New York City(SomalilandPress)–Two prominent Wall Street figures, Peter Collery and Anand Desai, co-hosted a fundraiser at the Yale Club for the benefit of Abaarso Tech. Peter Collery and his daughter Claire recently returned from visiting Abaarso Tech, after which their family vowed to do all they can to support the institution. Peter and Anand are long time friends of Jonathan Starr, and Jonathan too spoke at the event. Approximately 65 individuals, a great number of whom come from the financial world, attended the reception at the Yale Club. Guests were almost exclusively friends and professional relations of the two generous hosts, and they came to learn more about the Abaarso Tech cause that Peter and Anand have so generously supported. While several speeches and presentations were made, the highlight of the evening was an address given by Abaarso Tech student, Deqa Abdirahman Adan. Deqa has been in America for 5 weeks, much of which was spent attending a summer program at the boarding school Worcester Academy. In her speech to the crowd at the Yale Club, Deqa described her education before Abaarso Tech, and how the school has changed her life. Speaking fluently in her 3rd language, Deqa’s emotionally charged talk left much of the crowd speechless, and several folks touched to the point of tears. Abaarso Tech’s management is extremely grateful to Peter and Anand for all their support, and also thanks all who attended the event.

Agaasimaha Guud ee Wasaarada Arrimaha Gudaha Cabdilaahi Xuseen Cigge, (Balaaki) oo ku sugan Magaalada Burco waxa uu sheegay in go’aaankan Dadka Soo galeetiga ah dalka lagaga saarayo aanu saamayn ku yeelanayn Dadka ka soo qaxay Colaadaha iyo qalalaasaha ka taagan wadanka Soomaaliya. Agaasimuhu waxa uu sheegay in Dadkan dalka laga saarayaa ay yihiin Dadka aanay dalalkooda ka jirin qalalaasaha siyaaasadeed. Inkasta oo aan la haynin tiro koob rasmi ah, haddana waxay xukuumadu sheegtay in dalka laga saari doono soo galeeti lagu qiyaasay sideetan kun oo qof. http://www.somaliland.org/2011/09/05/guddoomiyaha-togdheer-oo-dadka-soo-galeetiga-ah-ku-wargeliyay-inay-ka-baxaan-gobolka/

Muddo todobaad iyo dheeraad ah, waxa booqasho hawleed ku joogay dalka Norway Wasiirka Macdanta, Tamarta iyo Biyaha dalka Somaliland Mudane Xusseen Cabdi Ducaale. Wasiirku waxa uu dalkan ku soo gaadhay casuumad rasmi ah oo uu ka helay dawlada dalka Norway, waxaanu socdaalkiisu ku horeeyey magaalada Stavanger, oo ah magaalada laga maamulo wax soo saarka saliida ee dalkan. Waxaana uu halkaa kula kulmay masuuliyiin kala duwan oo ka hawlgala hay'adaha shidaalka ee dalka Norway. http://www.ramaasnews.com/index.php/News/News/Wareysi-Dhinacyo-Fara-Badan-Taabanaya-Oo-Shabakada-Ramaasnews-La-Yeelatay-Wasiirka-Macdanta-JSL-Mudane-Xusseen-Cabdi-Ducaale-Oo-Booqasho-Hawleed-Ku-Joogga-Dalka-Norway-Dhageyso-Sawiro.html

Now that I’m settled in and the internet access seems to be a bit more reliable, I think it makes sense to write a post about what I will be doing for the next year and why I came here in the first place. I am living and teaching at Abaarso Tech, a non-profit secondary school located on a hill above Abaarso village, which is about a 20-minute drive from Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland. Before I arrived, I found that about 95% of people I talked with had never heard of Somaliland and assumed that I was going to Somalia. I was often met with expressions of shock and amazement, followed by stern warnings about pirates, Black Hawk Down, famine, and al-Shabaab. It turns out that Somaliland is quite a different story. In the ‘Scramble for Africa’, Puntland and Somalia were both colonized by the Italians. Somaliland, however, was known as British Somaliland and was a UK protectorate. British Somaliland was briefly independent in 1960 before unifying with Italian Somaliland to form the Somali Republic, better known as Somalia. In the mid-1980’s, the Somali Civil War began and Somalia’s president, Siad Barre, launched a number of military airstrikes in Somaliland. With anarchy and war plaguing the region, Somaliland formally split from Somalia and declared itself an independent state on May 18, 1991. Today, Somaliland is in an unusual position. To the international community, it is seen as an autonomous region of Somalia and its independence remains unrecognized. Somalilanders, however, see their land as a sovereign country whose independence has been ignored by the rest of the world. Unlike war-torn Somalia, Somaliland has rebuilt and now has a remarkably stable political system that held peaceful elections in 2010. Without formal recognition, the economy has been forced to develop without much foreign aid and diaspora remittances have kept it afloat. The country is still extremely underdeveloped and its relative peace and security have been marred by threats and attacks by al-Shabaab, the Al-Qaeda linked Islamic extremist group operating out of southern Somalia. Overall, Somaliland is making significant strides as a young, unrecognized state in the Horn of Africa, arguably the most tumultuous region on the planet. Even after explaining the differences between Somaliland and Somalia, none of my friends and family seemed to understand why moving here had any appeal. I had studied the Horn of Africa in college and knew that I wanted to live in the developing world upon graduation. When I randomly saw the Abaarso job posted on Idealist.org in January, the location was listed as ‘Hargeisa, Somalia’. My first thought was that this was a hoax – no one can just move to Somalia. Reading more about it, I learned that Hargeisa was actually in Somaliland, a region I had studied a bit in class. The allure of moving to a place that I knew little about and where there would be no US diplomatic protection was undeniable. Much to the chagrin of my family, I accepted the job, primarily because after sixteen years of American schooling I was eager for adventure. My job is to teach 9th grade world history and reading at Abaarso Tech (AT for short). The school was founded in 2008 by a former Wall Street banker who had an uncle from Somaliland and was interested in providing a top education to the best and brightest in the country. The school is a non-profit organization and is entirely funded by contributions and grants from a variety of donors around the world. Upon completing 8th grade, every student in Somaliland must take a national exam, and the top 1% of scorers are invited to take AT’s entrance exam. Our students come from a variety of different backgrounds and many are on full scholarships – no student has ever been denied admission because they could not pay. AT is a boarding school, so the students live here and can participate in a variety of sports and activities outside of class. As the brightest middle-schoolers in the country, we expect our students to go on to top US and UK universities. One student took a practice SAT exam a couple of months ago and scored a 720 on the math portion. He had never seen an SAT or any standardized test before! In total, AT has roughly 150 students and 20 teachers. Most of the students come from Somaliland, but there are a number of diaspora students from Kenya, Ethiopia, the US, and the UK. The majority of the staff is American, but there are also teachers from Canada, Egypt, Russia, and England. In addition to the secondary school, AT has launched an undergraduate university in Hargeisa (ATU) and an executive MBA program. Secondary school classes don’t start until late September, but our group of new teachers has been busy cleaning out the boys’ dorms (cockroaches don’t faze me anymore), doing teacher training, and getting accustomed to life here. The school is perched on a hill above Abaarso village and the surrounding valley is beautiful. The landscape reminds me of parts of the American Southwest, but although it seems hot and desert-like, we have been getting a ton of rain and there is plenty of green, healthy shrubbery. It is windy most of the time, which keeps the heat in check. As for animals, I’ve seen a variety of goats, baboons, antelopes, and frogs. I am still waiting for a hyena spotting, though I hear them howling every night. That’s all for now. http://johninsomaliland.wordpress.com/

