QUESTION: Well, actually, what you said about Somaliland and Puntland, at one point you referred to them as countries. Are you contemplating some kind of a diplomatic recognition? ASSISTANT SECRETARY CARSON: [/b] [/i] No, we are not. We believe that we should follow the African Union position on this. We still recognized only a single Somali state. [/b] [/i] This is the position of the Africa Union, which is the most important and largest continental regional body. We do not contemplate and we are not about to recognize either of these entities or areas as independent states.

But we will also be pursuing a second track, which we think is also increasingly important, and that is we will work to engage more actively with the governments of Puntland and Somaliland. We hope to be able to have more American diplomats and aid workers going into those countries on an ad hoc basis to meet with government officials to see how we can help them improve their capacity to provide services to their people, seeing whether there are development assistance projects that we can work with them on. We think that both of these parts of Somalia have been zones of relative political and civil stability, and we think they will, in fact, be a bulwark against extremism and radicalism that might emerge from the south.

Carson said the U.S. would not establish formal diplomatic relations with the two entities or recognize their independence, but would help their governments with agriculture, water, health and education projects. Diplomats at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, will lead the effort and increase their informal visits to Somaliland and Puntland. The aim is "to see how we can help them improve their capacity to provide services to their people," Carson said. Carson stressed he [/b] [/i] United States would continue to recognize only a single Somali state [/b] [/i] Puntland gets recognition for our hard work, stability and also a single Somali state which is a corner stone of its viison.

^^^You just quoted an important line and ask me the question? * "Says no plans for full diplomatic recognition"

US to build ties with breakaway Somali republics. By MATTHEW LEE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW YORK — The Obama administration plans to strengthen ties with two breakaway republics in northern Somalia to blunt a growing threat from Islamist extremists accused of links to al-Qaida, a senior U.S. official said Friday. The U.S. will begin "aggressive" engagement with the self-declared northern republics of Somaliland and Puntland, while continuing support of Somalia's weak central government, as part of an effort to prevent the spread of radical ideology espoused by the al-Shabab militia, said Johnnie Carson, the top U.S. diplomat for Africa. Carson said the U.S. will also promote development in areas controlled by local clans in south-central Somalia that are not allied with either the government or al-Shabab. The planned U.S. effort to build relations with Somaliland and Puntland, which have been largely peaceful while the rest of Somalia has descended into chaos with no functioning central government since 1991, marks an important shift in U.S. policy. Al-Shabab has emerged as a significant threat to regional and international security in recent years. "We think that both of these parts of Somalia have been zones of relative political and civil stability and we think they will, in fact, be a bulwark against extremism and radicalism that might emerge from the south," Carson said. "In the past, we have not engaged these areas, political entities, aggressively," he said. "We will now start to do so." Carson said the U.S. would not establish formal diplomatic relations with the two entities or recognize their independence, but would help their governments with agriculture, water, health and education projects. Diplomats at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, will lead the effort and increase their informal visits to Somaliland and Puntland. The aim is "to see how we can help them improve their capacity to provide services to their people," Carson said. Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 and has remained relatively peaceful while southern Somalia has degenerated into anarchy. Somaliland has its own security and police forces, justice system and currency, but it is not recognized by any other nation. Puntland, also in the north, declared itself an autonomous state in 1998. Carson said the U.S. also plans to provide more aid to Somalia's Transitional Federal Government, which is under siege by al-Shabab and supported by an African Union military mission dominated by Ugandan troops. He did not elaborate, but the U.S. has in the past supplied the African troops with weapons and other equipment and is providing training to Somali security forces. To counter al-Shabab, Carson said, the U.S. would also look to support "local governments, clans and sub-clans" in south-central Somalia that do not back either the militia or the federal administration. "We will look for opportunities to work with these groups to see if we can identify ways of supporting their development initiatives and activities," he said. Al-Shabab aims to overthrow the internationally backed central government and impose a strict brand of Islam countrywide. The group claimed responsibility for the deadly bombings that killed scores of civilians watching the World Cup finals in Uganda in July. Al-Shabab said it sought to avenge the deaths of civilians allegedly killed by shelling by African Union peacekeepers. Source: AP

We believe that the problem in Somalia is both a regional and a global problem and in fact should be shared globally," Carson told a news briefing, arguing that increased piracy off Somalia's coast is a direct threat to both oil shipping and other trade between Europe and Asia. Carson said he had spoken to Japan about increasing its support, but believed countries such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia also had a direct stake in stabilizing Somalia.

