Somali musings

Somalia and the Question of National Sovereignty

2012-01-31T18:52:00.000-08:00

Waxaa maalamahaan badatay hadalka lugu mucaaradaayo shirka Landhan bishaan gudaheeda lugu qabandoono. Marka hadalka iyo murankuba dhamaado waxaa loo baahanyahay in la fahmo in Soomaaliya aysan ahayn wadan dowlad 'sovereign' ah leh taasuna waxay dhashay in cidwaliba oo Soomaali ahayn in ay ku dhaqaaqaan in ay talooyin iyo fikrado kaladuwan dhiibaan markii Soomaaliya dowladla'aanteeda laga shiraayo.

Waxaa dadkeenu u baahanyihiin in lafahamsiiyo in shirka Landhan lugu casumikaro dowladdo 'sovereign' ah iyo hay'addo caalami ah oona lacasumikarin dad kale (Sh. Shariif iyo dad lamid ah waxay yihiin 'representatives of Somalia')! Marka waxaan kuligeen u baahanahay in aan garano sababta keentay in wadankeeni uu noqdo wadan aan dowlad 'sovereign' ah lahayn.

Marka ugu horaysa waa qasab in la garto in kalimadda 'sovereign' ay micnaheeda rasmiga ah uu noqonaayo xoog markii af Soomaaliga lugu turjumo. Kadib waxaa loobaahanyahay in la islagarto in xooga kaliya oo Soomaaliyeed oo maanta ka jira dalkeena oo 'sovereign' noqonkara (hadii Soomaalidu iswada af gartaan oo si fiican u midoobaan) waa ragga lugu magacaabijiray Maqaawimadda Soomaaliyeed waagii ay dowladda Xabashiddu ay iskudayday in ay magaalada Xamar xoog kula wareegto.

Hadii maanta xooga kaliya oo jira uu noqday nimanka ladagaalamaaya ciidamada 4 wadan oo ajinabi ah oona islamarkiina ay qeyb kamid ah shacabka Soomaaliyeed oo waxgaradka iskadhiga ay u sacbinaayaan dad kale oo xoog lahayn see baa Soomaaliya dowlad 'sovereign' ah u helidoonta?

Waxaan u baahanahay in aan kuligeen hadaan dad Soomali ah nahay in aan hal meel kasoowadajeesano oo aan gacmaheena kudhisano dowlad xoog leh markaas kadibna aan aduunka u cadayno in aan ka adagnahay in aan awoodeena muujino Soomaaliyana si fiican difaacankarno.

Waxaan aniga u arkaa caqlixummo in laga sugo dowladdo shisheeya oo shiraaya in ay Soomaliya xal u helaan sababtana waxaweeye dowlad kasta danteeda bay difaacanaysa oona mana kujirto danta dowladdo shisheeya in shacabka Soomaaliya dantooda guud ladhowro.

Marka maanta dad badan waxay leeyihiin shirka Landhan wax dan ah ummada Soomaaliyeed uguma jiraan.

Maxay awal rabeen dadka saas u hadlaaya? Shirka dad shisheeya qabanqaabiyay oo lacagta dad shisheeya ba ku baxay. Maxaa ku khasbaaya dadkaas in ay wax waydiiyaan Soomaali aan xoog lahayn? Yaa u baahan talo ka timid Soomaali aan xoog lahayn markii lakiraysankaro Shariif 'Sakiin' iyo wax lamid ah?

Shacabkeena waxay u baahanyiin in ay si deg deg ah isu yimaadaan oo ay ku heshiyaan in ay xoog samaystaan markaas kadib ha la macaamileen dadka shisheeya!

Sida kale waa bay Soomaaliya lahayd dowlad xoog leh oo qaarada Afrika oo dhan baa ixtiraamijirtay dowladdii dhexe ee Jamhuuriyadda Soomaaliya waagaas laakiin cudur xun oo keenta caqlixumo la iskudaarto ba dadkeena kudhacday oo dowladeenii xooga lahayd baa laburburiyay.

Waxaa nugu dacday jab xun oo weli aanaan kasookabin laakiin wa in laladagaalamo caqlixumada ka imaanaysa cuduradda dadkeena kalaqeybinaaya.

Waxaan ku faraxsanahay in maanta ay jiraan dad Soomaali ah oo badan oo u soojeestay in ay dalkooda iyo dadkoodaba difaacaan waxaana raba in aan arko hadii Rabi ogolaado in shacabka Soomaalida ah oo dhan in ay dadkaas kudayadaan oona garabistaagaan!

Maanta ha moodina in dowlad xoog leh ay ajinabigu idiin rabaan hana moodina in dantiina dad aan Soomaali ahayn kafakaraan hadaa saas qabtiina waxaa ogaataan in cudurkii caqlixumada uu weli dhiigiina kujiro.

Ugu dambeyn waxaan rabaa in dadkeenu ogaadaan in aysan marnaba dhicikarin in ladhiso dowlad Soomaaliyeed oo ajinabi dhisay oo kamadaxbanaan xooga iyo fikradaha guud ee qoladii horay u soodhistay dowladdaas lugutilmaamidoono dowlad Soomaaliyeed.

Marka waxaan idinleeyahay, shacab Soomaaliyeedo, hadaa rabtiin wanaag iyo in dalkiina labarwaaqeeyo samaysta xoog aad wadankiina iyo dantiinaba ku difaacankartaan hadii saas inaad samaysaana aydnaan rabin oo cudurkii caqlixumada la iskudaarto aad weli qabtiin waxaad ajinabiga kadalbataan in ay dantiinii idiin difaacaan oo dowlad idiin dhisaan!

Qofka Soomaaliga ah ha is waydiiyo su'aashaan: maxaa qofka Soomaaliga ahayn oo xooga badan leh ku khasbaaya in uu Soomaaliya wax wanaag ah u sameeyo?

Haloo Istaago Difaaca Biyaha Badda Soomaaliya

2011-10-05T04:34:00.000-07:00

Waxa jira nin kaliidta qaanziir oo ladhaho Cabdiraxmaan Shiikh Ibraahim Maxamed oo ay nasiibdaradda Soomaalida ay noqotay inuu ninkaas noqdo nin katirsan DKM Soomaaliya. Waxay naleeyihiin ninkaani waa nin mas'uul ka ah arimaha kusaabsan biyaha badda wadanka Soomaaliya wuxuuna hadal kadhigtay waayahaan in badda Soomaaliya ay u bahantahay in laxadeyo iminkaan. Nin noocaan oo kale ah in lagadhexhelo ummada Soomaaliyeed ma fileyn runtii maxajira ma'islaheyn nin sidaani u cagli xun oo xilka wasiirnimo sheeganaya oo islamarkiibana leh shaqadeyda halabaabi'iyo oo dowlada Kenya halawareegto shaqadeyda unasiiqaba in badda wadanka Soomaliya gebigeedaba luguwareejiyo dowlada Kenya waxaanu arrin aad yaab badan.

Waxaan kuleeyahay Cabdiraxmaan Shiikh Ibraahim Maxamed afxumodiisa iyo aflagaadiisa waxba kagamuuqaadidoono wadanka Soomaaliya laakiin wa in xilka wasiirnimada DKM Soomaaliya lagaqaado ninkaan sharaftalaheyn oo sida riqiiska ah udhaqmaya. Waxa lamooda in ninkaani xun oo sida tuug udhaqmaya in ay soo kireysteen siyaasiyiinta wadamada Kenya iyo Norway. Cabdiraxmaan Shiikh Ibraahim Maxamed ma'aha nin xishoonaya waana nin afjuxuunsiga kudheereeya madaama uu iskudeyaayo in uu si cad u inkirro jiritaanka sharciyadii caalamiga ah ee biyaha badda Soomaaliyeed oo soobaxay (1972), (1982), (1988). Cabdiraxmaan Shiikh Ibraahim Maxamed oo ah nin sheeganaya inu yahay wasiir dowladeed oo islamarkiibana si cad oo sharcidaro ah u dhaqmaya waa khasab in si deg deg ah loogaqaado xilka ummadd dhan ay kukhasaaroqabto.

Cabdiraxmaan Shiikh Ibraahim Maxamed wuxu si xun u ceebeyay Soomaaliya marku sidafooshaxun uu u isticmaalay calanka iyo calaamadaha kale ee qaranimada wadanka Soomaaliya waana khasab in labaaro meeshi ay Kenya ama Norway (ama labadaas dowladood oo iswadta) ay u mariyeen lacagta ay ninkaani xun siyeen sidu howshaan ay dantooda ku gaarayaan ugu fuliyo! Wa in la'iswadiiyo sideebu u dhihikaraa Cabdiraxmaan Shiikh Ibraahim Maxamed waxan ahay nin mas'uul ka'ah arimaha biyaha badda ummada Soomaaliyeed isagoo udhaqmaya sidi nin burcad ah? Waxaan rajeynaya in sidii ugudhakhsobadan in lugu maxkamadeeyo ninkaan iyo cidii kale oo sida noocaan ugu howlgasha wadamada shisheeya! Insha'alla si wanaagsan ba looxalindoona arrintaan laakin wa in ay shacabka Soomaaliyeed ay u soo istaagtaan difaaca biyaha badda Soomaaliya!

Wa in layeelo sida waayahaan dhow uu sheegayey Mudane Faarax Axmed Cumar oo ah taliyaha ciidamada badda ee DKM Soomaaliya mararka uu barlamaanka DKM iyo taleefishinada uu kagadhawaajiyay in dad farabadan oo shisheeya ay iminkaan duulaan ku yihiin biyaha badda Soomaaliya waana in lagafaa'iideysto aqoonta aqoonyahaanada qaaliga ah ee Soomaaliyeed oo badan oo sharciyada biyaha badda Soomaaliyeedba wax badan kagaranaaya sida Mudane C. Abshir Cigaal oo isna maalma ka hor taleefishinka Soomaalida qudbad kajeediyay.

Wa in dadka Soomaaliya ay ogaadaan in aysan wax dan ah ugu jirin sidu u dhaqmaayo tuuga riqiiska ah oo ladhaho Cabdiraxmaan Shiikh Ibraahim Maxamed oo sheeganaya xilka wasiirnimada Soomaaliyeed wakhtigaan waana in shacabka Soomaaliyeed in ay ogaato in loobahneyn oo lagafiicanyahay in DKM Soomaaliya ay kalatashato cid aan Soomaali aheyn sida ay dowlada Soomaaliya u maamulidoonto biyaha badda Soomaaliya! Waxaan xaq uleenahay in aan difaacano oo dhowrano sharciyada caalamiga ah oo cadeynaya in Soomaaliya ay iskaleedahay biyaha badda oo xeebta markii laga bilaabo gaareysa 200 Nautical Miles oo EEZ-gu uu yahay 200 Nautical Miles oo kale oo kabilaabata meesha ay biyaha badda Soomaalidu kudhamaato. Cid xaq u leh in ay wax kabadasho sharciyada caalamiga ah oo aduunka oo dhan lagayaqaan majirto islamarkaasna wa in la ogaado sixixa uu tuuga sheeganaya xilka wasiirnimada DKM Soomaaliyana oo ladhaho Cabdiraxmaan Shiikh Ibraahim Maxamed oo ay Kenyaanku kireysteen waxba kamajiraan oo ma'aqoonsandoono xaqdaro noocaas oo kale ah hadaan Soomaali nahay!

Somalia and the Creatures Being Farmed There

2011-06-19T21:52:00.000-07:00

So there you have it: there is nothing to see. The epiphenomenon 'Farmaajo' is no longer the 1st minister of the monstrous TFG of Somalia. Although 'Farmaajo' looks like a Somali man, talks like a Somali man, and is apparently beloved by the Somalis at large—the Somalis are not human, so they have no need for a figurehead like 'Farmaajo'.

You see, Somalia is a territory which is currently being exploited by two principle farmers—and I apologise to all conventional farmers for my use of language here—in their quest for greater productivity and enhanced yields in the form of cold hard cash. The principle farmers in question here are known by the names of Museveni and Meles, although they have been known to hide behind the corporate names such as IGAD, the AU, and the 'International Community'.

The farm itself—the bountiful land of Somalia—is so preposterously productive that that our farmers guard it jealously, even from the strange idea that the creatures being farmed (the once proud Somalis) may develop independent thoughts such as thinking about managing their own affairs. You see the Somalis—thinking that they are human—sometimes dream about managing their own affairs. This only amuses the farmers Museveni and Meles—the latter is getting old and has grown rich from his tenure as the chief farmer in the Somali territory. In fact, Meles is still the go to guy with respect to the fine art of getting the best out of the Somali territory: he is famous for giving long lectures on the subject, even though the majority his brutal farmhands had been kicked out of Somalia a few years ago.

The farmers have many devices and tools at their disposal when they are working the fields of Somalia. Their most prized asset is the sheepdog called Mahiga who never tires of herding the Somali sheep on behalf of his farmer masters. Mahiga lives in an opulent kennel, known as UNPOS, which is remarkable for such a low born dog. The wonders of the universe never cease to amaze me—praise be to the Almighty!

The Somalis—being creatures less than human—are often frightened by magic and scarecrows. One famous scarecrow in Somalia is primarily known as Shariif 'Sakiin', although he is known by many other names and designations—including 'nejis nejis dhalay'. Rather perversely, this evil scarecrow is known to work hand in glove with a very famous crow—on the Somali farm—known as Axmed 'Tuke'. Axmed 'Tuke' is the ugly face of the Somali farm. Sadly, for the millions of creatures being processed on the farm Somalia, Axmed 'Tuke' has a mind even uglier than his appearance.

Axmed 'Tuke' began working on the farm Somalia as a bird of a feather with a flock who had brought peace to Mogadishu many moons ago. Now he is the crow who conspires with the scarecrow against all of the creatures on the farm Somalia. How did the this absurdly perverse situation ever be allowed to develop? How did the farmer Meles—who was famously born with a healthy fear of the Somali territory—end up being the chief farmer in Somalia?

More puzzling is how did the the up and coming farmer Museveni manage to employ thousands of thuggish storm-trooper farmhands, known as AMISOM, in Somalia without so much as a whisper from Meles? This is indeed a strange game: an evil game!

The other day, I stumbled across a news report which showed the Somali creatures on the farm being given rations of cooking oil and rice by an agency which is independent of the farmers Museveni and Meles. When I watch this particular news report, I found myself asking, is such a reality really possible? Can the Somali creatures really be liberated from their current state of actual dehumanisation? Can the Somalis one day manage their own affairs? May the Almighty guide us to such freedoms.

It is strange to think that Mogadishu, once the white pearl of the Indian Ocean, is now home to the shocking farming methods of the AMISOM storm-trooper employed by the farmer Museveni. Mogadishu is now the abattoir where the final solution for the Somali creatures is most mechanised and efficient. Somali blood is not human blood judging by the work methods of AMISOM. AMISOM is known, and is infamous, in its indiscriminate bombardment of areas of Mogadishu where the Somali creatures seek shelter. How have the Somalis fallen so low as to be penned in and manipulated by 'adoon' in military dress? Did not some of their grand fathers and great grand fathers fight off the attentions of the military superpowers of the past? How has it come to this?

Somalia and Wikileaks

2010-12-19T15:31:00.000-08:00

There can be no doubt that the release of the U.S. State Department diplomatic cables, by the Wikileaks organisation, is a triumph of journalism. The fact that certain sections of the political establishment inside America are mounting a campaign directed against Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, is a testament to the raw power of this remarkable phenomenon. Assange should be commended, not prosecuted, for his efforts. The fact that Wikileaks has successfully revitalised the art of global journalism, in spite of the mind-blowing incompetence of the American mainstream, in a very short period of time is something very impressive.

The fact is that Wikileaks, an organisation that genuinely pursues the principles of freedom so speech—unlike the bulk of the mainstream media in the West which merely pays lip service to it—has shaken up the corridors of power, by speaking the truth to power. This is indeed an important development. Perhaps, in years to come, nothing remotely like the treasure trove of confidential government documents currently being released by Wikileaks, shall ever be presented to the public as a consequence of the legal backlash that has been stimulated by the noble actions of Mr. Assange and his colleagues.

With respect to Somalia, it is particularly refreshing to see the evidence of the quite astonishing levels of American cynicism that is associated with the recent history of the feeble TFG of Somalia. It is remarkable to see, as a result of the information being released by the Wikileaks organisation, that the U.S. State Department now admits—internally at least—to the fact that the Ethiopian invasion of Somalia in 2006 was a mistake. Also, it is quite amazing to read of the joy and glee of the crown prince of the United Arab Emirates as he congratulates General John Abizaid, of U.S. CENTCOM, on the outcome of the Ethiopian invasion of Somalia, which the prince described as “a fantastic operation”. The poor man could not have been more mistaken. I hope that the prince can now see that the Ethiopian invasion of December 2006 was far from the fantastic operation he described then. Wikileaks provides us with the first documentary evidence that connects the United States of America to the 2006 invasion of Somalia by the Ethiopian army.

Where previously, there had only been speculation fueled by nothing more that circumstantial evidence, Wikileaks has provided us with official government documents which shed light upon the American mindset during this critical period in the history of the Somali nation. This is something which is very valuable, and not just for the people of Somalia. History, unlike the truth, is something which can be easily warped and manipulated. However, the raw data being released by the Wikileaks organisation is allowing the truth to triumph—at this moment in time—over the falsehoods which usually go a long way towards shaping recorded history. In a place like modern Somalia, this represents nothing less than a revolution.

Another American diplomatic cable, recently released by the Wikileaks organisation, documents the strenuous efforts made by the former TFG prime minister Cumar C/rashiid Cali when he had attempted to convince unnamed U.S. military commanders to bomb a Shabaab-Xisbul Islaam conclave which was being held near to Afgooye on the 16th of May 2009. It is documented that Cumar C/rashiid Cali had discussions, by means of the telephone, with the American military men based in Washington D.C. It would appear that the Americans refused to support his idea to attack the Shabaab and Xisbul Islaam officials who were meeting on that day. What is truly shocking is that a man, as inconsequential as Cumar C/rashiid Cali and who is a member of the feeble TFG of Somalia can actually imagine that he can influence the decision making process of the American military's chain of command.

The Americans have never been known to be shy and retiring when it comes to going after a military objective, and it seems highly unlikely—to me at least—that the Pentagon requires the inept TFG of Somalia to provide it with actionable military intelligence at any time. Furthermore, the Americans have carried out military strikes inside Somalia on a number of occasions in recent years. They have never once relied upon the TFG of Somalia for any aspect of the execution of any of these well documented incidents. It is staggering to think that a man, who calls himself a political leader inside Somalia, can calmly call for the bombing of the Somali national territory—as though he was ordering a pizza after a hard day in the office. It is hard to believe that anyone could behave in this fashion and expect to remain a credible political figure inside Somalia. We have Wikileaks to thank for providing us with documentary evidence of the sheer depravity and immorality of men such a Cumar C/rashiid Cali Sharmaarke.

It seems quite clear—especially when we recall that Cumar C/rashiid Cali had been paid approximately US$2,000,000 in return for stepping down as the TFG prime minister in September 2010—that Somalia shall remain in the grips of the ongoing violence so long as the corrupting influence and moral weakness of the TFG is not addressed properly. The Shabaab shall continue to find recruits, and the war will continue, unless genuine Somali patriots take responsibility for the rehabilitation of the Somali state. I have condemned and denounced the TFG of Somalia on many occasions, and I have attempted to demonstrate the dangers inherent in standing by and doing nothing, but the falsehoods being presented by many interested players—quite often players who are manifestly hostile to the legitimate interests of the Somali nation—seem to distract the people very easily. However, the evidence being made available by the Wikileaks organisation represents a mirror for all of the Somali people to look at. It is up to us to choose whether we wish to look at the image being presented to us or not. Somalia must decide to confront the image being presented here, and to respond by making a stand against injustice in a responsible and mature manner.

Somalia and the Deceitful Rhetoric of Axmed 'Tuke'

2010-09-17T03:56:00.000-07:00

Hardly a day pass, during recent times, when we do not hear that some senior member of the ghastly TFG of Somalia has travelled away from Mogadishu in order to meet with his handlers in other parts of the world. Today is no exception, for I have just read that the cretin Axmed 'Tuke'—the so-called president of the TFG—has flown from Aden 'Cadde' and is bound for the Ugandan capital city of Kampala.

To my mind, this simple act of travelling away from Somalia—to Uganada on this day—in order to meet the political masters of the AMISOM troops who had, just yesterday, killed dozens of innocent Somali civilians, by means of their indiscriminate shelling of the Bakara market in Mogadishu, demonstrates the fact that the Axmed 'Tuke' is a shameless and soulless traitor who masquerades daily as a God-fearing Muslim.

Today, the imposter president of Somalia shall request the deployment of more Ugandan troops—as had been previously pledged by shamelessly Anglophile Ugandan dictator—in order to further his own personal interests at the expense of the legitimate interests of the entire Somali nation. Today, Axmed 'Tuke', with characteristic cowardice, shall ask the murderous Ugandan leader to further intensify the heinous indiscriminate shelling of the much traumatised civilian population of Mogadishu purely for the benefit of the monstrous TFG of Somalia.

This a great shame, and nothing less than a dreadfully dark stain upon the history of the Somali nation. Once, I should have thought it impossible to imagine that a Somali individual should seek to utilise the force of arms of a manifestly hostile foreign entity against the civilian population of Somalia. However, I am now quite convinced of the fact that Axmed 'Tuke', and others like him shall forever attempt to stoop as low as they can in order to satisfy their own greed and mindless lust for power.

The actions, of this ghastly little man, speak far louder than his painfully deceitful words. It is hard to imagine a being lower than this notoriously shameless man—Axmed 'Tuke', so-called president of the TFG—even when one casts their mind back to the appalling warlord era of Mogadishu! There must come a time, when all of the Somali people become aware of the fact that the monstrous TFG of Somalia is nothing more than a tool of neocolonialism. The monstrous TFG of Somalia trades only on its ability to justify the thousands brutal killing and forced displacement of the civilian population of the entire Somali peninsula on the behalf of foreign powers.

