UNITED STATES - AUGUST 01: Rep. Donald Payne Jr., D-N.J., conducts a news conference in the Capitol Visitor Center on an initiative called "Make It In America" that includes various job creation legislation. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
By Abdi H. Gass
This is the second time that I have contacted your office. The first time I asked that you speak at a reception in Washington, D.C., for the late President of Somaliland, Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Egal, who was visiting America, for support of Somaliland recognition or economic support. It almost happened!
Now I’m contacting you to commend you for your relentless effort to find a resolution in Somalia even if it meant risking your life- you were shot at the Mogadishu airport. Thanks so much for trying to save the lives of thousands of innocent people being caught in the crossfire of fighting factions in Somalia.
I am writing to you today imploring you to at least consider traveling to Somaliland Republic and see the reality on the ground so you can make your first impression whether Somaliland Republic should be recognized. In the waning days of President Bush, a high ranking State Department member visited Somaliland and was very impressed with the existing oasis of peace and tranquility and fledgling democracy in Somaliland.
I believe that democracy in Somaliland should be rewarded and your effort toward that vision will be greatly appreciated. For a recent independent assessment of Somaliland, see this link:
This is the first time that I have contacted your office. Sometime ago, I asked Honorable Payne of NJ, that he speak at a reception in Washington for the late President of Somaliland, Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Egal, who was visiting America, for support of Somaliland recognition or economic support. It almost happened!
Now I’ve contacting him to commend him for his relentless effort to find a resolution in Somalia even if it meant risking his life- he was shot at the Mogadishu airport. I thank him and you so much for trying to save the lives of thousands of innocent people being caught in the crossfire of fighting factions in Somalia.
I am writing to you today imploring you to at least consider traveling with Senator Feingold, to Somaliland Republic and see the reality on the ground so you can make your first impression whether Somaliland Republic should be recognized. In the waning days of President Bush, a high ranking State Department member visited Somaliland and was very impressed with the existing oasis of peace and tranquility and fledgling democracy in Somaliland.
I believe that democracy in Somaliland should be rewarded and your effort toward that vision will be greatly appreciated. For a recent independent assessment of Somaliland, see this link:
Minneapolis, Jul 5, 2009 — Despite fears of distractions from the missing Somali youth saga that has engulfed the Somali community in Minnesota, the Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center held its 9th Annual Convention at the Minneapolis Convention Center over the weekend where thirty speakers addressed 10,000 people over three days. Participants said it was encouraging to see the number of attendees, the breadth of topics, and the scope of talent.
After experiencing a tumultuous year, the mosque saw increased attendance at this year’s convention and a spike in monetary support. Since last fall, the mosque has come under fire for the “missing youth” debacle, a connection that the mosque administrators and its supporters continue to deny. People close to the mosque did not believe the annual event would occur this year, they feared that the need to address the allegations would distract the administration and volunteers from organizing the convention. But after successfully meeting fundraising goals and having a record attendance with the help of 200 volunteers, the Abubakar community believes it maintains the trust and love of the Somali community. “This crowd and their energy is a testimony to their commitment to the mosque and its respected leaders,” attendee Ali Abdi said.
People travelled from Columbus, Nashville, Toronto, Kansas City, and across the United States and Canada to listen, learn, and meet. Hundreds of others logged-in to a live broadcast through several websites that serve the Somali community. Twenty-year-old Anab Ibrahim travelled from Seattle to attend the convention. “We came because my aunt was impressed with the line-up. When we arrived, we were amazed with the number of people we saw standing and sitting around in the lobby… we were even more shocked to see the packed auditorium,” she said. At the peak of the event on Saturday, an estimated 7,000 thousand people filled the two auditoriums. Anab said she especially enjoyed the English lectures. “Other conferences are only about the politics of Somalia, and often make us feel hopeless. This was applicable to our lives here and our faith. It showed me what we could do for our community and ourselves.”
Photos provided by Sahra Bashir
Speakers addressed a wide range of topics, including the future of Somalis in the diaspora, the prevalence of autism, the importance of knowing your rights, the danger of gangs and extremism, the notion of Islam as mercy among others.
