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.
This file photo taken on May 18, 2016 shows a woman holding a flag as soldiers and other military personnel of Somaliland march past during an Independence day celebration parade in the capital Hargeisa. It wants to be recognised as autonomous. PHOTO | MOHAMED ABDIWAHAB | AFP
Emily will be writing about her experience in Somaliland and will be offering tips to anyone who may want to visit the unrecognized republic along the way – discover Somaliland from a Non-Somali perspective. This is the second article – It is a great privilege to be here in Hargeisa.
It is a great privilege to be here in Hargeisa. The sounds of the call to prayer wake me up each morning as the city bustles around me. It is much more alive than other cities I have come to know; here you can always find people outside, sipping tea, chatting, hauling loads on their mules, chewing qat [a narcotic leaf chewed in parts of East Africa and Yemen]. I had intended to write this article sooner but my internet access has been limited to the internet café across the street, and my 7-year old laptop has retired. My co-workers were amused that my laptop was not shiny and new, but quickly hooked up a reliable desktop in my breezy office so now I should have regular internet access.
My flight here was an adventure as I expected it would be. The visa process in Addis was very easy though, and I would recommend acquiring a visa there to other travelers. The hardest part of the process was finding the Somaliland Liaison Office, which is hidden behind the Mozambiquean and South African Embassies. But once you find the office, with its gardens and dusty driveway, the entire visa process takes only about 10 minutes, and is very straight forward.
When I was ready to leave Addis with my visa in hand, I arrived at Bole International Airport an hour and a half before my flight, as I was instructed to. I had picked up my boarding pass the day before at Air Ethiopia’s office downtown, but when I asked the airport officers where to find the flight to Hargeisa, they looked at me and my boarding pass quizzically. Nobody I spoke with had heard about this flight, and they even told me that there were no flights to Hargeisa from Addis. Luckily I maintained my confidence and thanks to the Somali dress I was wearing, some fellow passengers walked over and asked me if I was looking for the flight to Hargeisa. With relief, I told them I was, but they too were just as lost as I was. We all commiserated for a few minutes before taking a seat and waiting for someone who knew something. Eventually a young, skinny Somali guy showed up and asked us for our boarding passes and collected our bags. We then proceeded to customs and through security; the whole while airport officials were confused as to who we were and where we were going. Had I been alone I may have just given up! After customs and security, we looked around the gates and read the illuminated screens, but found no indication of a flight to Hargeisa or of the Somali man who had taken our bags. We decided to sit in a group (there were 8 of us in total) and wait by Gate 5, hoping someone would come. One passenger seemed more informed than all of us so we just followed whatever he did. The flight was slated to depart at 11:00, but by 11:15 we still did not know where to go. We all remained calm though, waiting further instruction. Eventually the same man who had taken our bags returned, and guided us to the gate where we were told to wait for a van to take us to the plane. We waited, and after a few false alarms the van came and we all got inside, curious as to what the plane would look like. It was a white plane with a blue stripe, and from the outside it was essentially what I had imagined, but once I got inside I was stunned at how tiny it was! There were no overhead compartments and certainly no safety orientation before take-off. We were all happy to be inside though, at this point it was about 1:00, and luckily I had brought some cookies and chocolate which I shared with the other passengers.
The flight was smooth enough, we were given bottled water, and I was trying not to worry about whether or not someone would be waiting for me when we landed, and if he would be able to recognize me or not. As we descended towards the ground, it looked as though we were landing in the desert, with no buildings in sight. But just as we hit the ground I could make out the city of Hargeisa, which was larger than I had imagined it. We walked off the plane onto the pavement and someone from my work (Abdi) was indeed waiting for me, al-hamdu l’illah. I suppose I was easy to recognize being the only female and only foreigner on the flight. When he saw me, Abdi grasped my arm and led me quickly to the customs area, where he asked me for $50 and for my passport. In my head I was thinking, who is this man and why does he want my money? I decided to bargain with him and said I will give you $40, before I realized that the $50 was not for him but was a required amount of money you need to change into Somaliland shillings in order to enter the country. Within two minutes he handed me two huge stacks of money held together with rubber bands, along with my passport and entry stamp. Now is a good time to point out for those who may not know, that $1 is equal to 7,000 Somaliland shillings, and the remarkable part is that the highest bill they have is 500 shillings, so for $50, you receive 700 individual bills.
We proceeded forward in a rush, and then Abdi led me back outside were I pointed to my bag which someone thrust on his shoulders and brought to the car. The car ride was my first opportunity to see the city and I enjoyed looking out the window and attempting to chat with Abdi in a mix of broken Somali and English. Abdi drove me to the bed and breakfast where I am staying. In order to give him directions, I just told him the color of the house and the name of the owner and he knew where it was. Directions here are often given in such terms, using landmarks and names instead of numbers and streets. When we arrived at the gate of the house, Abdi honked for the guard to open the door, but the guard just looked at the car then closed the gate. I assumed he was alerting the owners of my arrival, whereas Abdi assumed the guy was a rude man and started yelling at him. I tried to calm him down but it was too late, and the sort of amusing scene culminated with the guard spitting at Abdi who slapped him across the cheek. Abdi then told me I could not stay there, that he would not come get me each day for work, and he was going to take me to a guest house. I insisted that I must stay here and that he should come every day, we shook hands, and I went inside.