The Somali people must learn to recognise the fact that the vile TFG of Somalia—with its barbaric philosophy that is founded on the principle of collective punishment of the Somali civilian population—is nothing more than a throwback to the era of European expansionism in Africa. It is not difficult to imagine people like the ghastly Axmed 'Tuke', and the other ethnic Somalis who are currently serving the nefarious interests of various manifestly anti-Somali global entities, fawning before their European masters 100 years ago.

These so-called Somali politicians prostitute both themselves and the legitimate interests of the entire Somali nation by their shameful actions; and that is to say nothing of Somali honour itself. Such people flout, on a daily basis, the laws of the Almighty and yet—somehow—they expect the support of the God-fearing people of Somalia despite their manifest wickedness. It is my sincere wish that today, when Axmed 'Tuke' meets with the Ugandan dictator—that mindless barking dog of the West—he dispenses with deceitful rhetoric and openly admits to his crimes by declaring himself a loyal stooge of the agents of neocolonialism and a mortal enemy of the Somali nation!

Somalia and the Ethiopia Militias That Prey Upon the Impoverished Somali Civilians of the Ogaden Region

2010-07-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

As had occurred, earlier this year, when rapacious Ethiopian troops had attacked the Somali settlement of Buuhoodle, the people of the Eastern fringes of the Ogaden region have recently been mercilessly attacked by the very same—and extremely brutal—armed forces of the Ethiopian federation.

As had occurred in Buuhoodle—earlier in the year—the Ethiopian troops had subjected the Somali civilian population of the Eastern fringes of the Ogaden region to a violent reign of terror. Not only had the Ethiopians killed scores of Somali civilians, by means of a chilling series of unprovoked extrajudicial killings, they even managed to steal the property of the poor Somali civilian community that had been shattered by their merciless violence.

The Ethiopians, in their frenzied attempts to kill as many Somali people as possible, had managed to grievously injure many Somali civilians instead. So venal and depraved are the Ethiopian troops, they had insisted—just as they had done in Buuhoodle a few weeks earlier—upon taking the trucks of the Somali settlement in question.

The Ethiopians, in their extreme vindictiveness, had stolen the Somali people's vital means of transport; the Ethiopians had stolen the only motorised vehicles capable of transporting vital supplies to this particularly isolated Somali settlement, which is located in the Eastern fringes of the Ogaden region.

This ghastly policy must end. Nothing can justify this form of state-sponsored terrorism. We, the Somali people, must resist these terrible acts of aggression perpetrated against us by the Ethiopian army and their associated militias. This terrible tactic of removing the transport vehicles—which mostly belong to the impoverished Somali civilians of the Ogaden region—must cease.

With faith, and the help of the Almighty, we shall overcome the consequences of this particulary tragic period in Somali national history.

Somalia and the Honourable People of the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn Regions

2010-06-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

'That which does not kill us makes us stronger'
-Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900)

Firstly, let me express my solidarity with the honourable people of the Sool, Sanaag and Cayn regions of Somalia. These people have been treated quite appallingly, in recent years, by the puppet regimes in both Puntland and Somaliland. To make matters worse, the rather thuggish Ethiopian state is now attempting to achieve its nefarious desired objectives directly in North-Western Somalia by extremely violent means, as was the case in recent massacre in the border town of Buuhoodle. There can be no doubt that the Ethiopian regime, in Addis-Ababa, is pursuing a divide and rule policy with respect to the entire Somali peninsula. The Ethiopian state, as has been demonstrated time and again, has no regard for the truly awful consequences of the manifestly anti-Somali policies which it consistently chooses to pursue. Indeed, the shedding of Somali blood is an integral component of the long-term objectives of the Ethiopian state to depopulate the Somali national territory of both the Somali people and their ancient culture.

The honourable Somali people of the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn regions have courageously thwarted both the evil designs of the brutally extreme Ethiopain army—and its associated militia—and the dastardly plans of the secessionist Somaliland regime of Dahir Riyaale Kahin in Hargesa by refusing to participate in the sham elections of this month(1). The secessionists of Somaliland seem to believe that they shall somehow benefit materially from supporting the profoundly anti-Somali elites of the Ethiopian state. However, by attempting to violently destroy the legitimate interests of the people of the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn regions, the secessionists in Hargeisa only draw themselves deeper into the malignant sphere of influence of racist Ethiopia.

I call upon the leadership in both Puntland and the secessionist enclave of Somaliland to respect the right to self-organisation of the honourable Somali people of the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn regions. This includes the right to organise their own economic affairs without fear of extortion or violent intimidation by the wicked security apparatus of the Ethiopian state and its puppet regimes inside Somalia. At the present moment in time, far too many so-called Somali leaders are all too ready to go out of their way in order to serve the best interests of the Ethiopian state(2); and too often at the absolute expense of the Somali people. This must stop. Far too often, people such as the hopelessly weak and ineffective prime minister of the ghastly TFG of Somalia—Cumar Cabdirasiid Cali Sharmaarke—have made statements which condemn the people of the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn regions simply because—in the eyes of such so-called leaders of modern Somalia—to oppose the Ethiopian state is considered to be something wrong and unthinkable. This is a great pity. I, for one, am deeply disappointed by anyone who can claim to be a leader of the Somali nation whilst simultaneously serving the best interests of the beast Meles Zenawi!

Ethiopia is directly responsible for all of the death and destruction that has been the ruin of the Somali republic during the past 21 years. Ethiopia is the prime beneficiary of all anti-Somali policies ever pursued in the Horn of Africa region—by one power or another—for over 100 years. Ethiopia is an illegal entity which is built upon the illegal partitioning of the Somali national territory a long time ago, and we still live with the dreadful consequences of this evil act to this day. Not satisfied by this historic criminal act, the modern Ethiopian regime seeks to further divide Somalia, region by region, for their own nefarious ends. Ethiopia is an entity built upon the bodies of many oppressed nations and it is sustained by the spilled blood of all of these nations—not least the blood of the Somali nation! I sincerely believe that the road to freedom, for all of the oppressed and long suffering nations of the Horn of Africa, can be found by all those who are able to emulate the strength and courage demonstrated recently by the honourable people of the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn regions of Somalia. Only then, with the will of the Almighty—when all of us completely reject the manipulative influences of the marionette puppets currently active in the Horn of Africa and their shadowy handlers—may we find peace.

(1)When secessionist terrorist occupiers call their victims names
By O. H. Omar

(2)Re-published integrally from http://www.halgan.net/view_article.php?articleid=13944

Madaxweyne ku xigeenka Puntland Jen.C/samad
Cali Shire oo u baqoolay dalka Itoobiya

Posted to the Web Jun 23, 09:12

Gaalkacyo:-Madaxweyne ku xigeenka dowlada Puntland Jen.C/samad Cali Shire iyo wafdi la socda ayaa saaka waxay safar shaqo ah ugu kicitimeen magaalada Adis ababa ee xarunta dalka Itoobiya.

Wafdi uu hogaaminayo Madaxweyne xigeenka dowlada Puntland Jen.C/samad Cali Shire ayaan waxay la shaacin sababta rasmiga ah oo ay u aadeen dalka Itoobiya balse warar hoose ayaa sheegaya in madaxweyne ku xigeenku uu u aaday dalka Itoobiya si uu u gala soo hadlo baabur laga leeyahay gobalka Ceyn oo ay qaateen ciidamo itoobiyaan ah oo soo galay magaalada Buudoodle ee xarunta gobalka Ceyn.

Wafdiga Madaxweyna ku xigeenka Puntland ku weheliya safarkiisa ayaa waxaa ka mid ah Wasiirka Amniga Gen.Yuusuf Axmed Kheyr, Wasiirka kaluumeysiga iyo dekada Maxamed Faarax aadan, Wasiir ku xigeenka Amniga gudaha Cali Yuusuf Cali xoosh iyo Agaasimaha Madaxtooyada Puntland Cali Jaamac Gibin iyo taliyaha ciidanka daraawiishta Puntland.

Madaxweyne ku xigeenka Puntland ayaa joogi doona magaalada Adis ababa ee xarunta dalka Itoobiya mudo laba isbuuc ah ka dibna waxaa uu uga sii gudbi doonaa dalalka Jabuuti iyo Kenya.

M_M Deeq
Source: (Halgan.net)

Somalia and the Ethiopian Invasion of Buuhoodle

2010-05-26T13:47:00.000-07:00

Rather surprisingly, for all Somalis are familiar with this particular foe, it comes as a great shock to discover that the ancient enemy of the Somali people—the Abyssinian highlanders—are still capable of terrorizing the people of the Somali republic with impunity. By what authority does the Ethiopian army have the right to invade the Somali national territory in order to kill innocent Somali civilians as happened in Buuhoole, located in the Cayn region of Somalia, on the 21st of May 2010? The Ethiopian army had massacred many unarmed and defenceless Somali people on that day, and the perpetrators of this ghastly crime must be made to account for their inhuman actions.

The invasion of Buuhoodle must be condemned in the strongest possible terms by all civilised people. All Somali people must learn to recognise this dangerous enemy at the gates. The perfidious Abyssinian highlanders are peerless with respect to their capacity for perpetrating the systematic killing of innocent Somali civilians; with the slitting the throats of sleeping Somali children; with the raping of Somali mothers in full view of their children; with the burning of entire Somali settlements. These are the age-old crimes of the Abyssinians: the invasion of Buuhoodle is but the latest episode in more than a century of Ethiopian abuses inside the Somali national territory.

Whilst any sane person, with a heart, would find it painful to contemplate the full ramifications of the recent Ethiopian invasion of Buuhoodle, the so-called internal security minister of the Puntland State of Somalia—one General Yusuf Axmed 'Kheyr'—went out of his way to apologise to the Ethiopian government after the Ethiopian army had killed and wounded scores of Somali civilians in Buuhoodle. This is something truly remarkable! Does not Mr. 'Kheyr' recognise that it is the entire Somali nation that requires, at the very least, an apology—from the scheming Abyssinian elite in Addis-Ababa—as a result of the carnage in Boohodle. Does not this foolish man recognise the fact that he is not required, either to provide an explanation for—nor to apologise for—the merciless killing of Somali nationals at the hands of the bloodthirsty Ethiopian army? Or is this man—General Yusuf Axmed 'Kheyr'—merely a hired hand; a man who is employed to serve Abyssinian political masters? Is he a man who is more dedicated to the criminal political interests of his Abyssinian masters than he is to the legitimate national interests of the Somali people?

By invading the Buuhoodle settlement—in the Cayn region of Somalia—the Abyssinian highlanders have committed an act of aggression, and any attempts, made by their many servants inside the Puntland State of Somalia administration, or anywhere else, to justify this act of aggression is an act of treason. The time has come for the cur dogs—who style themselves as the political elite of the Somali nation—inside the presidential palace of Garowe to publicly condemn the recent murders that had been perpetrated by the Ethiopian army on Somali soil. We must all learn to recognise the fact that Buuhoodle, and all other settlements inside the Somali national territory are currently being threatened by the rapacious and ferociously anti-Somali foreign policies of the Abyssinian dominated Ethiopian federation.

The time has come, for the Somali nation to resist this age-old Abyssinian impulse to kill Somali people in the prime of their lives: the time has come to remove the like of president Cabdiraxmaan M. 'Faroole' from a position of social responsibility on ground of gross negligence, and by the fact that he had been working hand-in-glove with the Abyssinian high command in Addis-Ababa since he assumed the presidency of the Puntland State autonomous region of Somalia. Such a man cannot claim to be acting on behalf of the people of Somalia, if he is simultaneously collaborating with the merciless Ethiopian security forces on a daily basis; the same Ethiopian security forces who had kill and maimed Somali civilians in Buuhoodle on the 21st of May 2010.

Somalia and the Inherent Dangers of Fiat Money Regimes

2010-05-24T06:10:00.000-07:00

What could be more shameful, for a fully grown man, than to find himself being coerced into performing tricks—by manifestly hostile agencies, and against his will—in exchange for an intrinsically worthless object? This is precisely the shameful situation in which the senior members of the monstrous TFG of Somalia currently find themselves. This week we witnessed some truly disgraceful infighting amongst the senior members of the so called TFG executive which culminated in the reinstatement of the TFG prime minister—Cumar Cabdirashiid—just a day after he and his useless council of ministers had been dismissed by the venal president of the TFG, Shariif Axmed.

The cause of the recent conflict which very nearly brought down the TFG, and the strange happenings of the part few days, is a consignment of newly printed Somali Shillings. This money had been printed in the Sudan, and had been transported by sea to the Post of Mogadishu. I have it on good authority that the so-called president of the TFG had personally taken delivery of this consignment of money—seven truck loads worth—in Villa Somalia. It is at this moment in time, when the senior members of the TFG had begun to fight like cats and dogs after they had learned that their so-called president had taken personal charge of this money, and that he would not be sharing it with any of the other members of the perfidious TFG of Somalia—as had been anticipated previously. Much of the TFG had been duped into thinking that the money would be distributed fairly, amongst the senior members of the TFG. Indeed, the shameless TFG president had actually conspired, with the former speaker of the farcical TF parliament, in a bid to cut the other men out of receiving any share in the illusory windfall to come their way. The speaker is said to have received a small share of the newly printed money in exchange for his support of this nefarious TFG scheme.

The important question to ask is why are these men compelled to behave so shamefully as a consequence of the printing of fiat money? The Somali Shillings in question are, in fact, completely devoid of value. Why does the ghastly president of the TFG, Shariif Axmed, feel the need to betray his colleagues within the TFG—not to mention the Somali people in general—for the sake of a mountain of worthless paper?

I would venture to say that these men a currently labouring under the false impression that the fiat money in their possession has some value. I would suggest that these men have been manipulated by their own greed, and the words of their foreign masters, to believe in the illusion that the newly printed notes are notes of great value. These men are unable to see that they are being manipulated; being experimented upon. I should like to think that the common laboratory rat has more sense than the imbecilic members of the TFG of Somalia—the laboratory rat, although it lives in a cage, has a keen sense of what has material value in this world as opposed to the numerous traitors who claim to be working for the benefit of the Somali people at this time. The TFG of Somalia is so inept that its member cannot even conceal their own avarice from the public when they fight amongst each other for a few scraps of worthless paper.

The combination of personal greed and unimaginable moral degradation shall inevitably bring down the monstrous TFG of Somalia. All the fiat money of the world, including the now discredited US dollar, shall not help the evil men who currently inhabit Villa Somalia. This I am sure of.

Somalia: From Emergency to Emergence

2010-03-05T07:37:00.000-08:00

It must be stated—first and foremost, by a someone unaffiliated to the Wahabi school of thought—that the Shabaab have hit upon a winning idea when they had recently forbidden the UN World Food Program from operating in Southern Somalia. This is a truly admirable political decision, and any Somali national who disagrees is nothing less than a spineless slave by nature.

The Somali national territory has been a food exporting region of the world for thousands of years—are we, the honourable Somali people, really being asked to stop feeding ourselves for the sake of the narrow minded interests of Western governments?

The world is a curious place if this is the case. Let us all be clear about one thing, the ghastly TPLF elite of the Ethiopian federation—whilst they had been an insurgent movement--had certainly exploited the mass starvation of the Tigrayan people in 1984, for their own tactical ends¹. This coldblooded, and cynical, display of cruelty is the defining hallmark of the current government of Ethiopia: a government that has ruthlessly cannibalised the Tigrayan people—its political bedrock.

Therefore—in light of inhuman behavior on the part of Meles and his legions of ruthless TPLF cadre—how disgusting it is to see so-called leaders of the Somali community being enslaved by the very same Meles who ate his own people?

I am constantly shocked by the fact that, seemingly right-mined, people actually believe the the Ethiopian federation is going to survive, as a viable political entity when the monster Meles steps down.

I imagine the Amhara shall soon make a political comeback in Addis-Ababa. However, I imagine that the newly emergent Somali national consciousness shall overcome the wounds caused by the emergency that had been the invasion of the brutal Ethiopian army in 2007. Somalia still exists; both as a concept and as a geographic feature of the earth. There is nothing that the cannibal Meles Zenawi—lord of the savage TPLF elite of Ethiopia—can do to alter this fact of natural life: for demons only exert influence in hell!

And so, years after literally eating his own people, the monster Meles decided to invade the Somali national territory—with a great deal of support from the politically fickle Americans. For the Americans are selfish to the point where they regularly—and routinely—enslave their own citizens for one reason or another. The Americans both aided and abetted the Ethiopian invasion of the Somali national territory in 2007. For this reason alone, they—the Americans—be they ethnic Somalis or not, they have no business in the Somali peninsula. Their brand of evil has no place on the African continent.

The horrid TFG of Somalia is both a product of American arrogance and Ethiopian venality; a creature born of evil; a creature which serves an evil interests.

The horrid TFG of Somalia must be fought and destroyed, due to the existence of its inhuman bylaws: its monstrously rigid—not to mention divisive—4.5 sectarian agenda!

I believe that the worst is over. The Somali nation has been liberated from the horrendous, and potentially fatal, influence of political subservience to the ghastly Ethiopian regime—guided by the demonic Meles Zenawi—with its Western backers: The Ethiopian state survives on the back of charitable donations from the West.

Today, we see that the Ethiopian backed groups—active inside the Somali national territory—have themselves become liberated from the malignant influence of the TPLF leadership in Addis-Ababa. I say this because, the TPLF lives in dread of the armed men of central Somali, currently calling themselves Alhu Sunna Waljameeca—a Sufi order. The very fact that the Ethiopian state can never trust its so-called Somali allies² is a reason to feel confident that the Somali nation shall emerge stronger with each year that passes. With faith, and a little non-linear thinking, Somalia must surely prevail.

1Mr. Aregewi Berhe BBC Statement, March 2010

2See: The Rise & Fall of Cabdullahi Yusuf Axmed.

Somalia and the Disgusting Conduct of Mr. 'Faroole'

2009-12-15T04:48:00.000-08:00

It would be interesting, I think, to be able to peer inside the sub-conscious mind of Mr. Cabdiraxmaan 'Faroole', the current president of the Puntland State Authority of Somalia. Surely, I say, this man must be tormented—whilst he sleeps—by the realisation that the betrayal of a brother has its own unique rewards? I refer specifically to his recent betrayal of his Somali brethren who hail from the ancient lands of Ogaden clan. When his administration collaborated with senior Ethiopian intelligence officials—whilst on Somali soil—in the brutal torture of Ogadeni men then in the custody of the Puntland State Authority, did Mr. 'Faroole' bat an eyelid? So vicious had been the treatment of these captives, that one of the men in question actually lost his life.

The Ogadeni men of this group, who remained alive at that moment in time, were then handed over to the Ethiopian intelligence operatives—who subsequently transported them to a secret prison located somewhere near the Ethiopian capital. One can only imagine the fate of the Ogadeni men in question once they had been transported to Ethiopia itself. I imagine that their fate—if indeed these men are still alive—is a brutally grim one, and I am ashamed of the conduct of Mr. 'Faroole' in this particularly tragic episode in the recent history of the Puntland State of Somalia. A man, especially a leader, always has a choice! The choice between that which is right, and that which is wrong is often clear when it comes to the best interests of the Somali people.

To add insult to grievous injury, Mr. 'Faroole' seems to believe he has been bestowed with the authority, here on earth, to legally distinguish between individuals who are Somali nationals and those who may be aliens. This is clearly a fantasy. However, using some mysterious formula, Mr. 'Faroole' has determined that the people of the Somali Region (Ogaden) are no longer Somali people—he actually sees them as aliens. What is truly shocking is that the current president of the Puntland State of Somalia views the people of the Ogaden clan as particularly dangerous aliens.

Nothing could be further from the truth. The people of the Ogaden clan are quintessentially Somali. The Ogaden has always been, and shall forever remain, the pulsating heart of Somali culture and the Somali national identity. The people of the Ogaden have always been welcome inside the Somali territory known, at the present time, as Puntland. I find it outrageous that an outsider, a dangerous Australian alien—in the shape of Mr. 'Faroole' himself—has the audacity to claim that he is acting in the best interests of Somali people.

The president of Puntland, and his criminal henchmen, recently began to demand that the people who have fled the fighting in Southern Somalia should now return to their places of origin. In effect, Mr. 'Faroole' has decreed that certain sections of the Somali public are no longer welcome inside the territory of the Puntland State of Somalia. By what authority does this man think he has the power to avoid lending a helping hand to a brother in distress? Does Mr. 'Faroole' expect far away lands—such as Australia—to provide a home for these displaced Somali people?

I recently observed a curious episode, where the president of Puntland held a press conference, after having not reaching an accord with the weak president of the TFG of Somalia in Nairobi. In his press conference Mr. 'Faroole' claimed to be working for the best interests of the Somali nation, but that the TFG was creating a great problem by not respecting the letter of the recent Galkacayo agreement—concluded between the lumbering prime minister of the TFG, Cumar Cadbirashiid Cali Sharmarke of the TFG, and Mr. 'Faroole' himself some time ago.

Therefore, the press conference in Nairobi, recently held by Mr. 'Faroole' was nothing more than a condemnation of TFG of Somalia. He implied that the members of the TFG entity had been duplicitous in their actions and, in fact, that the TFG had no intention of respecting the aforementioned Galkacayo agreement. In effect, Mr. 'Faroole' began to have a public slanging match with the senior members of the TFG entity on that recent day in Nairobi.

Just to demonstrate the fact that Mr. 'Faroole' is a man with no shame, no sooner had he concluded his press conference he found himself en route to Addis-Ababa, the capital of the Ethiopian Federation. It appears that the weak president of the TFG entity, Shariif Axmed, was also summoned by the prime minister of the Ethiopian Federation at this time. As is often the case Ethiopian intervention is required in order to resolve a mess of this kind. I imagine that Meles Zenawi had been successful in his bid to reconcile his Somali vassals who were at that moment in time feuding.

It would appear that the prime minister of Ethiopia has a unique talent for this type of marriage counseling. He has had a hand in Somali politics for a very long time now. It is ironic that the late Maxamed Siad Barre, last true leader of the Somali nation, had once supported and nurtured this talent. Ever since the fall of the last functional Somali regime in 1991, prime minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia has played a central role in the internal affairs of the Somali nation. As a consequence we have seen the rise of men such as Mr. 'Faroole' to prominent positions inside Somalia itself.

