SOMALIA:TIME TO BE PATIENT

[fagash_killer]

Somalia: time to be patient


By: Abdullahi Dool
March 8, 2007




Even though I was invited, I did not go to either the Nairobi conference of 2004 or the one in Djibouti in 2000. For reasons of principle I do not attend clan gatherings and it does not make sense to represent a clan in a national conference to discuss or solve national issues. Even so, let us not forget that the gathering in Kenya in 2004 voted in the TFG with a mandate and for that reason our nation has accepted its legitimacy as a national government. Unfortunately, for months in Nairobi where it was established and later when it moved to Jowhar and then to Baidhabo, we know that the TFG was not up to the task and its challenges. The TFG has just a few years left of its mandate and so has very limited time to get its act together and show the nation that it is steering away from the disaster to which the country is heading.

Today our most important task should be to save lives and property from the indiscriminate shelling in the capital. Out of folly Somali lives have been lost for too long to unnecessary and consuming civil strife. The loss of one life is a national tragedy for our nation and today our enemy is anyone who propagates or encourages violence through insurgency. Somalia is not Iraq and we will not let the blood of our people spill like water. In Iraq the Arab World is watching and doing nothing about the shameful and unnecessary bloodletting in that country mainly because of a chronic shortage of leadership and because they want George Walker Bush to fail in his mission. How many more must die in Iraq before the slaughter is ended? Life, which is the dearest commodity on this planet, is cheap in some parts of the world. Our people in the capital should be patient. At this moment in time, our aim should to preserve lives and property.

The announcement of the TFG President Abdullahi Yusuf that he will hold a national reconciliation conference is an encouraging step in the right direction. The success of this conference will always depend on how committed the transitional government is to the healing of the nation. It is not enough only to talk to local elders who have no say or power over the deteriorating situation in the capital and its surroundings. Judging from the way it is being conducted there is little to expected from the reconciliation gathering called by the TFG leadership. Another question is, who is to be reconciled with whom? By dividing the nation along clan lines individuals have caused and fuelled the civil strife to further their interests.

For those who still believe they can further their cause through acts of violence here we have some sobering news. The Ethiopian forces that have now begun to stretch themselves with reinforcements throughout the South will go home within three years. That is if we do things right. During this period there should be not one bullet shot at them in anger. The African forces too should be left alone. They have a United Nation’s mandate to keep the peace and harming them would most certainly result only in the expansion of their mission. This too would result in the arrival of forces not only from African nations but also from other powerful interests outside the African Union. Escalation of conflict would not benefit Somalia but its enemies. Those enemies include misguided individual Somalis who wish the harming of African forces in order to see the expansion of those forces’ mission.

Today, if there was a national leadership vacancy, I know who would be my choice. Naturally this decision of mine would not be based on clan affiliation. I made this choice clear in my piece, The Way Forward, posted on the Internet in October 2006. To rule Somalia is not to have the last laugh as individual Somalis mistakenly believe. The task of rebuilding a stateless nation such as Somalia involves sweat, tears and a lot of hard work. When it comes to the leadership of the nation our people should support candidates not for their clan, but for what they can deliver. The leadership of a country is about serving the nation. When will our people learn that someone who will treat everyone equally irrespective of clan and who can deliver and accomplish something for all is better than a fellow clan member who will accomplish little and waste time?

Cities and towns of any nation should not become clan turfs where individuals bully and threaten nationals as well as foreign visitors. Such places never prosper and real estate values fall. A city or town must be open to all nationals as well as foreigners to visit, work or settle in. No one rolls up and takes land away from anyone. We must learn from cities and towns in other countries in which many of our people live. The capital of a nation belongs to its people and should not be claimed by any clan or group. Imagine individuals in London, Paris, Tokyo or Washington walking around and bullying citizens, visitors and residents from other states or regions. Needless to say our capital Mogadishu belongs to all Somalis and not to any particular clan or clans. Our towns and cities too belong to the whole nation.


