Read : Maakhir Ambitions a dissolved nation

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Ceel Daahir-Badhan-Cerigabo Road Project


Maakhir land encompasses a vast and spectacular area; endowed with abundant natural resources and energy including mineral deposits, fisheries, livestock, natural vegetation, frankincense, myrrh, pristine coastline and grazing land suitable for pasturage. Al Madow Mountain ranges provide stunning beauty across the land. Although a comprehensive botanical survey was never conducted,
the flora and fauna of Al Madow attract many scientists, including a team of botanists led by DR. Mats Thulin of Uppsala University in Sweden in 1995. DR. Mats and his team conducted a study on the vegetation of Al Madow, albeit limited in scope. The study they conducted constituted the most extensive botanical survey ever done in the area, with about eight new species of plants discovered in the process. (Thulin M. 1994. Al Madow Somalia)

Al Madow Mountain Ranges

In 1973, Siyad Barre’s revolutionary government recognized the potential to exploit the high quality marketable tuna fish overflowing in Las Qoray to international markets. Soon the first fish factory with full capacity to export large quantities of tuna fish was built in collaboration with the Russian government. For a period of time, the city’s early reputation of being a center of business and gateway to Arabia has come back to life. Businesses flourished and influxes of new settlers were arriving each day, reminiscent of its heyday when it was the seat of the great Sultan. The city’s boom-to-bust continued throughout its complex past. Sadly, splendid history and archeological marvels of the city lay in ruins; Las Qoray had seen its zenith.

In fairness, many natives of the city have tried to restore and bring back its past glory but found it hard to resuscitate the asphyxiated city. Las Qoray’s elephant in the room has always been Geeldora road—a strip of unpaved road—that connects the city to the rest of the country but often closes down during the rainy season. The rain causes huge boulders to tumble down onto the road completely sealing off already narrowed passages, rendering it even more inaccessible to reach down the city. It should be noted that in this article Las Qoray is only used as a paradigm of what has gone wrong with the region in the past. The other major cities in the region including Badhan, Dhahar, Hadaftimo, Cerigabo, Buraan and Xingalool have not fared any better. They all suffered from the same fate as Las Qoray.



The illustrious Sultan Mohamoud Ali Shire presided over this land, a man of unparallel bravery, courage, and wisdom revered by all. During The 19th and the 20th centuries were the pinnacles of the Warsangeli Sultanate. The British did not want any confrontations with the Sultan for fear of alienating him. To have such a charismatic Sultan against them at the time would have been a catastrophic scenario for the British as they were battling with the Dervishes led by Sayid Mohamed Abdulle Hassan. Instead, the British Empire signed a treaty with the Sultan and gave him complete authority to rule over all the other Sultanates in the area awarding him the title “Sovereign of the House of North East of Somaliland Sultanate”. Nonetheless, the eminent Sultan remained fiercely independent from colonial interferences. Consequently, he was exiled to Seychelles Island. Apparently the British Empire used the archipelago to expel anti-colonial leaders. He has left behind an enduring legacy of nationalism and exemplary leadership that has lasted more than a century and continues to inspire many generations to emulate him. Despite all that history and geographical importance God has bestowed on Maakhir, the region regrettably has languished in a state of economic and political stagnation. Frankly, we have forsaken our home for a distant-land and blinding personal gains.