Do not be fooled by this introduction I had to Hargeisa, as it is certainly not typical and was actually a drama which spread around, and which I heard recounted in several different ways during my first few days here. Life has actually been quite calm and laid back. During the weekend I had a chance to get to know my surroundings a bit, and am grateful to the family I am staying with for showing me around, feeding me, and being such wonderful hosts. (They are not reading this so rest assured this is not a shameful plug). I already feel comfortable. Likewise, my co-workers have been very helpful and friendly and I am learning fascinating information about the history and intricacies of Somaliland. I remember when I was in Addis the night before leaving for Hargeisa, my stomach was so nervous and I could hardly sleep– I did not know what was awaiting me. I even said to my friend that I was afraid my stomach would stay in a knot all summer! But as soon as I landed the knot went away and I have been able to sleep well each night here.
Indeed the misconceptions about Somaliland, which is internationally known as Somalia, are plentiful and disturbing. I found the same to be true about Ethiopia. I packed enough soap, shampoo and toothpaste to last me for months, and just across the street from where I am staying are rows of shops which sell the very items I brought. Don’t get me wrong, Hargeisa is vastly different from any other place I have been, it does not have the high-rises of Boston and hot water is hard to come by, but the city is peaceful, lively, functioning, and far more developed than I had imagined. I hope to post pictures and provide you with more information about my experiences here next time, and look forward to your comments and insights as always.
Hargeisa, 15 June 2009 — Daallo airlines has launched a new luxury, daily nonstop services connecting Somaliland’s capital Hargeisa to number of cities in Africa, Middle East and Europe using it’s new fleet – the McDonnell Douglas DC-9, a twin-engine, single-aisle jet airliner.
The DC-9 passenger Jet can carry 91 passengers; 75 people in economy class and 16 business class passengers and its flight crew. The airliner has long been known for its reliability and efficiency.
The first Daallo airline DC-9 passenger jet arrived at Hargeisa’s Egal International Airport at 10:30 am, on time, on Sunday by a French flight crew. The carrier was met at the VIP terminal by cheerful political dignitaries, influential members, business executives, media personnel and community leaders who were invited to the occasion.
Among those who attended this historical inaugural flight were the chairman of Somaliland’s House of Elders, Mr Saleban Mohamud Adan, Chairman of the Somaliland parliament, Mr Abdirahman Mohamed Abbdillahi (‘Iro‘), Member of Parliament, Sheikh Mohamed Adan, Civil Aviation Minister, Mr Ali Mohamed (‘Waran Ade‘), former Somaliland Foreign Minister, Ms Edna Adan Ismael, President of WHO [Hargeisa], Ms Asiya, business executives from Dahabshiil, Telesom and Daallo airline’s Hargeisa employees and management staff.
Daallo Airline’s Hargeisa chief executive Mr Munir Haji Abdullahi told Somalilandpress that Daallo is the oldest private carrier to operate in Somaliland.
“Daallo has been operating in Somaliland for very long time from the time of the civil war when we started with old carriers, in fact, the legs would not even fold, we use to circulate around the city three times before landing. People use to wait for such a long time. Today however we brought a new luxury airliner, the DC-9 configured for 75 people in economy-class and 16 in the business-class.”
Mr Munir concluded that they will expand their flights from Hargeisa’s Egal International Airport. “Daallo airlines will operate seven days a week from Hargeisa to all the states. In addition, we will operate two flights to Hargeisa from Nairobi, three flights to Hargeisa from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, four flights to Hargeisa from Dubai, two from Europe to Hargeisa and two flights to Hargeisa from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,” Mr Munir told Abdulqani of Somalilandpress.
In recent times, airline business has became one of the hottest industries in Somaliland, where in the last four months two new airliners were created, Suhura airways and Cosob airlines. There are also plans to expand Somaliland international airports to accommodate this surge in flights. Just last week Somaliland’s Civil Aviation Minister, Mr Ali Mohamed traveled to the port city of Berbera to unveil new plans to reconstruct and expand the existing airport due to fears of Hargeisa airport becoming too over crowded. Mr Ali told local media he plans to divert some of the flights to Berbera to ease the pressure on Egal International Airport during busy flights and in times of expansion and repairs.
Daallo airline unveils new luxury jets
Mr Ali also told reporters that his staff are expecting new equipments from Djibouti that will enable them to expand and construct a new highway for Egal International Airport to give motors better access.
Daallo airlines is the market leader in the industry and has been introducing customer-driven schemes and attractive fares due to competition from the new carriers. Most passengers complain about Daallo airline’s noisy old Russian jets, lack of proper ventilation and often over crowded. Will the new McDonnell Douglas DC-9 jets restore passenger’s confidence with Daallo? Only time will tell but one thing is for sure, its new day for Daallo airlines and Somaliland.
About Daallo:
Daallo Airlines was established 1991 by two prominent Somaliland investors Mohamed Haji Abdullahi Abusita and Mohammed Ibrahim Yasin (Olaad). In early 2008, it entered a strategic partnership with Dubai World’s subsidiary Istithmar World Aviation and the Government of Djibout. It’s fleet consisted of 757-200, 727-200, AN24, with IL76 and AN12 for the cargo operations until today. It plans to become Djibouti’s National flag carrier, giving Daallo exclusive access to all routes and traffic rights held by the Republic Djibouti.