The only wrinkle on the conference was keynote speaker, Sheikh Mustafa Harun, being denied entry to the United States upon landing at Newark airport. He ultimately addressed the audience via webcam the following day. Participants expressed outrage over their revered scholar being denied entry. Harun said he checked in with the U.S. Embassy in Norway weeks prior to his scheduled flight and was told he should not encounter any issues. Norway has a visa waiver program with the United States. Despite his attempt at planning ahead, he did not make it to the convention. After a 9-hour flight, he was questioned for 3 hours and was told that although his identity was cleared, he must leave the country. He was allowed to make a call before boarding another 9-hour flight back to Norway.
Other speakers included imams from around the U.S. including Minnesota, among them Sheikh Abdirahman Sheikh Omar, Sheikh Abdirizak Hashi, Sheikh Jamel Bin Ameur, and others. Audience members were astounded by the knowledge and wit of 12-year-old Mohamud Ahmed Mohamud, who was introduced as “Sheikh Mohamud.” He related the story of Salman Al-Farisi, a historic figure in Islamic history, and spoke on the importance of seeking knowledge and asking questions. He shared the Somali proverb of regret where a person says, “when I had youth, I did not want to learn, and when I had age, I wished I had learned during my youth.” Mohamud says he wanted to send a strong message to the youth, and encourage them to take advantage of their time. “I want young people to step up to the plate because I see so much good in them and it’s time for the youth to rise,” he said. Mohamud spent the past three years helping in the bookstore of the mosque, reading and writing as he could.
Gubernatorial candidate Steve Kelley, and Constituent Advocate to Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Siad Ali spoke on the health, education, and anti-immigration sentiment. Klobuchar addressed the audience by video where she touched on the cultural and intellectual wealth Somalis bring to Minnesota. Minneapolis welcomed Abukar Arman, the President of the CAIR chapter in Columbus who did a “know your rights” presentation in Somali, while members of the local chapter of CAIR did a program in English. “It’s important for people to understand their legal rights and the implications of their actions – intentional or not. Wanting a lawyer is not an omission of guilt. We want people to cooperate with law enforcement and we want them to know their rights,” he said. Arman also addressed the allegations against certain mosques in the city, saying that, “we’re finding that people are being judged by public opinion, which is ridiculous because this is a nation of law and order, and rumors should not absolve or condemn people or institutions of allegations. Rather, this should be determined by an established legal process.”
Poets Sara Mohamed and Maryam Warsame made their début at the convention. Warsame is one of three organizers for the mosque’s “Youth to Youth” group, a mentorship program for young women. Sara is a student in the program, and the two began writing together this winter. They rhymed about the situation of women in their homeland, and shared the stories of those who did not find relief. “We don’t want to be famous, we just want to get message out and not forget about those who are suffering,” Warsame said. She added that the convention was a good opportunity for students to share their work.
In addition to the poetry and lectures, the convention also included a fundraising component. In a little over an hour, participants pledged $150,000 to help cover expenses incurred over the construction of the second floor of the mosque, as well as to jump-start the next phase of development. The administration hopes to complete the parking lot and make the exterior of the building more visually pleasing.
It is difficult to imagine that this is the same institution that operated from a garage in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood – the epicenter of the city’s newest wave of immigrants. Founding member Abdulaziz Sugule says this vision for a mosque comprehensively serving the community started over a decade ago and the organization began operations in 2000. Then called the Imam Shafi’i Mosque, the name was changed to the Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center and the organization moved to an abandoned warehouse in South Minneapolis. “Today, that vision is a five million dollar project,” Sugule said. “The mosque plays a major role in advancing the community; it consists of all kinds of social services including providing family counseling, settling community disputes, celebrating Islamic holidays, working with local and national government leaders, mentoring youth, and providing a place of Islamic worship and education,” he said.
Looking up with a smile, he added, “Contrary to what some people are saying, they (the mosque administration) are trying to build a healthy community with good people… they’re starting a movement for positive change and people love the place and its people.”
by Ramla bile Photos provided by Sahra Bashir
Source: Hiiraan Online
Hargeisa, 4 July 2009 — Mr. Donald Payne should learn from Somaliland the secrets behind the failed peace at somalia& should forget his Word “unacceptable!!” when expediting Peace in a volatile and highly vulnerable Region, particularly to a sovereign Nation that is not part of the turmoil !!
