Duke, Walaal, the problem here is not Riyaale. We all know why he holds this position. We all know how he got there. We all see and understand the flawed system of the secessionist political platform. Yet the problem still does not lie with him. At this point while you once again put on your costume of one that cares for the faith of the northern Somalis, you have failed yet again to disguise yourself better. In your rush to divide, patronize and insult the northern citizens, you made it clear that you could care less of Riyaale and his thievery. Because my dear, had that been truly the case, you would not sings the false praises of one whom the real meaning of Raagniimo escapes. The likes of you, who support this gang of morons along with the self-blinded secessionist followers, are the true obstacles to Somalia reaching greatness. How you can so shamelessly follow a murderer is beyond me. Thank God for that, as some of us are spared from qabilistic propaganda. If only you had the real courage to believe in Somalia and her poor citizens from Zeylac to Muqdisho, if only you wanted Somalia’s rise to the top, you would not have taken part of cheap shots and patronising those that think differently. There is a great amount of northerners who want and believe in Somaliweyn, but the likes of you truly turn them off. Furthermore, while you believe in the greatness of your leaders (Somalia’s hijackers), you should have at least the decency to denounce their faux pas. Rather your weak attempt to veil this administration’s murderous act against Somali civilians shows your pathetic leader for what he truly is. Perhaps in the future you might want to try to be less bias and maybe, then some might take you seriously. Lastly Machievelli said: The wish to acquire more is admittedly a very natural and common thing; and when men succeed in this they are always praised rather than condemned. But when they lack the ability to do so and yet want to acquire more at all costs, they deserve condemnation for their mistakes. Thus, this so-called leader, and the idea of breaking our country into pieces must be condemned, by anyone who is a true patriot. Think about it walaal.

Does it really matter what their names is? Once again instead of looking at what the actual problem is we waste time on dissecting useless things. That youtube video about the city of Raaso is truly horrific. Such atrocities should not be going on anywhere in the world. Yet it happens to us. I have such a hard time understanding the psyche of certain folks here. Somalis are dying daily thanks to *******s who hijacked our country and our peoples lives are for them to play with. Yet rather then to be constantly moved by this situation, we look into whatever tiniest issue and spend time on debating about it. While asking to seperate or believing in a gang of thieves to represent us when will Somalis understand there is NO TIME left for debates. Lets unite and salvage whatever is left of our dignity, our people and our country. Long live Somaliweyn!!! May its ennemies inside or outside the country loose their battle. Ameen!

If this blast is true, this can not be a good thing for anyone. I dont believe in the seperatist movement however I believe that enough blood as been shed. This way of insulting other believes and other members for their choices is not going to unite us nor help anyone. As Somalis we should rise above that.

KK, Perhaps he would not be good for you. Its kinda pointless to discuss your personal criteria, as that is entirely your choice. My point here is that those that cant read nor write shouldn't be looked down on. Everybody has their bagage. Opportunities and possibilities arent always handed to you. Its one thing if a man does not want to educate himself, but its entirely another if the man never had the chance. Anyways, walaal, just watch out so you dont fall hard for one who cant read nor write and only speaks in drawings.

KK, Walaal I think your being a bit simple-minded here. Its not the end of the world if a man or woman can not read nor write. Of course if would make life quite hard but its not impossible. Besides the examples you took can be achieved by someone who cant write or read. How many Somali men and women work, who are illiterate and cant speak english. Of course these positions arent glamourous ones but they help feed families. Also many of those same Somalis drive, work and surprise surprise; they can actually recognise what a 20$ look like or mean. They are not retarded or handicapped, they just happen to not speak english. Last I still dont want to take away from the importance of reading and writing the language of the country in which one lives, however theres no need to dumb down people.

Ms DD, Walaalo thanks for the great article. Somali women have always been known to work hard together or alone, but this is truly a beautiful piece. Kudos for the women who took part of this project. Hopefully more business women will follow and lean on eachother business wise. See this is what happens when you come together to work towards a common goal. Perhaps they should teach these men a thing or two about common goals and the strenght in unity and not "seperation"

^^ I agree, I think diaspora Somali communities should speak on behalf of the voiceless. A Somali being violated anywhere should affect any other Somali. Long live Somaliniimo!