U.S. boosts ties with break-away Somalia regions U.S. targets Somaliland, Puntland for new outreach * Says no plans for full diplomatic recognition * Asian, Arab countries should contribute more - U.S. By Andrew Quinn NEW YORK, Sept 24 (Reuters) - The United States is increasing ties with two semi-autonomous regions in Somalia, hoping to build stability for the embattled central government and African Union forces deployed in the virtually lawless nation, a top U.S. diplomat said on Friday. Assistant Secretary of State Johnnie Carson said U.S. officials were developing ties with authorities in both Puntland and Somaliland, both of which declared themselves independent in the early 1990s when the Horn of Africa nation descended into civil war and anarchy. Carson said the United States did not plan to recognize either government as an independent state. But he said increased U.S. cooperation, particularly on aid and development, could head off inroads by Islamist Al Shabaab insurgents, who stepped up their fight to topple Somalia's Western-backed central administration last month. "Both of these parts of Somalia have been zones of relative political and civil stability and we think they in fact will be a bulwark of extremism and radicalism that might emerge from the south," Carson told a news briefing. Carson said the United States would also reach out to groups in south central Somalia, including local governments and family clans, that are opposed to Al Shabaab but not aligned formally or directly with the government in Mogadishu. Carson stressed he United States would continue to recognize only a single Somali state and would work to strengthen the transitional government of President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, which has lost control of much of Mogadishu and much of southern and central Somalia to the Al Shabaab rebels. "We do not contemplate and we are not about to recognize either of these entities or areas as independent states," Carson said. But he added that both regions could expect more concrete U.S. help with education, agriculture and water projects. "In the past we have not engaged these areas and political entities aggressively. We will now start to do so," Carson said.

US to build ties with breakaway Somali republics By MATTHEW LEE Associated Press Writer The Obama administration plans to strengthen ties with two breakaway republics in northern Somalia to blunt a growing threat from Islamist extremists accused of links to al-Qaida, a senior U.S. official said Friday. The U.S. will begin "aggressive" engagement with the self-declared northern republics of Somaliland and Puntland, while continuing support of Somalia's weak central government, as part of an effort to prevent the spread of radical ideology espoused by the al-Shabab militia, said Johnnie Carson, the top U.S. diplomat for Africa. Carson said the U.S. will also promote development in areas controlled by local clans in south-central Somalia that are not allied with either the government or al-Shabab. The planned U.S. effort to build relations with Somaliland and Puntland, which have been largely peaceful while the rest of Somalia has descended into chaos with no functioning central government since 1991, marks an important shift in U.S. policy. Al-Shabab has emerged as a significant threat to regional and international security in recent years. "We think that both of these parts of Somalia have been zones of relative political and civil stability and we think they will, in fact, be a bulwark against extremism and radicalism that might emerge from the south," Carson said. "In the past, we have not engaged these areas, political entities, aggressively," he said. "We will now start to do so." Carson said the U.S. would not establish formal diplomatic relations with the two entities or recognize their independence, but would help their governments with agriculture, water, health and education projects. Diplomats at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, will lead the effort and increase their informal visits to Somaliland and Puntland. The aim is "to see how we can help them improve their capacity to provide services to their people," Carson said. Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 and has remained relatively peaceful while southern Somalia has degenerated into anarchy. Somaliland has its own security and police forces, justice system and currency, but it is not recognized by any other nation. Puntland, also in the north, declared itself an autonomous state in 1998. Carson said the U.S. also plans to provide more aid to Somalia's Transitional Federal Government, which is under siege by al-Shabab and supported by an African Union military mission dominated by Ugandan troops. He did not elaborate, but the U.S. has in the past supplied the African troops with weapons and other equipment and is providing training to Somali security forces. To counter al-Shabab, Carson said, the U.S. would also look to support "local governments, clans and sub-clans" in south-central Somalia that do not back either the militia or the federal administration. "We will look for opportunities to work with these groups to see if we can identify ways of supporting their development initiatives and activities," he said. Al-Shabab aims to overthrow the internationally backed central government and impose a strict brand of Islam countrywide. The group claimed responsibility for the deadly bombings that killed scores of civilians watching the World Cup finals in Uganda in July. Al-Shabab said it sought to avenge the deaths of civilians allegedly killed by shelling by African Union peacekeepers.