One can hardly blame Ethiopia for the problems of modern day Somalia. Indeed, Meles Zenawi and his government are responsible for the furtherance of Ethiopian interests. This is only natural, but why must senior members within Somali society assist the Ethiopian leadership in their work? The blame must be placed at the feet of the many gutless Somali collaborators—of which Mr. 'Faroole' the current president of the Puntland State of Somalia is a prime example—who serve the interests of the foreign nations who are inherently hostile to the best interests of the Somali people. This subspecies of servile Somali politician must be eradicated from the political landscape of modern Somalia if only to maintain the honour of the Somali nation.

I found it truly appalling when I heard that Mr. 'Faroole' and Shariif Axmed—the respective presidents of the Puntland State Authority and the TFG entity of Somalia—had taken to exchanging apologies when only days earlier they had been on the verge of hostilities. I find it shameful that they now speak about a recent misunderstanding and a breakdown of communications between their two polities. Why do these men choose to not state the obvious fact that the prime minister of Ethiopia—their true master—had successfully knocked their heads together and had changed their behavior?

The shameful behavior of Mr. 'Faroole' has even come to the attention of the United States House of Representatives. Congressman Donald Payne of New Jersey must be commended upon his principled stand in his recent written warning to the Puntland State Authority. The United States of America is hardly a place that can be described as being habitually attentive to the needs of the Somali nation, but even in America can there be found voices which express clear disgust at the conduct of Mr. 'Faroole' and his cronies in Garowe. This is quite remarkable when one stops to reflect upon the fact that Mr. 'Faroole' has only been in his current office for less than 12 months.

Mr. Cabdiraxmaan 'Faroole' is perhaps the most dangerous man to have ever been elected to the office of the president of the Puntland State of Somalia. I believe that this man is a threat to the entire Somali nation—including our brethren in the Ogaden territories. Clearly, this man must be removed from the office of president sooner rather than later. I believe that the parliament of Puntland must bear the full responsibility of removing this dangerous individual from the office which he has brought into disrepute—after all, they are responsible for his rise to power! The parliament of Puntland has the authority to impeach and, for the benefit of all Somali people, I call upon them to act with haste in this regard.

Somalia and the Folly of Mr. Ban Ki Moon (UNSG)

2009-10-06T16:58:00.000-07:00

According to Mr. Ban Ki Moon, the United Nations Secretary-General, The so-called TFG of Somalia has made, '...made progress in the political and security fields, and deserves the continued support of international partners.' He suggests this in an United Nations report due to be released in the coming few days.

These words are clear evidence of the fact that the United Nations has now completely lost touch with reality with respect to the current situation on the ground inside the Somali national territory. This shameless disregard of the simple truth that the monstrous TFG entity of Somalia has failed in its stated aims of winning control of of the Somali national territory, is an affront to human dignity.

Why, I ask, does the Secretary-General of the United Nations—incidentally Somalia is still remains a signatory nation of the UN charter for all that is worth—seek to delude the world, in this brazen manner, and to bring shame upon both himself and his office?

Why does the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki Moon, choose to ignore the fact that AMISOM troops—almost on a daily basis—shell the Bakara Market of Mogadishu from commanding artillery positions pre-prepared on the hillsides of the now ruined Somali capital city? This vile practice had been pioneered, years before, by the ghastly conscript soldiers of the Ethiopian army during their ill-fated, and now infamous, attempt to conquer the Somali national territory.

Why does the Secretary-General of the United Nations seek to bolster the fictitious capacities of the monstrous TFG entity? Does he not realise that he is actually flogging a long dead horse in this regard? The monstrous TFG entity can never be considered a legitimate government by any sane member of the Somali community—does not Mr. Ban Ki Moon recognise this simple fact? Or has the darkness of racist policy making completely clouded his judgement. Does he not believe that the Somalis are capable of choosing their own leaders, and building their own institutions?

Neither Somali national honour, nor the practical requirements of certain deeply held national beliefs, can accommodate the imposition of a government upon the Somali people by the United Nations—the very same United Nations that condones the continued shelling of the Bakara Market by the AMISOM forces charged with protecting the diabolical TFG entity. Does Mr. Ban Ki Moon genuinely believe that any nation requires a permanent garrison of foreign soldiers based on its soil in order for it to develop properly?

Furthermore, why should the rest of the world—through various United Nations sponsored initiatives and for the benefit of spurious yet hidden motivations—bankroll the continued slaughter of ordinary Somali civilians by the mindless brutality of AMISOM soldiers stationed inside the Somali national territory? In my view this is an extremely unethical state of affairs, and Mr. Ban Ki Moon—Secretary-General of the United Nations—must bear personal responsibility for the criminal conduct of the AMISOM soldiers currently protecting the TFG entity inside the Somali city of Mogadishu.

Mr. Ban Ki Moon is clearly quite prepared to take responsibility for the raising of funds for the perpetuation of the violence—currently being directed against the ordinary people of Somalia—by his unstinting support for the illegitimate TFG entity. Therefore, he must be held legally accountable for the now countless human rights violations that have perpetrated by both AMISOM soldiers and the vile TFG forces fighting inside Mogadishu since the beginning of this year.

If Mr. Ban Ki Moon chooses to continue with his fantastical assertions whilst the realities of life—inside Somalia—clearly, and practically, contradict his assertions, then it is reasonable to suggest that he has either taken leave of his senses or that he is quite simply a liar. In the sincere hope of the former being the case, I would urge all of the people of South Korea to inform the United Nations Secretary-general of the fact that the monstrous TFG entity of Somalia is hated by all sections of Somali society at the present time. Furthermore, I would urge the people of South Korea to let the United Nations Secretary-General know that the TFG entity of Somalia—which Mr. Ban Ki Moon supports so strenuously—controls only 3 square kilometres of ground inside the entire national territory of the Somali people.

Let us all stop throwing good money after bad in the pursuit of an unattainable objective. The monstrous TFG entity of Somalia has failed quite demonstrably. Let us all move on. Let madness never prevail!

Somalia and the Failings of Modern American Foreign Policy

2009-08-20T12:11:00.000-07:00

"Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations – entangling alliances with none."

-Thomas Jefferson,
3rd President of the United States of America.

I find it rather perplexing that modern American politicians, time and again, seem to disregard the noble foreign policy principles of the founding fathers of their republic. Indeed, it is strange that modern America has become an entity which seeks to remake all the nations of the world in its own perceived image. I can only speculate upon the true motives behind such a curious kind of behaviour, and I very much doubt that the political elites of modern America—even privately amongst themselves—can provide a definitive explanation of the motives which ultimately drive such destructive political impulses.

Perhaps a staggering, and unhealthy, lack of political self-awareness has taken hold of the American psyche for the best part of the past 100 years. In this relatively short period of time in human history, modern America has managed to both achieve great successes and to fall victim to evidently self-inflicted foreign policy disasters. Clearly, modern America’s emergence from unilateral isolation during the early part of the last century, and its decisive role in securing strategic Allied victories in both World Wars—and the Cold War—cannot be denied.

However, modern America—despite its much vaunted super-power status—has failed in several significant theatres of foreign activity during the past 100 years. Modern America—for various reasons—and in pursuit of a certain kind of liberal interventionist foreign policy, which I firmly believe it has inherited from a particularly brutal European continent of a bygone age, has failed spectacularly in places like Korea, Vietnam, and Somalia during the past 100 years.

Modern America, in my opinion, has clearly abandoned the principles of its founding fathers—as eloquently described in the above quoted phrase taken from the inauguration speech of President Thomas Jefferson in the year 1801. This regrettable loss of authentically American values, in my view, has led to truly disastrous consequences in many parts of the world. In the specific case of Somalia, we have seen modern America support the most feared, and hated, members of Somali society—the warlord fraternity of Somalia—for the sake of political expedience. Modern America had chosen to arm and support men with extensive criminal histories: Men with the blood of literally thousands innocent Somali civilians on their hands, and for no discernable profit!

To add insult to injury—and as a consequence of the many failures of the warlord fraternity of Somalia: these men had failed to achieve the political aims specifically desired by Washington D.C.—the Ethiopian army was ordered to invade the Somali national territory in December 2006 by the US government of the day. This particularly bad piece of US foreign policy soon resulted in complete disaster for all concerned, not least the Ethiopian army. When the Ethiopian army had failed to successfully install the ghastly American vehicle of occupation, called the TFG of Somalia, modern America decided—quite cynically—to modify its political approach by creating the concept of moderate Islamism, as personified by the notorious Sharif Axmed—so-called president of the monstrous TFG entity.

I believe that modern America should learn from the many mistakes of the past. I believe that the time has come to end the practices of modern liberal interventionism inside the Somali national territory. Such practices only breed resentment amongst the ordinary members of Somali society, which in turn breeds armed resistance movements inside a land that has known little but violence for the best part of a quarter of a century. The Somali people are not, as some may choose to portray them, inherently hostile to the idea of the modern American republic. However, the Somali people—like any other nation on earth—are very much hostile to the idea, and the execution, of acts of aggression directed against them and their legitimate national interests. The concept of imposing a puppet government upon the Somali people is profoundly offensive to all sectors of honourable Somali society—and I can confidently say that the overwhelming majority of Somali people share this point of view.

I am the first to admit the fact that the Somali nation has collectively, on several occasions during the past 40 years, made a number of serious political mistakes. These errors of judgement have, more often than not, led to what can best be described as self-inflicted political crises inside the Somali national territory—but Somalia is hardly alone in this regard! Having said this, it is important to identify the role played by foreign political actors, inside the Somali national territory, throughout these past 40 years. Foreign interventions, in one form or another, have stimulated and aided the rise of a certain type of so-called Somali national politics. Multiple foreign interventions, inside the Somali national territory have always favoured and supported the most rapacious, corrupt, and irresponsible members of Somali society—and always at the expense of the remainder of the ancient and honourable Somali nation. Foreign intervention, in one form or another—and modern America is certainly not alone when it comes to this type of behaviour inside the Somali national territory—is the nothing less than the root cause of the demise of the once influential Somali state.

It is quite clear to me that the cynical methods, used for the purposes of foreign interventionism inside the Somali national territory, serve neither the interests of the foreign actors who seek to influence the political destiny of the Somali nation nor the ordinary members of Somali society. To my mind, the cynical methods of foreign interventionism inside Somalia—as practiced by modern America—must be abandoned if we are to see the return of political stability and peace inside the Somali national territory. Modern America must learn to resist the urge to give material incentives to the most depraved—and untrustworthy—members of Somali society in the name of American strategic interests. Modern America must learn to benefit from the lessons of its own past. Modern America must rediscover the ideals of its own founding fathers—men who had managed to overcome the bitter experience of colonial rule, by means of an armed struggle, in order to establish the United States of America itself.

Somalia and the Folly of the Imposter President

2009-08-11T04:13:00.000-07:00

‘Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner.’

-James Bovard

There is a man—some consider him a president. However, in reality, this man is nothing more than a convenient tool of the virulent anti-Somali agenda which emanates from Washington D.C.—that otherworldly home of nefarious intrigues. The ghastly man in question had recently shaken hands with a high-ranking, female, American politician who had originally made her name as the wife of a bona fide president from North America. This woman had managed to rise to the top of her society, quite admirably, and she happens to be—purely by chance—an advocate of all manner of Western liberalism.

The man in question here needs no introduction. By this moment in time, his infamous reputation precedes him. I have it on good authority that the so-called president of the monstrous TFG of Somalia had received a cash payment of US$600,000 for his role in the unlawful sale of Somali territorial waters to the Kenyan government. By any standard, and despite the public condemnation—made by many of his associates inside the TFG entity itself, as a result of this particularly shameful act—the manifestly evil demon, who had shaken hands with Mrs. Hillary Clinton during last Thursday must, by the grace of the Almighty, face the full consequences of his many treacherous misdeed.

I was shocked to learn that the so-called president, of the monstrous TFG entity, had once—a number of years ago—been taken into custody by the Ethiopian police forces in Addis-Ababa. He had been, at that time, on a mission on behalf of an influential kinsman of his. It is alleged that the man, who currently calls himself the president of the shameful TFG entity of Somalia, had managed to disturb the peace of Addis-Ababa, during his time there, by failing to pay his luxury hotel bill in that city. It would appear, as irony would have it, that his immediate predecessor as the so-called president of the disgraceful TFG puppet entity—Mr. Cabdullahi Yusuf Axmed—had intervened on his behalf in order to free him from an Ethiopian gaol, and certain public humiliation.

For these simple reasons, and many others too numerous to mention at this time, the honourable Somali nation must never tolerate the humiliation of accepting such a worthless and vile creature as its legitimate head of state. Whether or not the mighty United States of America chooses to support this shameful character, the Somali nation must be never accept this violation of our God given right to choose our own leaders. The honourable Somali nation must never succumb to the foolish intentions of the Godless few amongst us—no matter how impeccably democratic their credentials seem to appear.

Somalia and the Domesticated Members of Society

2009-08-10T18:08:00.000-07:00

I recently encountered a word which completely captures the nature of certain so-called Somali politicians of modern times. Much credit must go to those amongst us who pay attention to these matters. Apart from the shameless former clan warlords—who currently masquerade as ministers, or imaginary civil servants, within the repulsive TFG of Somalia—there is a distinct group of public figures who, rather uniquely as individuals, manage to personify the lack of self-esteem so common amongst the nominally educated classes of modern day Somalia.

The word, which best describes these people, is domesticated. There is something amusing about the mannerisms, and the complete lack of style, of these genuinely domesticated individuals. No sane person can deny the fact that the current—and perhaps phantom—foreign affairs minister, Mr. Maxamed A. Omaar, of the monstrous TFG of Somalia cuts a pathetic figure when he attempts to justify—by means of Western legal rationalism—the brutal military occupation, by AMISOM soldiers, of certain parts of Mogadishu: Somalia’s biggest, and most important city.

In the eyes of such people, and there are quite a few amongst the monstrous and perfidious TFG entity, the ability to string a few—well rehearsed—phrases in the English language, and the ability to wear a three piece suit, is apparently enough qualification for the shameful role of betraying the entire Somali nation in the service of certain Western masters. These domesticated Somali politicians, in many ways, remind me of the pliant and submissive ‘House-slaves’ who had once served their white masters during the repulsive bygone era of Slavery in the Americas.

It is particularly surprising to learn that such men are permitted to play a divisive role inside the Somali national territory at this moment in time. Indeed, when one reflects upon the long history of the Somali nation, it is particularly regrettable that such a state of affairs has come to pass. The various domesticated politicians, who currently serve in the so-called cabinet of the disgraceful imposter Shariif Axmed—himself a creation of Western interests—seem to think, quite mistakenly, that they shall gain concrete benefits from this loyal service to their Western masters.

Men like the truly awful Cumar Cabdirashiid Cali Sharmaarke—a man who seems to believe the fiction that he is the Prime Minister of a legitimate Somali government—having learned how to wear a suit and tie correctly in North America, are prepared to do anything in order to satisfy their Western masters. This man, in particular, has been in the service of certain Western interests—in the shape of the United Nations—for much of his working life. It seems to me that these domesticated Somali politicians—these diabolical members of society—are hell bent upon selling both the national territory and the national heritage of the Somalia for the benefit of their Western masters.

In many ways, the phenomenon of the domesticated Somali politician is the greatest danger which currently confronts the Somali nation at this moment in time. Men like the recently elected leader of the Puntland State of Somalia, Dr. Cabdiraxmaan ‘Faroole’, seem to never learn from the mistakes of the past. It appears that the current leadership of the Puntland State of Somalia are busily preparing for the opening of a new Ethiopian interest office in the State capital city of Garowe. This is quite amazing when one reflects upon the devastation caused by the Ethiopian army inside the Somali national territory during the recent past. It would appear that the domesticated members of Somali society, the negligent and morally bankrupt politicians of modern times, care more about serving the interests of their Western masters than standing in solidarity with their Somali brethren. Certain Somali politicians are more concerned about visiting Washington D.C. or New York City—where their domestication is both encouraged and appreciated—than the act of successfully ending the suffering of their compatriots in Southern Somalia.

Somalia, French Military Trainers, and the Utopia of Wilsonian idealism

2009-07-14T14:05:00.000-07:00

It would appear, on this day, a couple of French military trainers have been taken from their hotel—the Saxafi in Mogadishu—at gun point. I would imagine that the people in question were taken, very much against their will I suspect, by a group of unknown gunmen.

There is something odd, to my mind, about the idea of French military trainers being present in Mogadishu at this precise moment in time. Firstly, it would appear that the Frenchmen in question had checked into their hotel whilst masquerading as journalists—what were they expecting to gain by concealing their true purpose in Somalia? Secondly, there are daily battles being fought by heavily armed adversaries inside the city of Mogadishu—to whom were these Frenchmen to provide military training? Thirdly, the AMISOM troops inside Mogadishu are described as professional soldiers—why would they require military training at the hands of European military personnel? Perhaps the situation inside Mogadishu, in purely military terms, has developed into something which is beyond the capabilities of the AMISOM soldiers?

These are all interesting questions, and perhaps we shall never really know what the true purpose of these men could be. All we know for certain is that the combined forces of the AMISOM contingent and the diabolical TFG of Somalia shall have to find another source of military training for the time being.

Rather interestingly, the President of the United States of America, in his recent address to the Ghanaian parliament, seems to believe that the ideas of his predecessor—President Woodrow Wilson—hold sway on the African continent. The idea of universal humanitarian law, as defined by a benevolent United States of America, can reshape human societies—for the better—throughout the world is nothing more than a broken utopian dream. Furthermore, with respect to the African continent, the era of plunder by European colonialists, and their cousins from the New World is firmly over. I would like to remind people that the change of a political leader is nothing more than the happiness of fools. America, if it wishes to enforce the laws which underpin President Woodrow Wilson’s utopian dream, is wasting both its time and its treasure: This is a battle that cannot be won.

I would like to add that European colonialism, in its new form, is Wilsonian legalism by its nature. Not so long ago, a serving African head of state, in the shape of Al-Bashir of Sudan, had been indicted by a European court which has been fallaciously rebranded as the International Criminal Court. The idea that international law, in addition to international finance, can be administered from either New York City or The Hague is an example of racist hubris at best, and part of a diabolical neo-colonial scheme at worst. Just today I witnessed the outrageous show trial of Charles Taylor, the former President of Liberia. This type of thing is quite disgraceful. There must come a time when the people of the so-called third world nations learn to define, for themselves, how important their own laws and customs are in the face of such shameless neo-colonialist aggression.

With respect to the Somali national territory, I am of the opinion that the only law that matters is that of the Almighty creator. It cannot be a coincidence that the shameful concept of liberal interventionism was developed in the twin capital cities of Washington D.C. and London. We must remember that Islamic law, as set down by Allah, and not the utopian ideals of Wilsonian inspired neo-colonialism, is what the people of Somalia must protect in the face of this regrettably misguided foreign aggression which is directed against them at the present time.

Somalia, the Shameful Alliance Between Yusuf ‘Indhacadde’, the Monstrous TFG, and the Western World

2009-07-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

I find it rather amusing that, during this week of heavy fighting inside Mogadishu, the Swedish government—having assumed the presidency of the European Union—has allied itself with the Somali warlord Yusuf ‘Indhacadde’. Indeed, the Swedish special envoy to the so-called Somali Peace Process—Mr. Bjallerstedt—has publicly stated that the groups currently opposed to the monstrous TFG of Somalia, “have no idea beyond overthrowing the legitimate government.” And, quite remarkably, Yusuf ‘Indhacadde’ seems to think himself a free man, at this moment in time, when he claims that the noble forces opposed to his ungodly TFG of Somalia are the agents of foreign powers. He also suggests that the Shabaab and Xisbul Islaam are opposed to the concept of law and order inside the Somali national territory.

Yusuf ‘Indhacadde’ is in no position to comment upon the noble concept of law and order in any context. This inveterate warlord has personally caused the ruin of countless Somali families in his rapacious quest for wealth. Yusuf ‘Indhacadde’ is a man devoid of all moral virtues. He is a shameless political opportunist, and this is a fact known to all the people of Somalia. Yusuf ‘Indhacadde’ has changed sides so often, in political terms, that I am convinced that he is a man who cannot take himself seriously whenever he makes his views public. The very fact that Yusuf ‘Indhacadde’ is a senior member of the monstrous TFG of Somalia demonstrates that he is not a credible commentator on Somali national affairs. Without a shadow of a doubt, Yusuf ‘Indhacadde’ is a serial violator of the laws of God; he is a man without honour.

Furthermore, it seems to me that Mr. Bjallerstedt, whom I suspect to be a learned man, is being deliberately obtuse when he suggests that the monstrous TFG of Somalia is a legitimate government. This assertion could not be further from the truth. Furthermore, it is quite clear that the noble freedom fighters of Somalia—the combined forces of the Shabaab and Xisbul Islaam—have every right to seek the removal of the so-called TFG of Somalia. The monstrous TFG of Somalia is nothing more than a vehicle for the re-colonisation of the Somali national territory by manifestly hostile foreign powers.

I should like to add that the noble forces, currently resisting the Western re-conquest of the Somali national territory, have already demonstrated that they have the ability to fully restore peace to the Somali national territory. By way of providing evidence for this assertion, I would encourage Mr. Bjallerstedt, and the rest of the so-called international community, to visit the important port city of Kismayu in Somalia. This is a clear example of the fact that the noble forces of the Somali resistance are more than capable of governing the Somali national territory well. They have shown, for the best part of a full calendar year, that they have a good idea of what is best for the people of Somalia inside the port of Kismayu.

The people of Somalia are, by and large, God-fearing Muslims. Therefore, I for one, should like to know what the so-called international community can offer the people of Somalia that Allah cannot provide for them? I should like to know why the treacherous imposter Shariif Axmed has put his faith in the hands of America—and their donation of arms to him—and not in the Almighty Allah? It seems to me that the alliance between the Western world, and much of the IGAD group of states, seeks the complete ruin of the Somali nation. In my opinion, the people of Somalia do not need Western liberalism in the shape of the promotion of same sex marriages and mindless consumerism. The people of Somalia do not need the imposition of a corrupt Western-style sham of a democracy which has been imposed by hostile foreign aggressor, as in the case of the shameful TFG of Somalia.

