Xiin..What the IC can do is really limited unless they have a real vested interest in Somalia that's beyond the war against terrorism and piracy, If Somalia continues in its current trajectory, they might more inclined to devote some time and resources in advancing these talks but it stands now, it's all lip-service.

Gheelle.T;936356 wrote: He is far from being "Wadaad." He 's more like fanatic liberal I abhor any form of fanaticism unless it has a purpose.

Since these talks are not in Somalia's interest, this should only be an exercise.

Silly stuff.

Oodweyne..haven't they 'tested' water already?

Bill Brookman, an artistic consultant hired by the United Nations who partially funded the festival, brought fire-eating to hundreds of Somalis who had never witnessed such a thing. For many present, this was the first time that they had seen live music performed in their city. "I've never seen this before," said Abdullahi, a 13-year-old resident of Mogadishu. "It makes me want to dance." Despite the threat that lay outside the event's gates, security guards could not help but soak up the atmosphere at this historic festival .

Security for the concerts was a major concern, as the festival provided an ideal target for al-Shabaab. Details and dates of the concerts were released to the public only hours before the acts took to the stage. Once the music started, any fears the artists had were forgotten, and artists who did not know each other prior to the festival collaborated on mixed performances.

The city formed a unique backdrop for music videos and photo-shoots: vibrant young performers such as Sudanese singer Alsarah juxtaposed against the city pockmarked by bullet holes and shell scars. The city lacks the proper infrastructure for music performances. Above, Kenyan band Afro Simba rehearse in a conference room at a hotel that is emerging in the post-conflict climate of investment and development.

Artists from seven countries, from the United States to the Philippines, flew into the Somali capital to perform as part of the festival aimed at promoting peace. Mogadishu has been torn apart by more than two decades of civil war. The Aruba Hotel used to host a bustling night-club, but the building now remains a ghostly shell after years of bombardment.

Somali band Waahaya Cusub performs at the International Solidarity Concert as part of the Mogadishu Music Festival in Somalia's capital on March 29, 2013. This was the second concert organised as part of the historical festival, which is the first of its kind in over two decades since civil war broke out in Somalia in 1991. Phil Moore (AFP)/Getty Images Phil Moore/Al Jazeera Somali band Waayaha Cusub headlined a series of concerts as part of the Mogadishu Music Festival, the first event of its kind in more than 25 years, and the first time the anti-al-Shabaab group have performed in their home city.

Phil Moore Monday, April 08, 2013 Mogadishu, Somalia - Mogadishu has come to symbolise the epitome of the war-torn city. The Somali capital was engulfed by civil war in 1991 when President Siad Barre's regime collapsed, leading to open conflict between competing warlords. US forces intervened in 1993, culminating in the Battle of Mogadishu, in which 18 Americans and hundreds of Somali militiamen and civilians lost their lives. Last week, amid secrecy and last-minute preparation, 18 entertainers waged a war of a very different kind, as international artists from seven countries performed in Somalia's first formal music event in more than 25 years. The city once had a thriving music scene, with Somali jazz filling the night air in the 1960s and '70s. But the hard-line al-Shabaab group outlawed music in 2009, and despite their ouster by African Union forces in 2011, the hangover from al-Shabaab's rule has remained. International acts from the US to Sudan supported Waayaha Cusub, a Somali hip-hop collective who formed while in exile in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. They had never before played a concert in Mogadishu. Shiine Ali, who founded the group, has spoken out strongly against al-Shabaab, which made him a target in 2007 when gunmen shot him five times and left him for dead. Since then, his lyrics have continued to encourage Somalis to turn their back on al-Shabaab. He believes these concerts represent a major milestone in Mogadishu's return to normality. Festival-goers revelled in the opportunity to see acts such as Waayaha Cusub to dance and let down their hair - literally. The organisers hope that it will usher in a new era in the city's turbulent history.

Tallaabo;935938 wrote: Waar isaga mooyee cid kale oo ay seefi qaaday majirto. The dude messed with the wrong people and suffered its harsh consequences. The war planes were brought into Somaliland at our request. Just like Yay used the Ethiopian tanks to subjugate Xamar, the Duriyadda folks used Britain's flying machines to make the old man and his gang run for their dear lives:) This is one for the records!

AfricaOwn;935280 wrote: visit your local police station to help you define the term "Known to police", they'll tell you it means that the person was involved with criminal activity in the past. I dealt with cops and the courts. And every black male is known to the cops.

Wadani;935268 wrote: This is required at times if warranted. If degenerate lifestyles arent stigmatized within our communities and those who adopt them aren't held responsible for the outcome of their actions (yes even death) the problem will only get worse. These boys were plucked from war zone and thrown into ghetto centers of the west with no father figures (even if the father is physically present). Do you really expect them to take the straight path? lol@AfricaOWn Every black male is known in the inner cities to police whether he is guilty of anything or not.

A complicated issue with no easy answer...........

Good to hear that guys! We will try to get her to Boston.

Even the Constitution looks hurried.

Buy it on Amazon

Mama Hawa Spring 2013 Book Tour Schedule-Show your support!

lol@Mike n Khalid.

I have yet to see anyone make good argument against this man-just insults.

oba hiloowlow;935095 wrote: Abkoow taking a morning walk in the beach Nice!!

Saacid is from Xiin's tol:D

Haatu....The man is versatile....