With due respect to the Chairman of the foreign Relations Committee in the US Congress, Mr. Donald Payne, who blamed Somaliland’s Foreign Minister Mr. Abdillahi Mohamed Dualeh in declining to an invitation sent to the Minister by this Congressional Committee over a tri-partite Meeting at Washington between Sheikh Shariff’s TNG Gov’t, Somaliland and Puntland.
We have long ago advised the International Community, whatever efforts they invest on the ex-Italian Colony, will be doomed to failure, because of a very concrete and very substantial reason of deligating the same ethnic cleansers who destroyed that country to the reconciliation process and confessing to have given them immunity!! Mr Payne, Why is America Fighting Al qa’idah if th same Gov’t extends red carpet reception to the most notorious Generals of Afghanistan, who had been the prime reason of the systemic destruction of that Country? Should we still dance over a technically non-existent democracy at least for the third World on UN current terminology!!? We talk of UN court on Crimes against Humanity, when the very General who ordered the ethnic cleansing of the Issacs and the bombarding of Somaliland cities by Fighter bombers stationed at every city there, is given a save- heaven in the US and recently was invited among other human flesh butchers and war criminals to Washington for a consultation!!
Sir, Somaliland had a long history of friendship with the United States, We do have the same respect for the Gov’t and the American people as well.
The Senator used the term “Unaccptable” to Somaliland’s decline to attend that meeting, which was a diplomatic excess in lieu of a sovereign International Community, who are beyond the dictations of any foreign Statesman!! Mr Pane, The International Community did try 14 Reconciliation conferences on Somalia, did form four Governments for Mogadishio at foreign Countries, where three had failed and Shariff’s Gov’t is in agitation now, while non had been done for Somaliland!!
Much amusing for his excillency, Eastern Timor Govt, and Eriteria Gov’t, who are both members of the UN Organization acquired their International recognition through Armed Struggle like Somaliland, Had restored their independence from already existing Nations as Indonesia and Ethiopia respectively like Somaliland, We are discriminated on Religious grounds then!!, because the international Community sprinkles us with praise and empty words, with-holding our recognition. Now which is unacceptable Mr Senator, the Somaliland decline over an impossible but doomed to fail meeting or the International Community’s blind search of a viable Solution among the very criminals who destroyed Somalia?
Further more, Somalia had been of two United Colonies of Britain and Itay respectively, there had been only two Regional Administrations, The Americans claim to be helping the TNG GOV’T when they invited the Sea Pirate Regional Administration of Puntland who happen to be a bit and Parcel of Shariff’s TNG Gov’t Alas!! is initiating Partitian of the TNG itself at the same time!! this too is very substantial!!. l think, the Senator had a political flap, but should he learn from Somaliland, the Mogadisho issue won’t take a few weeks to distiguish the fire there and to find a lasting Peace for Somalia. Somaliland won’t interfer other’s affairs , when deaf ears are being offered to it’s rightful International Recognition, sorry to say but Mr. Donald Pane should always know that Somaliland is not for Political Dictations!!.
The Somaliland Foreign Minister serve on the will of his People who trusted him to this job and he did what his people wanted but nothing against the honour of neither the US Gov’t nor that of it’s Congressional committee on Foreign Relations in person.
Dr. Ali A. Mohamed
Views expressed in the opinion articles are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the editorial
Local fishermen's boats moor at Berbera port of Somaliland on July 21, 2018. - The soporific seaside town of Berbera is slowly transforming as it takes on a major role on the Red Sea shipping route, allowing breakaway Somaliland to dream of prosperity and even recognition. (Photo by MUSTAFA SAEED / AFP) (Photo credit should read MUSTAFA SAEED/AFP/Getty Images)
Zeila, Jul 4, 2009 — Nine Yemeni nationals along with their two boats have been seized in the Zeila area of Somaliland. The six Yemeni men stand accused by the Somali authorities to smuggle people from Somalia to Yemen.
