exception.
The business taxes that are collected should be used to invest in public policy ideas in the key areas of education, job creation, healthcare, housing and other social endeavours that are desperately needed in the country. It would be wrong to suggest that this system of taxation does not exist in Somaliland because it does, but the issue is that collected taxes rarely reaches the people and the social development goals it is aimed at assisting.
As a result of corruption, much of the meager collected business taxes are spent before it even reaches the treasury and when it does come as far as the treasury, it disappears in to the government executive’s pockets or expenses. Arguably, the Somaliland government must first tackle its own in the area of corruption before it enforces social responsibility upon businesses because business are unlikely to pay taxes if they can avoid it through bribing government officials.
The fact is that businesses hate regulation and taxation and would do anything to avoid both. In most of the developed world they hold the governments to ransom by threatening to invest in other countries that have less or none of both of the things they are running away from but unlike in these developed countries, the majority of companies that have invested or invest in Somaliland are Somali owned such as Dahabshiil, Daallo airlines and Rays Hotel.
This means that the Somaliland government does not need to fear these businesses leaving and finding a better business climate because the majority of their clientele are in Somaliland and they have nowhere to go to hide from the taxation. In fact if they could have found a better business environment for themselves they would have relocated many years ago, but the fact is that they cannot and because of this the government must be brave enough to stand up to them and enforce their obligation to pay the taxes they owe to the country and its people, which they in turn should use to invest in the services that are most needed by the people.
The government should also be looking at other ways of making businesses socially responsible such as creating employment for the population and where this does occur, or is already happening, it should work towards creating a minimum wage which the businesses can afford to pay without upsetting the flow of business.
Regulation and taxation are a must if there is to be stability and growth in Somaliland and if the government is brave enough to stand up to businesses in both areas then it will enjoy a successful working relationship where they are equals as opposed to slave and master. The government of Somaliland should never encourage profit before people and should avoid creating and nurturing a Wild West economy run by business fat cats who inflate prices and restrict supplies to create personal profits.
The government is challenged instead, to create a business environment that is both profitable economically for businesses and socially for the public it has been elected to serve. It will not be an easy task as greed is impossible to regulate but banking practices are not and this is where the government must take the initiative and lead the economic policy of the country rather than leaving it to the banks and businesses who the public distrust more than them.
HARGEISA, SOMALILAND: The Somaliland Ministry of Water and Mineral Resources has extended the country’s first bid round for hydrocarbon concessions by three months. The deadline for final submission of bids has been pushed to Dec. 15, 2009, and concessions will be awarded on March 15, 2010.
The bid round includes eight concession blocks comprised of more than 34,604 square miles (89,624 sq km) of onshore and offshore areas. The bid round was originally scheduled to close and award bids in August and December, respectively.
The geology off the coast of Somaliland is analogous to the oil-producing basins in nearby Yemen that have yielded several discoveries. Yemen’s Balhaf Graben Basin and Somaliland’s Berbera Basin contain similarities in fault trends and structural complexity.
In preparation for the Somaliland licensing round, TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Co. ASA acquired 3,293 miles (5,300 km) of seismic, gravity and magnetic data in the offshore areas and 21,562 miles (34,700 km) of high resolution aeromagnetic data covering all known petroleum basins. The surveys mark the first new geophysical data acquired in the area in almost 30 years.
The data acquisition was completed in 2007 and 2008, and TGS used this data along with existing well logs and interpreted data to create comprehensive interpretation reports for the Ministry. The reports, as well as the newly acquired geophysical data and well logs are all multi-client products to be exclusively marketed by TGS on behalf of the Ministry.
One hindrance to the bid round could come from the fact that Somaliland has not been recognized as its own country, but rather still a part of Somalia. Somaliland, which is located in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Ethiopia, Djibouti, the Puntland region of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, withdrew from Somalia in 1991 and has maintained a de jure separate status since that time. However, without international recognition, oil and gas companies may be hesitant to sign long-term contracts and invest money into projects that could possibly become void if the political situation in Somaliland changes in the future.
Hargeisa, 16 June 2009 – Somaliland is giving suitors an extra three months to submit bids in its debut licensing round, with the Ministry of Water & Mineral Resources pushing the deadline back until December.
The deadline for final submission of bids is now 15 December, rather than August, with bids due to be opened on 19 February next year.
Concessions will now be awarded on 15 March next year instead of in December.