Hargeysa (Somaliland.Org)- TV-ga qaranka ayaa markii u horraysay caawa si toos ah looga daawaday dalalka qaarada Yurub, sida uu noo sheegay Agaasimaha Telefishanka qaranka Axmed Saleebaan Dhuxul. TV-ga qaranka waxa uu galay Satalayt-ka Hot-bird waxaana laga daawanayay Frequency-ka ah 1156627500, waxaana la sheegay in xukuumadda Somaliland ay bixisay kirada hawada ee Satalayt-ka muddo sadex sanadood ah. Wadamada sida weyn looga daawaday TV-ga qaranka waxa ka mid ah dalka Ingiriiska oo dadweynuhu ay soo dhaweeyeen baahinta Telefishanka SLNTV ee soo gaadhay qaaradda yurub markii u horaysay. Xubno ka mid ah qurbo jooga Somaliland ee wadanka Ingiriiska oo aanu farriimo qoraal ah ka helay ayaa noo xaqiijiyay arrintan Waxaanay tilmaameen inay si niyadsamiya u soo dhawaynayaan TV-ga qaranka oo baahintiisii soo gaadhay dalka Britain oo ay sheegeen inay ku nool yihiin muwaadiniin aad u tiro badan oo u dhalatay Somaliland. Waxa kale oo ay sheegeen in tallaabadani ay kaalin weyn ka geysan doonto sidii ay iskugu xidhnaan lahaayeen dawlada Somaliland iyo shacbiga qurbo jooga ahi. Tallaabadani waxay ka mid tahay balan qaadkii xukuumada Madaxweyne Siilaanyo ee la xidhiidhay tayaynta iyo balaadhinta warbaahinta qaranka oo la fuliyay. Waana dedaal ay hirgelisay wasaaradda warfaafinta iyo wacyi gelinta Somaliland oo bisha fooda inagu soo haysana lagu wado inay dalka keento Idaacadii weynayd ee wadanka oo dhan gaadhi lahayd. Somaliland National TV Hotbird 8, 13°E 11566 ......H 27500 3/4

Maaria Osman is small and slight, with hazel eyes and a round face framed by a tight-fitting hijab, the traditional head cover worn by women throughout the Muslim world and by all female teachers and students at Abaarso Tech. Shy and reserved, she speaks softly in halting English. She is not yet fluent in the language. Yet at twelve, Osman is one of the best math students in the school. Last year, she had the highest score on the math section of the national exit exam, the test administered to all eighth-grade students around the country in the last days of what is, for the vast majority of Somali students, their final year of formal education. That Osman even took the exam was unusual. According to a recent survey by UNICEF, only slightly more than a quarter of Somali girls of primary school age are enrolled in school. That figure is attributable in large part to the collapse of the central government in 1991 and the decades of conflict that ensued. But the biggest obstacle to Somali girls’ enrollment, says UNICEF, is the tendency of mothers to keep their daughters home to share the burden of domestic labor. For all of their daughter’s ability in the classroom—her uncommon facility for multiplying fractions, for instance—Osman’s parents had just such a plan in mind. The eighth grade was to be their daughter’s last. It wasn’t that they weren’t aware of Abaarso Tech or the fact that Osman could attend the school for free, as many students do. It was that her curricular achievements were immaterial to the family’s immediate needs. They declined his invitation. But Starr persisted. Enlisting the help of some of his best female students and their mothers, he mounted a recruiting strategy worthy of a Big Ten football program. And at last, the effort paid off. In the eight months since her arrival, Osman has exceeded expectations. Not only has she outperformed many of her peers—including a handful of diaspora students from the US and UK—she’s exhibited a work ethic bordering on obsession. “She does math problems in her spare time,” Mike Freund, a math teacher from Illinois and the director of the undergraduate finance program, told me. “Literally every night, she’ll finish her homework and come to me to ask for more. She’s incredible. But she does have a pretty hard time dealing with it when she gets one wrong. That’s something we need to work on.” It may be that Starr saw in Osman a bit of himself—the diligent student at Emory, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and graduated summa cum laude in economics. By twenty-five, he’d become the youngest analyst at a prestigious New York hedge fund and had even managed to write a book—a primer on value investing, the philosophy first championed by the legendary analyst Benjamin Graham. “He was fanatical about investment philosophy, and he’s fanatical about what he’s doing now,” says Anand Desai, a friend and former colleague of Starr’s on Wall Street, who has donated generously to the school. “He’s got this idea, this vision for the school, and he’s completely thrown himself into it. He’s become a student of Somaliland, because what drives him is being right by the reasoned approach.” For Hodan Guled 04MPH, a Somali refugee from Mogadishu, Starr has served as an inspiration. In 2008, Guled founded S.A.F.E. (Somali and American Fund for Education) with the goal of improving access to education for Somali youth by strengthening the capacity of the country’s existing schools, primarily through capital improvement projects. “I was always looking for a way to give back,” she says. “Somalia needs so many things. And I realized, for its long-term growth, education is the most important thing we can invest in. If people are educated, they can think beyond the clan rivalries. And they can both get and create jobs.” Several months ago, Guled returned to Somalia for the first time since 1993, when, as a twelve-year-old, she fled the country with the rest of her family. “We got on one of the last flights out,” she recalls. “We were very lucky.” In addition to visiting friends and relatives, Guled stopped by Abaarso Tech to meet Starr and to see with her own eyes the biochemistry lab built partly with a donation from S.A.F.E. “Abaarso Tech was our first school,” she says. “At the time, we didn’t have a process for identifying schools, and I read about Abaarso in the Emory Wheel. So I contacted Jonathan. I remember he was so passionate, so enthusiastic about it. And I thought, wow, he lives there. That’s impressive.” On a friday morning last march, Starr stood before an auditorium packed with guests of the first annual Abaarso Tech Open House. Pacing the stage in khaki pants and a freshly ironed button-down, he told them about new projects under way: the wind turbine that would reduce the school’s dependence on diesel generators; the $65,000 mosque currently under construction; and the decision by the College Board, publisher of the SAT, to begin the process of recognizing Abaarso Tech as the country’s first official test center. And then he moved on to the feature presentation: the Best Student competition. The winner, he said, would spend one year at Worcester Academy, the private coed boarding school in Massachusetts that Starr himself attended as a kid. “This was an extremely difficult decision,” he said. “Our four finalists are all outstanding.” But the previous week’s practice SAT exam had put one candidate ahead of the pack. Mubaraak Mahamoud, everyone knew, was the smartest student in school and one of the most mature. A native of Hargeisa, he grew up in an Ethiopian refugee camp before making his way back to his hometown. When Mahamoud first arrived, he spoke no English at all. No one could have predicted how quickly he would excel. “He just dominates in the classroom,” says Harry Lee, Abaarso Tech’s dean of students and head basketball coach. “He also works extremely hard and has a great attitude. All the boys look up to him.” “Mubaraak has done something few American students ever do,” Starr told the room. “He scored a 710 on the math section of a practice SAT exam. That is actually higher than the average score on math for incoming students of MIT. “Congratulations, Mubaraak, you’re going to America.” And with that, the room erupted, and Mahamoud was carried out on the shoulders of his cheering classmates into the blinding light of the Somali sun.