After this news reached Yemen the Yemeni security forces in Dubab arrested a Somali livestock trader and three Yemenis to press the six Yemenis free. Yemeni fishermen and livestock traders suspended their work in Dubab to avoid any further arrest and demand now from the Yemeni authorities in Dubab to swiftly free the Somali livestock trader as a first step to solve the issue and release all captives.
The news came while the recent incident in which two Yemeni fishermen have been killed and another one was wounded by international anti-piracy warship, which fired at their boat in the Red Sea, has not been clarified. Abdu Mrwani and Mohammad Najai were killed and Ahmed Marwani was seriously wounded when a Russian warship fired at their boat in the Red Sea off the Sudan coast.
South Yorkshire, Jul 4 2009– A blind British man has seen his wife for the first time after an incredible operation transplanted one of his teeth into his right eye.
Builder Martin Jones, 42, was left blind more than a decade ago after a tub of boiling aluminium exploded in his face in South Yorkshire, north England.
But now a remarkable surgery performed less than 50 times in Britain has restored vision in his right eye after a long period in the dark.
The operation allowed Mr Jones to look upon his wife Gill — who he married four years ago — for the first time.
“The doctors took the bandages off and it was like looking through water and then I saw this figure and it was her,” he told the Daily Mail.
“She’s wonderful and lovely … it was unbelievable to see her for the first time.
“When I found out there was a chance I would get my sight back, the first person I wanted to see was her.”
The eight-hour surgery, pioneered by Britain-based doctor Christopher Liu, took part of one of Mr Jones’s canine teeth and reshaped it to house a specially-built lens.
A living tooth was used because the body would most likely reject a plastic or artificial equivalent, Dr Liu said.
Some skin was then taken from part of Mr Jones’s cheek and placed in the eye, where it gained its own blood supply over a period of about two months.
The skin was later lifted and placed over the tooth and a hole cut in the grafted cornea to let light through, allowing Mr Jones to see.
Doctors say the surgery is designed for people with corneal blindness who do not quality for other corneal transplants.
Mr Jones cannot have the operation performed in his left eye because it was so badly damaged in the accident it had to be removed.
INDIAN OCEAN - OCTOBER 8: In this handout photograph provided by the U.S. Navy, pirates leave the merchant vessel MV Faina for the Somalia shore under observation by a U.S. Navy ship October 8, 2008 at sea in the Indian Ocean. The Belize-flagged cargo ship is owned and operated by Kaalbye Shipping, Ukraine and is carrying a cargo of Ukrainian T-72 tanks and related military equipment. The ship was seized by pirates September 25 and forced to anchor off the Somali coast. (Photo by Jason R. Zalasky/U.S. Navy via Getty Images)
Hargeisa, 3 July 2009 – Somali pirates have claimed a new victim by disrupting the laying of an undersea fibre optic cable that has promised to end east Africa’s isolation as the last region of the world not connected to the global broadband network.
The managers of Seacom, a $600m project owned by private investors, said on Wednesday that its cable would not come into service until July 23 – nearly a month later than planned – because pirate activity off the coast of Somalia had delayed the work of its cable-laying contractor.
Tyco Telecommunications, the contractor and part of Tyco Electronics, was forced to suspend its cable-laying around the Horn of Africa so it could revise its security plans and beef up protection for its ships following the latest surge in pirate activity in April and May.
Piracy from Somalia has been on the rise since last August, resulting in dozens of ships and hundreds and crew members being taken hostage, millions of dollars in ransoms and severe disruption to commercial shipping.
Wednesday’s announcement from Seacom marked the first time the pirates have disrupted east Africa’s faltering efforts to end its dependence on satellite internet links, which are slow, unreliable and often prohibitively expensive.
Brian Herlihy, chief executive of Seacom, which is based in Mauritius, said he was “frustrated” by what he called the “pirate-induced delay”. He and Tyco would not comment on whether they had received specific information that Tyco ships were on a pirate hit list.
