Hope there is no war, and a brighter future for both Sudan's.. Not sure how secessionists of Somalia think this helps their cause. Or maybe the difference between the SNM and others Somali's is the same as that which exists between the Arab's of the North & the Dinka & Shiluuk of the South.

Somalia: Financial scandal hovers over the Office of the President. Kanini Evans Kariuki -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The current minister of Finance in Somalia Mr. Hussein Halane strongly stated that the outgoing Prime Minister had no knowledge about the contract pertaining to the security, Mogadishu sea port and Somalia airport. He confirmed that the President and the office of the President were the dealers in this contract, while the minister of Information, Posts and Telecommunications, the then chief cabinet of the President´s office, Mr. Abdi Karim Jama, squarely put the handling of the contract on the current Finance minister, adding that the President has no knowledge of such business dealings and documents. These accusations and counter accusations call for the Prime Minister to stop the two ministers from working in their offices until investigations of the contracts are over, and they are cleared. It is then that they can resume their ministerial positions after clearance from the allegations. In the same token, the parliament has to put in place a legal mechanism to investigate the President because of the accusations by the minister of Finance, and former Prime Minister Mr. Sharmake. These days, Somali people are highly satisfied with the work of the parliament under the stewardship of the first Deputy Speaker Hon Abdiweli Mudey. If the parliament makes the right move of salvaging Somalia from the chaos, destruction and corruption, the legislators will have scored a first, and the citizenry will rally behind them and even welcome any move of extending their tenure. Source: americanchronicle.com

http://www.radiodaljir.com/audio/martisoor/farooleJan0811.ram

Environmental Issues We need to create job opportunities and to find alternative energy methods in order for us to protect the environment. There is massive deforestation and land degradation due to charcoal and the cutting of trees. There is also the destruction of our maritime ecosystem by foreign trawlers who fish illegally in our territorial waters. The government does not have the resources and capacity to deal with these massive challenges but protecting our environment is a major issue and the government’s policy is clearly to protect the environment and our way of life. Praise for Puntland Security Forces I would like to thank all Puntland security forces who are protecting and defending us everyday. They have my special and sincerest thanks. I would also like to thank the Ministry workers and the Parliament. In recent weeks, the Puntland Parliament passed some very important legislation such as: the Election Commission Law, Anti-Terrorism Law, Anti-Piracy Law, Anti-Human Trafficking Law, and most recently passing the 2011 annual budget of Puntland. I am happy for the working relationship between the various branches of government, the elders and the Islamic scholars. But I want to criticize the greedy business community [of Puntland] who did not participate in defending the state but their test is how they take contribute to helping the current drought.

Clan Conflicts and Elders’ Role Our population is mostly nomads and historically there have been armed clashes as people fight over grazing land and water wells. Governments have played a role always to prevent clan conflicts, but the traditional elders have played a key role especially the clan elders and the Issims who chair all traditional elders and have a constitutional role in Puntland. The Issims’ decision is equal to the ruling of a First Degree Court in Puntland. Many people have died in clan conflicts and this has slowed down development because the government spends resources to prevent clan conflicts. We call on the traditional elders to host meetings and work to prevent conflicts. You all know that there are many conflicts where the government has played a role. The conflict in Bari region and the conflict in Karkar region are now resolved. The Cagaaran conflict is nearly over. In Galkayo, the TFG and Puntland sent government delegations to Galkayo and a ceasefire was declared between the clans and we hope it’s resolved. We [Puntland Government] played a role to end the conflict between Buhodle and Burao clans. The government pays salaries for 560 traditional elders every month. The government holds accountable its employees so we urge the Issims to hold accountable the traditional elders. Justice We are committed to upholding justice. We have three laws: Somali xeer, Somali customary law, and Islamic law. They all work together, but if they conflict, then Islamic law is superior. There are some aspects of Islamic law that is not applicable currenlty due to circumstances and this is among the major issues the Islamic scholars of the world are debating. For example, if some guy dying of hunger steals from a woman, should he get his hand cut off? Only two months of jail is enough punishment for him.