Carson says the U.S. would not extend formal diplomatic recognition to the two entities but would help their governments with agriculture, health and education projects. He says the U.S. will continue to support Somalia's transitional government. A most welcome development. Well done Mr Carson.

Friday, September 24, 2010 Your Excellency Mr. Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, (President of Somalia), Your Excellency Mr. Jean Ping, (Chairman of the African Union Commission), Excellencies, Ministers, Ladies and gentlemen, I thank all the participants for their commitment to our longstanding work in Somalia. Two years ago, the international community agreed on a three-phase strategy to help address Somalia's daunting political, security and humanitarian challenges: First, support to the Somalia government and the African Union Mission in Somalia, AMISOM; second, the implementation of humanitarian and recovery activities followed by the establishment of a light UN footprint; and finally, conditions permitting, the deployment of a UN peacekeeping operation at the appropriate time, subject to a decision by the Security Council. There has been important progress since then. A broad-based Transitional Federal Government is in place. The constitution-drafting process is proceeding. AMISOM is nearing its planned strength of 8,000 troops and is holding its ground. The UN is providing substantial logistical support to these troops. The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, the African Union and the broader international community are determined to enhance their support to the government. Many elements are falling into place for transforming Somalia's prospects. But action is urgently needed to make sure that we do not waste this crucial opportunity. Above all, the violence must stop. The leaders of the Transitional Federal Institutions must overcome their internal differences, strengthen the security forces and complete the transitional tasks. The Transitional Federal Government should also focus on delivering basic services to the Somali people, pay salaries to the security forces and continue efforts to build up the security sector. This would go some way to fulfilling two of the three pillars of the Djibouti agreement – political cooperation and security. Reconstruction, the third pillar, is also vital, and here I believe the Somali business community, inside the country and in the diaspora, has a role to play. The international community must also do more. I appreciate the generous contributions made by donors, but serious funding gaps remain, both to the government and to AMISOM. On piracy, the international community has established a Contact Group and deployed ships. But we should do more to implement existing laws and tackle the problems on land, where piracy originates. For our part, the United Nations will continue to support AMISOM, the Somali security forces and the political process. We are working with IGAD and the AU so that the Transitional Federal Institutions work better together. I commend the great service of the troops from Burundi and Uganda. On the humanitarian front, the number of people in need of aid in south-central Somalia has dropped in the past six months, partly due to a bumper harvest. But this reduction may be temporary. I urge the international community to maintain its support. Ladies and gentlemen, Less than one year of the transitional period remains. As much as the international community can help, the success of the Djibouti peace process -- and Somalia's future -- will be determined primarily by the extent to which Somalis themselves can find the will to overcome their differences and work together for peace. The United Nations will remain Somalia's close partner in this effort. Thank you.

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Midowga Afrika oo ku baaqay In La Kordhiyo Ciidanka AMISOM September 24, 20100 comments| leave your own! Share Ururka Midowga Afrika ayaa ka hadlay ciidamo dhowaan la balanqaaday in loo diri doono dalka Soomaaliya kadib madaxda wadamada xubnaha ka ah ururkaas ay kulan qaateen. Guddoomiyaha Ururka Midowga Afrika Mr.Jean Ping oo ka hadlayay Golaha amaanka Qaramada Midoobay ee magaaladda New York oo u ka dhacay kulan looga hadlaayay arrimaha Soomaaliya ayaa sheegay in xilligaan muhiim tahay in ciidamo dheeraad ah la geeyo dalka Soomaaliya kuna biira kuwa AMISOM. Wuxuu ka codsaday beesha caalamka in ay taageero siiyan Ciidanka AMISOM ee ka socda ururka Midowga Afrika kuna sugan magaaladda Muqdisho,isagoo sheegay in laga gaabiyey deeqyadii loo gudbin jirey. Mr.Ping ayaa dhanka kale ku baaqay in si deg deg ah loo soo dhamaystiro 20,000-askari ee dhowaan madaxdii wadamada Afrika isku afgarteen in loo diro Soomaaliya. Madaxweynaha dalka Uganda Yoweri Museveni ayaa shirka golaha amaanka ka sheegay in wadankiisa diyaar u yahay in ciidan badan geeyo dalka Soomaaliya. Horseed Media