The round includes eight concession blocks covering more than 89,624 square kilometres in both on- and offshore plays.
“The geology off the coast of Somaliland is analogous to the oil-producing basins in nearby Yemen that have yielded several discoveries to date,” the ministry in a statement.
“Yemen’s Balhaf Graben basin and Somaliland’s Berbera basin contain similarities in fault trends and structural complexity.”
Ahead of the round, Norway’s TGS-Nopec shot 5300 kilometres of seismic, gravity and magnetic data in the offshore areas and 34,700 kilometers of high resolution aeromagnetic data of the onshore areas.
The surveys mark the first geophysical data acquired in Somaliland for almost 30 years.
Map of Federal Republic of Somalia through magnigying glass
Hargeisa, 16 June 2009 — The dusty, potholed streets of Hargeysa in Somaliland are filled with battered cars and ambling pedestrians. The tangled birds’ nests of wires that cling to every telegraph pole are testament to a boom in telephony, informal stalls line the roads, selling imported goods and Ethiopia-grown khat, a plant chewed as a stimulant – and behind bricks of local currency sit the money changers.
It is a long way from Western Union’s pristine headquarters in Colorado or Moneygram’s in Minnesota, but not quite a different world. Here, in a perhaps unlikely northwestern corner of Somalia, is the home of a multimillion-dollar financial services company. One, indeed, that almost single-handedly keeps the East African country afloat.
Dahabshiil’s office in Hargeysa has the relaxed charm of many a family-run African business. As I arrived, Mohamed Saïd Duale, Dahabshiil’s founder and chairman, shuffled by in his sandals, a length of printed material wrapped around his waist and a short, traditional walking stick tucked under his arm. He made his way to a private office on the roof, where he sat cross-legged on the floor in front of a computer.
His company began as a small, informal organisation, helping Somalis to get money to their relatives in refugee camps in Ethiopia, charging a commission as it did so. Now it is an economic linchpin, connecting the wealthy Somali diaspora with the impoverished population at home.
“Remittances are a lifeline to Somalis,” Abdirashid Duale, the company’s chief executive (and son of the founder), said. “They are the main income people here receive.” The World Bank estimates that remittance worth about $1 billion (£610 million) a year reached Somalia from émigrés in Britain, the United States, Sweden and the Gulf. Industry experts reckon that Dahabshiil may be responsible for handling two thirds of that and as much as half may reach the semi-autonomous region of Somaliland.Predictably, Dahabshiil has grown with the Somali diaspora.
The money transfer, or hawaala, business is rooted in traditional networks of kinship and trust, using clan allegiances to guarantee the near-instant transfers. Identifying information still includes details of clan membership, but the traditional networks have been updated with modern technology, including online money transfers and SMS notification.
Dahabshiil’s growth accelerated after the September 11 terror attacks in 2001, when the US Government shut down its biggest competitor, the Mogadishu-based al-Barakat, amid suspicions that it had helped to fund terrorism. The company now has 1,000 agents in 40 countries (including 160 in the UK, where it is registered) and is the largest private sector employer in Somalia, with 2,000 workers in more than 200 offices.
The younger Mr Duale, who lives in London and Hargeysa, admits that the collapsing world economy has hit remittances from the West. “People from Britain and America are sending less, just the basic amount, say, to pay school fees, not the amounts that they used to send, to build houses or to invest in businesses.”
Nevertheless, he intends to make Dahabshiil’s foreign exchange, banking and mobile phone businesses as popular among Somalis as the money transfer business. His ambitions are seen clearly in downtown Hargeysa, where a huge new Dahabshiil bank is under construction.
“Very soon people will be able to go to a Dahabshiil ATM in Hargeysa and withdraw money,” Mr Duale said. “Very soon, we will offer a lot of the products you can get in London here in Hargeysa. Why not?”
Somaliland
Somaliland is located in the eastern Horn of Africa, bordered by Ethiopia, the rest of Somalia and the republic of Djibouti.
It was a British colony from 1884 until June 1960. After gaining independence, the State of Somaliland merged with Italian Somaliland to form Somalia. When Somalia’s military government collapsed during a civil war in May 1991, rebel forces in the northwest reasserted local independence.
No other country recognises the Republic of Somaliland, leaving it in legal limbo and financial isolation.
The capital is Hargeysa.
Fifty-five per cent of the 3.5million population is nomadic.
