Dear sister Khadra, Thanks for sharing your trip back home. You really described well both the business drive of Hargeisa and the loud,pushy , proud and direct talking culture of Northern Somalia. It is one of the places where the original Somali tradition of clan and honor also still alive and well. I like your mercy and empathy for the poor and those who have been have left behind by the culture of oligarchy and looting practised by the ruling class. I am really proud of the new generation of young Somalis in the diaspora, who grew up in a culture of fairness, meritocracy and fair play feeling the pain of their people. Six years ago when I visited both Djibouti and Hargeisa , I was the guest of the elite who benefited the system, and I never felt comfortable by their excess and way of life. I like the sense of justice and caring shown by our youth to their fellow Somalis. As you stated , Qat is the biggest social calamity of the Somalis especially Somaliland, yet no one is discussing to either eliminate or reduce the harm it causes for the fabric of our people. Without our proud Somali women every where , I do not know how we could have survived both at home and abroad. Khadra said " I realized that despite all these external differences, we are all Somalis. As a Somali living anywhere outside Somalia, you will always be a Somali" Keep in mind that the north might have peace, but the true wealth of our country rests in the south; mostly in its fertile soil and rivers. The north and the south have both untapped resources of human capital that needs to be put in use. We cannot do without each other". That is the universal mentality of almost all the Somali youth both men and women in the diaspora. In North America ,where people are divided in two or three major categories, no one cares which village or clan a Somali person hails. I can not tell my kids who are getting educated in major universities in north America ,which clan they belong or should support. Of course they know which region their families come from, but for them , the most important aspect of their life is being a Somali nomad, and they share their life experiences with other Somali boys and girls who hail from Burco, Boosaaso, Baidoa and Banaadir. Their identities are Muslim and Canadian Somali. If you ask a Nigerian in Lagos , where is he from?, he will gladly say that he is an Igbo from the south west Nigeria. If you ask him the same question When he is in London, England, he will answer that he is from Nigeria without naming his tribal homeland. If you ask him that same question when he is in Brooklyn , New York, he will answer that he is from Africa or west Africa. In the 21st century, We Somalia are scattered around the globe and because of the information highway and the village nature of the world, our strength as a people is getting stronger , because of the new generation of Somalis who are not loyal to a village or clan. This travel and dispatch by this sister magnifies the true nature of Somalis regardless of south or north. I do not like both the south and northern politicians , but our people are one. In fact let me say that: We Somalis are one people, one Nation, under Allah (SWT) and indivisible.

He is probably distracting people from the Russian investigation. My biggest fear is that if the Russian case got closer to impeach him, he might go to war and create a new unimaginable distraction to the media. If he goes nuclear to take out North Korea, he could buy months if not years from the proceedings.

In Kenya, The ingredients for violence and civil war were there. A highly contested election, allegations of fraud, and the murder of an election official were some of the reasons that put fear among the Kenyan electorate. According to amnesty, "This brutal murder has sent a chill down the spine of many Kenyans and raised the spectre of violence,” said Muthoni Wanyeki, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East Africa, the Horn and the Great Lakes. “Msando’s murder is the most horrendous incident this election year, but it is not the only one with the potential to sow fear. Numerous threatening statements have been made by high-ranking officials and politicians that infringe on people’s rights to freedom of expression and to access information.” It seemed the media and outsiders were sensing a similar fate as 2007 were more than a thousand were killed. Raila Odinga probably had won that election, but the electoral commission announced the result prematurely and made Kibaki the winner. This time around , before the results were announced , the opposition claimed victory and accused the election officials of fraud and electronic hacking. Confrontation was inevitable, yet the presence of former U.S foreign secretary John Kerry saved the day, and saved Kenya from another violence and civil war. By declaring the election free and fair , Mr. Kerry doused the flames of fire with big bucket of water. As such Odinga and his people had no choice but to cry and regroup. It looks like the world want a peaceful Kenya in this region. With Al-shabaab inside Kenya, a civil war or sectarian violence would have destroyed Kenya quickly. Odinga had run for president three times without success. During his term as prime minister, he orchestrated the invasion of Jubba land by the Kenyan forces. previously, I did like the opposition especially since Farah Macalin was a member, but the erratic behaviour of Odinga and his meddling of Somali affairs made him a bad candidate. Few days ago he even reportedly announced that he may recognize Somaliland if he won election.

When "The interview" an American action comedy was released in 2014, KIm Jong Un threatened America with "sea of fire". The film which stars Seth Rogen and James Franco as journalists who set up an interview with North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un , and are recruited by the CIA to assassinate him. KIm Un almost declared war if the movie is released. A North Korean foreign ministry spokesman said in state media that , the movie's release would be an "act of war". He added, Making and releasing a movie on a plot to hurt our top-level leadership is the most blatant act of terrorism and war and will absolutely not be tolerated." Rogan on twitter said, "People don't usually wanna kill me for one of my movies until after they've paid 12 bucks for it." Kim said a gust of rage will come from his soldiers, and if the U.S released this film " a merciless counter measure will be taken". For most of us these words are nothing more than a small time dictator seeking attention. The problem is in the south of the border we got another dude with bad orange hair who want to play KIm's game. Here his message to his buddy KIm Here is the message from Trump to his buddy: Trump campaigned to use the nuclear weapons if provoked. Now, is this two crazy dudes bragging about their power or could it lead a disaster? How long these deplorables tolerate TRump?.

That crime was premeditated crime. Which means he planned prior to the crime. In the western justice system , it is called first degree murder. Because of his position and power, the government should have dealt this crime according to the justice system. I have no issues if the victims agreed to accept blood money, but why would people pay money for a crime that was premeditated?. It is a bad system. First you have to imprison him and try the case in the courts. This crime was committed against the state by murdering innocent person, so he must be prosecuted to the full powers of the state. After the verdict of the court, the relatives of the murderer and the victim could negotiate, but first, justice must be served. Now If this case was dealt without the intervention of the state , other cases must follow similar rules. WE see every day soldiers who committed similar crimes shot to death by the courts without debate. The soldier who shot minister Siraj must be also be dealt in similar fashion. That soldier's actions although reckless , could be described as manslaughter or what under Islamic rules proscribed as " defensive" . I saw one of the fake generals claiming that the soldier used the gun in a peaceful place around Villa-Somalia which is debatable. Of course he was acting with impunity and recklessness, but no just court could find him for the death penalty. This is the kind of moves that create different justice for different groups. " Gaafow ayuu dirawal u ahaa kama siideynayso sharciga.