The summit welcomed UN efforts to improve its internal coordination and effectiveness in Somalia, as well as its intention to enhance its political presence in Mogadishu and establish a light footprint, security permitting, as well as in the Puntland and Somaliland regions. To establish a light footprint = to stay in Nairobi indefinitely. Also so much for "Somalilands" great election process and stability of those regions.

UN mini-summit on Somalia ends with call for greater internal unity and more aid Posted by admin on September 24th, 2010 23 September 2010 – A mini-summit on Somalia at United Nations Headquarters today called on the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) to end its differences and deliver basic services, and the international community to do much more to support efforts to bring peace to the faction-torn country. Somali President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed and African Union Commission Chairman Jean Ping attended the gathering on the impoverished Horn of Africa country, which has not had a functioning central government since 1991 and has been torn apart by decades of conflict and factional strife, more recently with al-Shabaab Islamic militants. A communiqué issued at the end the meeting in New York stressed the lack of sustainable funding for the TFG security forces and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). “Participants called for increased financial support to AMISOM and stressed the importance of predictable, reliable and timely provision of resources to AMISOM,” it said. “They also called for more support for the development of the Somali security forces.” The summit welcomed UN efforts to improve its internal coordination and effectiveness in Somalia, as well as its intention to enhance its political presence in Mogadishu and establish a light footprint, security permitting, as well as in the Puntland and Somaliland regions. It voiced great concern about the humanitarian situation and condemned all attacks on aid workers including al-Shabaab’s expulsion of aid organizations from Somalia, the deadly terrorist acts in Uganda in July, and repeated attacks by extremist groups against civilians. It stressed that gains in the political and security areas needed to be supported by reconstruction activities to ensure long-term stability. Addressing the meeting, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon cited progress made and noted that the broad-based TFG is in place, the constitution-drafting process is proceeding, and AMISOM is nearing its planned strength of 8,000 troops and holding its ground, with the UN providing substantial logistical support. “Many elements are falling into place for transforming Somalia’s prospects,” he said. “But action is urgently needed to make sure that we do not waste this crucial opportunity. Above all, the violence must stop. The leaders of the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs) must overcome their internal differences, strengthen the security forces and complete the transitional tasks. “The Transitional Federal Government should also focus on delivering basic services to the Somali people, pay salaries to the security forces and continue efforts to build up the security sector.” He underscored the vital importance of reconstruction, where the Somali business community, inside the country and in the diaspora, has a role to play. “The international community must also do more,” he stressed. “I appreciate the generous contributions made by donors, but serious funding gaps remain, both to the Government and to AMISOM.” On piracy, he noted that the international community has established a Contact Group and deployed ships to try to protect navigation off the Somali coast. “But we should do more to implement existing laws and tackle the problems on land, where piracy originates,” he said. Participants comprised Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burundi, China, Denmark, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Somalia, Spain, Sweden, Tanzania, Turkey, Uganda, the United Kingdom, the United States, the African Union, the European Union, the Arab League, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, and the UN.

Originally posted by PasserBy: I don't think Ethiopians have been hostile to Eritrea's development. As for Nile and the British, you are comparing apples and oranges. Duke, To err is human but Ethiopia is not a big deal, they can not handle Starbucks let alone Egypt. Little Eritrea proved how vulnerable it is. To err is indeed Human, and we are dealing with weak humans in Addis..

^^^Valid point indeed.

