Baashi, That is an astute observation on your part. I will ponder over that point. Baashi;945703 wrote: Illyria, My reading is president Hassan has scored a major goal. Think about it -- Gathering in Kismayo is under the microscope! The validity and legality of the gathering is under review by IGAD whose boys are in the line of fire. IGAD wants to get back on the saddle, charge forward and take on AS. Kismayo has become an issue for everyone to the point where IGAD observation is necessitated.

Oodweyne, I would agree President Hasan's 5 pillar plan was supported, but, as I read it, the thorny issue of Kismayo has been taken over by IGAD. Once the confidence building mission ends, IGAD owns the process and will come upon with a list of requirements only consulting the FG as needed, but the ownership is gone.

Baashi, My sources in Kismayo indicated a few days ago that they were waiting for a delegation from IGAD states to conclude the administration forming process. Does point 10 have any relation to that, I do not know, but there is something being cooked, and the Somali leadership, that include Xamar, Kismayo or elsewhere, are none the wiser, or so it seems.

Xiin, The trick about interpreting communiques is suspending your bias, and reading with near impossible objectivity. Short of that, you will miss its meaning granted you were not part of the dialogue that lead to the bullet points, and do not have an insider perspective. So we have to rely on what is being written, how it is presented, and where in the communique a point is being inserted. President Hasan and camp will not be completely happy with the Kismayo front, but will find a way to spin it for local consumption. A protocol related question: Why was the President is received at the airport by a minister? When did this trend start happening?

A couple of things to point out: Notice how IGAD clearly states: 7. Reiterated the ownership of the Somali federal government to lead and set the priorities for its stabilization and reconstruction in an all-inclusive manner; But not so where concerns Kismayo, 10. Decided to conduct a confidence-building mission to Kismayu led by the IGAD Executive Secretary and composed of representatives of the federal government of Somalia and one senior delegate from each member state of IGAD with the aim of assessing the situation and submitting a report to the IGAD summit to be held on the sidelines of the upcoming AU summit in May 2013; And these two points: One is to lend its support to the FG, - Leadership of the government of the Federal Republic of Somalia in the process; And the other is to criticise FG's handling of the PFC, and lack of inclusivity and consultation of stakeholders in the process. - Respect of the provisional constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia; - All inclusive consultative process with the peoples of Somalia;

It looks like IGAD wants to take over the process of forming federal member states losing confidence in the Somali leadership whom they initially thought could bring people together. Not a good sign when your backers and financiers take back the presumed empowerment extended in earlier rounds of discussions. On one hand, IGAD is partially and seemingly supporting the FG while on the other they are encouraging the formation of federal states under the command, which the federal leadership was unable to successfully manage.

10. Decided to conduct a confidence-building mission to Kismayu led by the IGAD Executive Secretary and composed of representatives of the federal government of Somalia and one senior delegate from each member state of IGAD with the aim of assessing the situation and submitting a report to the IGAD summit to be held on the sidelines of the upcoming AU summit in May 2013; 11. Underlined the speedy implementation of the Integration of Forces Plan including the enrolment and training of young officers and NCOs; and underscored the need for coordinated efforts of all stakeholders under the leadership of the Somali government; 12. Noted with appreciation the continued commitment of the AMISOM forces, the courage and commitment of the Somali National Security Forces, and the support by all troops/ police contributing countries (Burundi, Djibouti, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Uganda) as well as Ethiopia; 13. Appealed to the troop contributing countries/ police contributing countries and the Somali National Force to expand their operations and immediately recover the remaining areas controlled by Al Shabab; 14. Reaffirmed the strong solidarity among IGAD members and their commitment to continue supporting the government-led reforms in the various priority areas, and in light of upcoming International Conferences on Somalia in particular the London conference to be held on 7 May 2013, appealed to the international community to redouble their support to the stabilization, reconstruction and long-term development of Somalia, on the basis of interalia the principles referred to in paragraph 6; 15. Noted UNSC Resolution 2093 and expressed the hope that it will enhance the reconstruction efforts and the role of Somalia in the region; that it will build on progress made by AMISOM operations, and that it will form a sound basis for the reconstruction and development of Somalia; 16. Underlined that the fight against Al Shabab remains the primary concern in ensuring Somalia’s stabilization and reconstruction;