Somalipride, While it is recommended to question the source of certain information,at one point one must also take information for what it is. Information, factual prove of what is going on. Thus seeing men and women speak of the horrific crimes they have endured and neutral sources echoing the same sentiment, simply demonstrates the fact. Furthermore, saying "im not saying its true or false" implies your saying its false! And that my dear is simply not acceptable, since it takes away from the seriousness and the reality that our country men and women face today. Minimizing their painfull experiences is disgusting to say the least. Last what is the relevance of a Somali "official" visiting a historic ennemy? Oh my bad, I assume they are the ones that actually think ethiopia is a valued neighbor. If thats the case I say carry on in your spineless duties.

Walaal, at this point you are attempting to put some kind of a veil over our eyes. I understand the need for security, but 40 millions to be used all towards salaries is extremely ridiculous. This administration receives more money then it can obviously handle. Just last year money was given by the us (40 million), by the EU (47 million) and now this 30 million. How much is the salary of working men and women in Somalia now a days. Wow, perhaps I should send over my resume. Seriously, if this administration, had any sense, it would at least attempt to lie better as to what they do with aid funds. Further, it is not the UN's responsability to find more money to relieve Somali citizen from the drought, its not for other countries to rescue Somalis from famine, diseases, ect. Did your administration truly believed that fighting for the presidency seat and pocketting the funds, was the role expected of him/them? Wake up and stop this propaganda B.S!! Your admin can prostitute themselves, but the Somali citizens will never accept them, and one more thing, walaal it does not take this long to at least take the steps to real changes. This security so dearly needed is not for the people, its to keep in a place a government that is NOT wanted by the majority of the citizens its trying to rule over. This admin is costing us lives and funds. Get up and leave once and for all. Theses puppets are not wanted!

^^ "The Italians are giving money because they can." Indeed the Italian administration might have money but the question is why would they give us money now? Also, while the EU might have given money to many nations, they usually give for a certain reason. Surely you can understand why such questions have a right to be raised. The vast majority of Somali citizens dont trust nor like your administration. These group of men (and i use that term loosely) have been known to take part of political prostitution. Thus the question remains what has been sold in exchange for this money. Which by the way, is interesting in the matter it will be used for. Matter of a fact, it just shows once more, how the progress of Somalis, is unfortunately uncared for.

JB, you keep saying that the people got what they wanted, was there ever a vote? What was the result? When did this vote happen? and how can this be beneficial in anyway to the northern citizens, since there are critical issues that have not been faced so far, such as infra structures, health, and so on. How does this help them. Does it not take away from the issues at hand? Enlighten us, as you might know something we dont.

I cant keep pretending anymore! Im very disgusted! See now I look like I have no self control shoot! I really tried to pretend, bisiinka,I really dont know how people can like this admin or be okay with this ethiopian invasion. I guess some lack rag niimo ( without pointing any fingers

lol yea Italy really likes us, just like ethiopia does I guess we are just that likeable

So the Italian government out of the goodness of their heart gives 50 million to the Somali administration. mmm whats really wrong with this picture? First how about the fact that this money is going to be used to train or go towards the police. Why? So that they can learn how to abuse their own people even more? If money is given to this administration and the ethiopians troops are already doing their dirty jobs, you would think they would at least pretend to care about the Somali citizens and use it towards social services. Second, why is Italy with their own problem just giving money like that to Somalia, what has this dysfunctional, pathetic administration traded in the name of Somalia? last perhaps if this administration wants to be taken seriously, it should show some kind of fiscal accountability, otherwise carry on in the lies, murdering and selling of your people and land to any bidder!

While I appreciate the idea forgiving and forgetting, you can not selectively choose what must be forgotten and forgiven. The murders, rapes and bombing of school where many children lost theirs lives in certain regions of the north, is not an easy thing to forgive and even less easier to forget. However this is what is expected of some for the advancement of the separatist agenda. Yet, the same group can not forgive nor forget, what happened in the hands of Siad. What a great display of hipocrisy! One should sincerely pratice what one preaches. Otherwise one should keep quiet! To many the murders in the hands of the disgusting snm can never be forgotten. Its one thing that a historic ennemy kills our people, but its entirely another when a Somali groups savagely murders another Somali, and to be told that the people have forgotten and forgiven, PLEASE! Dont be mistaken, they chose Somaliniimo and peace over war, but they are nor blind nor deaf.