I find it astonishing that the so-called international community is united in its opposition to the rise of the noble holy warriors of the Somali nation. And, the most remarkable thing of all is the fact that the international community never seems to learn from its own mistakes. The lessons of the past, I should have thought, suggest that the warlords of Somalia shall never achieve their treacherous goal of militarily dominating the Somali national territory, on behalf of their Western masters, so long as the Somali nation demonstrates its faith in the power of the Almighty.

Somalia and the Potential for a New Round of Foreign Military Intervention

2009-06-22T07:03:00.000-07:00

On this day, I learned that the Organisation of the Islamic Conference—in conjunction with Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah of the United Nations—has formally called for a further military intervention, inside the Somali national territory, in order to save the monstrous and traitorous TFG of Somalia. It seems to me that a grand conspiracy has been hatched, by the so-called international community, to re-colonize the Somali national territory.

It can come as no surprise that the faithless senior membership of the hated, and illegitimate, TFG of Somalia have requested the urgent assistance of more foreign soldiers inside the Somali national territory. The so-called TFG of Somalia is an agent of foreign powers, and it exists specifically to facilitate the re-conquest of the Somali national territory by the brutal and corrupt membership of the so-called international community.

This disgraceful scheme, and the self-indulgent actions—on the part of the assorted band of Somali traitors who currently masquerade as the government of the Somali Republic—have occurred just days after the death of the so-called Security Minister of the TFG, the late Col. Cumar Xaashi Aden, in the Somali town of Beletweyn. As deplorable as the circumstances surrounding his death were, one cannot dispute the fact that a senior member of the so-called TFG of Somalia had died in the company of several senior Ethiopian military men.

This single event is symbolic of the problems facing us at this particularly painful time in our national history. How can any person in their right mind believe that the salvation of the Somali nation rests in the hands of the brutal and repressive Ethiopian military machine? Evidently, the late Cumar Xaashi had believed that his Ethiopian military escort would carry him to glory inside Mogadishu itself; little did he realise that he would die, alongside his Ethiopian associates, in the land of his forebears.

Now, there is much evidence to suggest that the complete demise of the monstrous TFG of Somalia is close at hand. With faith, and the will of the Almighty, we shall overcome the shameful antics of the so-called President Shariif Axmed and his cronies inside Villa Somalia. Sooner or later, this ignorant little man shall realise that he has lost the battle that he has been fighting on behalf of his foreign masters: The members of the so-called international community. It is pretty clear that the barbaric soldiers of so-called TFG of Somalia have, in most cases, completely lost the will to fight already. Hence the urgent request, made recently, for more foreign military intervention by the ridiculous Speaker of the so-called Transitional Federal Parliament of Somalia.

Currently, inside Somalia, the particularly blood thirsty soldiers of the so-called TFG entity of Somalia are engaged in acts of looting and the shameless extortion of funds from the helpless, and much brutalised, civilians of Southern Somalia. All of these acts of TFG facilitated criminality occur whilst the so-called President, Shariif Axmed, claims to be defending the interests of the Somali people. The time has surely come for all of this madness to end. I call upon all members of the shameful and dishonourable TFG entity to resign their worthless positions, and to leave the Somali national territory for good.

The assorted bandits, currently calling themselves the political elite of the Somali nation, have caused enough suffering as a result of their folly. These ignorant people must call upon their misguided and destructive so-called TFG soldiers to lay down their arms and to join the majority of the Somali nation on the path of the righteous.

Somalia, the Monstrous TFG, and the Folly of Doctor ‘Garweyne’

2009-05-27T10:49:00.000-07:00

It is surely a monumental example of the idiocy of the so-called TFG entity that, during the past few days, a cabinet member—called Dr. Mohamud Abdi ‘Garweyne’—has warned aid agencies not to stockpile the aid earmarked for needy families inside Somalia. He went on to say that any aid agency, found to be stockpiling such aid, shall face punishment in the future.

This apparently arbitrary proclamation betrays the inherent despotic nature of the so-called TFG entity: Dr. ‘Garweyne’ clearly does not perceive the reality of the situation in which he currently finds himself. Therefore, I shall attempt to enlighten him at this time.

Firstly, Dr. ‘Garweyne’, and the rest of the diabolical TFG construct, are in no position to investigate organised wrong-doing of any description. The monstrous TFG entity possesses neither the means nor the capacity to investigate the habits and procedures of the aid agencies currently active inside Somalia.

Secondly, I wonder if Dr. ’Garweyne’ actually realises that he is in no position to punish the Western aid agencies in question? Does the so-called minister for humanitarian affairs realise that many of the aid agencies in question are directly associated with the Western powers that had, quite disgracefully, created the TFG in the first instance?

Thirdly, the aid agencies in question have greater budgets than the puppet entity—currently masquerading as a sovereign authority—the so-called TFG of Somalia. Indeed, the vile and perfidious TFG of Somalia is an insolvent body. Therefore, how is this mendicant entity, the so-called TFG of Somalia, able to threaten the aid agencies in question with sanctions: With punishment?

Fourthly, Dr. ‘Garweyne’ suggests that there are no security reasons for the practice of stockpiling aid, on the part of the aid agencies in question. If, indeed, this is the case, why then does Dr. ‘Garweyne’, and the rest of the so-called TFG entity, require the protection of the AMISOM troops currently serving inside Mogadishu?

Finally, let me suggest to Dr. ‘Garweyne’, and the rest of his TFG colleagues, that the time has come for them to put an end to this idiocy once and for all. I should like to suggest to Dr. ‘Garweyne’, and all of his TFG colleagues, to resign their posts immediately in order to permit the Somali people to exercise their God given right to national self-determination.

Somalia and the Question of Foreign Fighters

2009-05-19T06:27:00.000-07:00

On this morning, I learned of the fact that the Ethiopian armed forces have been re-deployed in central Somalia. By all accounts, the Ethiopian army has taken the Kala-Beyr Junction, a strategic location in the Hiiraan province of Somalia. This news does not come as surprise to me, for I know that the so-called President Shariif—and his shameful phantom government—are prepared to do anything in order to remain inside Villa Somalia.

Having been comprehensively beaten, in military terms, during the past week of fighting inside Mogadishu, the fatally discredited TFG shamelessly depends upon foreign troops—including the brutally racist soldiers of the Ethiopian federation—for its very survival. With this in mind, I would like to examine the claim that foreign fighters can be found amongst the ranks of the armed opposition inside Somalia.

There are varying estimates, with respect to the actual number of foreign fighters who are actively engaged in the battles against the perfidious TFG forces inside Somalia. Conservative estimates put the number at approximately 200 men, and extreme estimates seem to suggest that there are 350 foreign fighters currently fighting in support of the Al Shabab group and their allies. I am prepared to accept the notion that these numbers are entirely plausible. One cannot deny that it is quite possible for foreign fighters to find their way to Somalia in order to do battle against the forces of neo-colonial oppression.

What I find truly remarkable is the brazen hypocrisy of the Western world with respect to the concept of foreign fighter. Let us begin with the example of the British army, with respect to its use of foreign fighters. During the illustrious history of the British army, one is able to identify many instances of the British employing foreign fighters in order to satisfy their military objectives. One can speak of the King’s African Rifles, during the time of the British Empire, and say many a dark skinned individual has carried arms in the service of the British Crown. Even in the present day, it is quite obvious that the British army cannot do without the Ghurka soldiers who famously come from the mountainous country of Nepal.

Let us now discuss the habits of the modern American military hierarchy, with respect to the use of foreign fighters in the furtherance of American national interests. One only has to look at the thousands of mercenaries—currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan—who hail from far flung places such as Croatia, Sierra Leone, El Salvador, South Africa, Poland, Guatemala, and The Philippines just to name a few. Indeed, by definition an empire is an entity capable of drawing its fighters from the many nations under both its political and military influence.

Now let us return to the question of foreign fighters currently operating inside Somalia. When one puts aside the unreasonable—and frankly ridiculous assertions of the US Department of State, the UNPOS, and the AU—it is easy to see that the vast majority of the foreign fighters currently inside Somalia are there as a result of a neo-colonial scheme designed to deprive the Somali nation of its God given right to national self-determination. I state, for the benefit of all Somali people, that the foreign fighters who are most unwelcome inside Somalia are the 4300 AMISOM soldiers who currently protect the illegitimate and monstrous TFG of the so-called President Shariif.

The only foreign fighters—to my knowledge—causing the Somali nation a great deal for suffering are the thousands of Ethiopian soldiers who periodically make incursions into the Somali national territory. Such military incursions are not only illegitimate but they are brazen acts of state sponsored terrorism on the part of the so-called great powers of this world. The so-called President Shariif manifestly serves the nefarious interests of the so-called International Community—a conspiratorial fringe group in this world which is led by an Anglo-Saxon elite—and, in doing so, he seeks to eliminate the political freedom of the Somali nation.

Finally, let us say that there really are 500 foreign fighters amongst the ranks of the Somali Mujahidin who oppose the shameless puppet President, currently hiding inside the AMISOM tanks of Villa Somalia. Let us assume that these men have been accepted as brothers by the men who spent much of the past two years fighting the Ethiopian army inside Somalia. Let us assume that, as honoured guests, these men have come to understand the political motives of the armed opposition inside Somalia. Can any person, with a modicum of intelligence, describe such men as anything other than noble and constant friends of the Somali nation?

On the other hand, let it be remembered that the so-called President of the Somali TFG—Shariif Axmed—was enjoying the comforts of a Djiboutian hotel whilst the true defenders of Mogadishu were engaged in daily battles against the Ethiopian invaders during the past 2 years. The TFG of Somalia—a shameless entity with a rotten membership composed of former warlords—cannot be a credible judge of character, and the assertions of the TFG which state that foreign fighters are somehow bad people is indeed laughable.

I urge the so-called President of the TFG, and all members of the disgraceful transitional federal parliament to resign their posts immediately. These people have brought the name of the Somali nation into disrepute, and they must be made to pay for their crimes. With the help of the Almighty, we shall overcome this awful stain upon our good name. Somalia is worth far more than what the so-called band of donor nations, of the International Community, is offering the TFG of Somalia for their treachery.

President Sharif's Dream

2009-05-07T15:34:00.000-07:00

Deep inside the various protective layers of Villa Somalia, late dictator's palace, President Sharif is fast asleep. He is enveloped by the sweetest of dreams. In this particularly ephemeral state, the moderately famous Somali leader dreams about the trappings of political power. He finds himself lord and master of Mogadishu, and much more besides. He sees a vision of himself as a man surrounded by wise counsellors, and fawning foreign diplomats. President Sharif finds himself leading a prosperous, if troubled, nation.

The UN World Food Program is, at that moment in time, urging him to authorise the expansion of their mission towards the town of Luuq, in the West of what remains of the territorial Somali Republic. For some strange reason, President Sharif, who has just been re-elected for the second time, does not wish to rely on foreign aid any longer. He imagines that he has had quite enough experience of foreign manipulation. Despite the fact that a ferocious offshoot of the Al-Shabaab militia, known locally as the Jiritaan Brigade, controls the town of Luuq, and most of the Ogaden region, President Sharif often supports foreign request such as this.

The President shuffles around his emperor-size bed, as he slumbers, dreaming about the challenges that face his tenure as President. He sees himself as the saviour of the Somali nation; a man with the common touch. He dreams of donkeys carrying sand for the construction of the giant concrete wall that is to partition the Banadir District, bisecting the once beautiful Somali capital city of Mogadishu. The Somali President fears for the future of the poor unfortunates, according to his omniscient mind, who live under the rule of the Sharica Islaam, inside Somalia, and on the other side of the great wall that now divides Mogadishu. He dreams about the curious Black Flag, beloved of his erstwhile Islamist friends, and he writhes in disgust.

According to President Sharif, a true Islamist is moderate both in appearance and policy. President Sharif hopes to emulate the late President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan, before the rise of imperial self-doubt, and the deplorable carpet bombing campaign of Islamabad. He also dreams of invading the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of Megan Daud, and her security forces. He mouths the words, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained”, as he slumbers. President Sharif is a political survivor whilst he dreams. His survival has always been derived from his unscrupulous tendency to be a political opportunist. After all, this is the man who sold parcels of the Somali national territory to the enemies of Somalia.

All potential assassins are rendered immobile during his expansively perverse dream. He was never a man that can be roused out of his bed by the sound of a Kalashnikov rifle spitting out anonymous reports in the distance, which has often been the definition of consciousness during a typically dangerous night in Mogadishu. Whilst he has lived inside the comfortable surroundings of Villa Somalia, President Sharif has always felt secure. The President, being an intelligent man, has always been mindful of the fact that the Ugandan troops, deployed to protect him, are good at their job. Despite their visible impatience to return to Kampala. The Ugandan troops are hated by the ordinary members of Somali society, and after many years of protecting President Sharif, the AMISOM soldiers long to return to their home countries.

Yet, on some level, President Sharif feels, during this sumptuous dream, uneasy about his record as the political leader of the Somali people. Try as he might, President Sharif shall never be held in high esteem by the great Somali people; a people who have known, and loved, the memory of the great Sayyid. Words can never soothe the distress caused by the fact that President Sharif, as look at himself in the mirror, recognises the image before him, each morning, as a political failure!

During his pleasurable dream as a legitimate world leader, distressing thoughts begin to inspire President Sharif, for the first time during his long career, to see sense. He finally decides, during this magical dream, to rebel against the wishes of the International Community. This is a brave move, especially when remembers the fact that the International Community had once, long ago, directly installed President Sharif as the imperially designated leader of the Somali nation. Despite the sweet nature of the dream. Despite the opulent surroundings of the recently re-built Villa Somalia, something deep inside President Sharif's mind compels him to serve the best interests of the Somali people, before it is too late. Before the vehicle of mortal consequences fails him, and long before the judgement of his immortal soul, President Sharif dreams of saving Somalia on behalf of his poor compatriots.

President Sharif, not before too long, has come to recognise the fact that the Somali nation is much more than a finely cropped beard, or an immaculately long beard, whether dyed orange or not, for that matter. President Sharif, in his wondrous dream, imagines negotiating a truce with the famous Somali Privateers of Eyl and beyond. President Sharif imagines that, with the help of the mercurial Seamen of the North, he can defeat the violently passionate forces of Jiritaan: The moderate President of Somalia, as he dreams, genuinely believes that he can influence the fate of the ancient Somali nation.

The President of Somalia, Sharif Ahmed, awoke in a cold sweat at 0545 hours on Friday 8th of May 2009. He was relieved to have woken from a bittersweet dream. He recognised his immediate surroundings as the broken shell of President M.S. Barre's once-elegant palace, Villa Somalia. However, it really felt like the process of cognition for President Sharif, so vivid was the dream of a Somali future where young men are prepared to kill for the concept of Somali national honour!

The True Nature of Somali Society and the Corrupting Influence of the Modern Urban Environment

2009-05-02T05:48:00.000-07:00

There can be no doubt that we live in a dangerous world. There is much to concern us about modern life, at the best of times, not least of which is the idea that our lives are profoundly influenced—more often than not—by mass-media inspired ideals. Modern human life has become so complex, in some parts of the world, that the general health of some people is greatly influenced by the enormous demands of the modern urban environment. It is often said that most of the people on the planet Earth shall, very soon, be living in a metropolitan environment. If, as I suspect, this is indeed the case, can we—as apparently rational beings—live comfortably with such a disturbing idea?

To my mind, a great deal of the modern urbanised lifestyle is completely illusory. The great cities of the world can only exist if there is a supply of crude oil available to the human race. Indeed, we would never be able to feed the human race adequately, now that the human population is greater than 6 billion individuals, if it were not for the great availability of Phosphates, Nitrates, and Pesticides derived from the crude oil of this world. This is a remarkable fact in itself, but we must remember the fact that nothing about the human condition has prepared us for a life lived within the limits of the urban environment.

Neither the psychological nor biological needs of the human condition are ever adequately satisfied when people find themselves living within the typically restrictive modern urban environment. No matter where one travels to in this world, the situation, inside a city, is often the same. One typically finds an environment where too many people are chasing too few jobs. In relative terms, some people are certainly better off than others, yet no single individual can ever claim to be genuinely free from the basic demands of modern city life. When one thinks about the demands of the modern urban lifestyle, for a short while, one is bound to confront the uncomfortable truth that urban environment is a genuinely dangerous place.

The modern urban environment is dangerous because it is built upon a foundation of inequity. In order for a city to thrive, by definition, the people of that city must be divided into a society of advantaged people and disadvantaged people. Social differentiation is the universal hallmark of modern urban living. The modern urban environment is, quite simply, and rather tragically, a kudos driven social phenomenon. For most individuals, living in the modern urban environment, the implicit concept of gaining kudos within society—by succeeding inside a city—has become all important. The concept of kudos is certainly very important in the great cities of the Western world, where fame and celebrity have developed into powerful social forces in their own right.

The modern urban experience seems to have become the central pillar of human civilisation during the past 100 years. We, as the human race, no longer value nature the way it ought to be valued. We seem to have forgotten that nature—in all of its glory—is the very safety net that subsidises the modern urban experience that we all find so familiar today. We pay scant attention to the fact that currently the human race, and our poisonous obsession with mindless consumerism, is directly causing the extinction of no less than 500 discrete species of flora and fauna each week. What can inspire such irresponsible practices? And how have we, the human race, apparently failed to learn from all of the accumulated wisdom of the ages?

It is my suspicion that a warped sense of urban idealism has greatly influenced the apparent moral decline we now see in all centres of modern urban life. The phenomenon of misplaced aspirations is very common amongst the legions of deprived youths who inhabit the great cities of today. Such young people aspire to have fast money, and all of the associated trappings of the ephemeral currents of modern consumerism. Urban crime, in many instances, is not only tolerated, but it is positively glorified—by certain sub-sections within the urban community—if the phenomenon can directly provide the urban youth with all that they desire. The concept of fast and easy money represents the death of social cohesion in the urban context. It can come as no surprise that the city is home to both the billionaire financial swindler and the impoverished common purse snatcher. Therefore, the modern city has certainly become both a place of fear and a breeding ground for social unrest.

In recent times, man has begun to champion the environment, and I am certainly glad that some of us are unable to accept the idea that the earth can be treated with disrespect for infinitely long period of time. Clearly, this is not the case, and the destruction of the natural safety net of life—the environment in which we find ourselves—must be treated with respect. However—as obvious as this may seem to most of us—the idea of treating the earth with respect is far from the minds of some. In some corners of the world, the concept of commercial profit has transformed otherwise normal human beings into beasts of profit. And, in the pursuit of pure profits, such people will stop at nothing. This obsession is the prime motive for all human economic speculation. Profit is the motive behind the construction of all steel and concrete monstrosities found inside the urban environment. Profit is the motive behind the poisoned soils of the landfill sites of northern Europe. Profit is at the root of all urban corruption, and white collar crimes. The lustful and destructive pursuit of profit is so powerful that it enables, with consummate ease, any flawed logic to triumph over the truth.

In light of the inherent dangers of the so-called developed—and modern—urban environment, what could be more ridiculous than the idea of remaking Somalia in the image of the densely populated urban world? In an age where both humans and dangerous viral pathogens can spread easily within the confines of the urban environment, can it be wise to introduce both foreign troops and foreign ideals to the Somali national territory? The folly of some—like the apparently mindless insistence of President Sharif Ahmed to maintain foreign soldiers, in Mogadishu, in order to serve the interests of a sedentary world that has no respect for the ancient customs and the rich heritage of the Somali people—cannot be permitted to overwhelm all that is good about the uniquely pure Somali culture. There must come a time when genuine political leadership is provided for the benefit of the Somali people. Honest and sober leadership in Somalia, by definition, is conservative in nature. This has been the case throughout the entire history of the Somali people, and I am quite confident that this shall prove to be the case in the future. Somali national politics must develop into a viable concern before it is too late. The likes of President Sharif Ahmed, and the bankrupt transitional federal government of Somalia cannot be considered a viable alternative to the corrupting influences of the modern—and globalised—urban environment.

The Pirates of Somalia

2009-04-13T02:06:00.000-07:00

Long after most people forget about the tragic final voyage of the Tanit—a small yacht that had been sailed by a young French captain—I shall remember the fact that a young child has become an orphan, and his mother has become a widow, as a result of the violent confrontation between a small band of Somali pirates and members of an elite French Special Forces unit. Three men had lost their lives in the exchange of machine gun fire on the apparently cramped deck of the small yacht.

Florent Lemaçon, the captain of the Tanit, and two members of the pirate gang had lost their lives as a consequence of a military operation that was over less than six minutes after it had begun. Fear and confusion must have reined supreme, during those fatal six minutes, as the French military stormed the yacht. Death now stalks the luminous waters of the Indian Ocean. The curious phenomenon of Somali based piracy is certainly well established at the present time, and, it would seem everyone is familiar with the rules of the game now.

The stakes are high, and there seems to be reluctance—on the part of the pirates themselves—to put an end to this dangerous, albeit lucrative industry. A few days after the tragic death of Mr. Lemaçon, the world learned of the dramatic freeing of Richard Phillips, the captain of the Mearsk Alabama, a vessel that had been attacked by the pirates in international waters five days previously. Mr. Phillips, no doubt, owes his life to the professionalism and sharp shooting of the United States Navy—and especially to the men of the elite Navy Sea, Air, and Land Forces.

In reality, the pirates who had been holding Mr. Phillips had very little chance of achieving their stated aims with respect to winning a ransom payment for the release of their hostage. Having been taken captive, after a failed attempt to hijack his American flagged vessel, Mr. Phillips had spent five days and four nights drifting gently at sea on one of the Mearsk Alabama’s lifeboats. Mr. Phillips had demonstrated considerable bravery in volunteering to go with the pirates on condition that they leave his crew unharmed. Yet despite the well-known tranquillity of the Indian Ocean, it is easy to imagine the anguish that had been felt by Mr. Phillips during his time in captivity on that lifeboat.

