Great pics, wonderful stuff.

Burn Notice;818792 wrote: Cheers GD What are your thoughts on the gathering to ratify the new Puntland constitution? I believe it is the final dotting of the i's and crossing of the t's to allow the big boys (most likely BP) to sign up for the offshore exploration Exciting times indeed..great to see the world focusing on Somalia Burn Notice, the whole of Somalia is moving in the right direction. Puntland new constitution, the new federal constitution, the leaner, smaller Parliament and the ending of the transition in Mogadishu are great signs of progress being made. Yes its truly remarkable that the world is focusing on Somalia for issues outside of poverty, piracy and anarchy. Somalia is coming back and that is marvelous.

Xaaji Xunjuf;818741 wrote: Thanks Ch Guevara its complete now Shariif Axmed oo magacaabay gudiga wadatashiga DFKMG iyo Somaliland Muqdishu Abriil 14, 2012 (WDN) — Madaxweynaha DFKMG Md. Shariif Axmed ayaa magacaabay gudiga wadatashiga Somaliland iyo DFKMG. Gudigan oo ka kooban todoba xubnood, ayaa la sheegay in uu hor kacayo dhinaca DFKMG wasiirka arrimaha gudaha iyo ammaanka Qaranka ee DFKMG. Xubnaha Gudiga ayaa kala ah: Md. Cabdisamad Macallin Maxamuud, wasriika Arrimaha Gudaha iyo Aminiga Qaranka, DFKMG ee Soomaliya Md. Cabdillaahi Xaaji Xasan, wasiirka Arrimaha Dibadda DKMG. Dr. Cabdinaasir Maxamed, wasiirka Maaliyada DKMG Md. Axmed Xasan Gaboobe (Ugaasi Bile) Wasiirka Cadaaladda iyo Garsoorka DKMG. Md. Jeylaani Nuur Iikar, Wasiirka Howlaha Guud iyo dib u dhiska DKMG Md. Cabdillaahi Axmed Jaamac (Ilkajiir) wasiirka Arrimha Gudaha, ee maamul goboleedka Puntland Md. Daa’uud Max’ed Cumar, Wasiirka Qorsheynta Iyo Xiriirka Caalamiga ee maamul goboleedka Puntland. Gudigan ayaa sida kor ku xusan, waxaa ka mid ah laba wasiir oo ka tirsan maamulka Puntland.

Burn Notice;818757 wrote: Good to see PL leading the way GD It's good to see you my friend.

Carafaat;818701 wrote: Duke, what if Somaliland and Somalia reach an agreement. Do you still suggest other 12 clans in Somaliland should have their own clan states? Eventhough there is angreement on the Union? And should the TFG deal then deal with 13 clan States in Somaliland? Or only with one goverment that is representing all clans in Somaliland? Stop highlighting your ignorance. What 13 clans are you talking about. The base for the Federal States are the 18 regions of Somalia. Thus the talks will be how to resolve the issues that some in the regions in the North have against Somalia. Its quite simple really.

XX, true to form now you will start attacking the Sharif as a new Somalia state emerges...

AfricaOwn;818695 wrote: This is absurd... The people of MN, TX, and FL all do know they're part of the US. If a Texan drives over to Alabama he would be pointed out that his out of state because his car plate gives him away. The US doesn't have this clan mess that Somalia brings. Yet they have deeper schisms and divisions, race, religion and political differences divide them much more than the little differences that we have. A more efficient and effective laws and peace will change many things.

Xaaji Xunjuf;818690 wrote: Duke you don't believe in Somalia you believe in Puntland hegemony over Somalia you supported when Faroole was threatening Sh sharifs government when you're clan didn't get the Prime Minister position suddenly faroole supports the TFG i wonder why? Duke wants a weak Somalia where clan federal states call the shots with a weak central government so that he can threaten the central government when ever he wants.You are a country with in a country with you're own constitution army police navy parliament all in the hands of one clan no elections where one clan has more than 31 seats in the Parliament it makes it impossible for other clans in the garowe clan enclave to even think about becoming president in you're enclave. You did support Cabdilahi Yusuf even when he used Somalia's arch enemy to destroy the Somali Capital no my friend you are no nationalist. You support Cabdi Cawar because he is you're clan cousin but you didn't support farmaajo but you did support cumar buur what do they all have in common??.I never supported clan federalism i want Somalia to remain one and a strong state instead of being divided along clan lines Puntland ximan iyo xeeb waax iyo waadi mareeg state galmudug jubaland etc etc but my good friend duke doesn't see that blinded by Qabyalaad may allah guide you brother. XX, you are a secessionist, you support the break up of Somalia. You are the man who coined the absurd term "Ethnic Somalilander".. In order to differentiate the "Konfurienas" from your clan, as if they are two different tribes and nations. You support Ethiopia when ever Siilanyu is visiting the Addis Abba you praise the strong ties and brotherly bonds between Secessionists regions and Ethiopia. You then turn religious in support of "Amiir" and welcome his actions in the South and even wish for attacks in Puntland. Your deluded by clan, even the Galmudug that you mention is no more than a tool to attack what you perceive to be your true enemy in Somalia. Your record speaks for itself, you have matched your adeer Faisal Cali Warrabe who stated "the child born in Addis is closer to me than the one born in Mogadishu" you came out with the memorable "Ethnic Somalilanders". That is your legacy, but go on and froth from the mouth.