Almost a century later, the collapse of the Somali central government in 1991, created political vacuum that precipitated the need for a regional administrations to maintain peace and stability and at the same time safeguard the interest of the people. Noteworthy, some parts of the country plunged into a grueling and devastating civil war, but others quickly mobilized and established safe havens for refugees returning from civil war ravaged areas of the country. Even though Maakhir luckily escaped from the brunt of the civil war in Somalia, its people failed to grasp the enormity of the situation on hand, and since lost into oblivion. As a result of the prolonged civil war, the international community decided to cooperate only with regions where law and order has been established. Unfortunately, Maakhir was not one of them, hastily branding it a disputed territory, thereby hampering any meaningful economic and social developments to take place. In reality, it deprived the region from getting any direct aid from NGOs or donor countries. This is where the region today wonders in despondency.
New optimism to revitalize the region and the need for help
Ceel Daahir Road project is by far the most ambitious program the community has undertaken thus far and as such warrants our immediate attention and unwavering assistance. We all witnessed and watched the televised press conference held in Bosaso by members of the community who kicked off the initial phase of Ceel Daahir-Badhan-Cerigabo road project. To their credit, not only did they present to us a draft, but they also collected the first financial support for the project, a hefty 200,000 USD. Several major companies who operate in Somalia, particularly in Puntland, such as Halwo Kismayo Group, Mustaqbal, Ila Tango, Golis and TTC also pledged to contribute to the project. It is fair to say that this venture is off to a good start. The committee provided an assessment of overall cost based on previous road construction in other cities. Conservatively, their calculation is about $100,000 USD per km of paved road. Therefore, 180 Km costs $18,000,000 USD. However, according to a 2000 World Bank report, the approximate cost of a paved road including re-gravelling, rehabilitation and improving is about $250,000 USD per km. The figure could even go higher depending on the road width, terrain, overlay thickness etc.
It is important to remember the hadith of the prophet reported by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah jariyah (ceaseless charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous decedent who prays for him (for the deceased) [Muslim].” The importance of the hadith is that the partaking of this project fits in the category of Sadaqah Jariyah, the reward you get from this benevolence is continual and will benefit you here and after. Together we can all play important and significant role. No amount of contribution is too small to give. Whatever you donate is sufficient enough to make a difference.
It is by no means an easy task. It will be a long and arduous journey full of obstacles and pitfalls, but understanding the enormous benefit and deployment it brings to the region should eclipse the difficulties ahead. No back-pedaling from here on, we can only march forward. The list below illustrates some of the immediate short-term and long-term economic gains for the region:
⦁ In a region where chronic unemployment persisted for a long time, this will be very good news for the hundreds of surveyors, skilled and unskilled laborers, truck owner/operators, drivers and the many others who will be employed by the project. This leads to economic stimulus that benefits everyone, not only just those who are employed. Small businesses in the region such as shops, restaurants, and hotels are expected to get their share of the economic trickle down.

⦁ Infrastructure increases economic productivity and growth. As people and goods easily stream between the region and the rest of Somalia, robust economic development will ensure creating even more permanent jobs.

⦁ It will strengthen the economic, political and cultural ties between Maakhir and Puntland, while cementing the relationship between the region and the Federal Government. In essence, vibrant and easily linked Maakhir to the rest of Somalia could become a catalyst for unity and greater Somalia.

⦁ Maakhir University recently procured substantial financial aid from Kuwait Fund. It is believed major undertaking of the institution will commence soon. The completion of the road makes it easier for the university to expand beyond its boundaries, allowing prospective students to easily enrol.
Putting the case forward: the role of the Community, Government and Diaspora
It is no secret that the community is apprehensive and weary about any new ventures because previous projects that galvanized the people were either poorly planned from the beginning or worse, were outright deceit. In light of that, can the organizing committee circumvent any similar mistakes that might derail this project? There are no easy answers, but there are simple answers. Do what is morally right and practice openness.
Before embarking a long and costly venture, the project management should implement a number of important and concrete steps that will lead them into a winning path. It is crucial to put forward a plan that has been discussed, processed thoroughly, and examined by experts of the field. But more importantly, if push comes to shove, an alternative plan should be in place in lieu of any failed ones. Transparency and honesty go hand in hand. Creating a website that gives donors and community alike the opportunity to see what has been achieved and what still needs to be done is important and will certainly dispel any mistrust within the community.


