I am singaporean Help Me with a Somalia project!

[HalfDzed]

How did you just "discover" this site if you've joined back in October?

In any event, welcome to the forum. James Dahl probably provided the best summary of the events you inquired about and the most logical responses to the rest of your questions.

Good luck.

[Singapore]

Welcome and good luck with your project.

1. The civil war is a complicated topic and a long one....but to sum it all up, I'd say...it was caused by individual greed and injustice and is still being fuelled by the same.
2. It can probably be solved by having a strong leader who can rule with an iron fist or by having a group of like minded individuals forming a strong party that can command respect and power
3. Keep the peace and develop the country
4. I'm planning to visit next year but no plans to move there permanently even if there is peace and a functioning government.

Yes, infact Singapore was 50 years ago a poor country, but then President Kuan Lee with an iron fist destroyed all political opposition that created stability, and then we began to build schools and create jobs, that made us to an educated rich people. We still have one party, with the most educated among us leading us in the rigth direaction.

why will you not move back?

[haxxor]

Hello to everbody from Singapore,

I am very happy to have found this Somali Forum on the Web.

I study in college here in Singapore and we have projects on African countries this week. I have chosen Somalia. I was so shocked when I heard that there has been no government in that country since 1991. I have found much information about Somalia. But I lack Somalis opinions about the conflict, their thoughts of thire homeland and ideas.

I want to ask you different kinds of questions that I need in my project.

1. What are your views on the civil war in Somalia?
2. How do you think it can be solved?
3. If there was a government in Somalia, what kind of thing should it do for the country?
4. What are your future plans for Somalia? Will you move back to Somalia if there is peace?

Thanks for your reply, it's nice of you. Farewell from Singapore.

SO MANY BIASED ANSWERS ON THIS THREAD, IGNORE ALL OF THEM PLEASE.

1. Civil war does not happen in all areas. There are relatively peace places as such as "Somaliland" and "Puntland". Most of war and fighting happens in Modagishu. It's pretty much similar to Taliban situation in Afghanistan. Civil war was caused by people who were hardcare tribialists. Somalia is well-known for clans and tribes. To this day, they still care a lot about clans/tribes. It's what that caused this war. Somalis treat clans/tribes like they're a skin colour. Discrimation of clans/tribes still happen. Some Somalis defend their clan till they die.

Now there's new hardcore islamists that are wrecking Somalia. They are called Al-Shababs. They are trying to overthrow government (Described here later). They are taking Islam to be too seriously. Now almost nobody likes them, not even Muslims. They are full of hypocrites who hide behind religion to make up for all killing of people in Somalia. Many people here are telling you that "Somaliland" supports them. They are WRONG. Somaliland does not even support them. Leader of Al-Shababs are from Somaliland, but this does not mean they support it.

2. Make all Somalis to forget about clans/tribes. (They are called qabiil in Somali).

3. Currently, there is a government. It's called TFG. Ever since a new president was joined (this year 2010), a lot of things seem to be improving laterly. They are backed up by UN and AMISON (Uganda and Brundi). But deadline is on August 2011, there's no way they can kill off all Al-Shababs less than 1 year. But they can take over Mogadishu less than 1 year. If they take over this captial, Al-Shabab will be finished. They really need to take over capital in order to take over whole of Somalia.

Somaliland and Puntland has government. It is relatively safe place for any people to come to there. (Although, not for westerners if they are coming for Puntland because they are full of pirates). Try google for Somaliland and Puntland for any trip reports from westerners. Puntland and Somaliland are perfect examples of what can happen if southern Somalia hadn't decided to go for civil war instead of peace.

Try to look some topics on this website to find some pictures of Puntland and Somaliland. You will see that buildings are not destroyed or people are suffering.