COMMUNIQUE OF THE 21ST EXTRAORDINARY SUMMIT OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT OF IGAD, ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA, May 3, 2013 6. Noted with appreciation and welcomed the Somali Federal government’s document titled National Stabilization Plan and reiterated the need for all processes particularly the ongoing efforts towards setting up Somali regional administration and stabilization efforts, to be anchored on the following principles: - Leadership of the government of the Federal Republic of Somalia in the process; - Respect of the provisional constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia; - All inclusive consultative process with the peoples of Somalia; - supportive role of IGAD based on the priorities of the Somali government; and - Fighting the Al Shabab as the primary focus of the Somali Federal government; AMISOM; regional and international partners; And further requested the Somali federal government to align the document with the aforementioned agreed five principles. 7. Reiterated the ownership of the Somali federal government to lead and set the priorities for its stabilization and reconstruction in an all-inclusive manner; 9. Called for a commitment by all stakeholders to support the ongoing political outreach and reconciliation processes led by the Somali Federal government, and the building of the capacity of the Federal Government of Somalia particularly on governance, economic development and security sector reform; 10. Decided to conduct a confidence-building mission to Kismayu led by the IGAD Executive Secretary and composed of representatives of the federal government of Somalia and one senior delegate from each member state of IGAD with the aim of assessing the situation and submitting a report to the IGAD summit to be held on the sidelines of the upcoming AU summit in May 2013; 14. Reaffirmed the strong solidarity among IGAD members and their commitment to continue supporting the government-led reforms in the various priority areas, and in light of upcoming International Conferences on Somalia in particular the London conference to be held on 7 May 2013, appealed to the international community to redouble their support to the stabilization, reconstruction and long-term development of Somalia, on the basis of interalia the principles referred to in paragraph 6;

Xiin I agree something is definitely not right tho' I do not know what. I do not know who is advising him. A trend I observe in President Hasan is line with others who came before him in that he is acting as if he gained power by way of overthrowing an unpopular king, and as if he has a complete authority over the territories. Almost as if he is a President for a country other than the Somalia that has been stagnant and caught up in n perpetual civil war for over 20 years. Who are his advisers? Someone please wake him up from the snore.

Puntland Government Position on London Conference II for Somalia PRESS RELEASE 03 May 2013 Puntland Government values the commendable efforts and role Her Majesty Government continues to play in Somalia. Puntland is ready to contribute towards rebuilding a prosperous future for the Federal Republic of Somalia and its people. Puntland contributes to peace and stability in Somalia. The State consists of an area in northern Somalia approximately one-third of surface land and 1,300-km coastline in Somalia. Puntland played an instrumental role in the national constitutional process and ending the transition in Somalia. The State has also been at the forefront in the fight against extremism, terrorism and piracy in Somalia. For years, Puntland has expressed at international public forums its genuine concerns regarding the misbalanced international assistance to Somalia. As such, Puntland hoped that the London Conference of May 7, 2013, would propose a new comprehensive approach to international engagement in Somalia that takes into account existing realities on the ground and Puntland’s rights, as accorded by the Provisional Federal Constitution (PFC). President of the Somali Federal Government (SFG) H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud paid an overnight official visit to Puntland on April 28, 2013. Despite the short notice, a big welcome ceremony was prepared for the President’s delegation and the President of Puntland, H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Mohamud, hosted well-organized dinner at State House in Garowe. A large audience attended the State dinner from different sectors of civil society, which offered President Mohamud an opportunity to address the people of Puntland, and the Somali people more generally. Puntland prepared a thorough agenda to discuss with the visiting SFG delegation. The agenda points included: a) implementation of SFG-Puntland Agreement of March 11, 2013; b) security cooperation; c) respect for Puntland’s constitutional rights; d) implementation of federal system; and e) serious concerns about tampering with the PFC, equitable sharing of international assistance, issues related to natural resources, and a lack of SFG consultation of national affairs with the Federated States, as sanctioned by the PFC. President Mohamud and President Farole agreed in principle on: a) continuation of the national peace and reconciliation process; b) the eventual reintegration of Somali National Forces in a consultative process; and c) the implementation of SFG-Puntland Agreement of March 11, 2013. However, the SFG delegation arrived in Garowe without an agenda and posed major obstacles by categorically refusing to discuss the agenda of national affairs submitted by Puntland. President Mohamud’s delegation also presented obstacles to the speedy implementation of the federal system, most notably by opposing the voluntary formation of ‘Jubaland State’ in southern Somalia, in line with the PFC. Puntland calls on Her Majesty Government to take into serious consideration existing realities in Somalia and the critical need for Federated States (Puntland) to fulfill their mandate under the PFC, on international assistance, economic matters, treaties, and important international accords (Article 54), and national security and federal affairs (Article 208). Additionally, Puntland is seriously concerned with the tampering of the PFC, endorsed by the Roadmap Signatories in Nairobi on June 22, 2012, co-signed by the U.N. as a guarantor, and adopted overwhelmingly by the National Constituent Assembly in Mogadishu on August 1, 2012. Puntland calls on the SFG President, as Custodian of the Constitution, as well as the Speaker, and the SRSG, to launch a full inquiry urgently and to declare an explanation to the citizens of Somalia. Regrettably, as Puntland did not receive an official invitation from any party, Puntland will not send an official delegation to attend the London Conference. Puntland will soon forward a Position Paper on Somalia to the London Conference II. --- END --- Source: Puntland Government