Originally posted by PasserBy: Duke, Ethiopia has in its constitution the right of regions to succeed if they fulfill the requirements. What are you talking about and how can we take you seriously? You mean to secede and not succeed. Now go and pretend that you care about Somaliland more than a Somali...

Theiry Spot on. Our raw meating SOL nomad is having a bad day...

Thats disgusting..

OROMIA, O.G.A.D.E.N deserve recognition. In fact all the 6 kiligs deserve international recognition. Eritreas success bodes well for this argument..

Recently, a group of armed ONLF insurgent group landed Somaliland western sea coast almost succeeded crossing into Ethiopia’s Eastern border without a trace. It is clear that Somaliland’s military commander in that region and local people provided intelligence and logistical support for this operation. The events that took place west coast region underscores why national security would always be the top priority for the new administration, and the bad neighborhood we live. For the past decade, former Somaliland administration kept blind eye and tacitly approved the illegal activity in the west coast region-----arms smuggling, contra-band and illegal importing of Somaliland‘s exotic animals . By any means, we are not suggesting that former President Rayaale was responsible the failure of the new government to detect and defend the latest incursion of armed militia’s into Somaliland territory. The author here is referring to the Siilanyu-Gaboose Trail that the ONLF used so spectacularly..

President Silanyo should fire his national security team by Ali Mohamed Thursday, September 23, 2010 Recently, a group of armed ONLF insurgent group landed Somaliland western sea coast almost succeeded crossing into Ethiopia’s Eastern border without a trace. It is clear that Somaliland’s military commander in that region and local people provided intelligence and logistical support for this operation. The events that took place west coast region underscores why national security would always be the top priority for the new administration, and the bad neighborhood we live. For the past decade, former Somaliland administration kept blind eye and tacitly approved the illegal activity in the west coast region-----arms smuggling, contra-band and illegal importing of Somaliland‘s exotic animals . By any means, we are not suggesting that former President Rayaale was responsible the failure of the new government to detect and defend the latest incursion of armed militia’s into Somaliland territory. The events of last week and the way President Silanyo’s security team handled its aftermath was very embarrassing indeed. However, we are expecting our leaders to learn from what went wrong and do whatever necessary to secure our coastal area. Right now, it is not the time for finger pointing and bad-mouthing about the new administration’s shaky start. Constructive and objective criticism are helpful, but we would never accept those who want to take advantage and capitalize this incident for their own political or personal gains, by spreading lies ,false rumors ,trash and baseless stories.. Some editors of local websites have been waging lately, a full blown misinformation campaign to discredit the new Silanyo administration, which could tarnish Somaliland image. For example, this week, waaheen posted breaking news with this following Headline, [b“A group of heavily armed Ethiopian troops have reached Sayla.”[/b] And it continues with the story that the Ethiopian Government is asking its parliament to approve the deployment of Ethiopian troops into the West Coast of Somaliland. We would not be surprise, if the source of this type of news came from a fringe website like Hadhwanaag-- - the mouthpiece of Al-shabab terrorist organization. Just because they (the editors) did not get the job from they were expecting from the new Administration; is not an excuse to post and publish whatever disparaging stories about Somaliland in order to undermine our new leader. This is really foolish and unpatriotic. What they doing are not true journalism; but a desperate way to manifest their anger toward the victory of Kulmiye party. At the time of crisis, we need unity and we should rally behind our leader; that does not mean giving him a blank check to do whatever he wishes. We must demand real answers from our government: what really happened, why heavily armed men landed on our coast, and what agency failed to do its job on September 10, blunders. And the fact finding committee President have appointed to investigate the latest fiasco in the west coast is merely for public relation and damage control. We know hard work, time and patience are needed in order to secure our long coastline. We strongly believe, with right leadership, strategy, commitment and determination, we can secure our Coast from East to West. Removing Somaliland coastal Guard under the jurisdiction of Ministry of interior is the logical way to start. Instead the Ministry of defense should take over the command and control of the coastal forces, since they are dealing with external forces. For wrong reason, former administration placed the Coast Guard under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior. And establishing the Headquarters of Somaliland Coast Guard in Lughaye would bring into the region the resources and the troops needed to secure the West coast Area ---- from Bulihar to Seyla, an area of 365 km long. We should also ask assistance from donor nations to bolster our small coast Guard with the right training and equipment. Majority of the people have serious reservations and concern about the people President Silanyo chose to surround himself. Including the Al-shabab infected, President’s chief cabinet---who lacks the experience and the credentials to run that post. We need individuals with law enforcement, intelligence and counter insurgent background to lead the Interior and Defense Ministries. Mr. Gabose and Mr. Adami are fine capable public officials; however, we believe President have picked both of them for political reasons. We should not politicize when it comes protecting our freedom and security. Sacking both security Ministers makes sense, and bringing new security team would prove to the Somaliland people that President is making tough decision for the sake our national security . The new administration would be tested by our enemies again and would encounter problems as well. At least, our job should be how to offer a feedback to rectify those challenges. Let’s stop the culture of self destruction and we should not give comfort those want Somaliland to fail. We want the new Silanyo/Seylici administration to succeed; failure is not an option. Finally, Somaliland entity will succeed because its political institution are organic, having built by the local indigenous people of the country rather than imposed from the outside by the donor nations or the UN. Allah Bless Somaliland Long live Somaliland