Suldaanka, What you have stated is a logical post. Who would have thought that a hand raised in a hall will be the final call of deciding an important election. Then you said , " It is a farcy when you compare the technology that is being used for the upcoming Presidential elections which is among the best in the world". Well, if they can not tabulate properly for 77 votes in a single room, what makes you think that they could manage a new technology that needs modern knowledge. For those of us in the diaspora, is like pulling a horse and buggy in the 21st century. My problem is the slow moving chairman Cirro is laying low as usual.

After 90 days Ahmed Siilaanyo and company are done. Soon She will be going to Cumar Geele and will beg him for the re-start of the negotiations with Somalia. Nothing is expected to come from these talks. She and company are looking to get some badly needed cash before the end of their term. There were some money from the E.U frozen by Hassan Sheikh last year and they want to cash it before they leave for good. The tough talk is smoke and mirror to mislead innocent people.

The system of government has ceased to exist long time ago. This parliament did not hold any meaningful voting for seven years. Other than the Dubai Port issue which was forced through coercion and bribes, not one single meaningful vote was held in this champers. While responsible government and accountability is gaining ground in Somalia, Hargeisa administration is been dismantled as we speak. We live in the 21st century and these stooges could not manage the voting of 77 members. They should have the recordings of major parliamentary proceedings. Since they are backward and weak government, they should have at least tabulated in paper and loudly announced the names of the members after their names was called. How can you trust a lowly secretary to count hands and announce the result without proper check and balances. He said that he has " swore to up hold the integrity of the vote", No one should believe this man or his claims. What people need is concrete proofs to verify the result. Magaalada Hargeisa waxa jir dad horjooga maxakamadaha oo kuu markhaati furaya haddii aad waxooga lacaga bixiso. Sidaa darteed Markhaati beenaale Hargeisa wuu buuxaa. Dawladnimana laguma maamula waan dhaartay. Trust the system not the individual. Xariifkan cadayn ayaa laga rabaa. The opposition should hold it's ground and the courts should handle the issue,. If this secretary can not furnish concrete proof, a second vote should take place. Kulaha waa la i dhaariyey. If these guys can not manage the voting of 77 members in a room, how could they manage election?. Expect mayhem.

Which world this incompetent people live? Haddii cid lagu aaminayo waa" la i dhaariyey", miyaanu ogayn in maalin walba siyaasiyinta iyo wasiiradu ay Kitaabka Suuban gacanta saaraan , maalka ummadana dhacaan. Every statement this fool makes must be rejected out right. He claimed that he managed the impeachment against late president Cigaal twenty years ago. I do not believe one single word this man says.