First thing that caught my eye. red lipstick on grown-up men specially Riyaal and Tuur.

Baashi, I do not think so with the exception of the President and his camp tho' I am not an insider, but with Silanyo and Farole abstaining from attending, it looks like an stillborn mortuus on arrival. But then again having observed the pattern of contemporary Somali leaders' actions and posture, last minute changes could emerge, and they can all show up at the last hour clamouring for attention and shortly after that all claiming victory in their morphed respective ways. Tues is a few days away so let us watch the space. What is your reading of the events? Baashi;945543 wrote: Illyria, Are there other significant Somali leaders showing up at this venue?

XX, I promised myself not to engage the ever so emotive, lacking rationality secessionists, so I am breaking that promise this time, and for a reason. so do not make me regret in responding to you. Here is my response. I will leave the triangle if you leave and stop claiming Sool, Sanaag & Cayn. is that a deal? Xaaji Xunjuf;945289 wrote: Can you leave Somaliland out of it thank you.

And by the way if you even get the chance, consider the relavance of these lines. Sino-African relations ONCE UPON A TIME, a large, very poor but resource-rich country decided to focus on development. “We need to modernize our infrastructure, build railways, import new technologies,” the government said. Soon, they had a visit from a large, wealthy Asian country. This Asian country offered them a bargain: We will give you a line of credit worth billions of dollars, and you can import our technologies. Our companies can build your ports, develop your power plants, and help you modernize your mines. You can repay us with your oil, your minerals, and access to your land. Many in the poor country were intensely suspicious of this wealthy Asian power, but they agreed to the bargain, and the work began. One of these countries—the large poor country wealthy in oil—was China, whereas Japan was the wealthy Asian benefactor. 1 When Deng Xiaoping first proposed opening up Chinese resources to Japanese exploitation in the mid-1970s, the country was just emerging from the Cultural Revolution, and his idea was intensely controversial. But Deng prevailed, and China went on to prosper to an extent that would have been unimaginable at the time. Today, this story is still told around the world, but China is now the Asian country offering bargains to poor but resource-rich nations. Over the past several decades China has executed a remarkably clever role reversal, in the process transforming itself from borrower to global lender extraordinaire. The most interesting aspect of this drive, however, is not just that China was successful in pursuing its goals, but also how successfully it continues to pursue its resource acquisition campaign. Over the past several decades China has executed a remarkably clever role reversal, in the process transforming itself from borrower to global lender extraordinaire. The most interesting aspect of this drive, however, is not just that China was successful in pursuing its goals, but also how successfully it continues to pursue its resource acquisition campaign. Simply stated, China has developed into the global price setter par excellence for numerous commodities through its specific relationships with resource-rich countries. Chapter 6, Winner Take All: China's Race for Resources and What It Means for the World Moyo, Dambisa (2012-06-05).