4. I would, or if I cannot, I would do ANYTHING to help it to improve. Currently, there's nothing we can do about it.

[Singapore]

You have no idea what you just walked into

Basically:

1. What are your views on the civil war in Somalia?
The civil war was caused by dissatisfaction with the military dictatorship of Gen. Maxamed Siyaad Barre, who had overthrown the democratically elected government of Somalia in 1969. The failure of the war to wrest the Ogaden lands from Ethiopian occupation, and his capitulation to the demands of the Soviet Union and United States to cede all claims to the Ogaden lands after the 1977 Ogaden War with Ethiopia, the Soviet Union and Cuba weakened him domestically, and Ethiopia supported a number of rebel groups who supported the old democratic government and had opposed the establishment of the military dictatorship, most of which were clan-based (the Majerteen backed SSDF, the Isaaq backed SNM). The clan-based nature of the rebel movements led to retaliation against the clans that supported it, which turned the civil war into a war between the clans. This escalated as century old rivalries resurfaced, switching sides between the rebels and the government based on who their enemies were siding with. Eventually Maxamed Siyaad Barre made a critical error and decided to trust only his own clan (Marexaan), throwing many of his closest advisors from powerful clans into prison, many of which were Hawiye. The Hawiye clan was the backbone of the national army, and when they turned against the government it was all over. The country was torn into shreds and Maxamed Siyaad Barre fled to Nigeria.

The leader of the Hawiye, Maxamed Faarax Caydiid, was powerful enough to reunite the country but his faction was split in two between the two most powerful subclans of Hawiye, the Mudulood Hiraab and Madarkicis Hiraab, when the Mudulood backed "manifesto group" declared Cali Mahdi Maxamed president instead of Maxamed Faarax Caydiid. The two faction turned on each other, and the United States intervened on behalf of the Manifesto Group and "president" Cali Mahdi (which they had decided was the "legitimate government"). Things basically went to hell after that, and continued going to hell until the year 2000, when Somalia has been slowly putting the pieces back together again.

2. How do you think it can be solved?
One group has to win and defeat all the other groups. Al-Shabaab is doing a pretty good job of that. The only time Somali civil war factions want to negotiate is when they have already been defeated.

3. If there was a government in Somalia, what kind of thing should it do for the country?
Law and order, then once that's there, infrastructure (roads, ports, electricity, etc)

4. What are your future plans for Somalia? Will you move back to Somalia if there is peace?
I'm not Somali but I'd like to go there once things are peaceful.

Thank you very much that was helpful James

Can Somalia build a eletronic industry like Singapore?

[Singapore]

Hello to everbody from Singapore,

I am very happy to have found this Somali Forum on the Web.

I study in college here in Singapore and we have projects on African countries this week. I have chosen Somalia. I was so shocked when I heard that there has been no government in that country since 1991. I have found much information about Somalia. But I lack Somalis opinions about the conflict, their thoughts of thire homeland and ideas.

I want to ask you different kinds of questions that I need in my project.

1. What are your views on the civil war in Somalia?
2. How do you think it can be solved?
3. If there was a government in Somalia, what kind of thing should it do for the country?
4. What are your future plans for Somalia? Will you move back to Somalia if there is peace?

Thanks for your reply, it's nice of you. Farewell from Singapore.

SO MANY BIASED ANSWERS ON THIS THREAD, IGNORE ALL OF THEM PLEASE.

1. Civil war does not happen in all areas. There are relatively peace places as such as "Somaliland" and "Puntland". Most of war and fighting happens in Modagishu. It's pretty much similar to Taliban situation in Afghanistan. Civil war was caused by people who were hardcare tribialists. Somalia is well-known for clans and tribes. To this day, they still care a lot about clans/tribes. It's what that caused this war. Somalis treat clans/tribes like they're a skin colour. Discrimation of clans/tribes still happen. Some Somalis defend their clan till they die.

Now there's new hardcore islamists that are wrecking Somalia. They are called Al-Shababs. They are trying to overthrow government (Described here later). They are taking Islam to be too seriously. Now almost nobody likes them, not even Muslims. They are full of hypocrites who hide behind religion to make up for all killing of people in Somalia. Many people here are telling you that "Somaliland" supports them. They are WRONG. Somaliland does not even support them. Leader of Al-Shababs are from Somaliland, but this does not mean they support it.