Spadez, First off no one is forcing you to discuss anything. I made a point you either agree with it or disagree. Perhaps you misunderstood me, because from what it sounds here, your trying to say that I wouldnt want another city (Lascanood) to receive 2%. How wrong of you. I took awdaal as an example, which is brought up everywhere, that indeed that region lacks attention from this administration. However I never said it was the only region. Also, there is a problem if one group of cities receives help and not the rest, disagree with it all you want, one day you must swallow the reality pill. In regards to the local government building the roads in Borama, again take that pill. It was few citizens of the city and mainly Somali diaspora. But once again my dear, the problem is not with only Awdal, this administration should be held accountable to serve its citizens and the longer the likes of you, critize anyone who speak the truth, the longer the northern cities wont received what they deserve from this administration. last about the world bank statistic, care to post the link. And dont take anything personal, if I have offended you, my apologies ahead

Me, I fully agree. Peace and strengh is found in our unity. We are weak because we let anyone demonize the next Somali, the next clan and thus we believe those lies. If we saw eachother as Somalis first, this type of crap would not even be an issue. Yes indeed, Ethiopia is a merciless ennemy of ours, however looking back in history ethiopia was always able to succeed due to our lack of unity. Lets face it, we all want the same thing, Somalia to prosper, peace and a country where we can live in. But now a united front is a must! We can not afford to miss that opportunity otherwise, ethiopia will be here to stay and we will send young Somali men to fight battles that the rest of the population could have won by simply becoming a strong united nation.

Gediid, I understand that the north was in a poor situation in many ways under Siad's regime. However, dont fall into the illusion. Just because certain in parts people are not dying on a daily basis and hotels are built left and right, doesnt equal to prosperity. It is the responsibility of the government to built a heatlh system and badly needed infrastructures. While its great that the diaspora pours its hard earned money to help its country and its citizens, the responsability is not theres. Furthermore, this would be fine, if this pathetic administration was not out asking for money and help from other countries in the name of the northern citizens. In regards to Awdaal, while I picked that example, I also believe that many other cities and entire regions are neglected. This does not mean that their citizens are less willing to help themselves, it simply means that this administration does not help those that need it. Last about the so-called president, if you mean that due to his qabiil he should be able to help better his region (Awdaal), I dont reason that way. Being affiliated qabiil wise means nothing if your not going to help your country as a somali first. Thus Somali first then whatever qabiil you belong to should come in second. Aduun, Thank you

Che, I appreciate the compliment walaal, now lets see if I dont disappoint you with my crazy antics Aduun iyo aakhiro, You are too hilarious. Didn't you get the memo, in the 2008 version; Lois Lane fly's alone, she beats up the bad guys and is the reporter as well. She does it all Anyway, likewise nice to meet you too walaal

Ayoub, First I think that the north can be a great example to the rest of the country on many aspects. Their will to keep peace and negotiate on certain matters is nothing short of incredible. I also believe that their ability to maintain peace in their area shows that they are willing to work together for a better tomorrow. Thus they shouldn't spent time on a seperating from the rest of the country, they can use that to built a stronger country. So the right way forward for Awdal to stand up to its neighbor and reclaim there place in their country. Our forefathers fought for the flag, to free the land, and today separating in the way of the colonizer is the answer? I think thats an insult to all the great men and women who died for this country. As for Ikraan X Daaud, I have respect for her accomplishments. I believe women should be given more opportunity in the political arena. Her work here in the north will hopefully be the foundation to what can be achieve in Somalia by women once this war is over.

Ayoub, One administration, steals and does not help its citizens in any shape or form, the other brings ethiopians to murder its citizens. Thus security wise the s-land administration has an upper hand. However that region is very much neglected like many other cities. Then again the credit shouldn't really be given to the administration, rather to the citizens of the north in general. Their the ones that decided to put the arms down.

Gediid, The big picture: yes the so-called sland government, has done nothing worthy of mentioning, however while they lack the basic understanding of what a government can do they have also given more attention to few cities. While Awdaal isnt the only region that has been ignored its is one of the main forgotten regions by this rubish administration. However this only shows that this seperatist idea is not one where all can profit from, specially not the people of the north.

^Im glad you agree walaal

Allah ha u naxariisto. Killed by insurgents or a pathetic administration. Somali blood is still being shed.

Spadez, Fact is showing you in the span of 3 years the so-called somaliland government has done nada, rien, nothing for the region of Awdal. You speak of "only 3 facts" as if this administration was one who did the normal thing of putting all its efforts into building the north. You forget that while 90% of their time is spent lying to the wishfull believers and stealing from them, only 10% is left to actually do something. That amount meant that only few chosen cities where given some kind of attention. Also you speak of the normalcy of the citizens of Awdal doing for themselves like its okay. This lame administration has the responsability of building roads and other needed infrastructure. However, since they are too occupied with lying and stealing, Awdal will rise on its own. Last, lets be clear, I want the north to reach its potential, but my north is not a divisive one.