Baashi Good to know there is a gatekeeper. It is a goodwill initiative on the part of Britain which is trying to hang on to its imperial influence over its commenwealth/colonies and its intent is to remain relevant in the evolving geopolitics of the new world where resources and economic dominance are the driving factors. Africa is the target. China is in the driving seat. Europe and US are lagging behind. Consider the following. Africa has 60% of the world's untapped resources. China is scaling up its interest in Africa by a rate of - forgot what the last rate was - somewhere in the region of 2,000% increase. Read Sino-Africa relationship academic papers, which illustrate the economic race 'ween China, the new (future) econoimic empire, and Europe, the old old empire still wanting to remain relevant seeking remedies for its economic woes, and the US, current empire seeking to hold on. So, Africa is the economic battle ground. so to circle back to your question, Britain is in competition with Turkey with the long reach being raw resources of the dark continent, and Somalia serves as the broken glass, and whomever fixes it not only takes the mantle, but will use it as a goodwill gesture for other resource-rich, but less developed, African nations. That is my reading. Now, you will notice I am trying to avoid, and for a good reason, the inter-Somali politics and squablling over the presumed ownership and member attendance of the conference, and am focusing more on its geopolitical relevance. Let me add tho' I'd have liked it however if President Hassan came to the meeting with the leaders of the future federal states like Somaliland, Puntland, Galmudug, Jubaland etc on his side, and they, the leaders saw this as an golden opportunity to present a united front to the world and ask the world to help them help themselves in reconstructing the country. It is however highly unlikely judging from what was seen last couple of weeks. Add-on: Timely? No 'cos politically Somali leaders are not ready for serious talk and unless that has taken place locally reconstruction could not tempted therefore any attempt in that direction NOW is futile.

Carafaat, I will treat your outburst as if gargled by a youngster, and will ignore it. Hmmmm. Ilyria, you start a post on Puntland elections and you don't even know the Puntland electoral law Ileyn meesha dood u maad iman, xayesiiskii reerka lagu yaqanay ayaa wadaa.

Oh no. Tho' I have not come across Mr. Libaax yet, but I'll take your word for it and never mention it again.

Carafaat, Do you know why it is frustrating to converse with you? It is 'cos you do not pay attention to DETAIL. re-read the earlier post, and pay attention to the word FIRST this time, please? I agree. The election process is not a process without flaws but one of the most crucial issues is that of the arbiter(the Electoral Committee). Without an independent arbiter, the opposition will always cry fault and they already have done so. See the letter you posted. Even after elections, they will say the process was not democratic, irrelevent if they have won or not.

Do you remember how many Riyaale appointed in the first election in SL?

Baashi, The current crop of Somali politicians and leaders are neither intelligent nor public serving technocrats. They are neither honest nor capable. They are however egotistical prima donnas deeply influenced by Somalia's recent history and of which views and politics are shaped firstly by clan interest instead of the national and public interest. Add-on: And to understand the malaise in Somali politics, such observe this forum and the nonsense that passes as facts and hard data - no critical analysis or fact-checking or patience for the all facts to emerge, but furious rush to judgement and no subscription to the age old doctrine of awarding the "benefit of the doubt" in situations or cases - 'cos people in this forum will eventually graduate and morph into politicians serving the ailing Somalia.

Carafaat, The process has to begin somewhere, and it just so happens this is not a Somali-owned process, but one borrowed from other nations. In the US, the President appoints members (6) of the US Electoral commission whereas in the UK the Parliament appoints members. Did you ever wonder why there is the Electoral College in the US? It is not perfect, but it has to begin somewhere. Of course you can criticise it till cows come home, but the criticism has to be realistic, consider existing conditions, constraints and circumstances, and make sense. If not, it is just conjecture. Again, this is just an example, even tho' we cannot compare mature democracies and centuries-old independent institutions with Somalia's non-existing ones. And I am NOT discounting the democratic nature of the Somali culture.

Are you deliberately contradicting yourself, or arguing with and against yourself? Carafaat;944814 wrote: Faroole appointed those 4 members and they form a majority of the "Electoral Committee". Wax fahan. Carafaat;944814 wrote: Faroole appointed 5 of the 9 members of Puntland "Electoral Committee". The oppositions knows there wont be fair eledtions with such a partial Electoral Committee.

And even tho' the federal government leadership is caught with their hand in the till, Puntland has to engage the federal government, play politics, and ALWAYS think of the national interest. And of course think of its own interest too. And I do understand it is difficult to engage the current crop of Somali politicians with tyrannical tendencies and one-directional perspectives.

And that is the desired end goal. But first we must get all the facts in before passing the judgement, no? Did he know, or did not he? Was he a part to it?

Wait a minute tho'. this get more interesting. The question should be: did the President know about the amendments to the constitution? if he did, and he swore to safeguard the constitution and upload the law, and the constitution has been amended under his watch, does that mean his oath no longer holds true? Does that bring his Presidency under disrepute where some could argue, and rightly so, that he is no longer the President? let us wait and see if he was aware of the changes. Intersting development to say the least.