Discernible participation of women is needed in all levels of the project. Women are the backbone of the society. During and after the civil war in Somali they played significant roles, often acting as bridges between two hostile communities defusing serious tensions to escalate into an all out war. When it comes to a fundraising for charitable causes, they supersede men without any difficulties. They are equally effective in every other task. That is why their involvement and contribution is vital to the successful completion of the project.
The role of the Diaspora is extremely important. Their obligation to the homeland emanates from the absence of a functional government in Somalia that squarely placed the burden on them. They are partners of development and can’t be underestimated. Over the years Diaspora has contributed considerably into the economic development of Somalia. They represent a unique human resource that comprises specific knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to help their homeland. Hence, we need to utilize their experience and manpower to fully engage them in all areas of the economic sector development.
To the Maakhir Diaspora community, I will share with you this inspiring quote “A community is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm” Henrik Ibsen. Obviously, everyone has a stake in prosperous and thriving Maakhir. Let us do some soul searching and ask ourselves, are we sincerely willing to be part of this project? Are we really prepared to stay-put for the long haul? If the answer is yes, then we have made the right decision. Your financial contribution will have an enormous impact on transforming the whole region. Just think about the multitudes of people including women, children, and the elderly who will be using the road you helped build without any difficulties to get places. Think about the most vulnerable members of the community and how it will change their lives. Envision how through an employment it will alleviate the widespread poverty in the region. Multiply all that good deeds and imagine how it would increase your Meezan of Hasanat.
Both the Somali Federal Government and Puntland State have constitutional responsibly to help and fully participate in the development and rebuilding of Maakhir region. Politicians from Maakhir held high ministerial positions in the federal and the state level putting them in charge of big portfolios. The ball is in their court now, we shall see how they help their people. As a community we are accustomed to brushing-aside or totally ignore the incompetence and failures of politicians whom we have chosen to represent us. This time is different though, the task in front of us is too big to be ignored or to fail. We must understand politicians are there to advance and articulate the need of their constituency; if they neglect their obligation to the people, they will be held accountable for their failures.
On a personal note, the ideas and advices in this piece are solely mine, no one from the community or the organizing committee had contacted me, solicited, pressured or sought my advice in any way, shape, or form. I did it out of conviction, feeling the impetus to get this project off the ground is both practical and feasible.
In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the organizers of the project for their invaluable contribution and earnest desire to help the region. They are the genuine unsung heroes among us.
Ahmed S Warsame
Email: ahwarsame@yahoo.com

[watchmenow]

Both the Somali Federal Government and Puntland State have constitutional responsibly to help and fully participate in the development and rebuilding of Maakhir region. Politicians from Maakhir held high ministerial positions in the federal and the state level putting them in charge of big portfolios. The ball is in their court now, we shall see how they help their people. As a community we are accustomed to brushing-aside or totally ignore the incompetence and failures of politicians whom we have chosen to represent us. This time is different though, the task in front of us is too big to be ignored or to fail. We must understand politicians are there to advance and articulate the need of their constituency; if they neglect their obligation to the people, they will be held accountable for their failures.

Keep crying



As I said Maakhir a nation filled with resources and human resource doesn't need Somalia or Somalians. There track sheets speak for themselves. LOL

This is actualization for Maakhiri, the tipping point is wars. My guess is Galgala wars, Maakhiri destabilization etc etc. from their the Maakhiri Spring will rise. And or MRC comes through with resource extractions and its a corporate led country based on resources and then Somalia "government" won't never be in control of anything as they never did in Maakhir.

Interesting play out in the next 20 yrs.

[watchmenow]

Immediate "enemies" of Maakhir

- Somaliland, Somalia--> Somalians from North West claim Maakhir lands. Not a threat, however ethnic wars would have a positive outcome for Maakhiri national identity. Not evil thats very good
-Puntland, Somali----> Undermines the political progression of the ethnic Maakhiri within Somalia. Not a enemy in actuality is helping Maakhir not being part of the chaos and destabilization of Somalians. Further isolation. Isolation does do something to a geographical location and group.

-Somalia, Somalia- South Somalia well its more of a psychological disconnect. The souther Somalians have no reason to shed blood against Maakhir. Granted they wage wars in Maakhir which is possible and good.


I would prefer all three to attack Maakhir one way or another cause its progressing the inevitable.