Successful satire is the one that mocks the establishment and those who are in power. It is an outsider art to fight back or expose the hypocrisy of the politicians , governments and people in power. It is truth telling through humor and comedy. It is the weapon of the underdog to expose how things should be or should not. If you mock or demean a poor person or those who are disadvantaged --like most conservatives do-- it will not accomplish its purpose and would seem condescending, power abuse and patronizing. Also, it is not easy to be funny. There are natural born comedians and funny people who use colorful language in their daily interactions. Being funny is hard work. Great American comedy shows have dozens of writers who prepare their craft full time. It does need preparation and talented people composing good material that is liked by most people. Somalis Used comedy to judge and expose government hypocrisy through poetry and playwright. Even when there was a dictatorship which objected the slightest infraction that exposes its incompetence and corruption, Somali composers tried to send their message through coded words. The great Somali star Maryan Mursal was jailed after she sang a song called the three enemies (Saddex Cadow ayaa jiray) by Abwaan Mohamud Tukaale. Saddex cadow ayaa jiray Dadka soo caddibi jiray Oo ciriiri galin jiray Labo waa la cidhib tiray Cilmi li'i wax laga baray Cirka waa ta loo kacay La carraabi gaajoo Caydh xoolo laga dhaqay Hayeeshee colka u daran Wali caymo loo waa Culimada adduunkee Caafimaadka baadhaay Cudurrada la dabar goyn Caashaqa ha lagu daro Cimrigiisu dheeraa Ciidankiisu badanaa Calankiisu adagaa Waxa ila caajiba ah Carraduu ku nool yahay Ciddeen kaga dacwoonaa Wuu naga cad goostoo Ka cabbaaday duniduye Sidee loo curyaanshaa Oo loo cadaadshaa? Roughly it translates that " there were three enemies of humanity , namely illiteracy, poverty and disease. Illiteracy was overcome and humanity is racing to space. Poverty is almost eradicated,, but the fight to eliminate disease still continues. She is asking those who are fighting disease to also include "love" which is deadly. She is lamenting about the strength of the love (Caashaq), his armies and ruthlessness. Siyaad Barre said, " Imikana ma caashaq bay igu sifeeyeen" That song was rarely played in Radio Mogadishu. You might also heard about the late satirist C/laahi raage who in the nineteen seventies said ,there are only three choices, either support Siyaad Barre, Keep your mouth shut or go to Afgooye . " Ama afweyne raac, ama afkaaga hayso ama Afgooye aad. Now Fast forward to the 21st century and the topic at hand. Among the cartoons of Amiin Caamir, the best ones are those who expose hypocrisy, public looting and serving the interest of the foreign governments especially Ethiopia and Kenya. Although sometimes he immerses with unnecessary campaigns or attacks, what we like about him is that most of time his cartoons advocate for the poor and those who are oppressed. Unlike Amiin or others , Universal TV is a well known media outlet that serves the powerful and those who are against the Somali people through bribe taking and personal interest. In fact, it is the only Somali television which campaigned for the presence of Ethiopian military in Somali. With late president Hassan Sheikh , they combined a policy of bribery and intimidation. In 2011, at the height of the Arab spring and the uprising of the people, Universal TV went out of its way and muzzled those who tried to expose the Hypocrisy of the Arab rulers and the dictators of the horn of Africa. Ahmed Hassan cawke (AHN) , one of the most famous Somali broadcasters of our time , who was called " Codka Qaranka" during the hey days of the Somali republic, was asked by a Universal studio personality in Djibouti about his impression in Djibouti and the Arab spring. After the airing of this segment, Cumar Geelle , the Djibouti dictator, demanded that Cawke to be fired, and the owner of the Universal TV just did that and fired Cawke. I knew long time ago that the owner of Universal TV takes yearly a huge sum of money from Djibouti to not only protect and promote Cumar Geelle, but he attacks and defames the opposition. The Djibouti opposition leaders told me that the Somali internet and TV outlets have all refused to air any news from the opposition due to constant bribes from Djibouti. Those of us who follow the money know that the so called " Faaliyaha Qaranka" does not have any integrity or journalistic standard to air his comedy by exposing hypocrisy of the powerful and help those who are powerless. Rather than expose hypocrisy of rulers, they are promoting the power of the rulers and undermining the powerless which is totally against the purpose of modern humor and comedy. Here, in this segment---wearing dark glasses which is totally unacceptable for someone broadcasting a show---he attacks Farah Macalin for no apparent reason other than Universal TV being a hitman for Ethiopia and company. There are few reasons that this hit job is stinking of bribery and collusion with the enemies of Somalia. First, Farah was never accused of misappropriating of funds or any corruption both in Somalia and Kenyan media. His constituents in Garissa never said that Farah is in politics for money and nothing else. second, he is the first Somali of Kenyan descent who took the stage in the Kenyan parliament and challenged the ruling Kikuya and others about the interest of the Somali Kenyans and Somalis in general. Few years ago, he came in Alberta, Canada and had a productive conversation with the Somali Community. I remember him telling us that , " We SOmalis in kenya are among many tribes including Turkanas, Kikuya and others and will never accept to be second class citizens,". He underlined their efforts to increase the number of Somalis in the public service and politics and universities. In fact, if you want to see him and Bilow Kerow in action, just watch the proceedings of the Kenyan parliament. Third , why attack some with no apparent reason from nowhere. Are they saying that the other competitor in the raise has a better record than Farah Macalin?, no. In another segment, they even presented some pictures of the drought and said Farah is not doing anything to help. What really made this hit job ugly is Farah wasn't in the government for the last four years. He was working with IGAD and was campaigning the removal Ethiopian troops from Somalia. While regional governments , including Somaliland were crying for the death of former Ethiopian prime minister, Farah was the only one who welcomed the demise of the Ethiopian dictator. Now, he is campaigning to get back his seat and oppose Uhuru and company, and Ethiopia and their stooges , Universal TV is on the attack. Absolutely there were no reasons to undermine a good Somali who stands for the independence and dignities of Somalis every where including Kenya. I urge Farah Macalin to take the necessary legal steps to punish this bribe taking, weak minded and corrupt TV. I am totally against the idea of muzzling or arresting journalists which is always the work of the dictators, but I am in support of libel suing of those who wilfully defame and attack those who are defending the honor of the Somali people. Jeebku ha xanuuno halka ay calooshu xanuuni lahayd. Make sure they cough some of the hard cash they took for bribes throughout the Somali regions. Just like warlords and businesses who made huge money for the lack of the Somali state, there are many media outlets and internet websites who make many on the backs of the Somali people. This TV is not the only one taking bribes and undermining Somalis, but this one is ugly , daring and does not even know how to hide the money. This in not a comedy but a disorganized and dishonest hit job that does not pass the basic test. At least you should have taken off of your glasses so we could see your face, or maybe your lying and bribing and it is very difficult to face the camera. I think that the main reason Ethiopia and their stooge universal TV is waging this campaign against Farah Macalin is probably his latest interview about Somalia.

one of the young men was just 15 years old. the older one says that " no tribe would be able to rescue us from the dungeons of the Ethiopian jails, only A Somali state can do this". This is a lesson for all.

Saalax, The death of nomads will help no one including the opposition who want to throw Siilaanyo out. I urge you not to inflame the disintegration of these communities.

https://youtu.be/CEeB4r3sFUk?t=3 They sold libraries, parks, the national theater, and government offices. These people should be chased out of office as soon as possible.

According to elders and certain members of parliament the Hargeisa government is behind these tribal wars. Last year when Hirsi Xaaji Cali joined Wadani they started these conflicts. The east and west Burco communities were holding unity "Shir" both in London and Burco to unite and join forces. They both agreed to support the opposition, and these makes Muuse Biixi unhappy. He thinks that if if loses even 25% of that community , his chances of winning will be more difficult. So, they started wars. Their only choice is divide communities. THey are doing the same thing in Awdal.