Of course the presence in our country of forces from our neighbour churns our guts to the core. But the Somalis say if someone holds your own right hand, you should never pull it. If we fight the heavily armed Ethiopians in our capital what will be killed will be Somalis and what will be reduced to rubble will be Mogadishu and not Addis Ababa. This is not the time to moan. This is the time to be patient. We are a nation of warriors and we know how to fight but we have nothing to prove by toting guns in this electronic age. The use of force at this stage is not the solution to our problems. Those individuals who live in far away places who propagate violence are not the ones to pay with their lives, possessions or property. Let us also not forget that even without the occupation of a foreign force we left dear Somalia in lawlessness and anarchy for far too long. For all those years we kept our nation in the wilderness; the message we have sent out to the world was that we do not care much about our country.

In the world some people lack land while others who have land such as the Tamils and the Kurds lack the freedom to establish a state of their own. We have both land and the freedom to re-establish our state. Every nation has elders and wise individuals who guide their people through troubled times. A statesperson encourages not violence but caution. We need to inspire our people to move forward, make the most of what we have, strive for the better and hope for the best. There is nothing to be had from destruction and division. In this age those who grab guns to effect change are self-defeating. Our people should be patient for if the TFG fails irretrievably the nation shall pave the way for a national conference in 2009 based this time on nationhood rather than clan. Sanity and reason should prevail and the message to our people is: let us work with patience and not insurgency. There are less than three years to wait for the mandate of the Nairobi assembled transitional government to expire. The clock is ticking and the TFG can blame no one: do things right or mess things up – it is your watch!


Abdullahi Dool
E-Mail: Hornheritage@aol.com

___________

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[fagash_killer]

somalis ya heard do things right or mess things up – indeed it is your watch!

[e!]

why the hell do somali articles have to be 7 pages long :\

[michael_ital]

Excellent piece, with mostly valid points. However, I believe Yusuf & co. would've had a much better chance of success had they not invited xabaash to kill Somali's. That's a blunder from which he, and anyone associated with him, will never ever recover.

[fagash_killer]

[quote="michael_ital"]Excellent piece, with mostly valid points. However, I believe Yusuf & co. would've had a much better chance of success had they not invited xabaash to kill Somali's. That's a blunder from which he, and anyone associated with him, will never ever recover.[/quote]

michael we cant do nothing with if. what happend happend. the q should be now what must we do to move on. what must be done to bring somalis on board.tfg and the islamic courts made mistakes but we can learn of it we could try to give them a change you know what they say better a goverment than none. first we must realise this. the tfg did the first step and thats by making a alliance with the eu the arab league and america. but the tfg can only sucdeed if somalis are on board.face it only somalis can solve their problems. the author said it already, in the world some people lack land while others who have land such as the Tamils and the Kurds lack the freedom to establish a state of their own. We have both land and the freedom to re-establish our state. now the q should be what could be done next.

[michael_ital]

I agree 100%. However, it WON'T be done with Yusuf. When he's officially deposed, THEN the country can, and will, move forward. He's lost all credibilty, but he CAN lay the seeds for a new foundation, POSSIBLY, though I doubt it. So to answer your q, first thing that neesd to be done is rid the country of the TFG Stooges, and start afresh. After that, one step at a time.

[Ismahan445]

In order to have democracy, its ok to make mistakes. The biggest problem facing us today is are we willing to move on and give each other a chance to rebuild our country? This is an excellent piece and hopefully people will take time to read it and get the bigger picture. Thnx for the post Fagash_killa

[fagash_killer]

[quote="michael_ital"]I agree 100%. However, it WON'T be done with Yusuf. When he's officially deposed, THEN the country can, and will, move forward. He's lost all credibilty, but he CAN lay the seeds for a new foundation, POSSIBLY, though I doubt it. So to answer your q, first thing that neesd to be done is rid the country of the TFG Stooges, and start afresh. After that, one step at a time.[/quote]

what makes you think that? sxb we dont need guns/cival war this time the only ppl that will suffer are somalis. we dont want that our country become a other iraq. you see rebelgroups/terrorists are still fighting against the iraqy goverment but the iraqy goverment is still their cuss its protected by the west and you cant defeat a goverment whose supported by the west aslong you fight the goverment the ethiopian troops will stay their lets that be clear and the only ppl that will suffer are once again somalis. we can give the tfg a change and we could see where this leads to things are going the right direction the ethiopian troops could leave the foreign troops to and maybe for the first time can somalis who live in the west go back to their country and start their own xisbi and in 2009 could you pick your favourite.if we still fight the tfg somalis just like iraqis will suffer and the tfg will be still their yes even by 2009. so its your call. lets be wiser and make things easier than it is.