So far no cable-laying ships have been attacked, but the ships contracted by Seacom were huge – needing to carry up to 6,000km of fibre optic cable – and vulnerable to pirate attack because they moved so slowly.
“Cable-laying ships would be prime targets,” said Pottengal Mukundan, director of the International Maritime Bureau in London. “They’re very slow when they’re laying the cables and they really can’t get away.”
Maritime experts said some ships using the waters off Somalia had beefed up anti-pirate security by employing armed guards from private security companies while others had hired armed patrol boats to escort them. Tyco declined to comment on its security procedures.
Mr Herlihy said the laying of the cable, which will connect the east Africa portion of Seacom to Mumbai, had been completed in the past few days. The delay had not been announced until the job was finished to avoid putting the ships in further danger.
The Seacom cable will link South Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar, Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia to India and Europe. A separate project led by the Kenyan government called Teams will connect Kenya to the United Arab Emirates.
Hargeisa, 3 July 2009 – Egyptian police shot dead two Somali migrants on Thursday who tried to slip across the Sinai desert border into Israel, security sources said, as violence against migrants picked up at the sensitive frontier.
The killings bring to at least six the number of African migrants killed since mid-May at the border.
Egypt for years tolerated tens of thousands of African migrants on its territory, but its attitude hardened after it came under pressure over the past two years to halt a steady flow of Africans trying to cross the border into Israel.
Its border with the Jewish state is a main transit route for migrants and refugees, mainly from Sudan and Eritrea, seeking work or asylum in Israel.
In November, U.S.-based Human Rights Watch called on Egypt to stop the shootings. There were no killings between mid-December and mid-May, although the reason for the abrupt halt was not clear.
Egyptian security forces shot dead at least 28 migrants at the border last year, and deported hundreds of Eritrean asylum seekers back to Asmara despite objections from the United Nations, which feared they would face torture at home.
Sudan’s Omar al-Bashir has resigned after three decades in power. AHMED YOSRI/EPA
Mogadishu, Jul 3, 2009 – Sudanese president Omar Hassan Al-Bashir, acknowledged Sudan’s support to the government of Somalia in its pursuit to realize stability, security and reconciliation in Somalia.
Al-Bashir delivered these remarks after met the President of Somalia
Sheikh Sharif Ahmad at the sidelines of the 13th Summit conference of
the African Union, currently in session in Sirte.
He explained during the meeting, which reviewed the situations in
Somalia, that Sudan will spare no efforts to realize the security and
stability in Somalia, considering its relations with all the Somali parties.
Elsewhere, the 13th summit of the African Union continues. The AU
Commission chairman, Jean Ping, has expressed concern over increasing
and serious political tensions and persistent conflicts in Africa.
He mentioned Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Niger. However, he called
on the heads of state to pay particular attention to Somalia where the
transitional government is threatened with the advance of radical
Islamists. Brazilian president also calls for partnerships for investing in Africa.
Also the president of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, has expressed support
for the arms given to the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia
[TFG] by the United States and called upon other countries to follow
suite and provide support in stabilizing the war torn country.
Speaking to the media, the Ugandan president said he has discussed the issue of supporting the Somali government with senior African
officials and that he will continue seeking broader support for the
TFG. He called upon all countries in the United Nations to provide
whatever support they are able to give to the TFG at this time.
The statement by Museveni comes at a time when the United States
government last week said it has given the TFG arms. Museveni also
dismissed claims that arms given to the TFG by the United States is
likely to worsen the situation in Somalia and called upon groups that
are opposed to the TFG to give reconciliation talks a chance. He urged
the opposition to stop the fighting and give the government a time
frame during which they should be able to prepare for national elections.
Uganda peacekeepers are part of the African Union Mission in Somalia
[Amisom] troops deployed in the country as part of the AU force and
provide backup to the TFG and usually come under fire from armed
groups that are opposed to the TFG.
By Abdinasir Mohamed
Email: abdinasir4@gmail.com
Mogadishu-Somalia
Los Angeles, Jul 3, 2009 — The family of Michael Jackson is considering a traditional Muslim burial for the pop icon who had converted to Islam months prior to his death, says a new report.