Again Somali's usual habit of making an ant into an Elephant...

AfricaOwn;818683 wrote: That approach would be a clear failure of the gates. The people will be more identified with their regions/clans with that approach. Just look at what's happening with people like Dr Osman and the folks from garowe that forgot what the somali national flag looks like because they have regional one now.... Its like saying the people of MN, TX, FL don't know they are part of the U.S.? With time my brother people will travel freely, marry each other and live where they want to and then things will change. What we have now is the fear and paranoia that has been built throughout the war period. This will change in no time when the militias have been disarmed the country has been opened up.

AfricaOwn;818678 wrote: How many times are you going to change your arguments? Not too long ago, Riyaale was "mugging" the SNM crew. Who is the current Vice President? You remember how that used to annoy the SNM secessionists. Now they have all the power in every position and still no independence...

Xaaji Xunjuf;818672 wrote: Africa own don't waste ur time on duke we all know what he is going to say Somalia is one we are united at the same time long live clan federalism , Down with the evil secessionists at the same time he advocates for clan federalism so that every clan lives in his own little village. But its good that Somaliland and Somalia are talking they might agree on something lets wait and see. A Freudian slip I guess. Your "president, speaker, head of opposition parties" are all from the SNM clan, yet you talk about clan federalism. All the key power positions is in the hands of the SNM clan, the myth and history of the State you are seeking independence for is SNM clan mth and bravado. Even the terrorists you support Godane, Afghani are from the SNM clan. The one minister you praise in Mogadishu, Xuseen Ciise Arab is from the SNM clan. You have even gone as far as to explain this as support for "Ethnic Somalilanders". ...You are a walking clan fascist sir. What I want is a single Somalia where every region takes care of its own and strengthens the union of the people who are a single ethnic group, single religion and language. These people are called Somali and their nation is Somalia...

http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/articles/11840/india-takes-a-regional-approach-to-somali-oil

In January, the Canadian wildcat firm Africa Oil began drilling in Somalia , marking the country’s first new oil development project in 21 years. The company, which reportedly made strikes in Puntland, stated that that there could be reserves of up to 4 billion barrels, worth close to $500 billion at current prices, in its two drilling blocks alone. This would be consistent with various estimates over the years putting Somalia’s oil reserves both onshore and offshore in the range of 110 billion barrels. Add to this the natural gas reserves estimated at more than 100 trillion cubic feet that have been found off the West African coastline, and a picture of Somalia’s potential hydrocarbon prospects begins to emerge. Its a new world...