A woman waves a flag as soldiers and other military personnel of Somaliland march past during a celebration parade in the capital, Hargeisa on May 18, 2016. PHOTO | AFP
By Mohamed Omer Maigag – Chair of SSUK on behalf of the committee.
1) Somaliland Society UK – early history
If not the oldest, the Somaliland Society UK (SSUK) is one of the oldest Somaliland organisations in the UK. The SSUK went through lot of changes and overcame many barriers since it was established. Initially in the early years a group of Somaliland intellectual used to meet in 1996 to have political debates and thoughts in relation to what was happening in Somaliland at that time. The debates were very lively and at times generated in to disputes which created fragmentation amongst those early Somaliland intellectuals. The SSUK rose from this fragmentation. There were certain social issues that the Somaliland community was dealing with at the time such as young Somali boys in prisons and the issues of Somalis killing other Somalis which was a new phenomenon in the UK. This was an opportunity to grab the massive energy, which was around and benefit from the wisdom of Somaliland intellectuals and community leaders.
The early Somaliland intellectuals, activists and community leaders who contributed to the formation of the SSUK included:
Fadumo Omar–was a Social Worker at time,
Dr Saad Ali Shire–was working for Oxford House,
Dr Abdillahi Diriye–retired from WHO,
Haji Osman Ahmed–one of the founders of the HSCCA and who later became head of the Somaliland mission until recently
Dr Abdillahi Mohamed Guleed,
Mohamed Abdullahi Abbi,
Yusuf Haji Adan(May allah bless his soul), father of education in the former Somali Republic (Somaliland and Somalia)
Ali sheikh Darabulis(May Allah bless his soul) – Journalist and writer
Mohamed Dahir Khaire–Community leader
Mohamed Aw Dahir – Community leader
These Somalilanders worked tirelessly from 1996 to 1997 forming themselves in to a preparatory committee to work on the constitution of the SSUK and the planning of the launch event of the Society. The SSUK was launched on 8th of August 1998. Yusuf Haji Adan was elected as the new Chair, Dr Saad Ali Shire was elected as a Vice Chair, Fadumo Omar was elected as Treasurer, and Ahmed Hashi was elected as Secretary
Amongst the most notable achievements of the SSUK in the early years apart from the rallies and demonstrations that were held in support of Somaliland, was the important part the Society played in the Somaliland referendum which was held on 31 May 2001. Membership of the SSUK was strong at the time and reached over 180. During the referendum period 3 Somaliland Ministers were invited to brief the members. This was during the crucial time when Saudi Arabia banned the export of Somaliland Live Stock. The SSUK raised around $20,000 from its members and wider Somaliland community in the UK to contribute towards the costs of the Somaliland referendum. On the eve of the referendum the SSUK lead at the time by Mohamed Ahmed Hersi organised a vigil opposite 10 Downing Street and held a demonstration the next morning in support of the recognition of Somaliland
2) Aims & Objectives of the SSUK
To promote the social and cultural development of the Somaliland Society in the UK and further its common interests by providing a frame work within which to:
Foster mutual understanding and support amongst the Somalilanders in the UK
Organise Social & Cultural events
Network and Collaborate with Other like minded Somaliland Organisations to achieve the aims of the Society
Engage the Society in the Development of Somaliland
Promote understanding, in the UK, of the history, culture, achievements and aspirations of the people of Somaliland
3) SSUK Committee – 1st April 2006 – 7 June 2009
The annual general meeting (AGM) where the SSUK committee for the above period was elected was held on 1st of April 2006 at the Selby Centre in North London. The AGM was well attended. Musa Ali Hersi the vice Chair of the SSUK and Abdulhakim Sulub Mohamoud – SSUK Secretary gave a report about the SSUK and its work including the challenges the committee faced during their time and the financial contributions received from members. Musa and Abdulhakim were accompanied by Mohamed Aw Dahir who was also a member of the outgoing committee.
The following members were elected to serve the SSUK at the AGM on 1st April 2006
Mohamed Omer Maigag Chairman
Ali Hamud Jibril Vice-Chair
Mohamed Mahmoud Ali Secretary
Fadumo Omar Spokes-Person
Samiya Sheef Treasurer
Yasin Osman Idiris Coordinator
Mohamed Qani Diriye Member
Asha Mohamud Qalib Member
Khadar Abokor Member
Ahmed Waqaf Member
Yasin Mohamed Ahmed Member
Abdi ali Mahdi Member
Suleyman Adan Farah Member
Adan Gaas Abdi Member
Mohamed Omer Maigag – the new elected Chair of the SSUK thanked the AGM participants and informed the meeting that he is honoured to be elected to this important position. He thanked the previous committee for their devotion to the cause of Somaliland and for the time and effort they have put voluntarily on the valuable duty of running the SSUK.
Mohamed Maigag informed the meeting that they have been elected to steer the SSUK at a time when the formation of the Somaliland political parties and emergence of other Somaliland organisations have weakened the strong membership of the SSUK but that his committee with the support of the wider Somalilanders in the UK will continue the work of this historic Society.