30 qof oo ku dhintey dagaalo ka dhacey Muqdisho 23 Sep 23, 2010 - 11:22:35 AM Ugu yaraan 30-qof oo u badan rayid ayaa ku dhintay, 75-qof oo kalena way ku dhaawacmeen, dagaalo maanta ku dhexmaray Muqdisho DF, AMISOM iyo xoogaga mucaaradka ah ee ka horjeeda. Madaafiic ku dhacday suuqa Bakaaraha ayaa geystay khasaaraha ugu badan ee ka dhashay dagaalka, waxaana madfac ku dhacay agagaarka Masjidka Abu-hureyra ku dhintay 19-qof oo shacab ah, kuwaasoo isugu jiray rag iyo dumar ka baxsanayay dagaalada. "In ka badan 20-qof oo dhimasho ah ayaan ku arkay Bakaaraha iyo hareerihiisa, waxaa ku jiray hooyo iyo cunug ay dhashay, kuwaasoo madfac uu kula dhacay suuqa gudihiisa, dagaalka maantana wuxuu ahaa mid aad u daran" ayuu yiri ruux goobjooge ah oo la hadlay Garowe Online. Goobjoogahan, ayaa sheegay in madaafiicda ku dhacaysay suuqa ay u badnaayeen kuwa qoriga PM-ka loo yaqaano ka dhacayay, isagoo sheegay in ganacsiga guud ee Suuqa Bakaaraha uu maanta ahaa mid xiran, dagaalada awgood. Madaxa Ambulance-yada Muqdisho dhaawacyada ka qaada Cali Muuse ayaa sheegay in dhaawacyadii ay maanta qaadeen ay ahaayeen kuwii ugu badnaa ee ay maalin qura qaadeen labadii todobaad ee lasoo dhaafay. DF iyo mucaradka ayaa guulo ka kala sheegtay dagaalka, iyadoo koox walba ay sheeganayso inay kooxda kale ka adkaaday, waxaana dagaalka uu bilowday markii ciidamo ka tirsan DF iyo AMISOM ay weerar ku qaadeen saldhigyo ay Xisbul Islam iyo Al-shabaab kag sugnaayeen Muqdisho. Dagaaladan oo ka dhacay degmooyinka waqooyiga iyo koonfurta Muqdisho, ayaa waxaa ku dhintay tiro ka mid ah ciidamada dagaalamayay, waxaana Al-shabaab ay sheegatay inay dhowr dagaalayahan uga dhinteen, balse goobjoogayaal ayaa sheegay in tirada dhimada ee labada dhinac ay ka badan tahay 15-qof. Weli waxaa laga maqlayaa Muqdisho hugunka madaafiicda culus ee ay dhinacyadu u adeegsanayaan dagaalada socda, waxaana madaxda Isbitaalka Madiina ay xuseen in 50-qof oo dhaawacyo qaba lasoo gaarsiiyay isbitaalka. GAROWE ONLINE

Thiery nice one. loved this one