BY SAURAV JHA | 13 APR 2012 BRIEFING Login to Discuss Email | Print | Share | Republish PDF | Kindle It is no surprise that piracy has steadily climbed up the ranks of threats to India’s security, given India’s energy trade with the Middle East. But now, with vast untapped oil reserves reported in Somalia and just off its coast, piracy emanating from the Horn of Africa is impinging on India’s future energy sourcing opportunities as well. Further complicating India’s plans for the region is the nexus between Somali pirates and the al-Qaida affiliate al-Shabab, which still has a significant presence in central Somalia and provides sanctuary to pirate fleets operating out of the central Somali city of Harardhere in return for a share of the bounty. If left unchecked, al-Shabab may also become capable of threatening various connectivity projects India is building in the region. As a result, India is likely to coordinate with Somalia’s neighbors and the United States in the effort to contain the group’s virulent jihadism and stabilize the area. In January, the Canadian wildcat firm Africa Oil began drilling in Somalia, marking the country’s first new oil development project in 21 years. The company, which reportedly made strikes in Puntland, stated that that there could be reserves of up to 4 billion barrels, worth close to $500 billion at current prices, in its two drilling blocks alone. This would be consistent with various estimates over the years putting Somalia’s oil reserves both onshore and offshore in the range of 110 billion barrels. Add to this the natural gas reserves estimated at more than 100 trillion cubic feet that have been found off the West African coastline, and a picture of Somalia’s potential hydrocarbon prospects begins to emerge. Hydrocarbon-hungry India is no stranger to tapping oil reserves in war-torn northeast Africa. India is one of the largest investors in South Sudan’s oil sector, and New Delhi recently dispatched a special envoy to mediate in the crisis between Sudan and South Sudan over oil-transit fees. India is also offering to build processing, refining and pipeline facilities for South Sudan that would allow it to transport Southern oil to coastal ports via either a route traversing Ethiopia to Djibouti or another via Kenya, thereby reducing the newly formed nation’s dependence on the existing pipeline infrastructure controlled by Khartoum. The offer to provide connectivity to South Sudan reflects the very close ties that India now enjoys with the more stable countries in the region -- namely, Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti. The Second India-Africa Forum Summit, held in Addis Ababa last year, at which New Delhi extended a $5 billion credit line to various African states, convinced regional players of India’s staying power. A significant portion of that credit is being channeled into building connectivity projects in the Horn of Africa, such as a $300 million rail link between Ethiopia and Djibouti. New Delhi expects these countries to facilitate India’s emerging interests in Somalia, given their proximity. Indeed, India seems to view relationship-building with various countries in the Horn of Africa as part of a regional approach. During the Summit on the Horn of Africa Crisis hosted by the U.N. in Nairobi last year, India pledged $8 million to counter drought in Kenya, Somalia and Djibouti. A significant amount of India’s diplomacy with the Somali Transitional Federal Government is also routed via Nairobi, with the Indian high commissioner to Kenya having responsibility for Somalia as well. Given that Ethiopia and Kenya are heightening their military activities against al-Shabab in Somalia, India’s military assistance to both countries -- especially with regard to training -- is steadily rising, with the number of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation training slots offered to the two countries consistently increasing each year. India is also likely to emerge as a key provider of naval hydrographic services to Kenya, which would have a direct bearing on future offshore prospecting. Now that al-Shabab has been ousted from Mogadishu, India is beginning to ramp up its capacity-building efforts in Somalia itself. India’s exports to Somalia totaled nearly $200 million in 2011. Somalia is also included in India’s pan-African e-network project aimed at making a range of technical information available through IT-enabled low-cost dissemination, and in the future India may help create a national army for Somalia, just as it is doing in Afghanistan. In another possible indicator of an eventual Indian push in Somalia, a growing number of Indian businesses are setting up shop in Djibouti, especially in the hospitality sector. Djibouti is the key terminal for current and future Indian connectivity projects in the region and is a frequent destination of port calls by Indian warships. Beyond sustaining ties with Somalia’s immediate neighbors, India is likely to continue to coordinate with American moves in Somalia. New Delhi will certainly be supportive of U.S. President Barack Obama’s program of drone strikes on al-Shabab, not just for the sake of oil prospects in Somalia, but also to ensure that no wider jihadist threat manifests itself in Indian Ocean island states such as Comoros, Mauritius or the Maldives. Indeed, the recent coup in the Maldives has raised suspicions in some quarters in India about pan-Islamist moves centered in Somalia radiating outward to the east. With pirates beginning to be sighted off the western coast of India, it is no wonder that New Delhi, besides increasing its military capabilities in its Lakshadeep island chain, is going along with America’s “Dirty Harry” approach in the Horn of Africa. True to form, India continues to see geo-economics and geopolitics as two sides of the same coin.

I am just being honest. Secession is not an option and most educated SNM members deep down understand that to be the truth... However if you want to keep daydreaming, by all means ahead enjoy yourself..

AfricaOwn;818666 wrote: Its a smart politics, you're a visionary thinker (giving you props) Your propaganda techniques is almost as good as mine. You're learning a lot since you arrived to the US. Its a beautiful country enjoy it and learn a lot of great things. My fellow Somali countryman the only thing I can say is thank you.,...

AfricaOwn;818663 wrote: Then these negotiations are held just for the sake of negotiating. What's the point? You don't even want to come somewhere in between. You're a unionist you say, and they're secessionists...something has to give. I really, really, really think SL wont backtrack. You can think what you want. Secession is not an option and wont be one. Greater autonomy, power sharing and devolution of power are all on the table. I am a unionist, but I am realistic I don't believe in centralization and power to all be centered in one group, or regions hands. Thus this will serve as the foundation of the new Somalia. One which has learned from its past.

AfricaOwn;818659 wrote: ^^duke is supporting him because he doesn't want to see another leader from the garowe society. , I think you are only confusing yourself..

AfricaOwn;818658 wrote: Duke: is my proposal going into these negotiations okay to you? I am a unionist, thus I don't entertain secession of any part of Somalia. However more autonomy and freedoms for every federal state is essential.

^^^^Somalia I said it with great calmness that Minister Ilkajiir has proven beyond doubt that he is a man more than worthy of being President..

Xaaji Xunjuf;818652 wrote: Africa own This is the disputed area and it will be solved inshallah Again thanks for showing your true colors. No wonder you support Godane and Afghani..

Carafaat;818648 wrote: Yes, he would. I hope Ilkajiir doesn't get dissapointed when Faroole extends his term. You know he has options. If you go back, Gen Ilkajiir was my candidate for President back in 2008, he has impressed me even more since that time. He had options and still does but he is a man of great courage....

Carafaat;818647 wrote: So according to you TFG is negoitiating with one clan. You know there are 12 other clans in Somaliland who also want the same treatment. It will keep the TFG busy for years to come. The secessionist agenda is led by members of a single clan the SNM, who I believe themselves have a large unionist segment. However the other clans are unionist and thus not interested in breaking from Somalia..

Carafaat;818644 wrote: Somalia, is right. Its not even Qarho's turn. It's Maakhir's turn and Ilkajiir is waiting. Ilkajiir would make a great President..