In 2007, after the defeat of the Islamic Courts Union, Kismaayo was taken over by government allied militia and Somali forces under then president C/laahi Yusuf. In the next few months the American air power chased Al-shabaab in the jungles of Jubba region. According to their leaders, the constant American air assault forced them to run and hide constantly ( Waxay dhaheen waan kaadi tagi kari weyney). Somehow in 2009 the American pressure disappeared and those men who could not venture outside to pee were paying the salaries of their militia. From 2012 to 2016, Americans were just concentrating finding certain leaders or the leadership of Al-shabaab with some nominal success. This time around the American offensive with help of Somali ground forces are paying off. Al-shabaab leadership is on the run and for the last few weeks key members are killed. If this trend continues, Al-shabaab forces could no longer assemble in open air camps or move around with their vehicles. If their leadership is decimated and their movements controlled , Al-shabaab as we know will be defeated sooner than we expect. If they spend most of their time and energy to hide and run, they will not be able to organize or plan attacks. Another major development is the defection of Sheekh Mukhtaar Roobow. He was the original members of the group that co-founded the ICU. He has a large following among the South West region, and his defection will weaken Al-shabaab in major ways. I wrote in this pages that religious fundamentalist members who have no connections with the international terrorism but has huge concern with the presence of Ethiopian and foreign forces could be approached . LIke everyone else , they have witnessed the carnage Al-shabaab inflicted the innocent public .Many like Roobow were looking way out but was threatened and sidelined by international terrorist Ahmed Godane and his foreign security apparatus.. Last month the Americans removed him from the list of terrorist members that was targeted by financial rewards. It seems the American military leadership in Somalia are coordinating with the Somali government to destroy the military side of the Al-shabaab threat, coupled with bringing the reluctant members who are indigenous Somalis with no connections with international terrorists. The multi national terrorists who room the Jubba area and the Kenyan border are mostly foreigners from Kenya, Tanzania, middle east and abroad. For those ones , Somalia is a collateral damage for their greater goal of destabilizing Muslim nations. This momentum must continue and greater effort must be paid to achieve this goal. The Somali government must not lose the sight of the big picture of eliminating this threat . They should not spend their energy or resources about what stooges like "Xildhibaan Xidig" is planning or the constant quarrels of the Mogadishu mafia. Use the resources you have for the most important task ahead --which is security. You must convince the Americans to coordinate with the Somali state and the national goals of destroying Al-shabaab. Al-shabaab is financed through ransom taking and intimidation. I always believed that international terrorism or rebel movements could not last one month in the bush without the help of foreign powers and constant financing of people with deep pockets. As I said earlier, Al-shabaab members who could not venture outside the Jubba jungle for months were paying cash salaries later. I also believe that the sophisticated laptop laden bombs that had almost brought down a Somalia based airline were the work of international terrorists and their state intelligence helpers. Did you hear that American airlines and airport security are now checking electronic devices before boarding planes?. The Americans said that they have a classified intelligence report about ISIS plots to bring down airlines by using laptops. Well folks, we were the first who reported about the foreign connected intelligence forces who were using laptops and other devices in Somalia. We inquired that how a primitive and poor Somali in Mogadishu could assemble this kind of sophisticated devices. So far some airlines were blown in the skies including some airlines owned by Egypt and other places and no one knows the cause. So in order to sideline the car bombs and other issues that need intelligence , we must stop the financing of these groups. Amisom have been selling weapons in Somalia since 2011. If we put aside the foreign financing and the Ethiopian intelligence using different methods to destabilize Somalia, let us focus on the internal financing of Al-shabaab by Somalis in Mogadishu and elsewhere. Al-shabaab has transformed as criminal enterprise. It is not secret that almost all Mogadishu businesses do pay ransom taxes and other direct payments to Al-shabaab. Restaurants, Telecom companies , Bakara market merchants and NGO's all pay to the Al-shabaab account almost every day. By using mob style intimidation, assassinations and bombings , they collect huge amount of money from these businesses. A civil servant who came from Mogadishu told me that as soon as business is opened they must call Al-shabaab and deliver the ransom taxes voluntarily. He Told me about a new restaurant opened by a guy from Banadir, and after few months the restaurant became successful. His friends told him to call and contact the killers before they come and bomb the place. He did. "Waxay dhaheen waan ku ognahy in ay makhaayadu kuu socoto, cashuurta halkaas gee, Gabdhaha meesha ka shaqeeyana dharka ka bedel". This criminals will not hesitate to murder or bomb those who refuse to pay the ransom. Have you ever heard that big telecom businesses or huge national companies ever been targeted by Al-shabaab?, No they never target them because they pay their ransom. Huge NGO's who operate Al-shabaab controlled area pay their ransom as well. He told me about an individual who after getting a contact through the NGO, voluntarily went to " Ceelasha Biyaha" and delivered $10,000 cash to a shop run by Al-shabaab representative. When he asked about a receipt or some kind of evidence, he was told that everything's under control and he should proceed to his contract. Imagine hundred of businesses out of fear or self interest giving millions to Al-shabaab voluntarily. Folks , this thing was going on for years. You have telecom companies openly and without fear operating Al-shabaab controlled regions. They should have shut down and disconnected any contacts with these people. We were all wondering that, How could these killers afford to blow up a ten thousand dollar car?, because they have the money, millions of direct payments from businesses. This kind of voluntary ransom paying schemes will only prolong the suffering of the Somali people. People and businesses must be encouraged to refuse and ask protection from the government .Governments, even rich ones like America and Canada refuse to pay ransom to terrorists in order to eliminate the cash flow to killers, otherwise every citizen would have a target in his back. This week, for the first time, the Somali security and intelligence leadership is focusing the issue of the financial support provided by certain businesses in Mogadishu to Al-shabaab. Cutting the financial pipeline to Al-shabaab is one of the biggest puzzles of the fight against terrorism in Somalia. Tough political decisions must be made in Mogadishu in order to change the old ways of doing things.It is this kind of bold and effective policies that would bring genuine security. Those who want to keep the status quo will speak loud and cry foul, but decisions must be made. Make a hotline for people to call and trace those who are calling. The so called internet banking must be regulated. Without the cash flow , this criminal enterprise masquerading as a religious movement, might die sooner that we think.

MMA , Saaxiib inaga xidh sida uu u dhan yahay. Dagaalka habraha wakhti uma hayne. By the way , last time you said " Galbeedi qalinka dhig oo Xamar teg" Taladaas waan kaa qaatay . InshaAllah , I will come and visit late next year.

This money is from the world bank. The amount of money given to regions is equivalent of their responsibilities and their government operations. AS of now, South West region only runs Baidoa and small pockets of lower Shabeelle, and HirShabeelle does not have police, army or government bureaucracy to pay yet. Puntland is a functioning state with government ministries, police and other government services. It does need more than the nascent regions. It is only logical. So, these "Xildhibaano" should focus the real issues. The Salaries of the soldiers must be increased. Also, this large Mogadishu bureaucracy who are more than five thousands should be reduced. Other than the security apparatus, the government operations should be minimal.

The poor, the disadvantaged and innocent victims who could have been in a wrong place at the wrong time, need the Somali state. I always knew that it is not the politicians who are playing the political football or the elites who need the Somali state. It is the average citizen who needs the peace and the safety guaranteed by the state. Regardless of how one feels about the leadership or the constant " Xadhig Jiid" we all need a Somali state that takes it's place among sovereign nations of the world. I think this government has shown it's commitment to rescue and advocate for Somalis around the region, especially those who were forgotten in Ethiopian Jails. Dawladnimadu waxa ay hiil u tahay dadka dhibanayaasha ah iyo danyarta.