Human Rights We are committed to protecting the universal human rights of all residents in Puntland. There was some complaining last year about groups of young men who we sent back to their home regions in southern Somalia. The complainers said the young men were innocent. It is possible that some of those young men were seeking to be smuggled by human traffickers to Yemen and beyond. But we are confident that most of those young men were sent to Bossaso [Puntland’s commercial hub] to create instability, like they have done in Mogadishu. This is unacceptable and we shall continue to strengthen our security. Furthermore, we shall nominate a Human Rights Defender very soon. The Human Rights Defender is a constitutional body and will help advance the cause of human rights in Puntland. Somali Literature Revival On Jan. 6, Halabuur was launched in Puntland by Dr. Mohamed Dahir Afrah, who is an intellectual and the father of Somali language. His work is dedicated to the advancing the Somali language, its literature, its idioms, and its history which was highly politicized during the Kacaan era [1969-1991] as some history was written and other history was completely ignored. But Dr. Afrah and his colleagues are writing all the history of Somalia. He is collecting lots of information. Praise Allah for [President of Djibouti] Ismail Omar Ghelle who has organized this Somali literature group and based them in Djibouti. I thank them all greatly for their work and dedication to save the Somali language and culture.

Security Operations There might be some troublemakers who throw bombs and bullets, but I assure you that our security is under full control of the Puntland government. Pirates use Puntland because it’s the most strategic part of Somalia. During the Cold War era, the Soviet Union and the Western powers competed for control of this strategic part of Somalia. The tip of the Horn of Africa is where the pirates like to hunt because it’s the closest to vital international shipping lanes. As you know, vehicles have difficulties reaching the shores of Puntland because of the mountains and lack of roads. However, over the past two weeks, our forces have been operating along the northern and eastern coasts of Puntland, from Ras Asayr to Beyla coastal town [along the Indian Ocean]. We did not announce this security operation because the pirates might flee. Our forces have seized several vehicles and control over their area. As you know, if you throw a net looking for a lobster, you might find a sea-lion. We found a lion who was stealing the minds of children in Bargaal [coastal town along Gulf of Aden waterway] and he is a terrorist and he has been arrested [applause].

International Mandate to Fight Pirates on Land We appeal to the United Nations Security Council to help us eradicate piracy. Over 20 ships are currently being held for ransom [by pirates] and nearly 600 hostages. There are people who are involved in this crime as a business. We call on the U.N. Security Council to pass a resolution permitting international forces patrolling Somali coasts to cooperate with Puntland forces and attack pirates on land. We will help them [international forces] because those who profit from piracy as a business are against us training our marine forces [Puntland Marine Force]. These people bring millions of dollars cash to Somalia. Most recently they brought 9.5million USD to pirates and they have violated our sovereignty and air space by landing the ransom cash near Hobyo coast [in central Somalia], so why do we deny international forces to operate on land and target pirates? International forces are in Mogadishu [African Union force AMISOM] as well. Somalis are not capable of standing on their own today and they need international help.

Puntland Marine Force The pirates caused us the biggest losses, in every way. Look at our culture: drugs, disease, alcohol, hundreds of dead or jailed or diseased or killed. They [pirates] have disrupted the productivity of our fishing community. We [Puntland Government] have been begging the international community for two years, in every country and during every trip. We said ‘Please provide arms and logistics for a 600-strong Puntland Marine Task Force to fight this pirate enemy’. But we did not find any help. We gave up on their help. Using principles of the Istanbul Declaration which declared support public-private partnerships in Somalia, we aimed to improve our security and attract investments to create jobs in Puntland. But there was much jealousy when people saw a company training our security forces [Puntland Marine Force]. There was jealousy from all groups who are involved in piracy and who steal [resources] from our shores. The media sometimes insinuates these jealousies because Somali-language foreign media [i.e. VOA Somali Service] is run by Somalis who are still deeply involved in civil war clan hostilities. We are telling the world: Puntland is ours, and we are free for it and we have full rights to pursue our interests and we shall pursue them. We are not violating any international resolutions. We want to clarify this. We did not bring any weapons [for the Puntland Marine Force]. We expect the weapons from the countries that are currently providing weapons to TFG [Transitional Federal Government of Somalia] to bring us our share of weapons and we are even willing to pay for those weapons.