Berbera port 2011

Dhanka kale Laba qof ayaa uu ku dhagay Korontada Laydhku Wakhtigii uu Da'ayay Roobkani, Waxana ku dhintay hal qof Hargeysa (GNS) Roob Mahiigaan ah oo ka da'ay Fiidkii Xalay Magaalada Hargeysa ayaa Sababay Khasaare Isugu Jira Guryo dumay iyo waliba Wadooyin Go,ay, Roobkan oo watay dabalaylo iyo dhagaxaan ayaa kala xidhay muddo saacado ah isku socodka magaalada, waxaanu roobaasi uu waxyeelo uu soo gaadhsiiyay, Xaafado ka mid ah Magaalada Hargeysa. Roobkan oo Da'ayay in ka badan Saddex saacadood ayaa ahaa roob aad uxoog weyn, waxana uu ahaa Roobkii ugu weynaa ee muddo sanado ah ka da’a caasimada Somaliland ee Hargeysa iyo nawaaxigeeda. Roobkan ayaa qaatay isla markaana Dumiyay Dhawr Guri oo udhow School Alif Doon Oo Ka Tirsan Xaafada Axmed Dhagax, Waxana uu Daadka Roobkani Afka u Galay Dhamaan Iridkii Guryaahaasi, Sidoo Kale waxa uu daadkii roobkani qaatay dhamaan Hantidii Dhex taalay Wallow aanuu jirin Dad Wax ku Noqday Oo ka Tirsan Xaafadaahasi. Sidoo kale Xaafada Daami Oo ka Tirsan Degamada Gacan Libaax ayaa waxa uu ka dumiyayay Roobkani Guryo waxana uu qaatay dhamaan Agabkii Dhexyaalay Xafadaasi, Waxana uu Sidoo kale Sababay in uu ku Dhaawacmo hal qof oo ka tirsan dadka degan Xaafadaasi. Dhanka kale Laba qof ayaa uu ku dhagay Korontada Laydhku Wakhtigii uu Da'ayay Roobkani, Waxana ku dhintay hal qof halka ka kalena dhaawacmay. Xaafada Maxamed Mooge iyo Xaafada Calaamada ayaa sidoo kale roobkani waxa uu ka dumiyay guryo waxana uu kala tagay jiingadii isla markaana waxa jirey guryo kale oo ka tirsan Xaafadahaasi oo uu daad galay. Laba saldhig Boolis oo ku yaala Magaalada Hargeysa, ayuu Galay Daadka Roobku isla markaana waxa laga daad gureeyay maxaabiistii ku jirtay oo loo wareejiyay qolal kale. Daadkan ayaa waxa kale oo uu Xanibay isla markaana go'yay Qaybo ka mid ah Wadooyinka mara Gudaha Caasimada Somaliland ee Hargeysa, Waxana uu Sababay in ay xidhmaan Wadooyin badani, waxana yaraatay isku Socodka iyo isku gudubka Xaafaha.

Hargeysa (Somaliland.Org)-Weftigii Madaxweynaha Somaliland Md. Axmed Maxamuud (Siilaanyo) oo ku gudo jira scdaalka ay ku jiraan dalka China, ayaa dawladaha China iyo Itoobiya isku afgarteen heshiis iskaashi oo sadex geesood ah, oo ku saabsan in gaasta Itoobiya laga dhoofiyo marsada Berbera oo dawlada China ay dhisto dhuumaha gaadhsiinaya magaaladaasi. Waxa kale oo heshiiska ka mid ah in dawlada Chinaca ay kaalin ka geysatay casriyayanta iyo balaadhinta dekada Berbera. Sidaasi waxa lagu sheegay warsaxaafadeed uu caawa soo saaray Afhayeenka Madaxtooyada Cabdilaahi Maxamed Daahir (Cukuse) waxaanu u dhignaa sidan:- “Weftigii uu hogaaminaayo Madaxweynaha JSL, Mudane, Axmed Maxamed Maxamuud Siilaanyo oo gudo galay hawlihii ay u tageen Wadanka Shiinaha ayaa ilaa imika waxa ay gaadheen guulo balaadhan, guulahaas oo ay iyaga iyo dawlada shiinuhu iyo weliba Ethiopia isku afgarteen iskaashi dhinaca kaabayaasha dhaqaalaha iyo ganacsiga ah. Waxyaalaha ugu waaweyn uguna muhiimsan ee heshiiskan ka mid ka ah ee ku jira waxa ka mid ah in gaasta Ethiopia laga dhoofiyo dekeda Berbera, isla markaana wadanka shiinuhu gacan ka gaysto sidii loo samayn lahaa dhuumihii qaadi lahaa gaasta Ethiopia ee gaadhsiin lahaa Dekeda berbera. Waxa kale oo laysku afgartay in dekeda berbera laga sameeyo xarun balaadhan oo lagu kaydiyo laguna sifeeyo Saliida Caydhiin iyo Gaasta labadaba. Waxa kale oo heshiiska ku jira in wadanka shiinuhu uu Somaliland ka aqbalay inuu wax kala qabto ama ka fuliyo balaadhinta dekeda berbera oo mashruucaasi uu yahay mid dekeda berbera ka dhigaya mid u adeegi karta geeska afrikada bari oo dhan. Waxa kale oo heshiiska ku jira wadooyinka xadiidka ah ee tareenadu Maraan iyo wadooyin caadi ah oo isku xidhaaya wadanka Ethiopia iyo Somaliland. Heshiisyadan oo la kala saxeexanayo maalmaha soo socda waxa lagu kala saxeexan-doonaa xaflad balaadhan oo saddex geesood ah oo ay u dhan yihiin Wadanka Ethiopia, China iyo Somaliland Maalgashigan iyo mashaariicdan oo noqondoonta horumar laxaad leh oo lagu talaabsaday taasoo wax weyn ka bedelidoonta dhaqaalaha wadanka iyo nolasha bulshada guux ahaanba marka ay hirgasho ee ay dalka soo gaadho.”

H.E. Mr. Meles Zenawi, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia started his visit to China On 10th August, 2011, at the invitation of the Chinese side, H.E. Mr. Meles Zenawi, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia left Addis Ababa for his visit to China from 11th to 15th August, 2011. During the visit he will also attend the opening ceremony of the 26th Summer Universiade to be held on 12th August in Shenzhen, China. Mr. Wei Hongtian, Charge D’affairs of the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia saw H.E. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi off at the Bole International Airport upon his departure.