[fagash_killer]

[quote="Ismahan445"]In order to have democracy, its ok to make mistakes. The biggest problem facing us today is are we willing to move on and give each other a chance to rebuild our country? This is an excellent piece and hopefully people will take time to read it and get the bigger picture. Thnx for the post Fagash_killa[/quote]

you understood my point. anytime sista

[fagash_killer]

help or hurt Somalis.


By Eng. Mahmoud Dahir Adani
March 8, 2007




TFG squashed the pride and dignity of Somali people when they lead the way and allowed Ethiopian war machines to march into Somalia, but they can still help Somalis – that is if they complete their mandated reconciliation tasks and prepare a new Somali government to govern Somalia in 2009 while both Mr. Yusuf and Mr. Gedi publicly announce they’ll not be part of the new government and they must allow Somalis to freely elect a new leader to lead the country and must welcome Sheikh Sharif if he is willing to take the challenge. However, if the security of the country continues to deteriorate and the peace and coexistence fades away as we see every day in the streets of Mogadishu then this date must be moved up - that is the way forward. TFG has opportunity to heal Somalis and they know what needs to be done.

The chaotic retreat of UIC may have been a feel good moments for TFG and Somali enemy but it quickly became clear to Somalis that this government - TFG which came to Mogadishu in the backs of Ethiopian military machine, American money and covert operations is up to no good. TFG is not working for Somali interest and quickly started to operate Siad Barre’s dictatorship mentality – be good to me and I’ll kill you later (xabadi sugto) or stand up to me and I’ll kill you now (xabadi qaxiso)… TFG’s short comings are mainly their vision for Somalia and they will not accomplish their mandated reconciliation tasks unless they change course.

In order to understand the big picture of Somali conflict let’s first examine where Somalia fits the new world order. During the cold war Somalia used to be a country in the cross roads, since America’s new world conflict Somalia is now placed in the camp of America’s enemy. One may ask what conflict Somalis have with USA, and the short answer to this is absolutely nothing. America is a very generous nation and the reason so many people in every corner of the world call America home is not only because of its democratic principles but also its people and how just most Americans are in their dealings with foreigners. Unfortunately America is currently ruled by the most hated president and Somalis became his target when UIC took over the country in June 2006. George Bush must be informed that Somali warlords elected TFG in 2004 not 2007. Bush and the African Union should have stretched their hands to TFG then not now when Somalis tasted their short lived peace after so many years of anarchy and fighting.

Sadly, the Somalis are still confined by invisible tribal boundary and are blinded from the reality so their enemies are still using a century old tactic of divide and rule. The TFG should question - why America all of the sudden is in bed with them and must remember, that only a few months ago when CIA chief was in Mogadishu distributing blood money to warlords, TFG were marginalized then, by passed and not consulted at the time, instead the chief gave money to warlords to do their dirty job. We all remember how that back fired and it’s an expected consequence and we don’t see any change of course from Bush Administration today. Whether we like it or not America cares less about the peace and prosperity of Somali people and to this day is continuing their covert operations in Somalia. AC-130 gunship continues to cruise around Mogadishu sky at night and no one listens as senior Mogadishu residents complain the noise of AC-130 gunship. What these senior Somalis don’t realize is that TFG recently asked America a military aid and gave them the green light to fly freely over Somali sky and also to rendition people of interest. Just as the Ethiopians are flying people of interest to Adis we should also expect the number of Somali detainees in Gitmo to increase.

ETHIOPIA

Every one knows the 40 million Ethiopian Muslims and peace loving Ethiopians have no conflict with Somalis and don’t want to fight with their Somali brothers and its worth mentioning that this anarchy civil war period of Somali history Ethiopian people welcomed Somalis in their country since the start of Somali civil war unlike some safka hore countries in the region. As Somalis we should recognize and thank Ethiopia’s deris wanaag since 1991 and must be united in our opposition to dictator Meles and his current invasion.