It is not difficult to imagine the fear and dread being felt by his loved ones in America, as his life was in the balance on what seems like an empty sea. It is obvious now, with the benefit of hindsight, that this particular group of pirates were doomed from the very beginning. These men must have known—as they desperately attempted to reach the Somali coast—that there was, in reality, little chance of them escaping death, or lengthy imprisonment, as a result of their actions. Fate had not been kind to this group of pirates when they had failed to hijack the Mearsk Alabama. With the benefit of hindsight, it is quite obvious that the United States Navy is a truly formidable adversary for any group of armed thugs, not least a small band of young and desperate Somali pirates.

The greatest strength—and the most potent bargaining device—available to the Pirates of Somalia is their ability to take an entire ship, and its crew, and hold such an asset until they are paid a ransom for the release of such maritime capital. Any deviation from this pirate modus operandi greatly increases the risks for both the pirates and their hostages. The risk associated with death as a result of pirate raids, and the risk associated with military confrontations at sea, are well understood by the Pirates of Somalia. The fact of the matter is that there are plenty of young men willing to strike it rich by becoming maritime bandits. Furthermore, the family of the fallen are always looked after by their kinsmen. This phenomenon can best be described as traditional Somali social security with a maritime twist.

It must be remembered that the majority of the Pirates of Somalia are former fishermen. These men have been forced to give up their former means of production as a result of often violent, and wholly illegal, encroachment on Somali fishing grounds by foreign fishing vessels. Hundreds of mainly European fishing vessels are in the process of looting Somali territorial waters, and the Somalis have limited options with respect to protecting their legitimate fishing rights. It is little wonder that many Somali men turn to the business of holding foreign ships for ransom. This activity has become the only viable means of production left for the men who live in many of the coastal settlements of Somalia.

Piracy has become big business in North-eastern Somalia, and this situation is not likely to alter significantly in the foreseeable future. Yet there is more to Somalia than the organised crime of industrial piracy on the high seas. There is more to the Somali nation then mere banditry. It is precisely this reason why the Somali people deserve better than the periodic repeat of military scenarios inside the Somali national territory where the highly trained—and well resourced—Special Forces of advanced nation states attack and kill the best of Somali youth. It is the responsibility of all Somali people to mend the broken political structures that have brought us to this regrettable situation at the present time.

So long as there exists a political vacuum inside Somalia, the Pirates of Somalia shall continue to go about there business undisturbed. Indeed, the so-called transitional federal government of the Somali Republic—an entity that is recognised by the United Nations—actually empowers the Pirates of Somalia, by its very nature. It is no secret that the current President of Somalia, and entire council of ministers, are perceived as a bunch of venal money-grabbers by a majority of the Somali people. By contrast, the Pirates of Somalia are perceived—by and large—as honourable maritime entrepreneurs, and captains of Somali industry.

It is quite clear to me that Somali society must find a new group of political leaders. The Somali nation desperately needs leaders that are able to confront both the Pirates of Somalia and the scourge of illegal foreign fishing inside Somali territorial waters. Only with the rise of responsible national leadership is the phenomenon of Somali based piracy adequately countered. The tragic death of Mr. Lemaçon, and the utterly senseless deaths of several young Somali men should, in ideal circumstances, be the last we ever hear of in relation to the work of pirates. However, I fear that the future—in all likelihood—is one filled with ever more daring examples of Somali piracy on the open seas.

Kenya and the Annexation of Somali Territorial Waters

2009-04-10T12:43:00.000-07:00

Quite often, in Somalia, certain individuals execute the most ridiculous of paralegal manoeuvres, and, whilst doing so, they foolishly claim to be acting on behalf of the united Somali nation. In this particular instance, I am referring to the shadowy memorandum of understanding, jointly signed by a representative of the Kenyan government, called Moses Wetangula, and Cabdiraxmaan Cabdishakuur Warsame, a minister of the current Somali TFG. It is quite clear that the document in question has also been endorsed by Cumar Cabdirashiid Cali Sharmake, the so-called Prime Minister of the Somali TFG.

This development is nothing short of disgraceful, and the Somali individuals responsible for this should be punished for this crime against the people of the Somali nation. It should be remembered—at this time—that the TFG of Somalia was created in Kenya itself, by a process of strategic elimination, for purposes other than the honourable service of the Somali civilian population. Therefore, can there be anyone who is genuinely surprised by the fact that the new TFG of Somalia is secretly ceding a portion of the Somali oceanic continental shelf to the Kenyan state? Ironically, during his last few months as President of the Somali TFG, Cabdullahi Yusuf Axmed is said to have refused a Kenyan government request for him to sign the very same memorandum of understanding.

For all of his lamentable failings, it seems that the old warhorse had some concept of national interest after all. In stark contrast to his successors, it must be stated that Cabdullahi Yusuf Axmed had refused—in no uncertain terms—to cede any portion of the Somali national territory to the Kenyan government. His punishment—for having dared to thwart Kenyan ambitions—was a momentary suspension of his travel privileges as the President of Somalia. The question must be asked, why does the TFG of Somalia exist if it brazenly serves the interests of the Kenyan state with little regard for legitimate Somali national interests?

In my opinion, the Somali people can do well without the shameless actions of certain, so-called, Somali politicians. How can any honourable Somali respect a man—whilst simultaneously claiming to be a minister of the Somali government just happens sell portions the precious Somali national territory to manifestly hostile entities—who prostitutes himself, his recognised office, and the good name of his nation? In my opinion, this ghastly event—which certainly represents a stain upon the dignity of the Somali people—shall precipitate actions in the future which, in all probability, will lead to the complete downfall of this so-called unity government of Somalia.

The new TFG of Somalia—it seems to me—is an infinitely worse monster than its predecessor. This illegitimate and bloated monstrosity cannot be permitted to speak in the name of the noble Somali nation. It is plainly evident, from observing the behaviour of the various ministers of the current Somali TFG entity, and not least the cretin Cabdiraxman Cabdishakuur Warsame, that these people do not seek to serve the honourable and ancient Somali nation. These people are nothing more that charlatans, and unprincipled political opportunists. I urge every sentient Somali man and woman to reject the vain and preposterous proclamations, of these vile people, who have managed to transform Villa Somalia into a nest of thieves in recent years.

For if we tolerate such a blatant abuse of the Somali national territory, at the present time, future generations shall never forgive us. The Somali national territory—including the expansive territorial waters of the Somali nation—represents the basic foundation of the Somali cultural identity. Without the Somali national territory, there can be no custom, clan, or national economy. There can be neither native history, nor future opportunities for the people of Somalia. If it is the wish of the Kenyan authorities to increase the scope of their economic opportunities at the expense of the Somali nation, one can only conclude that it is indeed a sad day. For wars are fought precisely over such matters. I urge the Kenyan authorities to rethink the contents of the unfortunate memorandum of understanding in question. I am certain that the Kenyan elite—being a people of the book—can remember the words “Honour thy neighbour!”

The Not-So-Good Ship Globalisation

2009-02-25T11:32:00.000-08:00

It seems that there is a hole—somewhere in the hull of the not-so-good ship Globalisation—and we are all being threatened by a deluge, in the form of the toxic assets currently inundating the global economy. It seems to me that both the great and small economies of the world need to correct themselves, at this moment in time, by returning to economic practices that actually work. Surely, at this point in time, and eighteen months into the global financial crisis, most people have become aware of the fact that the so-called banking ''bail-outs'' do not actually work. Why else do the relevant authorities keep returning to this flawed policy?

No less than 14 financial institutions have failed, in the United States, during 2009 already, and it is probable that we shall hear of many more failures during the months to come. For some strange reason, the policy makers responsible for regulating the great economies of the world refuse to take the measures necessary for remedying the financial mess that we currently find ourselves in. Instead of allowing the so-called ''bad financial institutions'' to fail outright, the policy makers have unanimously decided to prolong this agony by lending financial assistance to severely compromised financial institutions.

Such policies, almost certainly, do not solve the basic problems that we currently face. Without doubt, the so-called toxic assets held by these financial institutions can never be adequately rehabilitated. It is simply illogical to think otherwise. Therefore, the only viable solution, to the enormous problems at hand, is to write off these crippling losses and to rebuild the global financial system on a sounder platform. For too many years, both individuals and corporations have been living beyond their means. The lifestyle, of the average Western individual has been subsidised by access to cheap credit, and the illusion of cheap goods and services.

Most of us are now being confronted by the fact that the world of finance shall never return to the illusory boom of the past 15 years. We are currently facing the kind of economic upheaval that shaped the world during the early part of the 20th century. Ironically, there is a degree of economic protectionism, by stealth, creeping into the Western corridors of power. This—in my opinion—shall lead to the reversal of the process of Globalisation if this economic protectionism is not curbed. Local subsidies shall, in my opinion, lead to the devastation of the Globalised economy as we have come to know it. We have already seen the picket lines being drawn, in Northern Europe, for the protection of the economic rights of native workers and in response to apparently cheaper imported foreign workers.

This behaviour, if repeated by all the nations of the world, clearly heralds the demise of the concept of free trade. Economic barriers are currently going up all over the world, and whether we like it or not. It is clear to me that any form of government ''bail-out'', for any branch of any particular domestic industry, is a clear form of economic protectionism. Such a ''bail-out'' will, quite inevitably, lead to retaliatory actions by the governments of rival transnational industries. This is a rather dangerous economic arms race, and it is best avoided. The potential consequences of such actions are very bad indeed. History teaches to avoid 'beggar-thy-neighbour' protectionist policies if we wish to avoid the spectre of armed conflict between neighbouring states.

In conclusion, it seems to me that the best option, for all concerned, is to rediscover the concept of economic emancipation. For the smaller economies, in particular, it is important to find a comfortable niche. By this I mean that it is foolish for a small economy to become overly dependent upon the economic fortunes of the so-called greater economies. In many ways, economic dependence is the death of a nation. The idea of economic emancipation is worth striving for, and at this moment in time, when the frailties of economic neo-liberalism are there for all to see, the concept of Globalisation—if it is to survive—must embrace the idea of economic emancipation for all in this world.

Somalia And The Corrupt 4.5 Formula

2009-02-19T05:40:00.000-08:00

It is certainly the case that the Somali people urgently need an authority that adequately protects, and serves, the legitimate national interests of the Somali people. With this in mind, one must therefore reflect upon, what can best be described as, the acceptable nature of such an authority, should it become a reality. The TFG of Somalia surely aspires to be such an entity, however, it must first demonstrate that it is a legitimate aspirant. The TFG of Somalia must overcome all that is undoubtedly rotten within its political make-up; for it is well documented that the TFG of Somalia has been, in the past, an agent of foreign military occupation inside the Somali national territory.

Perhaps, at this moment in time, the newly constituted TFG of Somalia may choose to some honourable characteristics for the benefit of the people of Somalia. Perhaps, at this moment in time, the TFG of Somalia may learn to cast aside all that is base, including the ridiculous 4.5 formula of the TFG charter. The history of the TFG of Somalia is certainly shameful, and its nature is wholly dubious. However, it is still possible for this curious beast to reform its ways. It is possible for the TFG of Somalia to reverse the policies of the past, and to overcome all of the corrupt practices that had made it so weak in the past. The people of this political construct must look into this possibility urgently.

At this moment in time, Somalia is effectively stateless. The purpose of any state is to provide material benefits to the people living under its authority. The state, in order to exist as an independent entity, amongst other things, must possess the ability to enforce its right to security. Any entity that calls itself a government must demonstrate this ability before it can be considered as a legitimate entity. The monstrous TFG of Somalia cannot demonstrate, in any way, that it is the legitimate government of Somalia. Furthermore, the so-called Transitional Federal Charter is an abomination that is wholly inspired by non-Somali actors. The TFG of Somalia, as a concept, represents an affront to Somali culture, and it must never be respected by the people of Somalia.

The TFG of Somalia is a tool, manipulated by the shadowy enemies of the Somali people, for the social fragmentation of the Somali nation along clan lines. The diabolical Transitional Federal Charter states that all Somali political offices must be divided in accordance with the vile 4.5 formula. It is truly astonishing that grown men can seriously entertain the idea of executing state business on such a basis. The disgraceful 4.5 formula is nothing less than an assault upon the dignity of the Somali nation. This dishonourable concept only exists to serve the base interest of the many loathsome clan chauvinists of Somalia, and the Somali people must never succumb to such divisive schemes.

It is clear to me that the clan lineage of any Somali politician is simply irrelevant when one is asked to evaluate the political competence of the individual in question. The clan lineage of a particular Somali politician is about as important as that individual's height or weight with respect to the ability to perform a specific political duty. How has it come to pass that certain people, who claim to be serving the best interests of the Somali nation, can entertain the dreadful idea sharing political power in accordance with the 4.5 formula? The 4.5 formula—if adopted by the people of Somalia—shall surely lead to the dismemberment of the Somali nation.

The Somali nation, like any other nation, cannot afford to prostitute the nature of its national politics by indulging in the promotion of shameful pursuits like political fragmentation along clan lines. The folly of blindly following the wicked men who promote divisive agendas—such as the futile attempt to give legitimacy to the flawed TFG of Somalia by way of foreign military assistance—must be resisted by all Somali people. The TFG of Somalia represents, quite simply, a stain upon the honour of the Somali nation. Over 20,000 helpless Somali civilians have been killed as a result of the illegitimate claims of the TFG of Somalia. And, over 3 million Somali civilians have either been forcibly displaced, within the Somali national territory, or are in acute danger of starving to death as a direct result of the genocidal military aggression launched in the name of the TFG of Somalia.

We, of the honourable Somali nation, must never entertain the idea of supporting a criminal entity, such as the TFG of Somalia, in its quest for political legitimacy. How can the Somali people ever recognise the legitimacy of the TFG after a brutal Ethiopian military intervention has failed to win political legitimacy for the TFG of Somalia? The TFG of Somalia is unable enforce its declared claim to rule the people of Somalia, and everybody is aware of this fact. Therefore, this particularly dishonourable political aberration—the TFG of Somalia—must not be permitted sully the good name of the Somali nation any longer. In statecraft, there can never be such a thing as legitimacy without might, and the TFG of Somalia, at this moment in time, enjoys neither might nor political legitimacy.

The New TFG, Political Legitimacy, And Defeating Violent Extremism Inside Somalia

2009-02-14T00:59:00.000-08:00

The Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia must adapt or die. This is a statement of fact. Great change is afoot inside Somalia at the present time, and the new President, Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, must demonstrate that he is capable of seizing the opportunity that has been presented to him. Somalia has been effectively stateless for eighteen
long years, and the people of this East African nation have suffered great many deprivations during this nightmarish period of time.

Whatever one may think about the strange process that somehow spawned the curious entity which
became the TFG of Somalia and, despite the fact that the TFG—at one point in time—had been something of a trojan horse that seemed to only serve the interests of the enemies of Somalia, this is certainly no longer the case. The Ethiopian armed forces have been withdrawn from the Somali national territory, and the Transitional Federal Parliament of Somalia has been expanded to accommodate members of the Islamic opposition.

These developments are clear evidence of the fact that the political situation, inside Somalia today is changing very rapidly. It is foolish to suggest that the Djibouti agreement, brokered by the United Nations, had no part to play in any of this. Clearly, President Sheikh Sharif represents a clean break with the policies of the recent past and, in light of the appalling abuses of his immediate predecessor, it can be argued that the new Somali President has achieved a great deal already.

There is certainly a long way to go before the new TFG of Somalia can claim to be a legitimate force for good. The most important task facing the new President is to build a broad-based Somali government of national unity. Only then can the new TFG of Somalia be considered as a legitimate authority by the Somali people. The new TFG of Somalia must attempt to win political legitimacy by demonstrating, without ambiguity, that it stands for all that is good within Somali culture and national heritage. Dialogue and political inclusion represent the very foundation of the ancient Xeer Soomaali—Somali Common Law—and President Sheikh Sharif must bear this fact in mind as he seeks to build a government of national unity.

There is no doubt that road ahead remains very treacherous, for the new TFG of Somalia, as it seeks to establish itself. However, the early signs seem encouraging. Only the hard hearted are able to deny the fact that the recent appointment—in Djibouti City—of the the son of the late Somali President Cabdirashid Cali Sharmake, as the new Somali Prime Minister, is an encouraging early sign. All Somalis are aware of the fact that the Somali nation is almost broken at this moment in time and, almost without exception, all Somali people wish to see an end to the cycle of violence that has brought the Somali nation to its knees. The men of violence have a lot to lose if the new TFG of Somalia successfully resolves the root causes of political conflict inside Somalia. Such men of violence can only be defeated if the new TFG of Somalia visibly demonstrates that it serves the legitimate interests of the Somali nation.

The legitimate interests of the Somali nation are served by political inclusion for all sections of the Somali community, and the promotion of universal justice in the form of Shar'ia Islam for all of the Somali people. If the new TFG of Somalia can be seen to reasonably satisfy these ends, it will be sending out a powerful signal to the men of violence and the enemies of peace inside Somalia. The new TFG of Somalia must seek to promote dialogue between rival Somali factions, and it must seek to encourage members of the armed opposition to renounce violence and to seek to further their aims through peaceful means.

The new TFG of Somalia must distinguish itself, from the TFG of the past, by respecting the sanctity of human life. The people of Somalia have suffered a great deal at the hands of narrowminded violent extremists of every persuasion during the past eighteen years. Somalia must never again become a land of government predation. An inclusive—and broad-based—government of national unity represents the only viable mechanism for defeating narrow-minded violent extremism inside Somalia. Now that the defeated Ethiopian armed forces have been withdrawn from the Somali national territory, the men of violence can no longer claim to be fighting in defence of legitimate Somali national interests. The Somali people legitimately need the full restoration of peace in Somalia, and the establishment of a fully functional central government. And, the new TFG of Somalia should be supported by all people as it seeks to secure these precious political objectives.

Somalia And The Scourge Of Godless Relativism

2009-01-20T06:52:00.000-08:00

There can be nothing more repugnant than the kind of Godless relativism that permits men to perform the most heinous of acts, in the service of narrow political interests. Few people, if any, seem to pay sufficient attention to the fundamental flaws inherent in any theory which claims that the distinction between right and wrong can be blurred. There can be no variation—as all individuals with firm beliefs shall realise—in either environment or personal perspective that can alter the distinction between that which is right and that which is wrong. It seems to me that the distinction between honour and dishonour can never be blurred, and any individual that can believe otherwise is clearly deluded.

Recently, we have witnessed devastation on a great scale in the lands of the Levant. The most dreadful form of organised barbarism had been unleashed upon a long-abused and captive populace. The justification for this particularly outrageous, and gruesome, form of military aggression had been the relative security rights of one group of people as compared to the rights of another group of people. This kind of relative comparison, I believe, is the root cause of much of the suffering in this world. It seems to me that we are all encouraged to believe in the erroneous idea that any society that can boast a relatively superior form of military power may, if it so deems fit, seek to obliterate another society in the interests of relative security.

In Somalia, during the past two years, we have witnessed levels of violence, and internal civilian displacement never before witnessed in this corner of the world. The Ethiopian military invasion, of the Somali national territory in late 2006, has directly resulted in the deaths of no less than 16000 Somali people. This particularly ghastly military occupation of the Somali national territory had been launched in order to satisfy the spurious interests of non-Somali political leaders. This specific military intervention was designed to satisfy the relatively obscure political interests of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, of Ethiopia, with respect to the Somali people. That is to say that the so-called international community had agreed—on this particular occasion—that the relative merits of Ethiopian state interests were far more important than the legitimate interests of the Somali nation.

It is important to recall that the Somali city of Mogadishu, which for so long had been a lawless and anarchic place, had been rehabilitated by the ICU and had become a city of law and order well before the Ethiopian military invasion of December 2006. Instead of encouraging the good work the ICU—and supporting the full restoration of law and order throughout the entire Somali national territory—the powers of the West deemed the rise of the ICU as something that was relatively bad for the people of Somalia and, by extension, the rest of the world. The Ethiopian military intervention in Somalia was accordingly sanctioned and supported in the West. The fact that the ICU was relatively popular inside Somalia, at the time of the Ethiopian military invasion, apparently did not interests the powers in the West.

Upon reflecting upon these matters, one is forced to come to the conclusion that the relative merits of popular Somali national aspirations are almost certainly viewed with suspicion—if not contempt—in the important centres of power in the West. It seems to me that the relatively more Western orientated political interests of the Ethiopian state are more appealing to the self-appointed Western arbiters, of African political disputes, than the essentially Islamic political interests of the Somali nation. In the Islamic tradition, there can be no blurring of the distinction between right and wrong; no blurring of the distinction between service and dis-service; and no blurring of the distinction between military occupation and national liberation. Today, the city of Mogadishu is in a worse state than on the occasion of the initial arrival of the Ethiopian army. Godless relativism had inspired the folly that has become the Ethiopian military occupation of the Somali national territory, and, it shall be Godless relativism that precipitates the demise of many currently moribund political entities in this world.

Somalia And Foreign Military Interventionism

2009-01-17T15:28:00.000-08:00

Without doubt, we—the Somali people—must praise the Almighty for the unilateral withdrawal of the Ethiopian armed forces from the Banaadir region of Somalia. The military invasion, and brutal occupation, of Somali territory by the a foreign power represents a stain upon the dignity of the Somali people, and the fact that this particular nightmare seems to be receding is certainly a wonderful thing. However, we—the Somali people—must learn from the past and we must realise that nothing, in terms of military affairs, is ever absolute. We must realise that we should never again find ourselves in a position where a section of the Somali community can openly invite the armed forces, of a foreign power, to enter the Somali national territory. Armies are, by definition, trained to kill people. Therefore, one must question the motive—not to mention the morality—of seeking the support of a foreign army at the expense of one's own people? What could be more base than finding peace inside Somalia at the end of the barrel of an Ethiopian gun? By our faith, we must not tolerate the subjugation of the Somali people by any foreign army. Somali society has been fractured and dysfunctional for three decades now. Despite this fact, nothing can justify the military occupation of the Somali national territory by any invading army. We, the Somali people, must put our political differences aside if we intend to avoid a repeat of the horrors of military occupation in the future.