TFG-Puntland relations We are Somalis who stand for Somalia. We are not using the Somali name to fight against Somalis. Historically, the Somalis of Puntland have played an active role in the liberation struggle. Although all Somalis played roles, history tells us that many of the liberation struggle heroes come from Puntland. The TFG is expected to accomplish many things in coming short time of its mandate [which expires Aug. 2011]. Firstly, the TFG must respect the relations and cooperation between us in order for us [TFG and Puntland] to continue our cooperation. The TFG should give Puntland and other Somali regions fair share of all international donations given in the name of Somalia. They [TFG] control no place to implement development projects and investments in southern Somalia. This [Puntland] is the place to implement development projects and to make investments and where they [TFG leaders] can find safety. Even now, I see a few TFG lawmakers sitting here among us and they come here as Mogadishu violence gets worse. We welcome all TFG to come here [Puntland]. But they [TFG] must know that all international donations in the name of Somalia do not belong to them but to all Somalis.

Democratization Process in Puntland We are committed to the democratization process. The Election Commission Law has been passed and we are currently involved with forming the provisional Election Commission mandated by the Puntland Constitution. The democratization process requires massive resources and public awareness and we appeal for assistance in this historic endeavor. We want to establish a multi-party political system in Puntland but there must be security for this to happen.

U.S. Two-Track Policy I want to welcome and to thank the U.S. Government for the Two-Track Policy which seeks to provide assistance to established authorities in Somalia [i.e. Puntland] while helping the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia in Mogadishu. Puntland is ready to work in line with this Two-Track Policy. We welcome the U.S. efforts to assist Somalia restore national law and order. Our administration has effectively engaged U.S. policymakers about realities on the ground in Somalia and this U.S. policy shift on Somalia is part of changes the international community is making, including the European Union’s decision to open Strategic Dialogue with the Puntland Government. These very positive steps help advance development prospects in Puntland.

Drought Appeal On Dec. 20, 2010, the Puntland Council of Minister [Cabinet] formed Drought Committee which has since organized an assessment with humanitarian aid agencies to visit drought-affected areas [of Puntland]. They saw the suffering and devastation caused by the drought. Yesterday, our Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation issued a report stating that over 1million persons in Puntland have been directly affected by the drought. There is a severe lack of water and water is the basis of life. What we need is immediate international assistance to help those suffering the drought, as stated in the jointly declared drought appeal by the Puntland government and humanitarian aid agencies. The government is playing an active role and is leading the aid effort. We need the people of Puntland to play their role. They should collect money, open banks, businesses should donate food, and there should be preparations for transportation. We all know there will be transportation business and no construction business if the drought continues.

Puntland President's Speech Marking 2-Year Anniversary of Administration. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- An event marking the two-year anniversary since the election of H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Mohamud (Farole) was held on Saturday, January 8, 2011, at the Puntland Development and Research Center (PDRC) compound in Garowe, capital of Puntland State of Somalia. The event was attended by 150 persons, including many Puntland government officials such as: Cabinet ministers, Parliamentarians, High Court judges, Prosecutor-General, and commanders of Puntland Darawish Force, Police Force and Intelligence Force. Furthermor, representatives from the International Community including U.N. officials and International NGOs, attended alongside Somali civil society, namely traditional elders, Islamic scholars, business community, women and youth groups, and journalists. The three-hour event featured two videos, with one video about the state of education in Puntland and video portraying the major events of 2010 such as: the Islamic conference, the Women's conference, and the Somali National Football Tournament, all of which were held in Garowe. Furthermore, there was a Power-Point presentation delivered by Hon. Abdulkadir Abdi Hashi, Puntland's State Minister for International Cooperation. The presentation was about the achievements of Puntland over the past two years, as well as the major challenges faced by the government and a brief detail of the government's vision for the future. There was a memorable speech delivered by Dr Mohamed Dahir Afrah, a Somali intellectual and language expert based in Djibouti. Finally, the President of Puntland delivered a 40-minute speech touching on many key topics. Below is a translated version of the President's remarks: Speech by His Excellency, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Mohamud (Farole), the President of Puntland:

^^^Stop making silly threats and kindly don’t ruin this thread. I have seen your recent outbursts and they are not acceptable.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201011100501.html

This story has just caught fire.. Poor secessionists.