In a short history Somalia defeated Ethiopia in two wars both in 1977 and in early 1960’s and Ethiopia still holds Somali territory Ogaden which was handed to Ethiopia in 1954 by the British. It also worth mentioning that Meles used to live in Mogadishu and organized his Tigre movement inside Somali territory and will not allow OLF - Orama Libration Front leaders to freely operate in Somalia. Meles knows if he let’s them it would be only a matter of time before OLF or similar movements will catch up with his regime.

So the reason Meles is destabilizing Somalia, Ethiopia and the region is not as some claim access to water but rather his survival to stay power in Ethiopia. Unfortunately it is the beginning of a dark time in Ethiopian politics, a period of another dictatorship. It’s sad that most African leaders once they taste power they will never let it go even when their people vote them out of office. And in that mentality is why Somalis are reluctant to support TFG and don’t want this government to succeed in Somalia. No one is expecting TFG to fulfill their mandated tasks and rescue Somalia the country and its people. But they will rather be working hard so they could stay put way beyond 2009 currently mandated. Meles will help them stay put and in return help himself, so that America and the West will see him the power broker of the region as he destroys his country and the region. The true regional leaders that emerged in these conflicts are Eritrean president Isaias Afewerke and Sheikh Sharif of Somalia. Both leaders enjoy highest popular support of their people and are truly loved even in exile as for the Sheikh.

Sheikh Sharif once said one word that healed and united Somalis ‘There’s no tribe worth more than any other tribe…’ a not only his words but his vision for Somalia and demeanor in general not to mention his true sincerity to help resolve and lead Somalia is a lesson Meles and Yusuf need to learn from the Sheikh.

TFG

Let’s go back and revisit how TFG come to power. Transitional Federal Government just like Transitional National Government came to existing with the architect of Somali tribes men and dagaal ogayaal and was divided by the Somali tribal rule of 4.5 Let’s first examine how many of former warlords are currently in TFG and are content with what they have been offered: to this day with the exception of Mr. Yusuf former warlord and current TFG president there is not even one warlord happily participating with this government. Hussein Aideed recently lost his number 2 position and the powerful interior ministry position is the only former warlord who currently holds a buul wasiir position and if you talk to Mr. Aideed today he’ll tell you not only he is disappointed but he’ll say that he has been cheated. Okay! That is the fade of one warlord but where are the other former warlords today? Almost all of them are still waiting their position in this government and some of these warlords include: Mohamed Dheere, Muse Sudi, Osman Ato, Abdi Qaybdiid, Bashir Rage, Mohamed Qanyare and Omar Finish IWM. All these seven warlords have one thing in common they all happen to be Hawiye, so not to bring them to TFG they initiated is not only stupid but dangerous. Most Somalis detest these men because of their past history, but a lot of people will identify with them as their tribes men and leaders if TFG goes after them harshly as they recently did in Dayniile. TFG doesn’t know how to deal with these leaders and are handing them a power they have been stripped by the Islamic Courts and they're loving it.

On the other hand the Somali tribes men believe TFG has broken the basic principle of Somali tribal rule. This is the rule that the parliament was divided and TFG came to existence. The agreed parliament of 275 individuals has now shrunk to less than 200 individuals and the tribes that lost seats are unsuccessful to replace their seats and the balance is now tilted. Recently, the new parliament leader Aadan Madoobe with no constitutional legitimacy barred more than 41 members and is expect to run the parliament as he is commanded by Mr. Yusuf and doesn’t understand the independence of the parliament. Because of the recent Somali history of tribal conflict the parliament must not break the Somali tribal rule and must demonstrate its opposition where TFG side steps its mandated tasks and must consult with Somali tribal leaders or else this parliament will be seen as part of the problem and it’ll contribute to the raging conflicts…

CONCLUSION:

TFG should connect the dots and salvage the country - this is their opportunity to shine and resolve Somali issues, but if TFG cannot safe the country with the help of Ethiopian or AU soldiers then they must not take Somalia back to square one. The honorable thing to do here is to kick Ethiopians out of the country and both Yusuf and Gedi must resign so that a new care taker government could start to govern. Somalis must not wait 2009 while the country disintegrates in their watch and the peace and prosperity is completely lost, please say it with us Xasbuna ALLAH wa nicmal wakiil.