66 styles , Mr. Ibraahim, isn't that too many. Balwadii baxsatoo baribay qabatee Baabuur Ma Ku baadi Doonaa. Did you know that lyrics?.

Somalialnd president Ahmed Siilaanyo is in Dubai since June 16 for health reasons. No one knows how severe his condition is, but last week in order to lay down the fears of his declining health , he did send a 19 second video recordings to reassure the people. While the health of the president is the main underlying issue, reliable sources said that Mr. Siilaanyo want the election to take place as agreed upon by the commission. In fact, he was not happy about the last postponement of the election due to drought issues. According to these sources, due to his health and age issue, Mr. Siilaanyo eagerly want the conclusion of the election in order to retire and deal with his health matters. In late spring , a former Rayaale government minister and member of the Wadani party central committee, came to this town to meet party members. One of the Awdalites who is chair of the Wadani party in this province called me and asked me if I was willing to chat with man and ask him few question . I said fine , and after he finished his party business , i sat down with him , one on one, and asked him few questions about Somaliland and the election. During our conversations, I did ask him about president Siilaanyo and his health issues. Being an astute politician he said , " In our tradition it is an fair to insult or degrade someone due to his health failing and senior age "(Dhaqankeena waa ceeb in qofka lagu caayo xanuunka iyo da'ada labadaba), but we are all aware of the wrong people who are abusing the trust of the people, and everyone expects this election to clear the slate. Now, Ahmed Siilaanyo want to retire and finish off the election., and the opposition and even the ruling party also want the election to happen. So, who is trying to postpone the election.? There are two groups. The First group is the incumbent ministers and the kitchen cabinet members who have seen the writing in the wall. Except few pockets like Gabiley, where criminal elements rule the city, and even deny opposition people from entering the city, or holding a rally, the people of Somaliland are sick and tired of the corruption, inflation and the looting of the public purse. The people are ready for a change. This group do do not have the means or the political environment to postpone the election at this moment, but they might be useful idiots that could be used to further the interest of a foreign power. They could be the vehicle or the instrument to postpone the election. The second group have the financial means to postpone the election by using money , fear, constitutional means, or bloodless coup that could divide the people and give them time to regroup. This group is the UAE. Now let me uncover the plot that could be used to postpone the election. Ahmed Siilaanyo used to fly London and his mouthpieces aides used to say that he went for extended vacation. This time, everyone including Siilaanyo, is admitting his health issues. In fact, he might not come back back from Dubai to Hargeisa to preside the cabinet. All influential ministers are in Dubai for weeks and are monitoring the situation. The inner tribal circle, the foreign minister, and the finance minister are all in his bed side. In this scenario, Mr, Siilaanyo will retire and will be declared incapable of dispensing his duties as a president in late September or early October before the election could be held in November 13, 2017. This unexpected health issues will immediately create constitutional problems that might throw everyone off balance. C/raxman Zaylici, the weak and slow talking vice president will take over as a president. Since he no longer will be the vice presidential candidate of his party , Kulmiye, must find another person to fill the vacant position and President Zaylici must find a new vice president. The ruling party has to regroup. The Hargeisa oligarchs will parrot that the election can not be managed without clear stable government and will demand extension. After the Dubai bribe is distributed to the Guurti and the parliament, Saylici and the tribe will demand the extension of the term due to the unexpected retirement of Ahmed Siilaanyo. AS usual, the Guurti will not give them three months or six, but fourteen months and will set an election day of around February 2018. In the history of modern politics no vice president have ever run the same post after the man who was the president either vacated or concluded his terms. Only a weak man without ambition like Saylici would agree or campaign to run the same post twice with two different leaders. To be fair, MR. Saylici was sidelined by a palace run by a family members who do not care about constitutional duties. Well, he could get a chance to take a god revenge of the " tribal entourage" running the government like their family business. This might lead to gridlock and confrontation between the opposition who were campaigning and was trying to unseat this government for eight years. Now, as I said, the current ministers and their party does not have the public support to postpone or even convince the public to anything, but people who are pushing this gridlock or scheme are the UAE. They and the Siilaanyo ministers know that their political power is about to end, and their Berbera port project might not survive after the election. The opposition do support the Dubai World Port (DWP) take over of the seaport, but they are against the military base and the hasty manner in which the deal was consumed. The fat boys of the gulf are impatent and are afraid that due to change of government they might lose the so called military base. My sources told me that they are very desperate to extend the term of the Siilaanyo government through another year until the Yemen war is concluded one way or another. For the UAE, without the base the commercial side of the deal is useless. Last week Farmaajo has demanded to see the document of the deal and many people including former prime minister Cumar Sharmaarke are in panic, and the same could be said of UAE. Also, we are aware the difference between a deal negotiated to gain a cash and the one by the representatives of the people. Ahmed Siilaanyo want to spend the next few years in Dubai with his daughter and his family. The greedy Hargeisa boys think that they could take a bag full of money and disappear. This Arabs sold their brothers in Syria, Iraq and elsewhere for the last 25 years so they could keep their crown and money, and for a somali nomad to think that they could join the pillaging , murder and profiteering of the middle east without paying a high price is a delusion. Since, Siilaanyo could not do , they decided to retire him and use Saylici for one more year. I did ask a gentleman who knows Siilaanyo very well about this story and he said , " If he flows these gulf boys and the hungry entourage that only cares about filling their bags , Somaliland will lose and a civil war will follow", he continued, " there are no reasons to postpone the election, and if this unthinkable scenario takes place, get ready for civil war". Biciidkaan dilidoono. Despite the danger and the disaster this plot could bring to Somalilnd , certain groups are vying to be the vice president. One group is the male members of the Siilaanyo clan family who want to finish the term and keep Saylici in short leash. The second group is the female members and the immediate family of Ahmed Siilaanyo. This group want to install finance minister Samsam Cabdi to be the vice president on the belief that she might sideline and put pressure Muuse Biixi if he agitates. Soomaalidu waxay tidhaahdaa: Nin Soori Qaaday, waa Nin Seefi qaaday. We all hope that Ahmed Siilaanyo come to his senses and resist the urge of the gulf boys and the corrupt oligarchs of Hargeisa. This election was already postponed twice.