Hargeysa, (Haatuf): Spokesman for agent Atam exposes truth.. Somaliland link with Al Shabaab Afhayeenka Atam Oo Sheegay Inay Diyaar U Yihiin Wada Hadal Dhexmara Xukuumada, Qirayna In SomalilandAy Waajib Ku Tahay Difaacida Sanaag Bari Hargeysa, January 4, 2010 (Haatuf) – Afhayeenka kooxda Atam ee ka dagaalanta Buuraha Galgala ee Bariga Sanaag Faarax Isaaciil Sardheeye ayaa sheegay inay danaynayaan wada hadal ay la galaan xukuumada Somaliland, isagoo qirayna in deegaanada Bariga Sanaag ay ka tirsan yihiin Somaliland, isla markaana ay waajib ku tahay Somaliland inay ka difaacdo deegaanadaasi Sanaag bari maamulka Puntland ee damacsan inuu deegaanadaasi ka baadho Macdan iyo khayraadka ku duugan, isla markaana waxa uu Puntland ku eedeeyey in ay xasuuq kula kaceen dadkii u dhashay deegaanada Sanaag bari. Mr. Faarax Sardheeye waxa uu dhinac iska leexiyey eedayn sheegaysay in ay kooxdoodu ay ka tirsan tahay Al-Shabaab, waxaanu tibaaxay in maamul goboleedka Puntland uu eedayntaas ka danbeeyo. Afhayeenka Dagaalyahanka Sh. Atam Faarax Ismaaciil Sardheeye waxa uu sidaasi ku sheegay mar uu wargeyska Haatuf khadka tilifoonka ugu waramayey isaga oo ku sugan deegaanka “Madar-shoon” oo ka mid ah dhulkii dhawaan ay ku dagaalameen maamulka Puntland oo uu sheegay in uu tirsan yahay buuralayda Sanaag bari, ugu horayna isaga oo ka hadlaya deegaanka Sanaag bari iyo cida masuuliyadeedu saaran tahayba, waxa uu yidhi “Somaliland waxaan u sheegaynaa dhulkan la isku haysto ee ay Puntland rabto in ay kala baxdo khayraadkiisa waa dhul Somaliland ka tirsan adinka ayaanay masuuliyadi idinka saaran tahay, deegaanka Sanaag barina waxa uu maanta u baahan yahay dawlada wax ka dhicisa oo horjoogsata damac Faroole” S: Waxaad ka warantaa Xaalada Guud ee deegaanka buuralayda Gal-Gala? J: Deegaankani hada waa dhul iska cidlo ah, tan iyo intii ay meeshan ka dhaceen dagaaladii gardarada ahaa ee maamul goboleedka Puntland ku soo qaadeen dadka dhulka asal ahaan iska leh, kaas oo loo adeegsaday ******** iyo dad kale oo aan la garanayn meel laga keenay. S: Waxa la idinku eedeeyaa in aad ka tirsan tihiin kooxda argagixisada ah ee Al-Shabaab, arintaas maxaad ka odhan lahayd? J:Waxaas waxba kama jiraan, anagu Al-Shabaab wax xidhiidh ah oo aanu la leenahay ma jirto, eedeynta noocaas ahna maamulka Garoowe ayaa gaalada wax kaga qaata oo waa mashruuc, arimahaasina waxa ay ka mid yihiin dagaalada lagula jiro dadka ka soo jeeda deegaanka bariga Sanaag. S: Maxaad ku cadayn kartaa in xidhiidh aydaan la lahayn kooxda Al-Shabaab? J: Taasi way iska cadahay, anaguna xidhiidh aanu la leenahay Shabaab habayaraatee ma jirto. S: Maamul goboleedka Puntland ciidamada calooshood u shaqaystayaasha ah ee uu ku tababaray Boosaaso, sideed u aragtaan? J: Calooshood u shaqaytayaashaasi waxa ay ka mid yihiin kuwa raba in dhulkan xoog ay kaga kiciyaan dadka u dhashay, waxaananu diyaar u nahay in aanu dagaal kala hortagno,ciimadana waxay ay u tababaranayaan in ay xoog wax ku qabsadaan. S: Mawqifka aad Somaliland ka taagan tihiin ma ii sheegi kartaa? J: Somaliland waxa aanu u aragnaa dawlad aan wax dhib ah noo geysan oo danaha shacabkeeda ku mashquulsan, dawladaas Hargeysa joogtaana waa dad Somaliyeed oo aanu ka dhib laanahay. S: Xukuumada Somaliland wax wada hadal ah wali ma la yeelateen, ama ma danaynaysaan in aad la yeelataan? J: Hadii ay suurta gal tahay waanu danaynaynaa, cid Alla cidii wax na tari kartaba diyaar ayaanu u nahay in aanu la hadalno. S: Warar dhawaan soo baxayey ayaa sheegaya in aad garab ka heshaan kooxda Al-shabaab oo la sheego in aad deegaanaas u qaabilsan tihiin arintaasi ma jirtaa? J: Waxaa waxba kama jiraan, waa been abuur cad oo nalagu shaanbadaynayo, halka aanu ku suganahayna waa xadkii u dhaxeeyey Puntland iyo Somaliland markaa anaga Shabaab iyo waxaas waa nalagu shaanbadaynayaa. S: Hogaamiyihiinii Atam xagee ayuu ku danbeeyey oo uu ku sugan yahay wakhtigan? J: Wuu joogaa, waanu nala joogaa isaga oo bad qaba.