TFG should not occupy herself who to nominate for the open ambassador positions but should rather work hard to accomplish their mandated tasks before time runs out. TFG must build consensus with the residence of Mogadishu and must understand that piece can only be achieved through accords and compromises and not through bombardment or using foreign troops whether Ethiopians or AU soldiers which Somalis will not differentiate. Finally TFG must change course and start healing Somalis and stops shelling Mogadishu resident and starts working on reconciliation tasks mandated for this government and if things don’t improve in the next 90 days then they must go back to Baydhabo and hand Mogadishu back to Sheikh Sharif while they still can.


By Eng. Mahmoud Dahir Adani
E-Mail:dahiradani@gmail.com

[michael_ital]

Excellent article, and the sentiments from my previous post were echoed almost verbatim in the first paragraph. Specifically "Mr. Yusuf and Mr. Gedi publicly announce they’ll not be part of the new government". EXACTLY what I have just said.

"TFG squashed the pride and dignity of Somali people when they lead the way and allowed Ethiopian war machines to march into Somalia, but they can still help Somalis – that is if they complete their mandated reconciliation tasks and prepare a new Somali government to govern Somalia in 2009 while both Mr. Yusuf and Mr. Gedi publicly announce they’ll not be part of the new government and they must allow Somalis to freely elect a new leader to lead the country and must welcome Sheikh Sharif if he is willing to take the challenge"

[Ismahan445]

""TFG should connect the dots and salvage the country - this is their opportunity to shine and resolve Somali issues, but if TFG cannot safe the country with the help of Ethiopian or AU soldiers then they must not take Somalia back to square one. The honorable thing to do here is to kick Ethiopians out of the country and both Yusuf and Gedi must resign so that a new care taker government could start to govern. Somalis must not wait 2009 while the country disintegrates in their watch and the peace and prosperity is completely lost, please say it with us Xasbuna ALLAH wa nicmal wakiil.

TFG should not occupy herself who to nominate for the open ambassador positions but should rather work hard to accomplish their mandated tasks before time runs out. TFG must build consensus with the residence of Mogadishu and must understand that piece can only be achieved through accords and compromises and not through bombardment or using foreign troops whether Ethiopians or AU soldiers which Somalis will not differentiate. Finally TFG must change course and start healing Somalis and stops shelling Mogadishu resident and starts working on reconciliation tasks mandated for this government and if things don’t improve in the next 90 days then they must go back to Baydhabo and hand Mogadishu back to Sheikh Sharif while they still can.""end Quote.,


I think that is wishful thinking...things are out of hand in Xamar today

[musika man]

^^^^

michael pervert, how is the catch so far? asra will be your black hole. the title of the paper will be, 'an old pervert sucked up from thin air, never 2 be seen again. good riddance'. yeah, i believe you dowg. you are a somali patriot till your next victim.

[michael_ital]

your obsession with sexual peccadilloes is unsettling nayaa. the anal abuse you suffered while an Arab towel boy has left you with diminished capacity. I mean really, raising the issue of your sexual fantasy of assra in a political thread ? you REALLY rode the small school bus.

[fagash_killer]

exellent article indeed. but the author missed some points. i dont think that geedi and yusuf have the balls to resign and i dont think that ethiopia wont accept this remember what they've done to adbiqasim salads goverment. so their is only one option and thats by accepting yusuf and geedi as the leaders of somalia atleast for now if they dont change their policy somalis will go to the polls and we will vote for a honest leader. but if we still use Guerrilla warfare the tfg will be still their although it will be weakened and somalis will suffer and ethiopian troops will stay.and even if ethiopian troops leave like the british troops withdrawed of basra. than im afraid that we've lost a golden opportunity warlords will be back and this time could it be worser than 91. i dont think that we want to go back to square 1. so thats why i said we can atleast give a shot.