During both this decade and the last, the Somali people have suffered at the hands of foreign military interventionists. In the first instance, an unholy military coalition spoke of safeguarding the humanitarian needs of the Somali people whilst they killed innocent Somali civilians by the thousand. In the second, and more recent instance, military interventionist ideology determined that the Somali national territory had become a “safe haven” for international terrorism. This has resulted, once again, in the needless deaths of thousands of innocent Somali civilians. Military interventionism is a hallmark of Western politics when it comes to dealing with certain regions of the world. Military interventionism is a recurring theme throughout the past five centuries of human history. From the tactics of gunboat diplomacy to the deployment of thousands of boots on the ground, military interventionism is an ancient imperial privilege. However, it is most distressing to learn that the stated aims of military interventionist theory have neither been met or satisfied by the military interventions that have cruelly devastated Somali society in recent years. Neither the humanitarian needs of the Somali people nor the so-called safe havens for international terrorism have ever been influenced one way or another by the tactics employed by the military interventionists of the world. Therefore, the time has come for all concerned to realise that violence, in the form of military intervention, shall never resolve the unique political problems of the Somali nation.

Both Somalis and non-Somalis must learn to recognise the fact that violence, in the form of military intervention, only serves to divide the people of the Somali nation. Indeed, the political division of the people of Somalia only serves the interests of the Ethiopian government, the chief military interventionists inside Somalia during the past decade. We, the noble Somali people, must realise that just as the armed forces of Ethiopia exit the military theatre of present day Mogadishu, they stealthily enter another theatre of military activity. Nothing is irreversible in this world, and it is quite clear that the Ethiopian armed forces have decided to modify their tactics, and to return to first principles. The Ethiopian armed forces, for the foreseeable future, shall resume the practice of primarily arming and supporting various friendly militia inside Somalia. Where the tactics of direct military intervention have failed them, the Ethiopian high command hope to exploit the political divisions already present within Somali urban society to their best advantage. In recent weeks, we have already seen an intensification of military activity in the Bay, Bakool, and Gedo regions of Somalia. This, it seems, is a welcome return to low-intensity warfare from the perspective of the Ethiopian armed forces. Perhaps, this new policy serves as a best means of defence—from the perspective of the Ethiopian government—when it finds itself confronted by hostile Somali forces. In any event, the hostility of certain Somali groups is nothing if not the fruit of years of foreign military interventionism inside the Somali national territory. It is the responsibility of all Somalis to recognise this fact, and to take measures that shall prevent future foreign military interventions inside the Somali national territory.

Where Is Somaliland?

2009-01-11T20:25:00.000-08:00

When the Almighty distributed land to the peoples of the world, he had bestowed upon the Somali people an area of land so bountiful that they would remain a self-reliant nation for all time. The national territory of the Somali people is a place that is sacred to those who work this land by raising livestock upon it. The national territory, of the Somali people, is the the very foundation of Somali freedom. This land supports the many millions of Ari and Gheel that Somali culture—as we have come to know it—is physically tethered to this land despite the endless peregrination of the Somali people. This land, more than anything else, unifies all of the Somali people and marks them out as unique.

From the equatorial South; through the seemingly endless Somali flatland; and over the highest peaks of the magnificent Golis mountains, the national territory of the Somali people supports a peaceful and comfortably ancient way of life. The ancient Somali way of life is common to all Somali people, and the fact that all Somali people share a single common language is evidence of the unitary nature of Somali culture. From the rich red earth of Galguduud to the tranquil sand dunes of coastal Mudug, there exists a unity of purpose shared by the Somalis who live in this corner of the world. From the Bajuni islands of Badhaadhe district to the coastal islands of Zaylac district, there is a common faith which is shared by all of the Somali people.

With these facts in mind, how can there be any individuals amongst us who genuinely believe that men may divide land that has been made unitary, by the Almighty, for the benefit of the Somali people? Furthermore, who amongst us can authentically define where the territorial limits of Somali land begin and end? It is time to take a good look at the current situation, and to re-calibrate the political machine that has patently failed the Somali people in recent decades. For too long, the hopelessly misguided and predominantly urbanised sections of Somali society, have neglected their political responsibility to preserve all that is vital to the ancient Somali way of life.

The most fundamental component of the Somali way of life is the preservation of the Somali national territory. Indeed, without the Somali national territory there could not exist the vibrant and robust cultural heritage of the Somali people. How has it come to pass that we, the Somali people, have come to abandon our right to protect our most precious of natural assets—our land—during recent times? What could be more important for the preservation of the Somali way of life than the full restoration of centralised Somali power? For too long now, we have depended on the intervention of the non-Somali world for our salvation. And, it is clear for all to see that such conduct can only lead to the ruin of a nation.

At a certain point in time, the Somali people shall learn to recognise the fact that the numerous foreign interventions, be they military in nature or otherwise, shall never serve the best interests of the Somali people. No foreign initiative can be considered an adequate substitute for a genuinely Somali solution to the security problems of modern day Somaliland. It is obvious now that the best solutions shall only come from within, and it is important for all Somalis to realise this idea. The Somali nation has a great opportunity if all Somali people—no matter where they are living in the world—ask themselves the question: Where is Somaliland? For this question serves as the portal through which reason can finally illuminate the darkness of modern Somali national politics.

Somaliland is a place where each and every Somali person, who has ever lived in this world, would recognise. Somaliland is where all Somali livestock has every found pasture, and where all Somali families have their roots. Somaliland is the place where all Somali poets have found their inspiration, and where all Somali warriors have sacrificed themselves for the benefit of their people. Somaliland is a place where Somali nomadic self-reliance is respected and Somali urban indolence is frowned upon. Somaliland is indivisible, and Somaliland is most certainly not a pseudo-Ethiopian protectorate.

Warlords, Self-deception, And The Ruin of The Somali Nation

2009-01-06T10:24:00.000-08:00

Let us not forget that the Ethiopian army has been active in the Somali region of Gedo since 1996, when this army was engaged in operations then being directed against the now defunct Al-Itihad Al-Islamiya organisation. We should not be surprised by the news, currently reaching us from the Gedo region, that the infamous warlord-cum-parliamentarian Col. Barre Hirale has been re-armed by the Ethiopian state and is determined to retake the Somali port city of Kismayu. Barre Hirale's
forces—backed up by the Ethiopian army—recently took possession of Burdhubo and Balet Xaawo towns in the Gedo region.

Can anyone, in their right mind, really believe that the Ethiopian army can serve the best interests of the Somali people? How often must certain sections of the Somali community attempt to deceive themselves in the interests of personal greed? By all the established laws of humanity, and in all of the annals of human history treason has been the most heinous of crimes. We recently witnessed the resignation of the abominable Somali traitor Cabdullahi Yusuf Axmed as President of the Somali TFG, now we see others carrying on from where the hopelessly misguided octogenarian had left off. Surely now is the time to find a new way ahead for the Somali nation?

The Somali people simply cannot afford to remain in their current unfortunate situation. The Somali people have become nothing more than the captives of various warlords, with vicious and disgraceful reputations as men who have betrayed their own compatriots. The Somali people must learn to speak the truth to those in power, no matter how fearful their reputation. The time has come to seek the truth, and in doing so to name the various traitors who currently masquerade as Somali politicians. It is time to call this moribund class of parasitic cretins what they really are. They are not policy makers or law makers; they are not visionaries or peacemakers.

They are all treacherous villains who bleed the Somali nation of its vitality. These reckless Somali warlords burn the spirit of the Somali nation by sacrificing the youth of our nation for their own selfish ends. How many more young men's lives can we afford to lose needlessly in the endless wars for territory between glorified Somali gangsters who claim to be legitimate defenders of certain communities? The flawed ideas that underpin the phenomenon of Somali warlordism cannot be allowed to live on. If we, the honourable people of Somalia, continue to tolerate the existence of such foul and treacherous practices, then our ancient nation shall be dismembered by our enemies.

Surely if the Ethiopian army, for so long now involved in the killings of thousands upon thousands of innocent Somali civilians, is active inside the Somali national territory specifically because it aims to dismember the Somali nation? Can we really afford to lose more of the Somali national territory to an ancient enemy of the Somali people? It is people like Colonel Barre Aden Shire “Hirale” who facilitate the dismemberment of the Somali national territory. It is precisely such people who permit the Ethiopian state to interfere in Somali national affairs. We can do well without such interference and, in the long run, the Ethiopian authorities shall inevitably have to deal with the full consequences of their actions.

For now, let us demonstrate our refusal to submit to the will of the Ethiopian state. The Somali people are a people of faith, and as such, we cannot allow the most deplorable members of the Somali community to politically hold the rest of us hostage. We must make a stand, before it becomes too late. We, of the Somali nation, must all learn to recognise that our best interests are never served by the Ethiopian army or any other invading military force. Let us all, in the name of the Almighty, renounce the kind of self-deception that has brought us to our current and terrible political plight. The Somali people deserve so much more than the degenerate warlords who are responsible for the political ruin of our nation.

The Unitary Nature of Somali Society

2009-01-03T11:55:00.000-08:00

To many fans of the beautiful game, they are the greatest team ever to have taken the field of play, and I am inclined to agree with this particular assertion. The thing that impresses people the most, about the Brazilian national football team, which won the World Cup tournament in 1970, is the sheer joy with which they played their game. Their achievements live on in the memories of millions of football fans around the world. The many triumphs of the Brazilian national team, over the years, and their unquestionable status as the world's leading football nation, are truly remarkable when one thinks about the history of this particular South American country. Like many other 'New World' countries, Brazil has a turbulent past. A past rooted in the dark period of the trans-atlantic slave trade. The stark social divisions; the abject poverty of much of the Brazilian population; the chronic institutionalsed racism of Brazilian society; and the rampant criminality, which is ever present in the overcrowded slums of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo is all forgotten when the famous yellow and blue, of the national team, is taking on the world. Indeed, football has become an important national export as well as an emblem of Brazilian society in modern times.

Success on the field not only makes people feel good, but it unites the many different ethnicities, religions, and languages that constitute Brazilian society. So, it is important, from the Somali perspective, to ask—how can such a divided society as that of Brazil attain such unity of purpose that this nation can beat the world, so spectacularly, and so convincingly as in the case of the 1970 World Cup? There must be something advantageous in being a unitary nation, but the Brazilian example demonstrates that a nation can succeed, in any field, even if the population is divided along the lines of rich and poor, or black and white. There is something deeply distressing about realising that people—all over the world—can overcome great challenges whilst we, of the Somali nation, seem to revel in creating certain avoidable difficulties for ourselves. I wonder whether any of the Brazilian players, who played in the 1970 World Cup winning team, were selected on the basis of their clan lineage or on their abilities as football players?

It seems absurd to me that we, of the Somali nation, insist on dividing everything along clan lines. In 1956, during the Italian administered UN trusteeship—of what would eventually become the Somali Republic—an interior government had been formed for the purpose running Somalia once the decade long UN trusteeship came to an end in 1960. The various ministrial posts, of the interior government, had mainly been given to members of the Somali Youth League, and a number of junior ministerial posts had been given to Somalis who were collectively known as the 'Pro-Italian' group. It seems to me that the ugly side of the phenomenon of Somali clanism began to show itself at this time. There is the legendary example of one Somali minister who, during this period, was serving in the interior government cabinet. This man, so the story goes, made a point of placing a can of Coca-Cola on his office desk. This particularly infamous minister hailed from the Somali city of Beletweyn, and his favoured method of handing out jobs was to interview prospective candidates in his office, and to ask them to tell him the Somali word for the object on his desk. If the candidate said Coombo, and not Daasad he would get the job. This is an amusing example of Somali clan chauvinism, but we must never make the mistake of thinking that this type of clan bias is a harmless social pass-time. Blood can be easily and needlessly shed, as we all well know, if people are motivated by such silly and divisive ideas. Such discriminatory behaviour must not be tolerated in Somali public life.

Despite the glorious achievements of the Brazilian national team, Brazilian society has many deep seated problems. For example, in the city of Rio de Janeiro alone, 50000 people are murdered each year. There is a brutal civil war being waged in many of the ramshackle shantytowns of Brazil. Despite its status as an important emerging economy, and potential savior of free-market economics, Brazil is plagued by both high-level corruption and low-level drug dealing. Despite these obvious problems, Brazilian politicians are cannily aware of their country's best interests. They work hard in order to make their country competitive in this world. This is something that the politicians of Brazil have in common with their football players. There is much that the assorted politicians of Somalia can learn from their Brazilian counterparts. I am hopeful that, in time, most of the politicians of Somalia shall learn to put the best interests of their nation above their own petty biases. I am hopeful that the psychological need that inspires the phenomenon of Somali clanism shall be eradicated from Somali public life, and that the unitary nature of Somali society shall be projected onto the world stage.

Somalia And The Battle Within

2009-01-01T06:35:00.000-08:00

'No matter how comfortable the surroundings, or how agreeable the food, one can never be truly happy in exile.'

Dante Alighieri (c.1265-1321)

There is a particular look in the eyes of those with fear in their hearts. A look that betrays the intense concentration stimulated by paranoid insecurities within the human psyche. It is possible to see this look in the faces of people—when one meets them for the first time—who are under the influence of irrational prejudices, hollow individualism, superficial pursuits, and a futile search for the approval of people or societies that appear to sparkle in the distance for them.

Ask yourself—have you ever felt so needy that you have been tempted to leave all that is dear to your heart in order to improve your lot in this world? As the saying goes, desperate times call for desperate measures. It is easy to forgive those people who are forced, by the hand of earthly misfortune, to leave the love of their family and the embrace of their national heritage in order to improve their personal circumstances. However, the same cannot be said of those who, for whatever reason, choose to betray the love of their family by working for those who seek to destroy the economic well being of the Somali community.

Many of us seem to aware of the fact that the economic bedrock of Somali society has been deliberately destabilised during the past decade. The act of raising livestock—the quintessentially Somali way of life—seems to be getting more difficult with each passing year. We hear that ancient grazing lands are shrinking at an alarming rate. Remarkably, we hear that certain species of Somali flora seem to have disappeared altogether. Water resources are less reliable now in Somalia than they were a generation ago, and we are slowly beginning to realise that all of these things may be linked to the changing global environment.

Few can argue against the true nature of the practical difficulties facing the rural Somali communities of today, but at the same time, only a lack of faith in the Almighty and an absence self-belief can inspire the people of Somalia to turn their backs on an ancient way of life. Each member of the Somali community must, at the very least, be aware of the fact that there are bigger things in life than urban consumerism, and the selfish demands of Godless secularism. Indeed, if all Somali people took a moment to think about the peculiar madness, that inspires some men to systematically kill Somali livestock and to poison Somali water resources, few would fail to realise that the national territory of the Somali people is currently being besieged by an array of humanoid Jackals and Hyenas.

Ask yourself—are you familiar with the psychological condition known as Stockholm syndrome? This is the curious mental condition in which those that are being held captive demonstrate strong signs of loyalty to their captors. At this moment in time, the entire Somali nation is being held captive by the Ethiopian army, IGAD, and the United Nations. Therefore, how can anyone be surprised by the fact that many Somalis—who usually belong to the relatively privileged urban classes inside Somalia and in the Somali Diaspora—demonstrate strong signs of loyalty to their political captors.

The most important battle for the people of Somalia is the battle within. For each and every one of us must face personal challenges as a result of the Somali civil war. Only when most of us can say that we have triumphed in this particular battle shall the gap between the practical reality of Somalia and the human perceptions of Somalia converge in order to become one and the same thing. At the present time, the many psychological frailties of the Somali nation seem to have developed a life of their own. In urban Somali life today, it is quite common to see people segregate themselves for all manner petty reasons. Some examples, of what I like to think of as Somali self-segregation, are based on the style of Somali dress, whilst other examples are based upon childish notions of gang mentality.

It is quite clear to me that the paranoid and insecure psychological state of modern Somali urbanism is a direct result of the horrific civil war that has ruined our beloved homeland. It is also quite clear, in my opinion, that the true remedy for the psychological fallout of war can only be found in the curative powers of the ancient Somali way of life. Quite simply, the rehabilitation of Somali national self-respect shall sweep away the fear that has found a home in the hearts of many of our people today. With national self-respect, no Somali individual can betray his own family for the practical benefit of an historic foreign enemy. With public renewal for the concept of love for all things Somali, no Somali individual shall fear his compatriots without reason. And surely, with self-respect, a Somali individual can confidently condemn and bring to justice those who have committed crimes against the Somali nation, even if such people belong to a single Somali family.

To defend principles of justice for the Somali nation is to name and shame those who betray the Somali people for reasons of shallow personal gain. To defend the concept of justice for the Somali nation is to investigate all acts of wrongdoing in Somali public affairs. And, to enforce the requirements justice is to apprehend, and to punish, those individuals who commit crimes against the Somali people, especially if they are a close blood relation.

As an individual, to respect the needs of the Somali nation is to respect yourself. As an individual in modern Somalia, to be attentive to the needs of the Somali community is to win the battle within. For those who fail to overcome their fears; who fail to overcome their greed; and fail to overcome their loyalty to those who may direct them from beyond the national territory of the Somali people shall eventually ruin all of us if they are not stopped. Ultimately, if we fail to win the battle within—the most strategic of all battles—we shall lend legitimacy to the disrespectful policies of those who seek to fatally damage the Somali nation.

We, the honourable Somali people, cannot afford to be complacent. The members of the Somali Diaspora, no matter how comfortable life is at present, do not believe for a moment that you can ever win genuine self-respect by turning your backs, collectively, on the great challenges that confront us today. It is our collective responsibility to win back the freedom and dignity of the Somali nation. We have been held as captives for long enough now. Let us intensify our efforts, and let us banish the appallingly destructive politics of fear once and for all inside Somalia.

Somali National Self-Determination

2008-12-23T06:04:00.000-08:00

Surely, if the facade known as the legal-rational state of Nigeria can be considered an important player on the African stage, the Honourable Somali nation deserves to be respected as a player on the world stage? Has it not been the Somalis who have shown, time and again—despite the best efforts of the imperialist design inspired by the men of Europe in 1884—that war shall be waged against injustice, no matter how great the technological gap between the opposing forces? Most of the African continent may have succumbed to the coercive and brutal methods of European colonialism and, more recently, to the more subtle but related methods of the Americans, still the Somalis continue to fight valiantly against injustice.

Let us not be distracted by terms or methods. The fact of the matter is that there is no justification, what so ever, for the neo-colonialist concept of imposing governments “from above” upon African people. What authority gives the right to foreigners with respect to the task of creating a central government for the Somali people? A conclave of Somali warlords, hosted in Kenya, in 2004 gave birth to the monstrous TFG of Somalia. Nothing can be more insulting to Somali people than this overtly racist piece of political theatre. Is anyone with any intelligence genuinely surprised to learn of the fact that the TFG of Somalia is now on the brink of total collapse? Can anyone really be surprised by the news that the invading Ethiopian army—originally tasked with installing the fatally flawed TFG of Somalia in Mogadishu—now gladly faces the prospect of a military retreat from the scene of a major military humiliation?

The fact of the matter is that Somali people hate injustice, and nothing can be more unjust than the external imposition of alien concepts and ideals upon a traditionally proud and sovereign people. The Somali people, by their very nature, are always prepared to extend the hand of friendship to those who are prepared to treat them with respect. Let us hope that now, after more than a century of struggle with the disrespectful policies that had been inspired by the first great African land grab, the Somali nation shall be given time and space in order to determine its own political destiny. It seems obvious that a continuation of this war shall only be possible if the Somali people are somehow denied the opportunity to choose their own leaders, and on their own terms.

Many people are held captive by a deadly psychological distemper that all too often prevents them from thinking clearly. Such people are paralysed by fear when they are confronted by cultures other than their own. To such people, culture, language, art, and religion are all shadowy if these symbols of human civilisation belong to people other than themselves. The Somalis are incapable of changing their way of life for the benefit of other races of men; and, quite frankly, why should they do so? Certain other races of men are of the view that their way of life is superior to that of the Somali people. Such people are capable of extolling the virtues of hollow secularism, material consumerism, and moral relativism. Such people are capable of killing for the advancement of their perceived interests. It seems to me that it is in the interest of certain races of men to finally accept the fact that the Somali nation is fully justified when it comes to rejecting the corrosive influences of external direction. I would also suggest that the world is big enough to accommodate both western secularism and the Somali way of life.

Finally, the fact that Nigerian troops are being touted, by the western powers—in order to fill the military void that would be created by the much desired exit of the Ethiopian army from the hallowed soil of Somalia—represents a continuation of the current disrespectful and discriminatory policies designed to fatally compromise the Somali nation. The Nigerian government is well advised to keep its military forces away from Somalia. If they choose to send their soldiers to Somalia, they can expect to be confronted by hostile forces. The Somali people have a long tradition of fighting against imperialism and other disrespectful foreign interventions. Self-determination is the key to the problems of Somalia, and now is the time for all concerned to acknowledge this simple fact.

The Unlicensed and Undocumented Privateers of Somalia

2008-12-09T10:42:00.000-08:00

I must admit that I was rather amused when I first encountered the phrase Unlicensed and Undocumented Privateers of Somalia. When I reflected upon these words for a moment, I realised that this is the perfect description of the noble men who currently guard the marine resource of the Somali nation. It is true that they have attained global fame, and that their exploits are being reported in all corners of the world. However, we must never tolerate the blatant racism that underpins the usage of words like Somali Pirates, or Islamic Pirates. We, the Somali people, must never tolerate the speculative statements, of so-called journalist experts, who earn their pay by dreaming up potential linkages between international terrorism and the honourable business of protecting Somali territorial waters.

What has the world come to when the fish stocks of an entire nation—the Somali nation—are brazenly looted by piratical industrial fishing vessels from France, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Egypt, Kenya, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Yemen, Belize and Honduras without regard for the natives of Somalia? What has the world come to when certain leading member states of the European Union actively dispose of their industrial, toxic, and nuclear waste in Somali national waters without so much as a thought? How can any group of people be expected to sit idle as both their economy and their environment are severely degraded by people who really should know better? I am of the opinion that the Somali people should be treated with respect. The Somali people are well within their rights when it comes to defending their marine resources.