Somalia: Puntland is Deeply Concerned About Somaliland’s Growing Ties to Al Shabaab [Press Release] 1 Jan 1, 2011 - 11:42:45 AM PRESS RELEASE (Puntland State of Somalia) 1 January 2011 The Somaliland Administration has repeatedly issued hostile public statements regarding Puntland’s efforts to ensure its own security. We want to clarify that Puntland Government security forces have duties to defend the State by fighting terrorists, pirates, human traffickers and all forms of organized crime. Puntland government forces are obligated to ensure internal security and stability. Therefore, it is a big surprise that the Somaliland Administration sees this security effort as a threat. It is noteworthy to mention that the Puntland Government has conducted a number of anti-piracy operations to free vessels carrying goods for Somaliland, and Puntland security forces incurred casualties during these operations. The series of public statements made by Somaliland officials in Hargeisa, culminating with the chairman of KULMIYE ruling party’s BBC interview on 30 Dec 2010, once again underlines the incitement, the beating of war drums, and the speaking of minerals in language that is identical to Al Shabaab spokesman Mohamed Said Atom, that Somaliland still provides a safe haven and is organizing support for the fleeing remnants of Al Shabaab terrorist group, which was recently defeated in Galgala hills area (Al Medo mountain range). Puntland is always ready to help Somalia, to maintain good neighborly relations, to promote cooperation, and is not an enemy to anyone. Furthermore, Puntland is busy advancing grassroots reconciliation among all Somalis, as Puntland has already brought together Islamic scholars, Somali women’s conference, and most recently, the 18th Somali National Football Tournament that was held for the first time since 1987 (23 years) and concluded in Garowe on 31 December 2010. The Puntland Government is committed to improving its own security to ensure social and economic development, which is a precondition to creating an environment that permits Somali and foreign investment. Puntland encourages and indeed supports any Somali region that does the same. It is Somaliland that attacked regions and people that do not support its separatism policy and is currently in those regions by aggression. Likewise, Somaliland is currently engaged in organizing conflict based on rebel militia culture and reviving remnants of Al Shabaab terrorist group who fled to safe havens in western part of Sanaag region. We suggest to the Somaliland Administration to concentrate on its own internal challenges and to value good neighborly relations, rather than beating war drums and creating illusions. We call upon the international community to carefully note Somaliland’s baseless allegations and militant aggression. Once again, we emphasize that Puntland Government security forces stand for and are an integral component of the Horn of Africa regional security paradigm. Finally, Puntland is always ready to resolve all Somali disputes and crises through peace and dialogue. Source: Puntland Government