President Ahmed M. Silanyo and a ministerial delegation enroute to China reached the Ethiopian capital on Monday morning after staying in Dire Dawa over night. The President was received at the airport by representatives from the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dr. Mohamed Abdullahi Omar, Somaliland Foreign Affairs Minister, said the visit was a continuation effort to explore new economic relations and bilateral ties with the government of Ethiopia. He added Somaliland and Ethiopia enjoyed close fraternal relations and the current visit would contribute to further strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation in multiple domains between the two neighboring states. When asked about the unscheduled stop over in Dire Dawa, Dr Omar stated: “Due to mechanical failures with our private jet, we had to wait in Dire Dawa until it was fixed.” President Silanyo is accompanied to China by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Mining and Water Resources, Minister of Agriculture, Presidential Secretary, Director of Berbera Seaport and the First Lady. Whilst there is considerable secrecy surrounding the Beijing discussions, there is speculation that the discussion will focus on China’s access to aggregates and various other minerals in the Horn. The Port of Berbera is expected to dominate the agenda as China has expressed its interest in order to thwart a possible Indian investment in Berbera and its vicinity. The issue of Berbera will be first discussed in Addis Ababa, as landlocked Ethiopia tries to gain greater access. It is believed a three-way contract will be signed between Somaliland, Ethiopia and China. Sources close to the government say Somaliland might lease the port to the global port operator and Hong Kong based Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH). They added HPH might team up with another Hong Kong based firm, PetroTrans Company Ltd, an oil and gas exploring giant which already won concession to explore oil in Ethiopia’s ****** region. The Chinese company plans to build gas transport infrastructure and processing facilities in Berbera where it will export. The European Union has also provided funds to carry out a study on the construction of modern roads between Berbera and the town of Togwajale near the Ethiopian border. The Chinese have expressed interest in gaining access to the port which will allow them to export not only gas and oil but also agricultural goods from the region. Ethiopia has already approved 20m hectares of land for commercial farming to capital-exporting countries, a policy that is proving highly controversial as many people in their own country are starving. They will grow staple crops and export them back to their homelands. The Chinese want to operate a port that will handle all these exports. The Chinese have already began constructing a number of key projects in Ethiopia including highways and roads and there are plans to link Berbera, Addis Ababa and Juba in South Sudan. The Hargeisa government mentioned a number of times it wants to establish the first railway line in the country and connect to key networks in the region. It will discuss with the Chinese investors. China has claimed it is in a position to help Somaliland with its transportation infrastructure, food security, education and water needs. In Addis Ababa, the President met with Mr. Hailemariam Desalegn Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. The two sides discussed bilateral and trade issues as well as regional security. For all apparent cordiality serious tensions remain.

President Ahmed M. Silanyo and a ministerial delegation enroute to China reached the Ethiopian capital on Monday morning after staying in Dire Dawa over night. The President was received at the airport by representatives from the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dr. Mohamed Abdullahi Omar, Somaliland Foreign Affairs Minister, said the visit was a continuation effort to explore new economic relations and bilateral ties with the government of Ethiopia. He added Somaliland and Ethiopia enjoyed close fraternal relations and the current visit would contribute to further strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation in multiple domains between the two neighboring states. When asked about the unscheduled stop over in Dire Dawa, Dr Omar stated: “Due to mechanical failures with our private jet, we had to wait in Dire Dawa until it was fixed.” President Silanyo is accompanied to China by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Mining and Water Resources, Minister of Agriculture, Presidential Secretary, Director of Berbera Seaport and the First Lady. Whilst there is considerable secrecy surrounding the Beijing discussions, there is speculation that the discussion will focus on China’s access to aggregates and various other minerals in the Horn. The Port of Berbera is expected to dominate the agenda as China has expressed its interest in order to thwart a possible Indian investment in Berbera and its vicinity. The issue of Berbera will be first discussed in Addis Ababa, as landlocked Ethiopia tries to gain greater access. It is believed a three-way contract will be signed between Somaliland, Ethiopia and China. Sources close to the government say Somaliland might lease the port to the global port operator and Hong Kong based Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH). They added HPH might team up with another Hong Kong based firm, PetroTrans Company Ltd, an oil and gas exploring giant which already won concession to explore oil in Ethiopia’s ****** region. The Chinese company plans to build gas transport infrastructure and processing facilities in Berbera where it will export. The European Union has also provided funds to carry out a study on the construction of modern roads between Berbera and the town of Togwajale near the Ethiopian border. The Chinese have expressed interest in gaining access to the port which will allow them to export not only gas and oil but also agricultural goods from the region. Ethiopia has already approved 20m hectares of land for commercial farming to capital-exporting countries, a policy that is proving highly controversial as many people in their own country are starving. They will grow staple crops and export them back to their homelands. The Chinese want to operate a port that will handle all these exports. The Chinese have already began constructing a number of key projects in Ethiopia including highways and roads and there are plans to link Berbera, Addis Ababa and Juba in South Sudan. The Hargeisa government mentioned a number of times it wants to establish the first railway line in the country and connect to key networks in the region. It will discuss with the Chinese investors. China has claimed it is in a position to help Somaliland with its transportation infrastructure, food security, education and water needs. In Addis Ababa, the President met with Mr. Hailemariam Desalegn Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. The two sides discussed bilateral and trade issues as well as regional security. For all apparent cordiality serious tensions remain.

View from a hole in the tunnel on Tabca Pass on Daallo escarpmen Daallo Forest, near Erigavo scarpment view, Ga'an Libah Forest Reserve Berbera's water supply dating back from the Ottoman Empire using Dubar Spring

[h=1]Fishing boats on the beach at Maydh village[/h]

Haatufka Maanta Ninkii Axmed Xuseen Ciise ee siyaasiyga weyn isku qabay ee la moodayey inuu la doonayo kursiga madaxweynaha sawkan ka dhamaan waayey Cayda guddoomiyaha Wargeyska Haatuf. Taladiisii ma waxa ay ku soo ururtay inuu siyaasad ka doondoono garamo uu inan yar oo qayrkii ahi Lanta u soo daabacay. Axmed Curi, sawtii la tuhunsanaa inuu dawladdo waaweyn u shaqeeyo oo uu u waramo maxaa ku soo hoos celiyey inuu dabar u soo qaato Somaliland tan yar ee is-dabaraysa. Ninku malaha ma oga in laga il-dheeryahay oo lala socdo lacagaha uu ka qaato hay’adaha sida NED iyo SIDA ee uu kolba Website, Journal iyo Idaacado uu lafihiisa u samaysto ku furanayo. Nin sharciga Maraykanka sita oo Digtoor ahi dunida ayuu u shaqo tagi lahaaye oo Land-tan yar Baqal uma soo fuuleene, malaha ninku wuu soo saaqiday. Af-miishaarnimo intii joogtayba ay lacag ku wayday, malaha wakhti iskagamuu lumiyeene, tolow macanaadida Somaliland ayuu macaash ku qabaa?. Waar yaa ilaahay yaqaan oo ninkan Curi ku yidhaa maraykankan Luwigu Madaxweynaha ka noqday wax ka daydayoo oo xaashidan yar ee aad Xasarada u furatay yaanay ku habsaamin oo qayrkaana kaa reebin. Institute for Practical Research and Training (waheen media) $62,740 To enhance the capacity of legislative staff in Somaliland and disseminate legislative proceedings. IPRT will work with staff to produce Xog Warran, the official House of Representatives electronic bulletin, and maintain the Hansard System, the permanent record of legislative proceedings. IPRT will broadcast recorded segments of legislative discussion on satellite television and on their website, Waheen TV, and will hold two town hall meetings to discuss the lack of independent radio in Somaliland. The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is a private, nonprofit foundation dedicated to the growth and strengthening of democratic institutions around the world. http://www.ned.org/

