In 2014 I wrote two articles entitled, “Somaliland-UK, EU, US Send Wrong Message” and “Somaliland: American Warlord Led Rebels Vow to Use Suicide Bombers, Attack Bridges & Transportation System”. The American warlord in question is none other than Dr. Ali Khalif Galaydh, a naturalized U.S citizen residing in Minneapolis. He is the founder and leader of the violent militants known as Khatumo, which conducts hit and run against Somaliland security forces.
Two years later, Dr. Ali Khalif Galaydh is no longer spewing out empty threats against Somaliland people. Instead, his threats materialize precisely how he describes them. For instance, on January 30, 2016, from his last hide out, Buhodle district, in Somaliland, Dr. Ali Khalif Galaydh sends a chilling message to Somaliland as he states, “We will slaughter their civilians, the pro-Somaliland nomads near Buhodle district.” Thirteen days later, on February 12, 2016 he delivers his threats as his militias’ savagely murder one nomad and wound two more. Dozens of families near the area also fled to safety. Even one of the sites that usually support his violent campaign is now condemning his atrocity against unarmed nomads, herding their livestock.
Recently, the Khatumo rebels launch a campaign of terror against civilians and their properties. On January 19, 2016, as one of the Khatumo rebel leaders, Keysse Abdi Yussuf, states in an interview with a local radio, the rebels burn a civilian vehicle and vow to raze villages to ground.
Also, on June 20, 2015 the Khatumo rebels admit burning down telecommunication towers that belong to Telesom and Somtel companies.
As usual, the Somaliland security forces would track Dr. Ali Khalif Galaydh down and chase him until he crosses the border to Ethiopia. And a few weeks later, he would go back to his safe haven, Minneapolis, where he would get the biggest welcome from his supporters and meet a number of U.S officials—“reiterating his commitment to peace and development in his native land.”
In the U.S, while the idea of fighting against extremism and barring Somali youth joining ISIS is laudable, what is unfathomable is why the U.S let’s Dr. Ali Khalif Galaydh commit murder in Somaliland, vow Jihad against Somaliland, threaten to send suicide bombers, attack bridges and transportation system, and still retreat to Minneapolis. And no sooner does he get much needed rest than he launches another fund-raising campaign for his next destructive trip to Somaliland.
In a nutshell, the evidence against Dr. Ali Khalif Galaydh and his rebels is overwhelming. Therefore, I urge the Somaliland Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Sa’ad Ali Shire to request the U.S to arrest Dr. Ali Khalif Galaydh and charge him for crimes he committed in Somaliland. Equally important, Somaliland-Americans should write to their Congress man/woman, contact U.S security agencies and bring Dr. Ali Khalif Galaydh to their attention.
Meanwhile, Somaliland government should convince the traditional leaders in Buhodle area, permitting Khatumo rebels to use Buhodle as a launch pad will undermine peace and stability in the area.
Dalmar Kaahin