Somalia was stolen. That was the words of A local teenage boy who visited Mogadishu with his father. From the street checkpoints manned by the Ugandan army, to airports and other government building, all he saw was foreign troops and private security firms running everything. He is an observant teenager, but he is not alone. Two weeks ago I sat down with a local friend of mine who this spring got a contract financed by the USAID to help build capacity in one of the government ministries. He resides inside the Halane compound were expatriates, Amisom leaders, UN workers and private security firms reside. That compound swallows not millions but hundred of millions every year to support the unending efforts of the international community to help Somalia. According to this fellow, they all came to rescue Somalia (Somalia Aduunyadii baa usoo gurmatay ayuu hadalkiisu isugu biyo shubtay). Before we talk about the so called rescue and private security contractors, I did ask him about his daily routine and life in Mogadishu. He said , " in the morning our convoy is escorted by two bullet proof armored vehicles , one in the front and one at the back, except the drivers, all the security guards are foreigners of different nationalities". Why not use well paid and trained somalis?, he said, " no way, Somalis can not be trusted". Galbeedi: tell me about the so called rescue of Somalia ( Gurmadka). The Contractor: He said, " people of different nationalities of the world had come to help Somalia, and even the Republic of Serbia is here, they are all trying to help build the capacity of the federal government including the rebuilding of the Somali army" Galbeedi: Haven't they all here since 2011? , and since then how many Somali soldiers did they train?. The contractor: They did train a lot and most of them belonged to the family clan of the president, and after few months without salary, they just abandoned their posts or became part time soldiers, but right now a professional multi clan soldiers will be recruited from the regions and Mogadishu. Somalia, at the moment do not have capacity to run government services or ministries, so they need help from the international community. Galbeedi: Now former president Hassan Sheikh is to blame for everything that went wrong for the last four years, right? The contractor: He was one of the most corrupt people Somalia have even seen. He sidelined every thing if does not get his interest. Galbeedi: any way, according to your observation, Amisom, UN and private security contractors are keeping the system running? The contractor: without the professional work of these groups Somalia will collapse immediately and will be taken over by Al-shabaab. THe Ugandan army is very professional, they control the gates of every entry, whether it's airport, Halane, ports or Villa Somalia. No matter who you are , even the president, they will check your vehicle thoroughly and follow the security protocols. Galbeedi:Certainly this is a different Somalia. In 1972/73 tens of thousands of Somalis left their homes to teach people the new Somali alphabet with little resources. In Afghanistan, the most powerful army in the world is fighting the rag tag mountaineers of Taliban extremists, and so far hundred of billions were spent. Still the battle is raging. Don't you think a well trained Somali army and the people are the only ones who could defeat Al-shabaab? The contractor: Somalis do not have the capacity to defeat anyone at this stage. Al-shabaab and other criminal elements are active in the city and some of these battles can only be won if the public cooperate with the government and weed out those who are hiding among them. Galbeedi: Well, hundred of millions are poured in Somalia to rescue the country as you stated, and all that money goes to the 150 agencies residing in Halane and Jazeera compounds, yet Somalis are getting pennies to the dollar. Also, in our conversation you said that planes belonging to the UN, Amisom and others start landing in Mogadishu from dawn to dusk. What is going on in this town?. The contractor: THese plains and others support the job of Amisom, UN, and many countries that are trying to help build the Somali capacity, as I said , without them Somalia will collapse quickly. Also, every country uses his aid money and resources through agencies that connected with hem. For example, I could only fly airlines that have been contracted by the Americans, or hotels and other logistics that are part of the resources allocated for the contract. It's a well known rule that some countries try to recuperate up 75% of aid they give through their agencies or affiliated contractors. Galbeedi: So, all this countries are paying themselves hundred of millions of dollars in the name of Somalia , yet no one have $100 dollars for somali troops. The contractor: The money is there , but it all depends how the Somali leaders take advantage of the international aid money and resources. Galbeedi; final question, who protects the president of Somalia? The contractor: Amisom or particularly the Ugandan army. They are professional army. The Kenyans are the most corrupt and worst soldiers, and the Ethiopians, as usual, play a game of chicken. They abandon towns for Alshabaab and then come back. The Ugandans protect Villa Somalia. Without official appointment or proper document, you can not enter and regardless of who you are , they will inspect your vehicle and yourself extensively. Galbeedi: Folks, usually I interview people and leave the reader to make his mind about the responses of the guest, but this contractor really opened my eyes about what is really going on in Somalia. He tried to feed me the cool-aid of " the world want to save Somalia" , but somehow he was unable to convince me. This Mogadishu town is swallowing every year a billion dollar enterprise from around the world to finance Amisom, private security contractors, NGO's , foreign intelligence and armies from America, UK, Italy, Germany, China, Iran, The Gulf, Turkey, EU and more. Many more are claiming to protect the oceans from Somali pirates that disappeared from the scene many years ago. Somali soldiers are not paid on time or paid $100 dollars compared to the $1200 paid by others in Amisom. According to this gentleman, Somalis in Mogadishu could not be trusted to do anything meaningful. Yet , there is a false hope of , or I should say, self deception among us that we have a president and government. I do not know how any president could survive against all this entrenched and competing interests. Add that to the rich boys of the gulf who had done nothing to help Somalis for the last 25 years, who are now suddenly maneuvering to lead this poor people within their quagmire. Some corrupt politicians are already using the gulf crises as card to build political power. Now let us compare how the late president of Somaliland Mohamed I. Cigaal did it. May Allah bless his soul, Mohamed I. Cigaal has left a legacy to mulate for those who are trying to build government institutions from scratch. He used skill, wisdom, justice and integrity to build a working government institutions from zero. He created single handedly a parliament , a senate or the Elders Chamber and an executive branch accountable to the parliament. In 1993, after two bloody years of internal civil war among the Somaliland tribes and the mess created by SNM leadership, the civil societies and elders agreed to hold a peaceful convention in Borama to create a broad system of government that could replace the fragmented SNM leadership. Just like USC and other Somali rebel groups, the SNM militia were organized along clan lines , and it's members were loyal to their tribal commanders. With proliferations of arms and clan militia, What followed was a two year bloody civil war that killed hundreds of people. The elders and the those who were present elected him president. With no money and government budget, he embarked the huge task of organizing a government institution. He faced a civil war, and after the conclusion of the war , he immediately started a reconciliation effort that made those who fought him to forget and forgive. It was the current candidate Muuse Biixi who refused for reconciliation, but as soon as the war concluded Cigaal discarded all those who mistakenly thought that this was a tribal war rather than a small conflict that must not hinder his long term project of institution building. During his tenure as President of Somaliland, Egal managed to disarm local rebel groups, stabilized the region's economy, and established informal trade ties with foreign countries. He also introduced the Somaliland shilling, in addition Egal helped create the Somaliland army, one of the more effective armed forces in Somalia today. In his early years, his government budget was less than $10 million dollars. An elder man who knew Cigaal told me years ago that in 1994, he borrowed money from businessmen to pay the parliament and the police. In 1999, he organized a referendum for the constitution passed by the parliament. When ballot boxes were taken to Laascaanood, a gunmen loyal to Puntland, which was created in 1998 , shot the workers and chased them away. Cigaal did not push or force anyone. He said the ballot boxes must be brought only for those who want. He was a democrat, and did not want to muzzle or control people. When Abdi Samatar, who was a vocal critic of Somaliland visited his home town of Gabiley, some Hargeisa operatives went to Cigaal and said, Mr. president, the trouble maker Abdi Samatar is in town , and since he wrote some unsavory things about Somalialnd, should we arrest him? (" Mudane wiilkii ina Samatar ee wax inaga qorij jiray ayaa joogee ma soo xidhnaa/" markaasuu Cigaal yidhi, " waar ninku ma qori buu soo qaatay oo wuu inala dagaalmay? , maya ayaey yidhaahdeen, haddaba hadaanu qori soo qaadan , Idinkuna sidiisoo kale wax qora oo iska difaaca). He laughed at them and and said, as long as he is not taking a gun and only writing with his pen, you should do the same. Unlike the elected dictators of today he knew the value of free speech . In 2001, when he organized the multi party Somaliland political parties, the budget of Somaliland was $18 million dollars. In that same year, C/qasim Salaad Hasan who was selected in Carta, Djibouti , one year earlier, went to Saudi Arabia and got $17 million dollars. He supposed to use that fund to create small army and pacify the capital from the illiterate warlords like Muuse Suudi and others. Rather than build institutions , he used the money to make false currencies and build tribal militia. Folks it is all about perspective. One man has created a parliament, senate, police, military, national currency and working government institution with small meagre resources of less than ten million dollars from 1993-1998. When he passed away and 2002, some people thought that the Somaliland system might collapse after his death, but the main reason it survived and continued was Cigaal was an administration and not a faction or tribe that rises or goes down with it's leader. He made sure that the system survives and not dependent on one single person. That system might be endanger today because a group of corrupt politicians, and tribal chauvinists who are not self serving, but also are greedy to the bone and outdated. Ahmed Siilaanyo could not dare to enter the game when Cigaal was there, and the old fox Saleebaan Gaal was defeated in late 1997 when he tried to agitate and create chaos. Fast forward 2017. Muuse Biixi--Another small time lieutenant who used to fetch tea and clean the tribal problems and the dirty games that leaders do not want to entangle themselves and diminish their prestige---is vying to finish off what Cigaal started. If this kind of people come to power , expect civil war and chaos. With over $300 million budget, Somaliland is in the brink of starvation and hyperinflation. The currency is in free fall. There is no currency board or bank boards that could stabilize the economy. Yet, despite all the efforts of the corrupt politicians to saw hatred and clannish games, the people are proud and they are holding their head up. There will be always people like Sheikh aadan Siiro will speak truth to power and highlight the crimes of the oligarchs. ILast week , I hear a report about the Siilaanyo Family trying to jail the Sheikh by telling the truth. Last week, the Somali finance minister C/raxman Beyle said that his ministries monthly income at the moment is $11 million dollars. He explained that this amount leaves a shortfall of six million dollars a month for government expenditures. Add that to the monthly budget aid Turkey gives to Somalia and you have enough money to pay the essential services of the government. Remember Folks , we are talking about a government that is serving only in one city. One big evil city of Mogadishu. The moral story of the issue is, the answer is not all about money, but integrity, honesty, skill and wisdom. So far none of these people who are claiming to be presidents do not have these characters. Let us wait for a year or two if these new leadership could clean the city from the constant bombs that are occurring daily and weekly in this crazy town before the Somalis embark a new revolution. Do not expect the change to come from the usual suspects and corrupt parliamentarians who are seeking to fill their coffers. If you hear " Mr. Xidig" or other Damujadiid stooges maneuvering , please stay away from them , because they were the root cause to transform Somalia as oligarch nation. Any so called motion to undermine the prime minister will not fly or will not have any credibility. As I said many times, he is strong , competent and decisive. The big issue is the policy , and the direction of the administration. If they do not make the tough decisions early, in terms of security and sovereignty, time will run out and they will spend the remaining years how to keep power just like Hassan Sheikh did. Folks it is not all about money. You need the right leaders to create independent system. I do not think that these Mogadishu boys could pull of what Cigaal did twenty years ago from scratch.