The Mayor of Hargeisa Engineer Hussein Mohamoud Jacir who was on a fundraising visit to the UK was a guest of honour at the AGM. The Mayor was raising funds for the Hargeisa Bridge near Hargeisa club which collapsed due to flooding.
In our 1st day at the election, we found ourselves in a huge fundraising campaign for the bridge totaling over $1 million USD.
On 22 July 06 Mohamed Mohamud Ali stepped down from the position of the Secretary. At the following meeting on 16th of September 2006 Yaseen Osman Adris was elected as the new secretary of the SSUK. Samia Shef expressed that she won’t be able to continue as SSUK treasurer and at the SSUK meeting of 9 December 2006, Fadumo Omar was elected as Treasurer.
4) Activities in Support of SSUK objectives
Up until 18 May 2007, the SSUK regained the early years momentum it had and organised and took part in many activities to further its objectives. However after the organisation of the high profile 18th of May celebration event at Alexandra Palace on Saturday 12th of May 2007, where the SSUK Invited the Vice President of Somaliland Ahmed Yusuf Yasin as guest speaker, the SSUK incurred a huge deficit in organising the event with NOMAD and this hampered its work plan as all the efforts of the committee concentrated on the repayment of the debt incurred.
The report can not cover all the activities SSUK undertaken during this reporting period, but here we highlight in chronological order some of the significant activities:
4.1) 29 April 06 – Role of Higher Education in Somaliland
On Saturday 29th of April the new committee of the SSUK organised its first Somaliland public activity. This was a public meeting about the role higher education plays in the development of Somaliland. The Committee was fortunate because Professor Saleban Ahmed Guled was in the UK at the time and he was invited as guest speaker.
Dr Mohamed Sheekh Hamud who was coordinating the meeting recited verses from the Quran before introducing the Chair of the SSUK to say few words about the Society and its objectives.
This was followed by a keynote speech by Professor Saleban Ahmed Guled the Chair of Amoud University. The Professor spoke generally about Somaliland higher education and informed the meeting that Somaliland universities are planning to establish a Commission that unites Somaliland universities. The meeting benefited from the professor’s enormous experience in the field of Somaliland education. Talking about development and politics, Professor Guled said “in Somaliland the development vehicle is empty but the political one is so full people are hanging by the sides.”
The Chair of Amoud University’s Department of Medicine – Dr Siciid Walkad also gave a presentation about the health situation of Somaliland and the need for more doctors in the country. Dr Walhad said that Amoud University is planning to establish a formal link with London University.
Dr Sacad Ali Shire was also a guest speaker at the event. He gave a Power Point presentation about the importance of investing in education. He informed the event participants that a country’s development largely depend on how much it spends on education and how far it educates its own people.
The final speech of the day was from Dr Mohamed Abdullah Omar – a senior lecturer at Brunel University in London. Dr Mohamed’s speech centred around the importance of gearing the education courses provided by Somaliland Universities to the skills and knowledge that the country needs and the importance of raising the standard and the quality of the Somaliland higher education system.
The event ended with a brief address by the SSUK Vice Chair Ali Hamud Jibril who thanked the meeting attendees particularly the guests who arrived from Somaliland.
4.2) Certificates of achievement to Professor Saleban Ahmed Guled &
Dr Sa’ad Ali shire
On 16 of May 2006 at an educational Conference held at SOAS organised by NOMAD and supported by SSUK, the SSUK presented certificates of achievements to Professor Saleban Ahmed Guled & Dr Sa’ad Ali Shire. The Certificates were prepared by the SSUK and signed jointly by Mr Osman Ahmed Hassan head of Somaliland Mission in the UK and SSUK Chair – Mr Mohamed Omer Maigag.
4.3) The President of Somaliland’s visit to the UK – August 2006
The SSUK put a lot of effort in organising a Somaliland public event where President Dahir Riyale Kahin could address Somalilanders in UK about the purpose of his visit.
SSUK Members felt that a lot of effort and time was wasted in organising this public meeting as the President and his delegates declined to take part in the meeting.
Representative of the SSUK committee met the President and the Somaliland Foreign Minister Mr Abdullahi Mohamed Duale at their hotel where President Riyale briefed members about the purpose of the visit. The President informed the committee that they were not aware that a public event where he was expected to attend and address the Somaliland public in the UK was organized by the SSUK.
Members agreed that in future such events should not be organised unless full cooperation and written confirmation is received from the Somaliland Government and its representatives in the UK.
4.4) The SOPRI Convention September 2006
The SSUK Chair Mohamed Omer Maigag took part in the SOPRI convention held on the 7th, the 8th and the 9th of September 2006 at Double Tree hotel in Washington DC representing the SSUK. In his speech at the convention, the Chair thanked SOPRI for organising the convention and talked about the SSUK , its work and its aims and objectives.
The convention was well attended by Somalilanders from all over the world, friends of Somaliland and significant numbers of Somalilanders living in the USA. The president of Somaliland who was expected to come to the conference sent an apology and was represented by the Head of the Somaliland mission in the USA.