2. Make all Somalis to forget about clans/tribes. (They are called qabiil in Somali).

3. Currently, there is a government. It's called TFG. Ever since a new president was joined (this year 2010), a lot of things seem to be improving laterly. They are backed up by UN and AMISON (Uganda and Brundi). But deadline is on August 2011, there's no way they can kill off all Al-Shababs less than 1 year. But they can take over Mogadishu less than 1 year. If they take over this captial, Al-Shabab will be finished. They really need to take over capital in order to take over whole of Somalia.

Somaliland and Puntland has government. It is relatively safe place for any people to come to there. (Although, not for westerners if they are coming for Puntland because they are full of pirates). Try google for Somaliland and Puntland for any trip reports from westerners. Puntland and Somaliland are perfect examples of what can happen if southern Somalia hadn't decided to go for civil war instead of peace.

Try to look some topics on this website to find some pictures of Puntland and Somaliland. You will see that buildings are not destroyed or people are suffering.

4. I would, or if I cannot, I would do ANYTHING to help it to improve. Currently, there's nothing we can do about it.

But why does TFG not move to Somaliland or Puntland and stabilize the rest of the country from there? but thanks for your information.

[Singapore]

How did you just "discover" this site if you've joined back in October?

In any event, welcome to the forum. James Dahl probably provided the best summary of the events you inquired about and the most logical responses to the rest of your questions.

Good luck.

I need the website now

Thank you

[haxxor]

THat's point. But unfortunely, Puntland and Somaliland has one domaint clan/tribe. If moving capital/government to these regions, it would cause clan/tribe wars saying they were treated unfairly. Remember, tribes/clans are like skin colour. Nobody will want a government that controls Somalia that has one clan/tribe. It would cause unfairness. Mogadishu has more than just one tribe/clan in mix. Somalis were created to be divided by each others, not united.

You have no idea what you just walked into

Basically:

1. What are your views on the civil war in Somalia?
The civil war was caused by dissatisfaction with the military dictatorship of Gen. Maxamed Siyaad Barre, who had overthrown the democratically elected government of Somalia in 1969. The failure of the war to wrest the Ogaden lands from Ethiopian occupation, and his capitulation to the demands of the Soviet Union and United States to cede all claims to the Ogaden lands after the 1977 Ogaden War with Ethiopia, the Soviet Union and Cuba weakened him domestically, and Ethiopia supported a number of rebel groups who supported the old democratic government and had opposed the establishment of the military dictatorship, most of which were clan-based (the Majerteen backed SSDF, the Isaaq backed SNM). The clan-based nature of the rebel movements led to retaliation against the clans that supported it, which turned the civil war into a war between the clans. This escalated as century old rivalries resurfaced, switching sides between the rebels and the government based on who their enemies were siding with. Eventually Maxamed Siyaad Barre made a critical error and decided to trust only his own clan (Marexaan), throwing many of his closest advisors from powerful clans into prison, many of which were Hawiye. The Hawiye clan was the backbone of the national army, and when they turned against the government it was all over. The country was torn into shreds and Maxamed Siyaad Barre fled to Nigeria.

The leader of the Hawiye, Maxamed Faarax Caydiid, was powerful enough to reunite the country but his faction was split in two between the two most powerful subclans of Hawiye, the Mudulood Hiraab and Madarkicis Hiraab, when the Mudulood backed "manifesto group" declared Cali Mahdi Maxamed president instead of Maxamed Faarax Caydiid. The two faction turned on each other, and the United States intervened on behalf of the Manifesto Group and "president" Cali Mahdi (which they had decided was the "legitimate government"). Things basically went to hell after that, and continued going to hell until the year 2000, when Somalia has been slowly putting the pieces back together again.

