Aqil Faisal Abdillahi Fatah (Faisal Dhere), a well known traditional elder in Sanaag
In effort to understand the current state of Sanaag, a region disputed by Somalia’s semi autonomous state of Puntland and the breakaway state of Somaliland, Somalia Report interviewed Aqil Faisal Abdillahi Fatah (Faisal Dhere), a well known traditional elder in Sanaag.
Thank you for speaking to Somalia Report.
You are welcome.
Mr. Faisal, you are one of the most famous traditional elders in Sanaag region. What can you tell us about the situation of Sanaag?
The situation of the region is calm and peaceful now. As you know this region has been one of the most peaceful regions in Somalia since the government collapsed, but we have had some difficulties like the drought. We have had support from the Puntland government so now the security is good and there is a lot of development happening. The Diaspora and locals have started to reinvest in all districts and village in the region and we are now building facilities for the University of Makhir in Badhan city.
There are a lot of people who are complaining that pirates and smugglers in Elayo, Dur Duri and Gacan villages are burning trees and making charcoal to sell illegally. What can you tell us about this?
Yes, let me tell you first about each of these.
Pirates - There were some pirates who were based in Sanaag region, but we have put in a lot of effort to fight them. After we got support from the locals and the Puntland government, we were successful in wiping them out from our region.
Smugglers - Unfortunately there are some people who take people across the sea at night, which are far from the districts and villages that our security forces can patrol. We are planning to reach there and fight them as soon as possible.
Charcoal - We have prepared quality forces to fight those who are burning down the trees, with help from the Puntland government, NGOs, and the local community. In fact, in the coming days we will attack those people who are burning down the trees, especially in the coastal areas and area of Dhahar district.
We heard that some of the local community had meetings in Kenya and called on those communities in Sanaag, Haylaan and Bari regions to renew Makhir state of Somalia, which was first announced in Badhan in 2007. Why do you think the state failed to thrive and what do you think of this new campaign?
I heard this from media, but I can tell you the people in those regions are part of Puntland state and are happy to move towards peace. If there are some people who are not happy with this, they can create new parties within the government. There is no need to renew to Makhir state. It will just cause more insecurity. If they join us, we will work with them towards peace.
Somaliland and Puntland dispute this region. What are your comments on that?
Let me tell you something. This region is not disputed. The government controls most of the region which is primarily inhabited by people from the Warsengali clan (sub clan of Darod). The people in this region are from the same tribe as the people who live in Puntland. We are part of Puntland so we want to warn the Somaliland government to stay on their own land and not interfere in other clans and respect their neighbors.
There has been major fighting between Somaliland forces and the militia which is loyal to Khatumo state in Buhodle. How do you see this fighting?
I am sorry for what is happening in that area. My advice is this: the Somaliland government must move out of that region and leave those people alone. If they ignore our advice, we will join that fighting because we are part of their community. The residents of Buhodle are our people so I want to inform Somaliland that we do not want fighting because fighting kills. We need peace.
You are from the same tribe for Sheik Mohamed Said Atom who has militia forces in Galgala and have been battling Puntland forces. What can the traditional elders from his clan do to get him to accept peace and work with Puntland?
I really don't have any contacts with him since he ignored the process that elders and Puntland officials began to move him towards peace. He is a terrorist and we will help the government fight him.
How do you see the drilling oil in Puntland?
I am very happy for this because this process will help out Somali people. We encourage peace and development.
As you are aware, the British government will hold a conference on Somalia in London. How do you see that conference because British government used to be colonizers?
If the British government wants to support and help Somali people to regain their dignity and pride, I don’t have any problem and I will support them.
What is your advice to the Somali people?
My advice to Somali people is this: we are one people. We are and brothers and sisters. We are are tired of fighting. Please, let us come together and find a way to the help our people and our country.
Thank you.
You are welcome.