Participants of the SPRI 2006 Convention at Washington DC
Amongst the dignitaries who flew from Somaliland and attended the Conference were Abul Aziz Mohyamed Samale, Mohamed Xashi Dhamac (Gaariye), Ahmed Xaji Elmi (Cadami) and Dr Bulxan.
Present at the conference were also an MP from the Canadian parliament, representatives from the USA state Department and a number high profile guests including Matt Bryden Director of Africa Program (International Crisis Group) and Prof. Eqbal Jhazbhay, Lecturer, University of South Africa
The main topics and issues discussed at the Conference were the recognition of Somaliland and how to lobby for this, Somaliland electoral system and the importance of having a voter registration system, representation of woman and ethnic minorities within Somaliland political system and the role played by Somaliland civil organisations and NGOs in the development of Somaliland.
From left to right: Dr Osman Sheekh Chair of the Convention, the Educationalist Abdi Duse and the President of SOPRI, the late Saeed Maigag Samater ( May Allah bless his soul)
4.5) SSUK public meeting to welcome the Chair & Vice chair of Somaliland Parliament
As part of its yearly activities, the SSUK organised a public event On Saturday the 5th of November 2006 at the John Kelly Technology College in North west London, where the SSUK invited the Chairman of the Somaliland parliament Mr Abdirahman Mohamed Abbdillahi (Ciro) and Vice Chair Abdul-Aziz Mohamed Samale as well as representative of the three Somaliland political Parties and Head of the Somaliland mission UK for a discussion on Somaliland.
The event opened with a brief address by the SSUK Chair. This was followed by speeches from the Chair and the Vice Chair of Somaliland Parliament who shared with the meeting participant’s insight in to the political situation of Somaliland particularly the challenges facing the Somaliland Parliament in terms of capacity and exercising power an authority.
This was a successful event in terms of the number of people who attended and the contents of the speeches which were highly enjoyed by those present at the meeting.
4.6 SSUK Public meeting – guest of Honour Ambassador Abdirahim Abi Frah
The SSUK organised a Somaliland public meeting on 20 January 2007. The aim of the even was to share information and discuss how Somalilanders in the UK can contribute to the development of Somaliland. The Meeting was held at the Selby Centre in North London and was well attended.
The key note speaker at the meeting was Ambassador Abdirahim Abi Farah. Other speakers included the Head of Somaliland Mission in the UK Haji Osman Ahmed Hasan and Dr Mohamed Abdillahi Omar.
Ambassador Abby spoke about the SOPRI goodwill mission . He said initially he was included in the team that went to Somaliland in November 2006, but later he decided that together with Dr Mohamed Abdillahi Omar, he should establish contact with the Somaliland communities in the UK to explain the SOPRI good will mission to Somaliland.
Ambassador Abi told the meeting that we should not rest until the entire international community is made aware of the facts and justice behind, Somaliland’s quest for international recognition. He said without strict adherence to the provisions of the constitution, without the equal application of the rule of law, without an independent and qualified judiciary, without the determination of all citizens, and without honest, and unbiased leadership by the credited leaders as well a those in civil society – the future of our nation will be placed in jeopardy.
Ambassador Abdirahim Abi Farah amongst London Somaliland leaders including the Vice-Chair of the SSUK Ali Hamud Jibril, the secretary of SSUK Fuad Osman Ismail (Yasin osman Idris) Dr Mohamed Abdillahi Oma and the SSUK Chair Mohamed Omer Maigag at SSUK public event of 20 Jan 2007
Other guests at the Meeting included Abdifatah Saed Ahmed – the Coordinator of Somaliland communities in the UK, representatives of Somaliland business leaders in the UK including Ahmed Cadare and Abduladif Samater as well as the Chairman of SDWO – Guled Abdi Shekhash.
4.7 Demonstration in Support of the independence and the recognition of Somaliland
The Somaliland community in the UK organised the biggest Somaliland demonstration in the UK on Thursday the 22nd of February 2007. The demonstration held at Whitehall, opposite No 10 Downing Street, was organised in support of demonstrations held in all the major cities in Somaliland on January 16th 2007, where hundreds of thousands of Somalilanders gathered together in unity to show their support for the recognition of Somaliland.
The aim of the UK demonstration was to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements that Somaliland has made in the last 16 years, to support the recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state and to show the love that Somalilanders in the UK have for their beloved country.
The thousands of Somalilanders at the demo and the friends of Somaliland who have joined them spent the day peacefully celebrating the achievements of Somaliland oblivious to the drizzling rain that never ceased throughout that day. The flag of Somaliland was everywhere to see with its beautiful colours attracting the passing crowds; it was even decorated on the faces of young Somalilanders.
The Demonstration was lead by the three national Somaliland political Parties: KULMIYE, UCID & UDUB, and Coordinated by the SSUK. Somaliland Organisations who supported and took part in the Organisation of the demonstration included: Somaliland Society UK (SSUK), Democracy Network for Somaliland, Somaliland Focus UK, SIRAG, NOMAD, Horizon Reach, Office of the mission of Somaliland in the UK & the Coordinator of the Somaliland Communities in the Diaspora.
The demo started at 12 noon and no words can describe how happy we have felt when we saw Somalilander after Somalilander leaving the Westminster Tube station and heading towards Whitehall to take part in the` biggest Somaliland demonstration in the UK so far. As they came out of the station some were heading towards the wrong direction but their hearts and minds were fixed to the right cause and came prepared and determined for this big occasion.