There is an orchestrated campaign by warlords and young misfits from the diaspora to undermine and smear Somali foreign minister Yusuf Garaad Omar. In different occasions , Ambassador Yusuf Garaad accommodated the Somali community in the diaspora with consultations and discussions about his job in and the outlook of the country at the moment.. During question and answer sessions, planted trouble makers and young punks take to the microphone and ambush the minister with personal questions that does not relate to the topic or his ministerial portfolio. Few weeks ago, one of these misfits grabs the microphone and accuses him of incompetence during his term as the director of BBC Somali service. This punk asks, " How could you have been able to run for a president while you were unsuccessful with your former job as the BBC director?". Fortunately , the minister did not get angry or ended up in the calculated trap. He calmly told that the BBC is not a family or Somali tribal enclave, but an old institution with labour laws and courts that arbitrate disagreements between employers and workers. It all started when a former lady who was a broadcaster at the BBC for many years , used warlord outlets to write grievances against Yusuf Garaad while he was the head of the BBC. These people came out of the woodwork when he was appointed foreign minister. As the minister stated, he was one of the longest serving BBC Somali Service director during the long Somali civil war of late nineties and early 2000. In those yers , It was difficult to talk about Somali issues without being accused of tribalism or bias toward one tribe or another. Many old timers who used to run the BBC like the northern Somalis were not happy about the young cosmopolitan running their old shop. Also, the "D" block and others would cry foul and accuse him of condoning the crimes of the Mogadishu warlords. During his term, many Somali tribes had registered complaints against him accusing him of bias. Yet, he survived and did his job. When the time came he moved on. The problem is some of his detractors did not moved on. I noticed this campaign when I saw video clips recorded at the Mogadishu airport . It was taken behind security parameter and recorded his interaction with his aides and accused him of taking money to take people with him overseas without proper visa. All I saw was a legitimate exchange of something with his aides. Some warlord websites started a campaign to smear him and discredit in order to saw disagreements and resentments between him and the prime minister. I was amazed about how well orchestrated the campaign was. Yet, decent people can smell a mile the vulgar nature of those warlords that were trying to destroy him. I this latest video, this punk is claiming that the Norwegian government has denied his asylum application and rejected his claim to be Somali. As a well connected warlord from Mogadishu , he has shown many letters from many different government agencies including the speaker of the parliament. He is presenting himself like a victim who want to go home back to Somalia , but the Norwegian government would not give him travel documents to go home. He even showed a letter from the Somali EU ambassador confirming his Somali citizenship. His wish is to ride the plain of the minister in order to come home. Since the minister does not have all the the necessary information or time to study the case, he was amused by the contradictions by this actor. If he want to go home as he claimed, he could get a Somali passport from the Somali embassy or since he seemed to be a connected warlord, he could ask his kin in Mogadishu to send him a passport to come home. The truth is he is not a victim but a calculating small time warlord, hell bent to embarrass minister Yusuf Graad. As a former journalist ,and someone who employed Somalis in different capacities, minister Garaad understands that certain people will lie wilfully to undermine others or gain favor. It is one of the major reasons Somalia is a mess. Regardless of his time in the BBC, he is a reasonable and educated man who is is trying to fulfil his duties- Aside from the smear campaign and the embarrassment , there is probably a hidden agenda to undermine Yusuf Garaad. Can anyone guess the main reason?