2. How do you think it can be solved?
One group has to win and defeat all the other groups. Al-Shabaab is doing a pretty good job of that. The only time Somali civil war factions want to negotiate is when they have already been defeated.

3. If there was a government in Somalia, what kind of thing should it do for the country?
Law and order, then once that's there, infrastructure (roads, ports, electricity, etc)

4. What are your future plans for Somalia? Will you move back to Somalia if there is peace?
I'm not Somali but I'd like to go there once things are peaceful.

Thank you very much that was helpful James

Can Somalia build a eletronic industry like Singapore?

Yes, we can. We already have one of cheapest phone call rates whole of Africa, telecommunications industry in Somalia is very popular. Internet connection is very cheap at there. Currently, SomCable (Somali company) is planning to lay some fibre optic cables in peace regions of Somalia which is Somaliland in 2011.

[KingMJ]

Somaliland already has a government how can another government come and take it over.

Somaliland wants its own country to be seperate so does Puntland which has its own government too.

[Singapore]

THat's point. But unfortunely, Puntland and Somaliland has one domaint clan/tribe. If moving capital/government to these regions, it would cause clan/tribe wars saying they were treated unfairly. Remember, tribes/clans are like skin colour. Nobody will want a government that controls Somalia that has one clan/tribe. It would cause unfairness. Mogadishu has more than just one tribe/clan in mix. Somalis were created to be divided by each others, not united.

But can't all clans understand that a stable and strong somali government located in Somaliland or Puntland is in the best interest of all somalis?


1. What are your views on the civil war in Somalia?
The civil war was caused by dissatisfaction with the military dictatorship of Gen. Maxamed Siyaad Barre, who had overthrown the democratically elected government of Somalia in 1969. The failure of the war to wrest the Ogaden lands from Ethiopian occupation, and his capitulation to the demands of the Soviet Union and United States to cede all claims to the Ogaden lands after the 1977 Ogaden War with Ethiopia, the Soviet Union and Cuba weakened him domestically, and Ethiopia supported a number of rebel groups who supported the old democratic government and had opposed the establishment of the military dictatorship, most of which were clan-based (the Majerteen backed SSDF, the Isaaq backed SNM). The clan-based nature of the rebel movements led to retaliation against the clans that supported it, which turned the civil war into a war between the clans. This escalated as century old rivalries resurfaced, switching sides between the rebels and the government based on who their enemies were siding with. Eventually Maxamed Siyaad Barre made a critical error and decided to trust only his own clan (Marexaan), throwing many of his closest advisors from powerful clans into prison, many of which were Hawiye. The Hawiye clan was the backbone of the national army, and when they turned against the government it was all over. The country was torn into shreds and Maxamed Siyaad Barre fled to Nigeria.

The leader of the Hawiye, Maxamed Faarax Caydiid, was powerful enough to reunite the country but his faction was split in two between the two most powerful subclans of Hawiye, the Mudulood Hiraab and Madarkicis Hiraab, when the Mudulood backed "manifesto group" declared Cali Mahdi Maxamed president instead of Maxamed Faarax Caydiid. The two faction turned on each other, and the United States intervened on behalf of the Manifesto Group and "president" Cali Mahdi (which they had decided was the "legitimate government"). Things basically went to hell after that, and continued going to hell until the year 2000, when Somalia has been slowly putting the pieces back together again.

2. How do you think it can be solved?
One group has to win and defeat all the other groups. Al-Shabaab is doing a pretty good job of that. The only time Somali civil war factions want to negotiate is when they have already been defeated.

3. If there was a government in Somalia, what kind of thing should it do for the country?
Law and order, then once that's there, infrastructure (roads, ports, electricity, etc)

4. What are your future plans for Somalia? Will you move back to Somalia if there is peace?
I'm not Somali but I'd like to go there once things are peaceful.