The February 2007 Demo in support of the recognition of Somaliland
With their placards and banners listing the successes of Somaliland, At around 3:45 pm on the day, Alun Michael MP and Kerry McCarthy MP escorted nominated representatives from the UK Somaliland Network to 10 Downing Street to hand a petition signed from the thousands of Somalilanders at the demo in support of the case for the recognition of Somaliland.
4.8 The 2007 18 of May celebration
After the huge success of the February 2007 rally in support of the recognition of Somaliland, the team work spirit between Somaliland Organisations and Somaliland political parties in UK continued. A Somaliland network Committee was established that met few times after the demonstration. In one of the meetings of the Network it was decided that SSUK and NOMAD UK will organise the 18th of May Celebration in commemoration of the 16th anniversary of the independence of Somaliland.
At their meetings in early 2007, SSUK and NOMAD decided to make the event the Largest 18th of May celebration ever organised in the UK and sent an invitation to the Vice President of Somaliland Ahmed Yusuf Yasin to take part in the event. The Vice President accepted the invitation and after looking at few venues for the occasion, SSUK and NOMAD booked the Alexandra Palace in North London for the celebration.
The event was publicised at universal TV and all Somaliland websites and through leaflets flyers which were widely distributed in London and other UK regions. Finally, the celebration was held at Alexandra Palace on Saturday the 12th of May 2007.The hundreds if Somalilanders who came to take part in the celebration enjoyed the panoramic view of the Palace and took part in the many activities that were organised by SSUK and NOMAD on that memorable day.
Workshops on key topics such as youth, education, woman and the case for the recognition of Somaliland were held in the early part of the day.
Somaliland Vice-President Ahmed Yusuf Yasin at the SSUK/NOMAD 18th of Mat Celebration event held at Alexandra Palace on Saturday the 12th of May 2007.
Workshops on key topics such as youth, education, woman and the case for the recognition of Somaliland were held in the early part of the day.
Mohamed Bashe and Suad Carmiye who were coordinating the evening part of the programme introduced Mohamed Adan kodhadhi the Chair of NOMAD and Mohamed Omer Maigag the Chair of SSUK for a welcoming address. This was followed by a number of brief speeches before the Vice President was introduced for his key note speech for the occasion.
The Vice President talked about the early history of Somaliland and the rationale for independence. He explored the achievements of the people of Somaliland and the challenges facing the country including the case for the recognition. The Vice President was accompanied by the late Mr. Abdi Hassan Buni, the Minister of Relations with Houses of Parliament who died in London on 2nd of June 2009 may Allah bless his soul.
The event ended with an entertainment in the form of national Somaliland songs sang by the legends of Somaliland Music Mohamed Ahmed Kuluc, Ahmed Ismail Xudaydi, Ahmed Ali Dararamle and Sahra Halgan.
Although the SSUK and NOMAD’s 18th of May celebration was a success as testified by the hundreds of Somalilanders who took part in the occasion, financially SSUK and NOMAD incurred huge deficit in organising the celebration. Although we raised £10,400.00 from the event the expenditure far outweighed the income we generated.
2 – 3 weeks after paying the venue deposit, which was £5000 + Vat, and further £5000 upfront, we came across some difficulties. We have realized that after paying the remaining hire costs of the hall, the security and the Pay system, the cost s of the event will reach over £20,000. We could have hired cheaper security firm and PA system, but Ally Pally insisted that we use only the Security and the PAY system firms they deal with.
SSUK and NOMAD at one time considered to cancel the event, but that was not possible as it would have meant the lost of over £10,000.00 paid upfront to Ally Pally including the deposit. After confronting this situation, SSUK and NOMAD had no option but to go ahead and organise the event as planned.
Without the Support of Somaliland businesses such as Dahabshiil and Links travel, Somali Organisations such SORAG and Somaliland individuals including SSUK and NOMAD committee members, SSUK & NOMAD may not have been able to overcome the deficit they have incurred in organising the 18th of May 2006 celebration.
The following table gives a picture about the event expenditure
Alexandra Palace hall hire costs
14,330
Event security
3500
Event PA system
2180
Vice Presidents hotel costs
900
Meca Medina Band
350
Flyers and posters
290
Small PA system
250
Event insurance
210
Sahra Halgan Plane ticket
165
Transport costs
110
Prince Abdi stand up Comedian
50
Total expenditure
£22,335
The table below summarizes the financial contributions towards the deficit we have received from Somali business and individuals.
Dahabshiil
1580
Links Travel
1500
SORAG
1000
Contribution from North London Somalilanders
500
Turki Jama
100
Saad Ali Shire
100
Total Contributions
£4780
The table below illustrates the loans SSUK and NOMAD members paid that have not been recovered.
NOMAD
1500
Casha Qalib
1000
Fadumo Omar
1000
Mohamed Omer Maigag
1000
Dariq Yusuf Madar
500
Cadil Ahmed
500
Ali Hamud Jibril
500
Mohamed Qani Diriye
350
Mohamed adan koodhaadhi
300
Khadar Abokor
120
Total un-recovered loans
£6770
Although we have approached many Somalilanders to support us to overcome the deficit, we are sad to report that we have managed raising only £700 from individuals even though many promised they will help towards the repayment of the debt.