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Ingiriiska oo Ammaanay Militariga Somaliland, Faahfaahina ka Bixiyey Qorshe Lagu Dhisayo Ciidanka Badda ee Somaliland Addis Ababa-(Qori)-Safiir-ku-xigeenka Safaaradda dawladda Ingiriisku u fadhiya magaalada Addis Ababa ee Itoobiya Mr. Matt Woods ayaa maagalada Bristol ee carriga Britian kulamo kala duwan kula yeeshay jaaliyadda Somaliland, isaga oo faahfaahin ka bixiyey kaalinta dawladdiisu kaga jirto horumarinta, nabadgelyada, dimuqraadiyadda iyo kor-u-qaadista kaabayaasha dhaqaale ee Somaliland. Sida uu ku soo warramay suxufiga Kaysar Cabdillaahi Maxamed oo deggan Bristol, Safiir-ku-xigeenka oo ah masuulka safaraadda Ingiriiska ee Itoobiya u qaabilsan arrimaha Somaliland oo Isniintii toddobaadkan booqasho ku tagay magaalada Bristol, waxa uu si qoto dheer uga hadlay xaaladda guud ee Somaliland ku sugan tahay waqtigan iyo mashaariicda kala duwan ee safaaradda iyo xukuumadda UK ka fuliso Somaliland. Mar uu ka hadlayay heerka Somaliland marayso waxa uu tilmaamay inuu isbeddel fiican oo dhinaca dimuqraadiyadda ah ka dhacay, isagoo xusay in doorashadii dalka ka dhacday sannadkii hore ay sumcad aad u ballaadhan u soo jiiday Somaliland, “Waxa ay Somaliland heshay kalsoonida dunida, waxana kor loo qaaday mashaariicda horumarineed ee Somaliland laga fulinayo,” ayuu yidhi Mr. Matt. Waxa kaloo uu tilmaamay in dalal badan oo markii hore indhaha ka lalinayey ay iminka u soo jeesteen sidii Somaliland wax loola qaban lahaa, waxaannu xusay in xataa Maraykanku dejiyay siyaasad cusub oo uu kula dhaqmayo Somaliland .Dhinaca dawladda Ingiriiska waxa uu sheegay in mshaariicda ka wadaan Somaliland ay ka mid yihiin dhismaha Ciidammada Badda, waxaannu intaa ku daray inay haatan gacanta ku hayaan diyaarinta qorshaha lagu horumarinayo, laguna ballaadhinayo ciidanka ilaalada xeebaha Somaliland, gaar ahaan sidii loo ogaan lahaa baahiyaha kala duwan ee ciidankaas iyo siday u noqon lahaayeen kuwo awood u yeesha ilaalinta ammaanka xeebaha dalkooda iyo la-dagaalanka budhcad-badeedda.Safiirku waxa uu sheegay in saddex bilood gudahood lagu diyaarin doono qorshe dhammaystiran oo ciidanka badda ah, kadibna loo gudbi doono dawladaha caalamku si ay gacan uga geystaan, iyaoo hirgelinta mashruucaasna ay hormuud ka noqon doonto dawladda UK . Waxa kale oo uu xusay inay kor u qaadi doonaan tayada hay’adaha garsoorka Somaliland , isla markaana ku talo jiraan in la abuuro maxkamad wareegta oo tayo leh oo qaada dembiyada budhcad-badeedda. “Sidoo kale waxay dawladda Britain ka caawin doontaa Somaliland kor-u-qaadidda tayada ciidammada booliska Somaliland .”Mr. Matt waxa uu intaa raaciyey in Wasaaradda Horumarinta Caawimada Dibedda ee UK ay xidhiidh toos ah la yeelan doonto dawladda Somaliland , kalana shaqan doonto dhinacyada ammaanka, caafimaadka, waxbarashada, shaqo-abuurka iyo kor-u-qaadista dhaqaalaha iyo weliba horumarinta ganacsiga. “Magaalo kastoo Somaliland ku taal dhibaatada ugu weyn ee laga cabanayaa waa shaqo la’aan, markaa waxay dawladda UK muhiimad weyn siinaysaa si aannu dhibaatada shaqo la’aanta gacan uga geysano oo bulshada fursado shaqooyin loogu abuuro,” ayuu yidhi Safiirka oo ka hadlayay shaqo la’aanta ka taagan dalka. Safiir-ku-xigeenka oo ka hadlayey aragtida dawladdiisa ee ku wajahan shir-nabadeedkii dhowaan lagu soo gebagebeeyey magaalada Widhwidh ee Gobolka Sool iyo heshiiskii ay kala saxeexdeen dawladda Somalland, kooxda SSC iyo dadweynaha degaannada Sool iyo Buuhoodle, waxa uu carrabka ku adkeeyey inay aad iyo aad u soo dhoweynayaan tallaabadaas, waxaannu dawladda Somaliland ku ammaanay gogosha nabeed ee ay u fidisay kooxaha ka soo horjeeday. Waxa kaloo uu tallaabo fiican ku tilmaamay sida degenaanshaha iyo furfurnaanta leh ee Madaxweynaha Somaliland u wajahay xallinta arrimaha gobollada bari ee Somaliland .Mar uu ka hadlayey qaddiyadda aqoonsiga Somaliland iyo meelaha loo mari karo waxa uu yidhi; “Inkastoo aannu la soconno dareenka dadweynaha reer Somaliland iyo dhibtii soo gaadhayba, haddana way qurux badnaan lahayd inay Somaliland wadahadal la yeelato maamulka Muqdisho si la mid ah siday Koonfurta Sudan ula hadashay woqooyiga Suudan, waana tallaabo fiican in shirarka muhiimka ah ay Somaliland ka qaybgasho oo ay mawqifkeeda ka caddayso fagaarayaasha caalamka ee lagu kulmo.”Mar safiir-ku-xigeenka Ingiriiska wax laga weydiiyay furitaanta ururrada siyaasadeed ee Somaliland, waxa uu sheegay inay tahay tallaabo fiican oo fursad siinaysa qaybaha kala duwan ee bulshada, isagaoo xusay in dadweynaha reer Somaliland yihiin qaar u bislaaday dimuqraadiyada oo aan lagu cabsiin karin in la yidhaa ururro diimeedyo iyo kuwa qabali ah ayaa abuurmi doona, waxana muhiim ah in muwaaddin kastaa uu xaq u yeesho in uu urur furan karo, la dooran karo, waxna uu dooran karo. Ugu dambayn, safiirka oo ka hadlayay millatariga ee Somaliland, ayaa tilmaamay in Ciidammada Qaranka Somaliland yihiin awood nabadeed oo mandaqadda Geeska Afrika sugidda amnigeeda kaalin muhiim ah ka qaata, waxaannu tusaale u soo qaatay in ciidammada Somaliland kaalin masuuliyadeed muujiyeen xilligii doorashada iyo waliba doorkii ay ka geysteen kala dhex-galidda beelaha ku diriray degaanka Kalshaale. Waxa kaloo uu xusay in dawladda Britain gacan siin doonto horumarinta awoodda millatariga Somaliland , dhawaana magaalada Burco ka dhiseen cusbitaal ciidan, mashaariic kalana fulin doonaan dhawaan. Mar uu ka hadlayey mawqifka dalka UK ee ku aaddan aqoonsiga Somaliland, waxa safiir-ku-xigeenku yidhi; “Inkasta oo aanaan Somaliland weli aqoonsan, haddana waxaannu ula dhaqannaa sida dal la mid dalalka la aqoonsan yahay.” Xubno badan oo ka tirsan Jaaliyada Somaliland ayaa su’aalo kala duwan waydiiyay, waxaana aakhirkii Safiir-ku-xigeenka shahaado-sharaf guddoonsiiyay Kaysar Cabdillaahi Maxamed oo magaca jaaliyadda reer Somaliland ugaga mahadnaqay kaalinta fiican ee Safiirka iyo shaqaalaha Safaaradda Ingiriiska ee Addis Ababa ka geysteen horumarka Somaliland iyo u-adeegidda bulshada reer Somaliland. Safiir-ku-xigeenku muddadii uu ku sugnaa magaalada Bristol waxa kaloo uu kulamo kala duwan la yeeshay qaybaha kala duwan ee bulshada Somaliland iyo xubno ka tirsan jaaliyadda Itoobiya.