Thank you very much that was helpful James

Can Somalia build a eletronic industry like Singapore?[/quote]

Yes, we can. We already have one of cheapest phone call rates whole of Africa, telecommunications industry in Somalia is very popular. Internet connection is very cheap at there. Currently, SomCable (Somali company) is planning to lay some fibre optic cables in peace regions of Somalia which is Somaliland in 2011.[/quote]

Thats sounds great! a peaceful Somalia can get help from Singapore to export its electronic knowledge!

[Singapore]

Somaliland already has a government how can another government come and take it over.

Somaliland wants its own country to be seperate so does Puntland which has its own government too.

As a nation you can only have one government to rule the country.

[eyes-only]

Welcome and good luck with your project.

1. The civil war is a complicated topic and a long one....but to sum it all up, I'd say...it was caused by individual greed and injustice and is still being fuelled by the same.
2. It can probably be solved by having a strong leader who can rule with an iron fist or by having a group of like minded individuals forming a strong party that can command respect and power
3. Keep the peace and develop the country
4. I'm planning to visit next year but no plans to move there permanently even if there is peace and a functioning government.

Yes, infact Singapore was 50 years ago a poor country, but then President Kuan Lee with an iron fist destroyed all political opposition that created stability, and then we began to build schools and create jobs, that made us to an educated rich people. We still have one party, with the most educated among us leading us in the rigth direaction.

why will you not move back?

Exactly....they need stability and peace above all. A country governed by the least educated is a doomed country and that is exactly what's happening at the moment.

I guess I like my new country more than my old country?! Maybe I'll move back when I'm approaching retirement age.

[haxxor]

Somaliland already has a government how can another government come and take it over.

Somaliland wants its own country to be seperate so does Puntland which has its own government too.

As a nation you can only have one government to rule the country.

Exactly reason why Somaliland does not want to be part of Somalia. They are trying to be an independant nation.

Puntland... On other hand, are just a temporary government till TFG regains full control whole of Somalia (excluding Somaliland).

[Singapore]

Welcome and good luck with your project.

1. The civil war is a complicated topic and a long one....but to sum it all up, I'd say...it was caused by individual greed and injustice and is still being fuelled by the same.
2. It can probably be solved by having a strong leader who can rule with an iron fist or by having a group of like minded individuals forming a strong party that can command respect and power
3. Keep the peace and develop the country
4. I'm planning to visit next year but no plans to move there permanently even if there is peace and a functioning government.

Yes, infact Singapore was 50 years ago a poor country, but then President Kuan Lee with an iron fist destroyed all political opposition that created stability, and then we began to build schools and create jobs, that made us to an educated rich people. We still have one party, with the most educated among us leading us in the rigth direaction.



why will you not move back?

Exactly....they need stability and peace above all. A country governed by the least educated is a doomed country and that is exactly what's happening at the moment.

I guess I like my new country more than my old country?! Maybe I'll move back when I'm approaching retirement age.

If the least educated is leading you then I can understand why the country has gone down.


But when your are old you can not do anything for you country and people? what if somalia is peaceful in 20 years?

[Singapore]

Somaliland already has a government how can another government come and take it over.

Somaliland wants its own country to be seperate so does Puntland which has its own government too.

As a nation you can only have one government to rule the country.

Exactly reason why Somaliland does not want to be part of Somalia. They are trying to be an independant nation.

Puntland... On other hand, are just a temporary government till TFG regains full control whole of Somalia (excluding Somaliland).

Puntland sounds most smart, nobody will regonize a somali region as an independant conntry....

[haxxor]

They might, you will never know. At least new president in Somaliland, Siilaanyo is making some progress. They have been invited by many important countries to discuss about Somaliland. Siilaanyo is in talks with China about oil and recognisation.

If the least educated is leading you then I can understand why the country has gone down.


But when your are old you can not do anything for you country and people? what if somalia is peaceful in 20 years?

At most, I'm expecting whole of Somalia will be peaceful country by 2015/20. It might seem to be that I'm expecting too much but I'm absolutely sure this will happen on somewhere between 2015-20. I'll even be happier if this happens before 2015.