Well, I might have been little harsh to the president, but kudos to him at least he tried his best. Mentioning Barkhad Cas , the man who said: Isagoo Iglan joogabuu i diloo ushuu soo fidshaa i iimaysoo waataa aramidii i oofa tirtaye itaal dari aan la eedaadoo aan ooyee albaabka ii xidha. was great. He is "Ciyaal Asalooti" but at least he is learning and trying his best. He could be better than probably Shariif Hassan , or others who know nothing about culture and history. When I said that the Somali leaders must memorize the national poems, I did not mean that they must memorize all the verses, but the basic words that touched and affected history and culture. He must know the "Calan saar"verses, Sareeyow ma nusqaanow, Saaxirkii kala guurne Aan siduu yahay eegne Kaana siib kanna saar. An American politician in the 21st century, must know who said , " Ask not, what your country can do for you......, or I have a dream by Martin Luther King. A British leader must know the words Churchill proclaimed when he became prime minister and faced the Nazis, why the statue of Nelson Horatio is in downtown London or the Shakespeare plays. The same thing goes for a Somali leader. He must know the great "Darwiish' and his poems regardless of their time. He must know who said, " Dugsi malaha Qabyaaladi waxay dumiso mooyaane". By the way, Soomaaliyey tosooo, Tosoo isku tirsada e was never been the national anthem of Somalia. It was cry for African independence and liberation of the remaining Somali territory.. The wards; Waxa aan la oyaayoo Ilamdu iiga Qubnayso Ikhtiyaar nin loodiido la Adoonsadan ahaye Hadba waxaan la taahaayoo Togagga uga qaylshaa Nin dalkiisii cadow taaboo U tol waayey baan ahayee I do not know when they changed but the real national anthem that has been sung for more than 20 years was: qoloba calankeedu waa caynoo innaga keenu wa cirkoo kale oo an caadna lahayne caashaqa xidigyey cadi waad na ciidamisee Caradaa Keligaa Adow Curadee Cadceeda sideeeda Caan noqo e I do not know when they changed.

Suldaanka, Ma muquurane meeshu beryahan way amuusnayd. Haddaan wax yar ku darsado arrintan Af-Sommaliga iyo Farmaajo, Anigu hore ayaan u sheegay in uu ciyaal xaafad yahay, ama reer "Ansalooti" sida Saxaabkeen Gooni sheegay.. Keligiina ma maahine reer koonfurka iyo reer Jabuutiguba Af-Soomaaliga way ka Aradan yihiin. Xiisaha siyaasada markaan luhaha la galay iyo Aniga oo dhalin yarba, dusha ayaan ka xafiday , Odhaahyada, Gabayada, Suugaanta iyo arrimaha khuseeya Sooyaalka Soomaalida. I consider Sayid M. Cabdulle, the modern Icon of Somali nationalism, and I did memorize some of his late poems, like " Dalka Malihid Anigaa Ku Idhi Dooroolaha e", and many more. A Somali leader should memorize and should be able to recite loud the famous poems of "Timacade" or what we usually call , "Geeraarkii Calan Saarke", the raising of the blue flag. In 1960 and the years that followed people used to go to the " Beerta Xoriyada Hargeisa" to be cured from diseases like anxieties and hopelessness. People used to say,(Waar way bugtaaye Bandhiga geeta")Take her to the flag raising and she will be cured. The southern elites think that they could achieve everything through short cutting, but certain things can not be forged or rushed without spending time. Sheikh Aadan Afqalooc waxa uu yidhi, " qof qalbi la' Quraan kii ku Akhriyey Qaaf dheh Ku Haraadye", Hore ayaan idiinku sheegay in Soomaalida la sheegayaba ay Inaga " Reer Woqooyi" tahay. Darwiishku Buuhoodle, Toghdeer buu ku Dhashay, Ahmed Gurayna Zaylac iyo Awdal ayuu ka soo jeedaa, taariikhda Cusub ee Soomaalidana waa dadkii seedereeyey. Waar niman yahow dalka aynu la wareegno reer Koonfur wax ma hayaane.