Somaliland Exports Important Minerals to Europe First Time over 20 years. It is two decades since Somaliland got its independence from the rest of Somalia in 1991. Somaliland has undergone a path of social, political and economic home-grown reconstruction. Since Somaliland regained its independence from the rest of Somalia there has not being a meaningful export of natural resources of Somaliland such as precious stones or minerals. Somaliland is rich in minerals and has one of world’s largest gypsum deposits, has clean coastline of 850 km which are all important investment opportunities. Tones of a very important mineral by the name of Columbite-Tantalite were officially exported at Berbera port in the end of last month. The mineral will have a ready market in Italy and elsewhere in Europe. This was made possible by the collaboration between the Athena srl Italy and the president of Ruby General Trading Company (local company), an expert in geology and minerals Mr. Abdirahman Hersi Warsame. Abdirahman explains the importance of this mineral “Columbite Tantalite is very useful in many industrial fields, and is normally used for electronic industry and for new technology uses.” Abdirahman met an Italian businessman Dr Gianni Dormi and both decided to invest in the exploitation of Somaliland minerals. Dr Dorm is the President of an Italian international company, Athena srl based in Florence and in Sothern Tuscany(Maremma). As stated by Abdirahman Hersi, he met Dr Dormi the first time in Italy where they had an important meeting about the investment opportunities in Somaliland especially the exploitation of Somaliland’s rich mineral resources in order to encourage local export. On the other hand, Somaliland is always put in the big picture of violence, Al-shabaab and piracy in Somalia by the international media. “Such efforts will wash away the propaganda against Somaliland spread by the international media” Abdirahman added. Dr.Gianni Dormi showed his interest in investing in Somaliland, not only in mineral resources but in many other important areas such as the food industry and to bring cheap Photovoltaic domestic systems for energy production, water domestic depurator etc. and is ready to take his part of any kind of help Somaliland people would require to develop economically. The potential mineral resources, fishing, forestry, agriculture and tourist opportunities of the mountain ranges are hardly exploited as a result of lack of transport infrastructure. Gemstones and industrial Minerals which are abundant in Somaliland include; any kind of Gemstones like Emerald, Zapphire, Ruby, Aquamarine, Opal and any kind of Garnet. There are also plenty of other minerals in Somaliland such as industrial minerals like iron ore, Titanium, Aluminum, Tungsten, Tin, Galena and other rare earth Metals like Columbite Tantalite, Molybdenum and many other rare minerals which are only found few places in the world. The first shipment of this project mainly focused on succeeded to send officially several tones of Columbite Tantalite from Berber port to Europe, especially to Italy. Abdurrahman who was explaining this success thanked the government of Somaliland for their cooperation and facilitation. The government has made a huge contribution to make this project successful; they exempted taxes which was the important part.”

Somaliland: EU Commissioner Andris Piebalgs announces more support for stability and regional cooperation Brussels, 06 July 2011 - During a visit to Somaliland, the EU Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs, announced today that the European Union is considering to provide around additional €175 million in EU support to Somalia, including to Somaliland. In his speech before the Somaliland Parliament, Mr Piebalgs said: “The European Union welcomes the contribution that Somaliland is making to peace and good governance in the region. It is an encouraging example of peace, democracy and stability. This is why we will invest additional development funds as security and the socio-political conditions favour sustainable development.” Additional EU support in Somaliland will focus on areas to foster economic development, education and governance. During his visit, Commissioner Piebalgs met President Silanyo and delivered a speech to the House of Representatives in Hargeisa. Commissioner Piebalgs underlined that Somaliland is an example of stability and democracy which will hopefully encourage others to promote broader political dialogue, development and integration. He stressed that Somaliland has a role to play in economic integration and development in the Horn of Africa region. Mr Piebalgs encouraged Somaliland to stay engaged in international efforts to curb piracy, and commended the efforts of the Somaliland coastguard, police and judiciary. The EU Development Commissioner discussed the political, social and economic situation of Somaliland during a meeting with members of civil society and the business community. He commended the constructive role played by the Somaliland Diaspora and reiterated the importance of the European Union’s engagement with Non-State Actors - including civil society and the private sector - in its development efforts. Commissioner Piebalgs concluded his visit to Somaliland with a tour of Berbera Port and a livestock quarantine facility, where he also met the principal and students of the EU-supported Sheikh Technical Veterinary School. More information The EU allocated an ongoing five-year support package for Somalia/Somaliland of €212 million (between 2008 and 2013) EU aid in Somaliland is mainly focused on the following areas: Economic development including infrastructure: The EU has allocated €19 million to rehabilitate and expand urban water infrastructure in several cities across Somaliland. Further areas of infrastructure support will be identified under the increased package. Education: With strong EU assistance, school enrolment has already grown from 38.6 percent in 2006 to an estimated 60 percent in 2010. Somaliland’s Education Ministry will be supported by technical experts provided by the EU to develop a sustainable solution for the recently-announced Free Primary Education Policy. Governance: The EU is already the main donor in major UN programmes assisting the public sector, police, courts, democratic institutions, electoral processes and civil society in Somaliland. Responding to the clear political commitment that Somaliland has demonstrated towards public sector reform, this assistance will be intensified and expanded, especially in the area of public finance management.