X 17 online, a celebrity website reported quoting sources close to the family that Jackson’s newfound will states that he will be buried in the traditions of his new faith.
“The family is considering following the Muslim burial traditions because Michael would have wanted to be laid to rest in keeping with his new-found religious beliefs. Michael’s brother Jermaine is educating the family as to the special rites,” the source said Jackson had reportedly converted to Islam in November last year and taken the name of ‘Mikhaail’.
Meanwhile, a public viewing of the performer will take place on Friday at his fantasy themed abode California ranch, Neverland. There has been no official confirmation from Jackson’s family on the location where his body will be laid to rest.
UNITED STATES - AUGUST 01: Rep. Donald Payne Jr., D-N.J., conducts a news conference in the Capitol Visitor Center on an initiative called "Make It In America" that includes various job creation legislation. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Hargeisa, 2 July 2009 – Amazing it is how some of the websites talk about the refusal of Somaliland government to participate at the so-called Washington meeting. It is also clear that most of those websites misunderstood or are just misguided by the declaration of Mr Donald Payne about Somaliland refusal. But my reaction and I believe most of the reactions of all Somaliland lovers are moments of joys and happiness. Yes, we are all proud of our government. Let me explain myself.
The other day I was reading an article written by our honorable Mr. Dalmar kaahin and I remember one the quotation of Mr. Kaahin which says: “And because the hearing is convened in Washington doesn’t mean Somaliland will jump on the wagon to join the meeting.” This is absolutely right. Somaliland came because of the will of its people and we will not surrender our hardly gained freedom because an American congressman invited us to reconcile with the south.
The Somaliland government did the right thing by refusing to participate in this meeting, and our government was just doing his job because it was elected to protect the interest of the Somaliland people and it is not in our interest to lower ourselves and surrender our will because a “congressman” says so. Somaliland answers only to God and to its own people.
It is also clear that Mr. Payne was upset when he said: “If they (Somaliland) want to be isolated I will do all I can to isolate them”.
Too many questions arise here:
Is it the meeting really held in Washington? The United States?
The symbol of the free world? It is true that Mr. Payne represent the voice of the United States government?
How dare a United States congressman is talking about suppressing the will of a given people by “isolating them”?
More questions are asked and more answers come out. Let me try to give an honest picture of what is going on here.
It is clear that the United States will not recognize Somaliland as long as the USA interest is to satisfy the Arab world specially Egypt (Which is the most furious opponent of Somaliland sovereignty) for different economic and political reasons. But this will not discourage us because the feeling of freedom and the notion of statehood are something that the Somaliland people are enjoying for 19 years and only God can remove this will.
We all know that the so called International communities are self interest so do the Somaliland people too.
However in order to fulfill its own interest somebody has to be realistic, the international community has to be realistic, Mr. Payne need to be realistic. How long it will take to the international community to understand that the key for Somalia stability is in Somaliland? How many more billions of dollars they will be wasting for a factious government (TFG) before they realize that they are wrong? The first thing that I leaned in Political Science at the university it that: “Politics is the art of the possible”. Somaliland is not a Possibility, it is a Reality. So if the international community needs to stabilize Somalia they need to see the only reality this region, Somaliland.
Some people (especially Somaliland enemies) believe that the key to Somaliland destruction is to not recognize it internationally but they forgot that Somaliland people survived 19 years of isolation and ignorance of the international community; can Mr. Payne do more than that? I really doubt.
And then what was this meeting all about? What were the purposes and results of this meeting? The answer of this question is nothing, absolutely nothing. It was just a mean for Mr. Payne to show to the congress that he is doing some progress on the Somali nightmare.
This meeting was Mr. Payne’s meeting not the United States government. And we can understand Mr. Payne frustration because he did not realize his personal wishes.
I will advise to Mr. Payne to go back and read the history of the Somaliland people then understand the psychology and what is going on inside the mind of a hard working Somaliland patriot, you may me chocked, probably you will hate him but you will never underestimate him.
God bless the land of my fathers, Somaliland.
Jibril Y. Omar
Kabul, Afghanistan
Views expressed in the opinion articles are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the editorial