6 Jan 6, 2011 - 11:37:07 AM A newspaper in Somalia's separatist region of Somaliland has published a report stating that the spokesman of an insurgent group has appealed for military assistance from Somaliland, Radio Garowe reports. Hargeisa-based newspaper Haatuf, in its January 4th article titled, 'Atom Spokesman Says Group is Ready for Talks with Somaliland,' exposed the shady connections between Somaliland's separatist administration and Al Shabaab insurgent faction that wages war to topple the UN-backed Transitional Federal Government (TFG) in Mogadishu. Farah Ismail Sardheye, who identified himself as the spokesman for Mohamed Said Atom, told Haatuf newspaper that Atom's group has "no connections" with Al Shabaab. In the interview, Mr. Sardheye claimed that Galgala village in Bari region of Puntland is "part of eastern Sanaag region." However, Galgala is a village located in Bari region and was formerly the base of operations for Atom and his fighters. The Puntland government waged a three-month military offensive to seize control of insurgent strongholds in Galgala area. The conflict ended in late October after Puntland forces seized control over the area and the insurgents fled to Somaliland, according to Puntland officials. Mr. Sardheye claimed that Atom is alive and well. But Puntland sources say Mr. Sardheye's claim that he was conducting the interview from Madarshon village was false, since Puntland government forces control Madarshon village. The Haatuf newspaper interview claimed that the Puntland government wants to "explore for minerals in Galgala," a line often used by Atom, who has been hiding since armed conflict broke out in July 2010 and Puntland forces overran the Al Shabaab-linked Atom group out of Galgala. Puntland considers Al Shabaab as a terrorist group and has blamed the group for a series of assassinations and bombings in Bossaso, Puntland's commercial capital in Bari region. Somaliland authorities have denied that Atom and Al Shabaab fighters who fled Galgala village have sought safe refuge in Somaliland-controlled areas of Sanaag region around Erigavo town. In November, Somaliland Interior Minister Dr. Mohamed Abdi Gabose said the Somaliland administration considers Mr. Atom "a terrorist," in response to Puntland allegations that Somaliland is providing safe haven for the fleeing insurgents. Its not clear why a major newspaper in Somaliland is now claiming that Atom's fighters are seeking support from Somaliland and repeating Atom's claims that Puntland wants to explore minerals in Galgala, a charge denied by Puntland officials. Last week, Puntland Deputy Security Minister Abdi Jamal Osman issued a strongly-worded press release condemning Somaliland's alleged links with Al Shabaab. Somaliland and Puntland have fought several times over control of Sool and Sanaag regions since 2002. Both regions have been relatively stable since the national political collapse of Somalia in 1991.

As the people of southern Sudan prepare to vote in a referendum that may see them secede from the North, filmmaker Jamie Doran looks at the history of a troubled country. It was the giant of Africa: a nation which once represented the greatest hope for peaceful coexistence between Arab and African, Muslim and Christian. That hope is all but gone. The promise of Sudan was just an illusion. It is already a fractured country and, in the longer term, this is unlikely to be an isolated matter of north and south breaking apart following the referendum on southern secession. Separatist movements in regions such as Darfur and the Nuba Mountains are watching with more than curiosity. And it is not just Sudan: in other African and Arab countries independence factions are eyeing developments with a view to making their move either through the ballot box or the gun. In the run-up to the referendum, I travelled to Sudan to make the film. I have been fortunate enough in my life to have visited most of the world's countries and yet, this would be the first time I had set foot in Africa's largest. To say that the northern Sudanese people are enormously friendly may be clichéd, but it is also very true. Soon after our arrival, the car we had hired in Khartoum broke down and we quickly found ourselves surrounded by young men, all of them trying to help discover and rectify the fault. No-one was looking for money; it simply came naturally to them to help out and was just one example of many we would discover in the following weeks. Unfortunately though, I also discovered self-delusion: in the coffee shops, restaurants and streets, the vast majority of people I spoke with wanted desperately to believe that it was not too late and that, surely, the South will never leave the union. It will.

Two brotherly clans making an agreement. Well done