Diridhaba (Jam)- Dawladaha Somaliland iyo Itoobiya ayaa kala saxeexday heshiis ay isku dhaafsadeen maxaabiis ay labada dal kala haysteen, kadib markii wadahadallo qaatay muddo laba maalmood ah ku yeesheen magaalada Diridhiba ee Itoobiya. Wadahadalkaasi oo ay dhinaca Somaliland uga qaybgaleen wefti uu hoggaaminayey Wasiirka arrimaha dibada Somaliland Md. Maxamed Cabdilaahi Cumar oo ay xubno ka ahaayeen Taliyayaasha Ciidammada millatariga, Booliska iyo Sirdoonka, halka dhinaca Itoobiyana ay uga qaybgaleen Wasiirka Amniga dawladda Fadaraalka Itoobiya, Madaxweynaha kililka shannaad iyo saraakiil ka tirsan milatariga dalkaasi, waxa lagu gaadhay heshiis la doonayo inuu meesha ka saaro madmadow soo kala dhexgalay xidhiidhka labada dal, gaar ahaan isu-socodka, isla markaana la isku dhaafsaday askar iyo muwaadiniin labada dhinac kala haysteen. War-murtiyeed Wasaaradda Arrimaha Dibada Somaliland ka soo saartay shirkaasi iyo natiijadiisa, waxa lagu sheegay in lagu gaadhay heshiis xambaarsan xoojinta iskaashiga labada dal iyo nabadgelyada. Waxaanna warkaasi oo dhammaystirani u qornaa sidan; “Wasiirka Arrimaha Dibeda iyo Iskaashiga Caalamiga ah ee Somaliland iyo wefti uu hogaaminayo oo socdaal Shaqo ku tegey dalka Ethiopia ayaa galabta (Khamiis 30 june, 2011) dib ugu soo laabtay Dalka. Waxay shir qaatay labo maalmood kula yeesheen magaalada Diridhaba masuuliyiin ka tirsan dawlada Federaalka ee Ethiopa. Waxaana Arrimihii shirka lagaga hadlay ugu waawaynaa arrimo la xidhiidha sii xoojinta xidhiidhka labada dal oo isugu jiray dhinaca nabadgalyada, ganacsiga iyo socdaalka. Socdaalkan waxa Wasiirka ku weheliyey Taliyaha Ciidanka Bilayska Jamhuuriyadda Somaliland Gen. Maxamed Saqadhi Dubad, Taliyaha Ciidanka Qaranka Jamhuuriyadda Somaliland Gen. Nuux Ismaaciil Taani, Taliyaha Sirdoonka Qaranka, Maxamed Nuur Xirsi, masuuliyiin iyo diplomaasiyiin kale. Dhinaca Ethiopa waxaa wada hadaladan uga qaybgalay wefti oo hogaaminayo Mudane Tsegaye Berhe, oo ah Wasiirka Xagga amniga qaabilsan oo ka tirsan dawlada Ethiopia ayna weheleniyeen, Taliyaha Guud ee Beri iyo K/Beri ee Ciidanka Milatariga Ethiopia, Major General Abraha W/Mariam, Madaxwaynaha dawlad Degaanka Soomalida ee Ethiopia Mudane Cabdi Maxamuud Cumar, Wakiilka Ethiopia u fadhiya Somaliland General Berhe Tesfaye. Gunaanadkii shirka waxay labada dal ee Federaalka Ethiopia iyo Jamhuuriyada Somaliland soo saareen heshiis laba geesood ah oo nuxurkiisu ka turjumayo sida ay labada dalba diyaarka ugu yihiin sii adkaynta iskaashiga iyo wada shaqaynta ka dhexeysa labada dal ee jaarka ah. Waxaanna qodobada heshiiska laga gaadhay ka mid ah arrimo si gaar ah u taabanayay ilaalinta nabadgalyada, isku socodka labada geesood iyo iskaashiga iyo wadashaqaynta hawlwadeenada xadka ee labada dal. Heshiiskan waxaa dhinaca Ethiopia u saxeexay Mudane Tsegaye Berhe oo ah wasiir ka tirsan Golaha Wasiirada ee dawlada Federaalka qaabilsanna arrimaha nabadgalayad, isla markaana ah la taliyaha Ra’iisal Wasaaraha Ethiopia ee dhinaca nabadgalyada, halka dhinaca Somaliland-na uu heshiiskaasi u saxeexay Dr. Maxamed Cabdillahi Cumar, Wasiirka Arrimaha Dibada iyo Iskaashiga Caalamiga ah. Waxa kale oo munaasibada saxeexa heshiiskaasi goob-joog ka ahaa Madaxwaynaha Dawlada Degaanka Somalida ee Ethiopia Mudane Cabdi Maxamuud Cumar iyo masuuliyiin sare oo ka tirsan labada dal,” ayaa lagu soo gebogabeeyey war-murtiyeedkaasi ka soo baxay Wasaaradda Arrimaha Dibada. Haseyeeshee, sida xalay Jamhuuriya u xaqiijiyeen ilo xogogaal ahi waxa shirka ka dhacay Diridhaba dood xasaasi ahi ku dhexmartay, isla markaana si adag u garnaqsaday wufuuda ka kala socotay Somaliland iyo dawladda Fadaraalka Itoobiya, kadib markii Somaliland miiska la tagtay cabasho iyo tabashooyin ka dhan ah Ismaamul-goboleedka Soomaalida Itoobiya oo ciidammadoodu xad-gudubyo u gaystaan muwaadiniinta Somaliland ee sifaha sharciga ah ku gala Itoobiya, waxaanay weftiga Somaliland ku doodeen in saraakiishii Sirdoonka Itoobiya ee la xidhay sifo sharci-darro ah ku soo galeen Somaliland, halka ciidammada New Booliska kilalka shannaad ay si khaldan u xidhxidheen saraakiil ka tirsan hay’adaha ammaanka Somaliland iyo muwaadiniin sifo sharci ah ku galay dalkooda. Qodobada weftiga Somaliland ku dooday ayaa la sheegay in masuuliyiinta ka socday dawladda dhexe ee fadaraalka Itoobiya ka garaabeen, halka masuuliyiinta ka socday Ismaamul-goboleedka kilalka shanaad ee uu ka mid ahaa Madaxweynahoodu ay ku doodeen in xuduudka Somaliland ay si dhibyar uga gudbaan kooxo ONLF ah oo aanay dawladda Somaliland waxba ka qaban. Shirkaasi ayaa markii dambe natiijadiisu noqotay in la sii daayo maxaabiista dhinac waliba haysto, iyadoo isla shalayba xabsi ku yaal Jigjiga laga soo daayey saddex askari oo ciidammada Somaliland ka tirsan iyo nin muwaadin ah oo la xidhnaa, halka Somaliland sii daysay shan saraal oo ka tirsan sirdoonka Itoobiya oo muddo bil ku dhaw ku xidhnaa magaalada Gabiley, kuwaas oo magaalada Wajaale laga qabtay iyagoo si khalad ah u soo galay xuduudka Somaliland. Qodobka labaad ee lagu heshiiyey waxa uu ahaa in sameeyo guddi isku dhaf ah oo ka tirsan labada dawladood, kana shaqeeya arrimaha ammaanka, kuwaas oo yeesha xidhiidh joogto ah, isla markaana ka wadahadla dhacdo kasta oo ku soo koradha xidhiidhka labada dal. Qodobka saddexaad, waxa la isla gartay in xidhiidh joogto ahi dhexmaro Ismaamul-gobolkeedka Soomaalida Itoobiya iyo Somaliland, gaar ahaan maamullada gobollada xadka la leh Itoobiya. Geesta kale, muwaadinka lala soo daayey saddexda askari ee reer Somaliland oo magaciisa la yidhaa Cabdiqani Ismaaciil Faarax (Miyir), ayaa ka waramay qaabkii loo qabtay iyo sifihii loola dhaqmay muddadii uu xidhnaa. Mr. Cabdiqani Ismaaciil Faarax oo xalay Jamhuuriya soo gaadhsiiyey qoraal kooban oo uu xadhigiisa kaga waramay, waxa uu u qornaa sidan; “Waxa la igu qabtay xadka u dhaxeeya Somaliland iyo Itoobiya ee Tog-wajaale markay taariikhdu ahayd 17-June-2011, isla markaana waxa la ii gudbiyey magaalada Jigjiga, laba maalmood kadib laba askari oo dirayskii ciidanka qaranka xidhan, ayaa meeshii aan ku xidhnaa la iigu keenay iyo mid iga horreeyey. Markaa taliyaha qaybta Itoobiya ee Tog-wajaale wuxuu noo caddeeyey in la noo haysto rahmad la xidhiidha rag lagaga xidhay xagga Somaliland. Waqtigii aannu joognay caasimadda degaanka Killilka 5aad ee Itoobiya, Taliyaha Komishanka boolisku si wanaagsan noolamuu macaamilin, taasi oo u dhiganta sida milgaha lahayd ee dhammaantood loola dhaqmay maxaabiistii Itoobiyaanka ahaa ku xidhayd Gabiley. Markii aanu shalay soo noqonay, Wasiirka Arrimaha Dibadda Somaliland, Taliyaha Ciidanka Qalabka sida iyo Taliyaha Ciidanka Bilayska, waxay la hadleen Taliyaha Gabiley, iyaga ka waraystay caafimaadka iyo xaaladooda guud maxabiista Itoobiyaanka ah ee ku xidhnaa xabsiga Gabiley, waxaanay amar ku bixiyeen sidii loo geyn lahaa Wajaale. Ugu dambayn waxaan u mahadnaqayaa Madaxweynaha Somaliland Md. Axmed Maxamed Maxamuud (Siilaanyo), Wasiirka Arrimaha Dibadda, Taliyaha Ciidanka Qalabka sida iyo dhammaan shacabka Somaliland oo aan uga mahadcelinayo sida wanaagsan ee ay ugu dedaaleen shacabkooda.”