4.9 Hargeisa Bombing Victims appeal
The SSUK played part in a fundraising event organised in east London on 29th of November 2008 in support of Hargeisa hospital’s struggle with the aftermath of the 29th of October 2008 bombings in the capital of Somaliland. The event managed to raise £765.00 for Hargeisa Hospital.
Mohamed Bashe – the event MC introduced Mohamed Adan Kodhadhi Chair of NOMAD to open the event with verses from the Holy Quran before Clips about the Hargeisa bombings were screened as well as a video about an interview with one of the victims of the acts of terrorism. The event programme also included a number of highly moving poems about the atrocities presented by Adan Tarabi Jama, Asha mohamoud Yusuf, Yusuf Aabdullahi Shacir, Ali Ahmed Rabi and Faisal Awabdi Cambalash.
Abdulqadir Ismail Jirde MP shared his testaments about the bombings through teleconferencing transmitted via the PA system of the event. The MP told listeners that what happened in Hargeisa did not target particular Somaliland individual or the Somaliland Government but the whole Somaliland nation. He said Somalilanders every where must be united so that we can collectively defend our selves against similar attacks in the future.
The Chair of the SSUK – Mohamed Omer Maigag, the Chair of SSE and the Vice Chair of UCID political party – Saeed Omar Ahmed also shared their feelings about the Hargeisa bombings and the importance of safeguarding Somaliland from similar acts of terrorism in the future.
The event was organised by Somaliland Organisations in the UK and East London Somaliland women. It was Coordinated by a committee Chaired by SSUK Chair . The other committee members included: Faysal Awcabdi, Kaltun Farah, Safi farah, Zainab Sahardid, and Abdulrahman Abdullahi.
Its is worth noting that Somaliland Organisations in the UK raised $7772 for Hargeisa hospital in addition to the funds raised in this event.
4.10. West London Somaliland Community 18th of May Celebration.
The last event that the SSUK took part this year was the 18th anniversary celebration of the independence of Somaliland Organised by West London Somaliland Community on Saturday the 16th of May 2009 in Greenford. Somaliland Organisations including the SSUK supported the event which was successful considering the number of foreign guests of hounour who took part in the occasion which is a new development in London for our 18th of May celebrations.
The Occasion was coordinated by the SSUK Chair who after thanking the guests of honour and the event participants talked about the importance of the occasion.
Iid Hassan Muse – the Coordinator of west London Somaliland Community and Suad Armiye each gave speeches about the rationale for the independence of Somaliland.
Ali Ahmed SSE Coordinator and Deputy Director or Welsh refugee Council talked about the importance of Education and Darlington foundation’s Scholarship for Somaliland. IID introduced Richard Sills – a cousin of Darlington who said few word about the foundation and the scholarship.
Other speakers included Dr Charless Tannock MEP, Cllr Jullian Bell,
Md. Axmed Maxamed Maxamuud (Siilaanyo ) Leader of Kulmiye Party
Md. Abdinaasir Yussuf Cusman – the media Secretary of UCID UK political Party
The highlight of the event was a play about diversity acted by Somaliland youngsters. The play was highly enjoyed by every one and reinforced the Somaliland identity.
Two poems were recited by Faisal Awcabdi Cambalash – Chair of west London Somaliland Community and Asha Mohamoud Yusuf. The poems articulated the plight Somaliland went through before regaining its independence and how important it is to keep this history alive.
The guests of honor who took part in the occasion included
Dr Charles Tannock MEP (Member of European Parliament)
Cllr. James Allie (Wembley )
Steve Pound MP (Ealing North)
Virander Sharma MP ( Ealing Southall)
Cllr. Julian Bell (Greenford )
Mr Richard Sills (Darlington Foundation)
Mrs Susan Sills (Darlington Foundation)
Mr Len Tiahlo Businessman (Director of Enex Energy Resources)
Mr. Simon Jones (Director of Triton International Ltd)
Mr. Tobias Masterton ( UK Academy )
Md. Axmed Maxamed Maxamuud (Siilaanyo ) Leader of Kulmiye Party
Dr. Moxamed Omar , Foreign affairs Spoksperson Kulmiye Party.
4.11 SSUK UK Press releases
The SSUK released the following Press releases addressing various issues:
The 15th Anniversary of Somaliland 18 may 2006
Reconciliation between the Daror Communities 2 June 2006
The Anniversary of Somaliland’s 46th Independence from Britain 26 June 2006
Meeting with President Riyale – August 2006 Visit to the UK
A note of congratulation to SOPRI for a successful Somaliland Convention September 2006
The detention of Haatuf Journalists 11 Jan 07
The Deferral of Somaliland Presidential elections 3 March 2009
Articles:
The Chair of the SSUK – Wrote an article about the Somaliland February 2007 Demonstration. The article was featured in Somaliland Focus’s News letter.
5) Challenges met & Lessons learned
The SSUK faced many challenges and difficulties. Some lessons can be drawn from this that can benefit future SSUK committees and similar Somaliland Organisations.