It is a sad state of affairs that today the Somali nation is somehow expected to apologise to the many racists of this world for having dared to protect its national resources, its culture, and its dignity. Therefore, I state unequivocally that a pirate is a criminal and that a privateer acts within the law. Self defence is a central pillar of the laws of men, and self defence is enshrined in the laws of God. Only the most depraved can deny this truth. It is with the blessing of the Almighty that the privateers of Somalia operate. Until the manifestly disrespectful attitude of the outside world, and the overt racism of armchair analysts is properly addressed, I fear that we shall not witness a positive resolution to the current state of affairs in coastal Somalia.

I sometimes hear the foolish, and naïve, suggestion that the Blackwater company—and others like it—should be sent to Somalia in order to deal with the threats being posed to the international shipping industry. This idea is foolish because, apart from the obvious impracticalities of such a mission, there is the question of how to pay the infamous mercenaries? The very fact that private security companies work on the basis of a long-term contract—often with the U.S. government or powerful corporate interests—rules out the possibility of the insolvent TFG of Somalia hiring such organisations. It is more likely that the U.S. government would hire such mercenaries for this type of mission, but would a company like Blackwater really work in Somalia for the small sum of $5 million a year when they have become accustomed to greater sums of money elsewhere?

The idea that there are thousands of young Somali men, who happen to be both armed and skilful mariners indicates that the Somalis are always going to come out on top when it comes to the privateering industry. The economies of scale, and the fact that Somalia belongs to the Somalis must compel the vicious and greedy policy makers in Europe, Asia, and North America to act honourably for once. They must learn that Somali fishing rights must be respected, and that all foreign fishing vessels illegally operating in Somali national waters must be apprehended: Either by the so-called international community or by the noble privateers of Somalia. Only then shall this problem be solved.

Jamac

2008-12-01T08:55:00.000-08:00

There is a Somali man, now possibly living in the Polish city of Warsaw, whom I had the pleasure of meeting in the spring of 2007. This is a man who is slowly entering his middle age years. He is not very tall, and he has a remarkably thin frame. His eyes are intense. He is fiendishly intelligent and his spirit is indomitable. This man can speak, at the very least, five languages well enough to hold a conversation with any native speaker. This man fascinated me from the very beginning but—and I shall be the first to admit this—I was not aware of the reason why this man held my attention captive at that moment in time. Something powerful, and potentially dangerous, could easily be detected when one is in his company. I made a point of not mentioning my clan lineage when I first met him. It always seems absurd to me that many Somalis feel the need to establish the clan identity of a compatriot when they are a distance of thousands of kilometres away from the Somali national territory.

I learned that my new friend's name was Jamac and that he had spent his youth in Mogadishu, where his father had been a high-ranking member of the dreaded Somali secret police. The curious thing about Jamac was that he was comfortable in the company of absolutely anybody. He could be found engaging in conversations with the wealthy denizens of the enormous Marriott Hotel in Warsaw, or he could be engaged in banter with the substance abusers that gather inside Warsaw’s central railway station late at night. I was intrigued by the fact that this man had known, however small his perception had been, the inner workings of the old Somali state. The fact that he had been born into a military household really interested me. This inspired me to ask him many questions about his time in Mogadishu. To his credit, he told me many things about his privileged lifestyle in those days. He also made it very clear to me that he would do anything in order to be to return to the times of peace, the time of his early youth, in Mogadishu. He kept telling me that the home of his youth had been a paradise on earth. What really pained him was the news that the Ethiopian army had established itself in Mogadishu in the first few months of 2007. Jamac kept telling me how much pain he had felt when he had learned of the news that the Ethiopian tricolour had been raised in Mogadishu, and that Somali children were being made to sing the praises of the invading Ethiopian troops.

Jamac had clearly fallen on hard times since his arrival in Warsaw. I did not ask him how he found himself in his current circumstances, but I did learn that he had taken a very circuitous route in order to arrive inside the borders of fortress Europe. He had originally fled the fighting in Mogadishu for the relative safety of the Middle East. After a few years of life inside the Arab world he moved to Russia, where he had spent the best part of a decade. He told me that he had personally witnessed the economic upheavals of the fall of communism. Jamac could speak the Russian language very well and he seemed to have a great deal of respect for the Russian people. He would often say, “The Russians are people that a man can truly live with”. I quickly learned that Jamac had spent almost a decade in Poland, and that he had mastered the use of the Polish language. He had managed to carve out a niche for himself by giving advice to the many migrants that seemed to be flooding into Warsaw during my time there. I once saw him giving advice to tough looking young Chechen, eager to find dangerous work. I saw him introduce people to an Iraqi Kebab shop owner in perfect Arabic. I even saw Jamac giving directions, in the Italian language, to a group of young Sicilians who had become lost in the centre of the Polish capital.

Jamac impressed me with his capacity for survival and, much more so, for his capacity for suffering. I can never imagine what it must be like to be away from one’s own native culture for such a great length of time. Jamac told me of all of the abuses that he had suffered whilst he had been on his tragic journey. He told me that he had become estranged from his wife and his young child, who had moved to the more affluent European Atlantic coast. He told me that there were no more than a dozen Somalis living in the whole of Poland when he had first arrived in Warsaw. In 2007, when I had briefly visited this historic European city, there were 22 Somali individuals living in the Polish capital. This amazed me in many ways, but I was struck dumb when I learned that some of the Somalis in Poland had actually prospered there during the past 15 years. I learned that some of the Somalis had managed to profit from the collapse of the communist command economy, specifically because they had a better understanding of capitalism than their Polish hosts at that precise moment in time. Even Jamac had managed to secure a great deal of money during the early part of the 1990s. However, unlike some, Jamac had never been a man who is good with money.

I think that the combination of a brutal war at home in Somalia, and a profound sense of culture shock has damaged Jamac, and many other Somalis who have made the perilous journey from Africa to Europe. The signs of this are plain to enough to see. It is rather ironic that I met Jamac in Warsaw, because the city of Warsaw hosts the headquarters of the shadowy FRONTEX agency responsible for the protection of the external borders of the European Union. Indeed, it was Jamac who pointed out to me the angular, and gleaming, new building that serves as the home of FRONTEX. Jamac made a point of telling me how ugly he found the look of this particular building. This building, its physical appearance aside, has a great impact upon the lives of African migrants today. But once inside the European Union territory, migrants have little to worry about as far as FRONTEX is concerned. The agency primarily deals with the people trying to get in, not with those already inside E.U. territory. Many Africans now find themselves stranded in Warsaw. I also met individuals from the Cameroon, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Mali amongst others. I ask myself why so many African people wish to leave their homelands for the physical confines and legal restrictions of a life in Europe? The answer must surely have some economic component to it, because as well as the Africans, I saw many other foreign people in Warsaw. These people included Iraqis and Armenians, Russians and Chinese. I witnessed a countless number of people that I believed to be Pakistani nationals, being brought in by secret organisations, in order to work in the sweatshops and kitchens of Western Europe.

Where do all of these immigrants stay at night, I thought? Jamac was kind enough to show me around one of the many camps, where all foreigners are housed after they have served six months in an immigrant detention centre. In such places, their legal status as economic migrants is apparently acknowledged. Many of the inhabitants of the camp in the Agustowska area of Warsaw had found work by selling goods brought in from China at the ramshackle daily market at the national stadium. Many African seemed to have become traders there. They sold all manner of things, and their shift would start well before the crack of dawn. If these people were lucky, they could make a meagre profit at the end of the month. The camp, where they live, is on the edge of the city and near to a great power plant. The giant red and white chimneys, of this power plant, can be clearly seen from great distances. The camp itself is a large, pre-fabricated construction, apparently erected some 35 years ago by the old communist government of Poland. It was never designed for its current function as a home for a multitude of foreigners. This building is in a chronic state of disrepair, and the human inhabitants share the place with giant rodents that only come out at night. I don’t think anybody should live in such conditions, especially the poor people of Africa that have been duped into leaving their luminous homelands for the privations of the developed world. Such miniature concentration camps should really be closed down, and the inhabitants should be encouraged to return to their countries of origin with their heads held high.

Jamac showed this hidden world to me, and I must thank him for this service. For without his assistance, I would never have been able to imagine the sheer scale of the economic oppression of entire nations that is being perpetrated in the name of Globalisation. Jamac—I like to think—acted as the Virgil to my Dante, as we descended the various circles of urban Globalisation. Jamac, bless him, could not imagine why anyone would be interested in the study of this hidden world, and I never made any moral judgements with respect to what I saw. However, I did feel a need to ask him why he thought he had been pushed into the situation that now faced him. I asked Jamac what he thought the future would bring him? He astonished me by telling me he felt that he was being punished for certain events that had happened in the past. I did not attempt to press him on this matter, but he insisted that he needed to speak about these unpleasant things. He told me that his father had participated in the military assault, by the Somali National Army, on the Somali city of Hargeisa in 1988. He said that his father had been well acquainted with the infamous Somali commander, known simply as Morgan, who had been the executive military officer during this despicable bombardment of Hargeisa. As for the future, he said that he would accept whatever the Almighty had chosen for him.

I believe that the self-respect of Somali nation is eroded by the abrasive demands of modern individualism. Individual rights, which undermine the viability of a community, are truly something dreadful. The Somali people are nothing without a sense of community. Yet, we flock, in our hundreds of thousands to the shores of Northern Europe and North America. In the great cities of Northern Europe and North America it is easy to see the dark underbelly of Globalisation. It is difficult to avoid the homelessness, the drug abuse, and violent crime of modern urban living. I believe the sham of materialistic individualism has made it possible for us to tolerate the lack of community dynamism that confronts us in these great cities. I fear that we, the Somali people, benefit nothing from the process of mass urbanisation. I fear that the concept of material consumerism is driving the youth of the Somali nation, now living in urban centres, away from the ancient values of the Somali people. To be perfectly honest, our ancient way of life is neither desirable nor is it practical in the claustrophobic environment of modern cities. Therefore, the question has to be asked, are the Somali people genuinely welcome in such an environment? Perhaps, with all due respect to the hard working taxi drivers amongst us, we have been permitted entry into places like fortress Europe in order to provide certain economic services for the wealthier members of society. I find it somewhat amusing that Somalis provide the taxi drivers; that Filipinos provide the domestic servants; West Africans provide the office cleaners; and so on, and so on in these great cities of the world.

The Somali community should remember people, like Jamac, when they fall on hard times. It is the Somali community that should look after its own. We should never seek the charity of others, for charity is the destruction of a nation. I was rather amused—some years ago—to learn that in the city of London, the Somali community has managed to establish over 140 ethnically orientated charities. These numerous organisations have somehow managed to alienate the very people that they had hoped to impress: The potential donors. These groups now struggle to access charity funding because they were asked the simple question; how can there exist over 140 Somali communities in the city of London if the Somali ethnicity is, by definition, unitary? That is to say, a person either belongs to the Somali ethnic group or they do not. Sadly, such episodes, and what they represent, seem to be lost on many urban Somalis today. This type of dishonourable conduct is but just one example of the shamelessness of many urban Somalis today. And, I think a combination of illusory social welfare and hollow individualism has inspired the rise of this appalling subculture. The Somali people, and their ancient customs, are worth much more than the price being paid for their destruction at the hands of modern urbanism. And every single one of us should be mindful of this fact.

The Physiology of a Nation at War

2008-11-26T03:04:00.000-08:00

“War is the father of all things”
-Heraclitus (c.535-475 BC)

The fundamental lack of respect for the legitimate interests of the Somali nation is the root cause of the conflict in Somalia. For nearly two decades, we have witnessed both native Somalis and foreign interest groups wading in the murky waters of political intrigue in order to win influence in this important region of the world. Instead of allowing the Somali people to naturally solve their problems in their own time, we have witnessed successive foreign attempts at creating the obsolete and shamefully neo-colonialist idea of a centralised government for the Somali people. The question we must ask ourselves is why? Perhaps the idea of a strong central government—despite the inherent risks posed by a government of Somali Warlords—appeals to those who seek to control the political space in Somalia and, by extension, the natural resources of the Somali nation. It is beyond doubt that the Ethiopian state seeks to control the political space of the Somali nation. The potential benefits that could be derived from doing so are painfully obvious to any honourable Somali person.

It is beyond any doubt that certain political actors within Somalia are in the pay of the Ethiopian intelligence services. It is beyond any doubt that certain Somali personalities only exist to serve the interests of the TPLF rulers of Ethiopia. This is indeed shameful, however, we should not be surprised that the Ethiopian state seeks to gain advantages at the expense of the Somali nation. As far as the leadership of the Ethiopian state is concerned this is an existential matter. They seek to dominate the Somali political space, and this must be recognised as an act of gross disrespect towards the legitimate interests of Somali nation. This act is—in effect—a declaration of war.

The concept of centralised political power is alien to Somali culture. The Somali people are unique because of the poly-centric nature of their national political space. The Somali people were early pioneers of the concept of social networking. Now, the Somalis are the masters of this ethereal system of social regulation. If you have any doubts, ask how the intense war against the combined enemies of the Somali nation is being organised and sustained? If the Somali people are actually in need of political reconciliation, ask how they are able to withstand all of the hostile acts perpetrated against them? Despite the destabilising influence of the numerous foreign interventions inside Somalia, throughout the years, the noble sons and daughters of the Somali nation have managed to organise their affairs well enough to be able to resist all malevolent forces. At the present time, we see the exploitation of Somali marine resources by foreign fishing vessels. Indeed Dr. Clive Scholfield’s paper, Plundered waters: Somalia’s maritime resource insecurity, demonstrates the fact that no less than 700 non-Somali owned fishing vessels are fully engaged in unlicensed fishing in Somali national waters. It is estimated that the Somali economy loses US$300 million each year as a result of this criminal activity. Remarkably, it is evident from Dr. Schofield’s work that vessels from France, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Egypt, Kenya, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Yemen, Belize and Honduras exploit Somalia's fish stocks, and they do so with virtual impunity. Strangely, many of these very nations intend to send their naval forces to this theatre of crime in the name of fighting piracy. This hypocrisy shall not be overlooked by the people of Somalia. As far as we are concerned this is nothing more than transnational organised crime. Therefore, it must be said that with this combination of disrespect and exploitation comes nothing but injustice. We understand well the injustice of the concept of food aid meant for African nations. How can the Somali nation require food aid when the providential maritime resources of the Somali nation can sustain the theft of US$300 million worth of fish each year? It is this and other examples of international injustice that breed the resistance of the Somali people. And resistance, in all its forms, is noble when an entire nation is being treated in an unjust manner.

Can their be any wonder that the Somali nation finds itself at war at this moment in time? We certainly did not sleep walk into this situation. The mistakes of some have resulted in the suffering of many. However, we must now focus our efforts, as a nation, in order to achieve the noble goal of decisively winning this war. We cannot afford to be distracted by the base political machinations that are designed to ruin the Somali nation. We shall not achieve victory so long as certain sections of the Somali community entertain the idea of foreign mediation with respect to the concept of Somali national reconciliation. We must all recognise the fact that the quickest and easiest way to the purest form of reconciliation, if it is ever needed, is to positively identify the genuine enemies of the Somali nation. It is quite clear that the greatest strength of the Somali nation is the fact that our society is regulated by the ancient poly-centric rhythms of our culture. Therefore, so long as we do not lose this inner strength, the Somali nation shall continue to exist. However, this war is causing us to change. The Somali people have never been known as a nation of seafarers before the early part of this century. The blatant theft of Somali marine resources has spawned an entire native industry. Foreign ships are often held, and they are only released if a fee is paid. The fee goes some way to compensating the people who live on the Somali coast, now that their ability to fish has been greatly reduced. However, it must be understood that the fishermen alone cannot solve this ugly problem. Can there be any wonder that the fishermen of Somalia have developed a paramilitary capability in the light of the crimes perpetrated against them during this time of war? The physiology of the Somali nation is developing and growing as a direct result of this war. The Somali nation did not seek this war but, for the first time in generations, the Somali people are beginning to make great strides as a direct consequence of this war.

The Somali people are now conscious of the fact that they had, in the past, been too easily divided by hostile interested actors like the Ethiopian state. Now, the Somali people are aware of the fact that superficial social divisions, between Somalis, only serve the interests of the Ethiopian enemy. The Somali nation is beginning to realise, as a whole, that the enemy only seeks to prey upon the perceived weaknesses of the Somali people. These perceived weaknesses, like the apparent inability of the Somali political classes to establish a functioning central government now seem to be a manifestation of the innate genius of the Somali social conscience. Somali society can well do without a government of servile Somali warlords who only seek to serve the interests of the Ethiopian state. Somali people hate injustice, and foreign intervention in Somali national affairs is the epitome of injustice. Despite the countless kidnappings of Somali people and the mass renditions to secret prison facilities in Addis-Ababa, the Ethiopian state has failed to dominate the Somali political space. Despite the monumental deceit, hypocrisy, and treachery of the numerous foreign interventions in the internal affairs of the Somali nation, the Ethiopian state has failed to dominate the Somali political space. Despite the military aggression of the Ethiopian armed forces, heavily backed by the U.S. government, the Ethiopian state has failed to dominate the Somali political space. Indeed, this behavior has stimulated an intense military response from the very people that the Ethiopian state had intended to politically dominate.

The Somali people should feel proud of the fact that they have managed to resist the brutality unleashed by the Ethiopian state and its political sponsors. The Somali people should be very proud of the fact that they continue to reject the inefficient and linear neo-colonial model of governance, detested by the populations of all third world client states. This form of governance does not serve the interests of the people living under its rule. Such a form of government only exists to serve the interests of its political sponsors, and the interests of multinational corporations. The Somali people should be applauded for their rejection of this iniquitous and degrading system. If there is any doubt, one should take a good look at the example of Botswana. A country rich in mineral resources where the government is wholly owned by a giant mining corporation. A country with a docile government happy to host a military base that belongs to a great foreign power whilst its native people are dying by the thousand each day. Perhaps this is the way of the modern world, but the honour of the Somali nation must always be upheld. Practically speaking, this means resisting the modern day slavery represented by economic and political domination. Neo-colonialism is an unfortunate reality today, but there can be no justification for the conduct of the Ethiopian state with respect to its misguided policies towards the Somali nation. These policies have stimulated the war that is being fought in the streets of Mogadishu today, and until these policies are reversed we shall continue to hear the sad news that hundreds of Somali civilians are being killed each day. Yet it is this war that is inspiring innovation in many fields. Perhaps, before too long, we shall see the rise of a potent native military-industrial complex in Somalia that is both victorious and attentive to the needs of Somali society. After all the singularly marvelous thing about Somalia is the fact that you can always expect the unexpected.

The National Interest

2008-11-17T07:13:00.000-08:00

"I don't believe that Somalia will become a Taliban-style state. We need to accept a few years of harsh Islamic rule and work with the authority that way."

Western Diplomat stationed in Nairobi, Kenya, November 2008.

In a frank, and rather refreshing admission, the unidentified Western diplomat went on to say, “Western governments had been guilty of viewing the Somalia problem as being too difficult to solve and not important enough to matter.” It is now becoming more apparent, with each passing day, that the Western powers have resigned themselves to accept the fact that the Somali people shall never submit to the illegitimate rule of the TFG. The dishonourable octogenarian, Cabdullahi Yusuf Axmed, President of the Somali TFG, in a rare moment of clarity, has publicly admitted that the TFG is on the verge of imploding.

Indeed, the removal of the murderous TFG is in the national interest of the Somali people. The Somali people need, more than anything else at present, the full restoration of public security. It is very evident that the TFG cannot provide the people of Somalia with this most vital of public services, therefore it is entirely legitimate that the authority of the Islamic fighters of Somalia be internationally recognised. These men have demonstrated, beyond all doubt, that they possess the capacity to restore order to any Somali settlement under their control.

There can be no satisfaction derived from the political fracturing of the Islamic groups currently active inside Somalia. The unity of the Somali nation is more important than the interests of any particular group or individual. Therefore, the Somali nation can do well without the kind of internecine violence that occurred in the city of Jowhar within the past week. The Somali Islamic resistance must be maintained as a unitary phenomenon, with the singular political objective of safeguarding the legitimate interests of the Somali nation.

The Somali people must never again become so horribly disunited that the combined enemies of the Somali nation are able to entertain the possibility of conducting acts of military aggression inside the Somali national territory. Never again must we witness the rise of a cadre of ethnic Somalis willing to collaborate with the enemies of the Somali nation. The Islamic resistance fighters of Somalia must safeguard the rights of the Somali nation by adequately confronting the scourge represented by the numerous members of the Somali community who find it all too easy to betray their nation of birth.

The formation of a strong and versatile Somali state that is truly attentive to the needs of the Somali nation is of paramount importance. Never again must we witness the sight of Somali leadership behaving in a servile and submissive manner towards the political authorities of other nations. Never again must the Somali national interest be neglected. Never again must the parasitic Warlords of Somalia be permitted to enslave the Somali people. The new Islamic rulers of Somalia must, as a matter of urgency, bring to bear the full force of the law against the criminals known to have caused so much misery and anguish inside the Somali national territory.

Finally, the new rulers of Somalia must promote and safeguard the legitimate commercial and industrial interests of the Somali nation. Never again must we witness the natural resources of Somalia being brazenly looted by multinational foreign speculators. Never again must we witness the disposal of toxic waste—from the industries of the Western world—inside the Somali national territory. We must, once and for all, reject the concept of Somali regional autonomy. The best interests of the Somali people are served by inflexible national unity. And Somali national interests must be respected above all other political considerations.

The Obamaian Express

2008-11-06T01:51:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, especially during the past 40 years, good judgements in the sphere of Somali public life have been, more often than not, thwarted. This is a statement of fact. We, the great Somali people, have become too easily distracted by the blinkered visions of factional leaders. In the past we have succumbed to the evil that is government predation. We have known Killerism, Gangsterism, and Warlordism. We have witnessed the rise of belligerent and armed political Islam, and the perpetration of all manner of heinous acts. However, despite the woes of our recent past, we are still united in culture. We, the ancient Somali nation, still have a noble heritage, and we must be hopeful of a brighter future. We must take heart from the good example of other nations that have known civil strife on an epic scale.