Juba (Jam)- Madaxweynaha dalka Koonfurta Suudaan Mr. Salva Kiir Mayardit, ayaa si rasmi ah madaxweynaha Somaliland Md. Axmed Maxamed Maxamuud (Siilaanyo) ugu marrtiqaaday munaasibadda loogu dabaaldegayo dhalashadda dawladda cusub ee Koonfurta Suudaan oo toddobaadka soo socda ee taariikhdu tahay 9 July 2011, ka dhici doonta magaalada Juba ee caasimadda South Sudan.

Berbera strategic to Ethiopia import-export: Port Manager confirms Berbera (JSLTimes.com) - The port of Berbera is a gateway to Ethiopia with plans of using it as an alternative Port. In this regard, the Ethiopian government is developing the necessary infrastructure along the Berbera corridor. The construction of the 67 km Jijiga-Togochale road has just been finalized and the 245 km long road linking Togochale with Berbera is under process of construction to accommodate part of the country’s import via Berbera. The development of the port needs a substantial amount of investment. Q ; Can you tell me the purpose of the planned development of the Berbera corridor? Ahmed Yusuf Dirir ; Ethiopia has currently alternative sea routes on the Horn of Africa such as Djibouti, Mombasa and Port Sudan excluding of course, Assab and Massawa for the time being. However, Berbera port is in a better strategic location thus making it one of the most viable options to channel Ethiopian import-export activities. Thus, the infrastructure development project includes the construction of the 937 km road from Addis Ababa that passes via Harar, Jijiga, Togochale, Kalabeit and Hargeisa to link Berbera port. Out of the 937km road, 241 km is within Somaliland and 696 km is within Ethiopia. The Ethiopian government has already finalized the preparation for the construction of the road to the Somaliland border town of Togochale and is looking for sources of funds to finance the project. The port of Berbera is owned and operated by the Somaliland Administration through an autonomous body called the Berbera Port Authority (BPA). The Port of Berbera is an attractive alternative to the Djibouti corridor for the Ethiopian import-export businesses. The Port is improving its management to give efficient loading and unloading services. Somaliland has a coastline to the north of the country which extends over 850 km along the Gulf of Aden. The Authority manages Berbera Port and other small sea outlets in the country. Q ; What are the major areas of the Port’s development endeavours? Ahmed Yusuf Dirir ; We have acquired additional cranes to smoothly facilitate the loading and unloading services offered by the port. Furthermore, it has made available modern health facilities for the dock workers and the entire management staff, thereby avoiding sending patients to Hargeisa for medical and emergency treatments. It has also put in place new security cameras and constructed shades for the livestock destined for export. Q ; Can you give me some background information as to why the Port was constructed in the first place? Ahmed Yusuf Dirir ;The port was constructed by the former Soviet Union as a military base to challenge the influence of the West on the Horn of Africa. When the Siad Bare regime cut its relations with the Soviet Union, the United States of America took over the Port for the same purpose. The former Union of Soviet built 300 meters long in 1960’s and another 330 was added by the US in the 1980’s. The port has a storage capacity of one million tons at a time, and it accommodates more than 1,000 ships per annum depending on both the length of the ferries and the activity in the port. Q ; Do you have expansion plans? Ahmed Yusuf Dirir; we are planning to expand the Port with potential investors for the expansion. The first plan is to build a container terminal to be separated from the current port. We also have selected a potentially good location for the station. Thus far, a number of investors are showing interest in the expansion which will be negotiated during the course of time with serious investors. Q ; Are there any specific criteria for international investors who might show interest in the project? Ahmed Yusuf Dirir ; At the moment, we are just reviewing the credentials and performance of potential investors in port construction. The usual criteria are, of course, the time schedule, the investment cost, the source of funds and the modality of financing which will be dealt with at length at the time of evaluating the potential bidders. Getting financial grants or joint venture arrangements with the companies would also be other alternative options. We are planning to offer a contract period of some 20 years to manage the terminal. Currently, there are companies who have shown interest from Arab countries and China. Malaysian companies are also showing interest in the expansion of the terminal. Q ; Being a competing port in the region, besides the strategic location, what other advantages do you have to offer to the potential markets around you? Ahmed Yusuf Dirir ; In general we do charge very low fees when compared to the other ports around us. For instance, we ask only 200 dollars per ton of shipment while the figure for other port services is much higher. However, apart from that, we have a very fast port clearance system and we are currently expanding our capacity to carry more traffic at a time not only to handle shipments but also re-shipments for big international transit companies. Q; Is there a possibility for the establishment of branches of financial institutions? Ahmed Yusuf Dirir: We believe that it is very important to have banking and insurance the services at the Port for Ethiopian importers and exporters through the Port. It is hoped that commercial bank and insurance companies will open branches at the port as soon as the expansion activities are completed and the necessary infrastructure are put in place. Q ; Do you have a plan to develop other ports in addition to Berbera? Ahmed Yusuf Dirir: The Somaliland Port Authority is administering smaller ports such as Zeila and Mayerd and can add additional ports when its technical, financial and of Puntland and in the Indian Ocean. There are more than 73 pirates apprehended by Somaliland coastguards and detained in Madera Prison found along the road between Hargesa and Barbara. Q ; How secure is the road between Addis Ababa and Berbera? Ahmed Yusuf Dirir: There is dependable security when talk about the road between Togochale and Berbera in Somaliland. There is no reported incidence in this regard. Q: Do you have any plan to upgrade the road from Togochale to Berbera? Ahmed Yusuf Dirir: As I explained earlier, there is a project called ‘Barbara Corridor’ along the road from Ethiopia to Togochale and from Togochale to Berbera. Currently, the Somaliland and the Ethiopian governments are looking for sources of funds to finance the project. Q: What other services does the Port provide? Ahmed Yusuf Dirir: The World Food Program is using the port to transport food aid to Ethiopia and Somalia. Q ; Are you saving problems in attracting investors? Ahmed Yusuf Dirir ; It should be remembered that there should a conducive investment climate to attract investors to a given country. It is hoped that investors will participate in the development of the port along with the development of peace and security in the country. Q ; What will be the capacity of the port after expansion? Ahmed Yusuf Dirir ; It is estimated to accommodate two million containers per year. Q ; Do you have any communication with South Sudan? Ahmed Yusuf Dirir ; There is forwarding and clearing company operating in Berbera. Q ; What assistance do you expect from Ethiopian government? Ahmed Yusuf Dirir; We want to reiterate the fact that the Berbera port is very strategic for the Ethiopian Economy and for the sustenance of peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. All shipping transiting companies will benefit along with the increase with the import-export trades through the Berbera The Port will serve Ethiopian importers and exporters with minimal services charges unlike the excessive dues that the Djibouti Port charges. The service charge is 200 USD per container and no charge is imposed on Ethiopian transporters. Q ; How much is Somaliland dependent on Berbera Port? Ahmed Yusuf Dirir; Berbera Port contributes more than 75 percent of Somaliland national budget. When the expansion of the port finalizes, its contribution to the national budget significantly increases.