5.1) The SSUK/NOMAD deficit
This was the biggest challenge we have faced during the time we have been running the SSUK. The deficit incurred from the 2006 18th of May celebration had significant impact on the morale and the motivation of SSUK committee members and on the work plan of the Society. From May 2007 on wards we spent our time fire fighting in order to repay the debt we have faced rather than pro actively engaging in activities in support of the SSUK objectives.
SSUK and NOMAD should have carried a thorough risk assessment before deciding to hold the celebration at Alexandra Palace. An event like this requires long term planning and secured financial support – SSUK and NOMAD booked the hall less than two months before the event and heavily relied on loans to fund it.
5.2) Commitment of SSUK members
After the deficit, this is probably the second biggest challenge we encountered. We started as 14 committee members when we have been elected, but when the going got tough, only 6 members made commitment turning up for meetings and seeing the SSUK through the financial hardship exerted by the Ally Pally deficit.
Because of this lack of Commitment on the part of the majority of members, the SSUK was not able to undertake the activities we planned such as creating and administering effective SSUK membership data base.
5.3) Capacity of the SSUK
Unlike other similar Societies which are registered charities and generate funds from Trusts and other means or supported by National Governments abroad the SSUK is not registered as a charity and does not receive financial support from Somaliland so that it can both effectively work with Somalilanders in the UK and contribute to the development of Somaliland. It does not have paid staff and office premises to work from. It is entirely run on voluntary basis.
This places enormous responsibility on the shoulders of committee members. In order to overcome this problem the SSUK must either be registered as a charity to raise funds or receive strong financial support from Somaliland members through member ship fees and monthly donations.
5.4) Accountability
The SSUK needs to develop strong membership; members who can hold committee members accountable for their actions. Without strong membership who can elect and choose future committee members, serious conflict can erupt in the future.
We have not been able to develop the membership database of the SSUK due to the difficulties mentioned above and very much hope that this will be an area that will be given a priority by the next committee.
5.5) Office of the Somaliland Mission in the UK
The SSUK needs to develop a strong working relationship with the Office of the Somaliland Mission in the UK because as this report has shown, the SSUK can play a very important and useful role in coordinating Somaliland activities in the UK.
On their part the Office of the Somaliland mission in the UK must take an active part in the affairs of the Somaliland community in the UK. In his last two visits to the UK the president of Somaliland Dahir Riyale Kahin did not make an effort to meet the Somaliland public even when a public event was organised for this to happen. On each occasion fragmentation amongst Somaliland Organisation in the UK was given as the reason why the President did not address the community even though there is strong unity and working relationship between Somaliland communities.
The Office of the Somaliland Mission in the UK can play an important part in the relations and communication between SSUK and Somaliland Government particularly when the SSUK and other Somaliland Organisations organise public events to welcome the President of Somaliland and other Somaliland Government Officials when they are visiting the UK.
5.6) Written confirmation for public events
In order to avoid last minute disappointments, in the future SSUK should not organise public meetings for high profile Somaliland Government figures without written confirmation that they will take part in such events.
5.7) Duplication
Although Somaliland Organisations in the UK particularly those in London are working closely together there is lot of duplication going on and the numbers of Somaliland Organisations are increasing. It will be very good if Somalilanders in the UK can put their efforts and resources together in the formation of one strong viable Somaliland Organisation that is well respected by both Somalilanders and non Somalilanders. The SSUK can fill that role but needs the Support of other Somaliland Organisations and the support of the Somaliland people in the UK.
6) Thanks and acknowledgements
We will like to thank and acknowledge the support of the following individuals.
Abdiradhid Duale (CEO) Dahabshiil, Abdul Ladif Samater – Links Travel, Ahmed Yusuf – SORAG, Fawzia Haji Adan – RAAD International, Sa’ad Ali Shire, Turki Jama, Members of the Somaliland Community in North London, Mohamed Abi Digaale, Ahmed Mire.
Special thanks to Guled Abdi Shekhash – the Chairman of SDWO for allowing us to use SDWO pictures in this report.
Also special thanks to Shirwac Guled and Iid Dawlad for producing the SSUK and NOMAD Videos for the 2006 18th of May celebration at Alexandra Palace.
Source: Somaliland Society of United Kingdom (SSUK)
Voters queue at a polling station in Hargeisa, Somaliland, on November 13, 2017 to cast their ballot for the presidential election. PHOTO | AFP
HARGEISA — Somaliland’s voters registration is expected to resume tomorrow after a 30-days of delay due to the suicide bombs in Hargeisa last month, official say.
At least two times have been postponed the registration because the authorities wanted to wait the investigation results that was going on.The registration is beginning in Marodi-jeh region including the capital city of Hargeisa for five days. All the teams have been sent to the locations outside Hargeisa yesterday and other teams operating inside the city are ready to set their equipments latest this evening.
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The security is tightened and all the exit and entrances are controlled by police and military forces to avoid any suicide bombs to target the registration stations. last month, the registration completed in the Sahil and Awdal regions with a minor technical problems. In Awdal region, one girl was killed when a group of people destabilized a registering-station and then the police fired to disperse the crew.
Somaliland declared its independence from the rest of Somalia in 1991 but has not received internationally recognition. Since then, Somaliland was able to conduct a number of successful elections including parliament and Presidential elections by it’s own.