It is extraordinary that the people of the United States of America should elect a black man as their President at this time. Surely, the election of Barack H. Obama is the finest example imaginable of the democratic process, which promotes style over substance, at work. America has emphatically renewed itself, before the eyes of the world, as a result of this potentially historic moment in time. Few people could have failed to be impressed by the visible qualities, and methods, that have propelled President-elect Obama into the White House. Fewer still could have failed to be impressed by the clarion call for change made by this man. President elect Obama has a great deal to do if he and his new administration are to implement the desired changes in policy. America, and the world, has certainly needed political change in light of the monumental failures of the Bush years. The Somali nation has suffered terribly as a result of decisions made by George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, with respect to the support given by his administration to the Ethiopian government and its brutal military invasion of the Somali national territory.

Although it is true that the change of a political leader is the happiness of fools. There can be no harm in hoping for change at this time, especially if the failed and destructive policies of the Bush years can be reversed with respect to Somalia. The election of President Obama can be taken as a good example of political inclusion by all nations of the world. Democracy is a tried and tested system of government. This is another statement of fact. I would agree with Churchill when he said that democracy is the least worst form of government. I would also add that—in my opinion—Somali society, by its very nature, is inherently democratic. The Somali people are people of faith, and we have always demonstrated our strength, in the past, by standing together when called upon. The Somali people have the ability to share resources, settle conflicts, and regulate society without recourse to the legal-rationalism of the world beyond the limits of the Somali peninsula. This must be respected. We have an ancient culture and, throughout our history, we have been able to settled all matters—both great and small—by using dialogue, reaching compromise, and establishing consensus. What could be more democratic than the Argo-pastoral society of the Somalis before the rise of the dangerous hubris of the urbanised, and semi-urbanised, Somalis?

Most of our people are instinctively isolationist when it comes to the abstract concept that is Somalia. The simple truth is that the Somali nation had been comfortably isolated from the outside world for centuries before the politically significant historical events which took place inside Somalia during the 20th century. The outside world has certainly agitated and disrupted the ancient rhythms of Somali life during the past 110 years. It is clear that a Euro-centric world order has cast an enormous shadow over the history of modern Somalia. America is now the focal point of the Euro-centric cultural stream that impacts so heavily upon the non-Western world. The Somali nation cannot afford to attract the hostility of the United States of America. This is yet another statement of fact. Much has been said, and written, about a perceived clash of civilisations during the past seven years. The Bush years have been turbulent and destructive for a number of small and impoverished nations. Somalia is such a nation. Therefore, as a nation, the Somalis must quickly settle their political differences in order to be able to bring an end to the suffering of our people. We must resist Ethiopian military aggression, but we must find a way, as a nation, that allows us to engage positively with the government of the United States of America, and the rest of the world. We must certainly fight for our freedom. We must certainly fight in order to preserve our monoculture and legal poly-centrism, but the Somali nation must not remain politically isolated on the world stage. We must rebuild our reputation and regain our national self-respect. After all, if ours is an ancient nation that has somehow lost the ability to respect a unique and God given national heritage, how can we hope to command the respect of the modern nations of this world?

Everything is related to the idea of respect. Our relationships with others, our personal conduct, and our destiny hinges on respect. This is the ultimate statement of fact. The Somali nation has struggled, for over a century, with the forces of a Euro-centric world that do not respect the the customs, heritage, and faith of the Somali people. How can there ever be peace in the Somali peninsula if this lack of respect, which manifests itself in the form of the numerous historical injustices perpetrated against the Somali people, is not properly addressed? All human actions are doomed to fail without that vital component of human respect. We, the Somali people, experience enough difficulty in trying to preserve our ancient way of life. However, we must find a way to resist the effects of the corrosive disrespect being directed against the legitimate interests of the Somali nation. The Euro-centric world order must learn to accept the fact that the Somali nation will not give up its cultural heritage, for their convenience, at any price. Only once this idea is accepted, and the Somali nation is genuinely respected in this world, shall we have peace on the Somali peninsula. However we, the Somali people, must regain our national self-respect before we win the respect of a world beyond our homeland. We must resoundingly condemn all criminal deeds perpetrated against the Somali nation. We must be able to condemn crimes like those of the men who publicly executed a child in the name of religion in the port city of Kismayu in the month of October, 2008.

Only a nation that has lost all national self-respect can tolerate the disgusting excesses of any group that abuses the civilian population. There should be no distinction made between abusers, a crime is a crime whoever commits it. How can the Somali nation win the respect of the world when Somali society sees nothing wrong with the conduct of armed men such as those who brutally executed a child in Kismayu recently? The Somali way of life is both ancient and successful. All Somalis must learn to respect this. In my view, the historical process of Somali urbanisation has resulted in the development of social conditions that permit the rise of extremism of all kinds. Somali cities are where one usually finds both the collaborators of the vicious Ethiopian invaders and the belligerent armed forces of political Islam. Often, in modern Somalia, political Islam serves as a convenient smokescreen for urban criminality. Both are products of the historically unregulated process of Somali urbanisation; both are supported by people with little self-respect; and both are examples of Godless Somali extremism. With this in mind, we must also realise that the most vile extremist is he who sees the Somali nation only through the clan prism. The lowest example of a Somali intellectual is he who peddles hate in the form of Somali clan chauvinism. This is the sickness that endangers the very existence of the Somali nation. Such people are as pathetic and ridiculous as a mother who hates her children; a father who hates his children; or children who hate their siblings. We must have the strength and the ability to recognise this dreadful cancer whenever we are confronted by it. Our nation must find the strength to resist these dark forces. For we Somalis are now saddled with the ignominy of being a dysfunctional society. We must commit ourselves, and live by the knowledge that if any Somali clan suffers injury then we, the entire Somali nation, are all injured. This is vital. Few things in this world are more destructive than hate, and extremists are people who have hatred in their hearts.

Clearly, people who are prepared to kill their compatriots are people who loathe their own kind. This is a manifestation of a psychological distemper, and to loathe one's self is truly the worst of all possible psychological conditions. The various extremist groups of Somalia seem to be seeking salvation in the example of non-Somali philosophies. Few, if any, of these groups realise that genuine faith and fidelity to the ancient Somali way of life is their only true salvation. Some may look to the East and others may look to the West, but in the end they shall be forced to confront the fact that the solution to our national problem is purely internal, a solution from within, and it must be a solution based on a foundation of respect. It must be said that the modern Arab states are, for me at any rate, creations of a Euro-centric world order. They cannot represent a political model for the Somali nation. These states are client states of the West in any case. There is no legitimacy to be gained by appropriating the symbols of another nation in order to win influence amongst the people of Somalia.

The ancient ways of the Somali nation are the things that I care about the most. Somali traditions are too precious to throw away, especially if there is nothing of value to replace these traditions with. This is why I focus so much on the idea of respect for the cultural heritage of the Somali nation. The cultural heritage of the Somalis is the one thing that can truly unify the Somali people. We need to involve as many Somalis as possible in the process of preserving our cultural heritage. It does not matter which foreign culture influences our way of life, so long as we are sober enough to be able to control the process in the manner of a consciously unitary nation.

In order to move beyond our national problems effectively, we must, once more learn to genuinely love the complete splendour of the Somali nation. This means that we must return to the common ground that all Somali people had shared so harmoniously for centuries, before the destabilising and unjust impact of Euro-centric interventions had ever been experienced in the Horn of Africa. In order for the Somali nation to achieve genuine political stability, we must develop a uniquely Somali polity that is attentive to both the spiritual and temporal needs of the Somali people. This, for me, is the essence of the Obamaian Express. Perhaps many nations shall derive benefits from the possible changes being promised by this new American President. And, perhaps it is a worthwhile exercise to be a part of such a journey. Let us hope that we have witnessed an epoch changing moment.

Kritocracy

2008-11-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

The political judgement of the ancient Somali nation has been sound, and successful, for over a thousand years. The organic development of the the polycentric legal system of the Somali nation—the Xeer Somali—has been the defining feature of Somali public life throughout the entire history of the Somali nation. The basic political structures of the Somali nation are as strong today as they have ever been. The judgement of the Somali people is as sound today as it has ever been. All that has changed is that today the Somali nation is being encouraged to abandon its unique culture and heritage for the benefit of nefarious non-Somali interest groups.The so-called Transition Federal Government of Somalia is, in essence, a non-Somali construct created for the purpose of furthering the interests of a consortium of anti-Somali powers. The TFG is an agent of foreign powers and it functions for the benefit of foreign nations at the expense of the Somali nation. Millions of Somali civilians have been displaced from their homes as a direct result of the barbaric actions of the TFG. Thousands of Somali civilians have lost their lives as a direct result of the treacherous actions of the TFG.In the last week of October 2008 we witnessed the ridiculous sight of the TFG—including the entire dysfunctional legislative body—being transplanted to the Kenyan city of Nairobi for a public dressing down at the hands of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development. This event alone gives rise to some disturbing questions, including questions which shed light upon the legitimacy of the TFG, especially when the TFG of Somalia can be summoned by foreign powers at will. Surely the TFG has now formally relinquished all claims to political legitimacy. The very fact that the entire the TFG had left the national territory of the Somalia—for the pleasure of IGAD, the US, and the EU—is itself an absurdity, and surely represents a dereliction of duty, in addition to high treason, on the part of all members of the TFG.The only apparent result of the meetings in Nairobi seems to be the development of a situation where the TFG must now successfully fulfil the terms and conditions, defined by IGAD, in order for the realisation of an extension of the TFG mandate beyond October 2009. Whether or not the terms and conditions, as specified by IGAD, are fulfilled is now immaterial for the simple reason that the TFG is now visibly serving the interests of hostile foreign nations directly at the expense of the Somali people. The Somali people have suffered for decades as a direct result of foreign interventions in the internal affairs of the Somali nation.The excellent papers 'Better Off Stateless' by Peter T. Leeson, and 'Somalia After State Collapse' by Powell, Ford, and Nowrasteh eloquently demonstrate the wonderful ability of the Somali nation with respect to the specific art of making good policy judgements. With this in mind, there can be no greater insult directed at the Somali nation than the idea of the TFG requesting funding from foreign donors in order to destroy the wonderful heritage of Somali civic life. Surely an absentee government is preferable to the treacherous TFG in all of its guises.The Somali people must keep faith in their God given abilities. Foreign interventions have brought nothing but misery to the people of Somalia. Foreign interventions have repeatedly sought to destroy the ancient traditions of the Somali nation. The Somali people deserve better than the status of servile clients of a Euro-centric world order. Consequently, the real Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia must be respected in order to facilitate the survival of the ancient traditions of the Somali nation. There must be no deviation from a course that protects all of the customs, rights, heritage, and traditions of the Somali nation. There must be no distractions for—or divisions within—the real Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia. With the help of the Almighty, the re-liberation of Somalia shall be achieved. The ancient Somali nation deserves nothing less.

Mercenaries and the Enemies of Peace in Somalia

2008-10-19T14:25:00.000-07:00

With all of the suffering being experienced by the people of Somalia—as a result of the ongoing civil war inside the east African country—one must never lose sight of the fact that the actions certain foreign institutions, inside Somali national territory, are the root causes of the conflict in Somalia. For many years, the creation of a malleable Somali government had clearly been a most desirable outcome from the perspective of the United States Department of State, and by association, the governments of Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda. Indeed, during recent years, and especially since the creation of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, as a result of the Nairobi process in 2004, we have witnessed a marked deterioration of the quality of life for the civilian population of Somalia.

The creation of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, in 2004, has proven to an unmitigated disaster from the perspective of the civilian population of Somalia. Acts of terrible violence have almost become a daily part of life for the civilian population of Somalia, and these acts of violence are a direct reaction to the presence of the much-hated Transitional Federal Government of Somalia on Somali soil. Can we really be surprised by the fact that the civilian population of Somalia resoundingly rejects a body, in the shape of the TFG, formed in neighbouring Kenya?

The president of the TFG, the quisling Cabdullahi Yusuf Axmed, has made every effort imaginable to facilitate the annexation of all Somali national territory by the neighbouring states of Kenya and Ethiopia. Why else does he persistently call for the arrival of more foreign troops to assist him in his nefarious plans? Clearly this man does not serve in the best interests of the Somali people. And is it any wonder that an increasingly youthful army of patriotic volunteers is resisting the ideas of president Cabdullahi Yusuf Axmed so vigorously?

The bitter experiences of the Iraqi civilian population, in recent times, provide enough evidence of the brutal methods being used by foreign troops. This particularly grim evidence is reason enough to support the idea that the occupying foreign troops are to be resisted at all costs by the Somali people. Reason should be allowed to prevail here. It is painfully obvious that the Somali civilians desire peace to prevail in their homeland, but, at the same time, it is quite obvious that the Somali people cannot abide by the idea that foreign troops are currently occupying their sacred homeland. For this reason, it is entirely reasonable that a long-suffering civilian population should wish for the demise of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia.

The illegal nature of president Cabdullahi Yusuf Axmed’s request for foreign troops to be deployed inside Somali national territory, and his foolish request for foreign warships to patrol Somali national waters is nothing more than an invitation for the spread of neo-colonial rule in Africa. The civilian population of Somalia is quite right to reject the racist ideals of the tyrannical Ethiopian regime in Addis-Ababa. It appears that the failed policies of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, with respect to Somali national territory, must be reversed if peace is to return to Somalia.

The Somali people must recall with horror the brutal and inhuman behaviour of the United Nations peacekeeping troops deployed in Somalia, as a part of the ridiculously named 'Operation Deliverance' mission, during the early 1990s. The scandalous conduct of Canadian soldiers in particular, when an entire army regiment, the Canadian Airborne Regiment, was eventually disbanded in disgrace as a result of the sickening sexual abuse and murder of Somali civilians under Canadian protection at the time, must never be forgotten. The death of one Somali youth, called Shidane Arone, in particular became embamatic of the human rights abuses perpetrated by the foreign troops then active in Somalia. Indeed, so damaging were the revalations of the public inquiery into what became infamously known as the 'Somali Affair' in Canada that this particular inquiery was eventually cut short by the liberal Canadian government of the day. In addition to this particular example, the Somali people must never forget the behaviour of both Italian and Belgian troops in Somalia during the early 1990s. There exists evidence that Italian troops, stationed in Somalia then, engaged in the systematic raping of Somali women under Italian protection at the time. And the Belgian troops were actually photographed burning Somali civilians, under Belgian protection, on open fires like pieces of butchered meat. These horrendous events are clearly examples of the degree of contempt with which Somali civilian life is held by the various foreign troops who are called to intervene in the internal affairs of the Somali nation.

The Somali people must never underestimate the bestial nature of mercenaries and foreign troops, and every effort must be made in order to prevent the foolish president of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia from realising his disgraceful aim of hosting foreign troops on Somali soil for an indefinite period of time.

The Quisling President of Somalia and The Dark Final Solution of the Somali Problem

2008-10-16T12:09:00.000-07:00

Upon hearing a rumour that the quisling president of the TFG—Cabdullahi Yusuf Axmed—is planning to resign from his current, and shameful, post in order to return to Puntland, where he plans to develop a breakaway fiefdom, I almost fell from my chair with laughter. This news has just reached me, and I must confess that for a moment I could not believe that Cabdullahi Yusuf Axmed, even with his long record of dishonourable public conduct, could champion the final dismemberment of the Somali national territory.

I very quickly came to my senses by realising that Cabdullahi Yusuf Axmed, the most cursed of all men on this earth, is a man without honour. This man does not respect the ancient cultural sensitivities of the Somali nation. Not a single drop of Somali patriotism flows through his veins, and for some unfathomable reason, he is able to justify any heinous act of betrayal, perpetrated against the Somali nation, with bewildering ease.

This is a man who is personally responsible for the deaths of thousands of Somali civilians during his long and bloody career as a Somali warlord. What is staggering about this particular personality is that Cabdullahi Yusuf Axmed actually believes that he, and by extension the Somali nation, shall somehow benefit from the decades of servile loyalty that he had once shown to his erstwhile Ethiopian masters.

At a time when many of us have recently been defending Somali national interests against a particularly loathsome concept—proposed by a Kenyan charlatan-cum-lawyer by the name of Donald Kipkorir—that calls for the dismemberment of the Somali national territory by brutal means at the hands of the Kenyan and Ethiopian armed forces, the president of the TFG has been selfishly fighting for his own political survival. He does not seem to be aware of what is really going on around him. Somalia is in mortal danger. A dangerous concept, like the political disappearance of the Somali nation can only be realised if a suitably malleable person—like the quisling Cabdullahi Yusuf Axmed—can be found in order to facilitate the central requirements of the final dismemberment of the Somali national territory for the benefit of hostile foreign powers.

As remarkable as it may seem, Cabdullahi Yusuf Axmed seems to think that he shall somehow benefit from the act of supporting the foreign policy goals of Somalia’s hostile neighbours, both in Kenya and in Ethiopia. This man actually believes that by working for the benefit of both the Kenyan and Ethiopian governments, whether directly or indirectly, he and the Somali nation shall somehow find benefit. As remarkable as it may sound, this is the mindset that permits a man to invite the troops of hostile nations into the land of his birth. Cabdullahi Yusuf Axmed cannot see that the final dismemberment of the Somali national territory is the only plausible outcome of his foolish actions. The quisling president of the TFG of Somalia cannot understand that the final dismemberment, and annexation of the Somali national territory by the Kenyan and Ethiopian governments is the end that he is unwittingly and slavishly working towards.

It is quite clear—from the tacit support being given to both the Kenyan and Ethiopian governments by the U.S. department of state—that the legitimate national interest of the Somali people are being trampled upon for nothing more than the fantastical claim that the Somali national territory has become a haven for terrorism. The fact of the matter is that the final dismemberment, and annexation, of the Somali national territory is intended to legitimise all the annexations of Somali national territory during the past 110 years by the criminal pseudo-states that happen to be the immediate neighbours of the Somali nation. In these dangerous times for the Somali nation, the ordinary people must be made to realise just how grave the situation really is. And, with God’s help, may the people of Somalia resist the criminal designs of the dark agents within their midst's.

Cabdullahi Yusuf Axmed is playing a dangerous game, and he is happy to be gambling with the future of the Somali nation. The Somali people deserve far better than this particularly ugly form of political manipulation. The Somali people deserve leadership that can actually serve in the interest of the Somali nation, not the sort on offer by people like the illegitimate president of the TFG—Cabdullahi Yusuf Axmed—who works exclusively for the benefit of foreign powers that are manifestly hostile to the legitimate interests of the Somali nation.

The dismemberment of Somalia

2008-10-06T07:03:00.000-07:00

My response to the article by Donald Kipkorir, in the Daily Nation of Kenya, called ‘Why Kenya and Ethiopia ought to annex and divide Somalia’. This article was published on Friday 3rd of October 2008.

This particular article can be found by following the link:

http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Opinion/-/440808/476952/-/3lvt45/-/index.html

The ancient common law of the Somali people, despite its polycentric nature, has governed and regulated an ancient way of life on the Somali peninsula for well over a thousand years. In addition to the unique and ancient customs of the Somali people, one must remember the Shari’a Islam, a sophisticated and robust form of jurisprudence practiced all over the Somali peninsula.

The very idea of Kenyan strategic interest is based upon the assumption that the state of Kenya enjoys a degree of political and economic independence from the west. This is an erroneous assumption. It is quite clear, even to the most casual of observer, that the Kenya as an entity is a client state of the west. Therefore, the state of Kenya cannot be said to have definably strategic national interests that are, in any way, independent of western interests. This being the case, the dismemberment and annexation of Somalia can only be affected with the support and backing of the western powers.

Donald Kipkorir may choose to label certain Somali personalities as pirates, but it must be realised that the men in question call themselves the coastal guardians of Somalia. When considering the fact that Somalia has the longest coastline of all African nations, it is entirely reasonable that such a resource is guarded by a section of the Somali community. The practices, and exploits of the men who guard the national coast of Somalia are entirely legitimate, because the waters that these men protect are universally considered to be Somali national waters.

There has never been so much as a single shred of evidence, presented anywhere in the world, to prove that the Somali national territory has ever been a haven for terrorists of any description. The idea that Somalia is a haven of terrorism is baseless in the extreme. Furthermore, the tenuous nature of the perceived links between terrorism and people of who follow one religion in particular does not help anyone. On the other hand, the state of Kenya, due to the fact that the horrific events of 1998 happened in Nairobi, must be considered the classic example of a haven for terrorists. Surely a haven for terrorism is a place where terrorists are able to conduct their evil deeds without fear of detection or interception. Kenya has been such a place in the past, what is to say that Kenya is not such a place in the present?

The state of Kenya does not represent an existential threat to any nation. And, the state of Kenya certainly does not represent an existential threat to any of the Arab nations. In addition to this, one must be mindful of the fact that Somalia is not an Arab nation by definition. Donald Kipkorir, in surely a cheap and deliberate attempt to confuse, betrays his ignorance on more than one occasion in his article.

The annexation of Somali national territory has been attempted in the past, by various invading armies, and on numerous occasions with little success. Land is the most sacred of material possessions for an agro-pastoral society like that of the Somali nation. Any attempt, by a foreign army, to interfere with the Somali way of life shall be resisted violently. This is the message that history teaches us, and Donald Kipkorir would do well to heed this message.

Somalia exists so long as there are Somali people living on the earth. The legal-rational construct that is known as the state of Kenya is manifestly feeble, and potentially transient, when rigorously tested by adversity, as was made abundantly clear after the Kenyan elections of December 2007.

The idea of dismembering Somalia is surely an involuntary admission, on the part of Donald Kipkorir, that Somalia exists as a nation. It may not resemble the façade that is the state of Kenya, but the Somali nation exists and must be respected, especially by neighbouring countries. No amount of legal-rationalism can hide the fact that Donald Kipkorir, and those who have similar ideas, when they speak about the dismemberment of Somalia, are contemplating a crime.

Throughout history, the Somali people have consistently rejected the concept of the legal-rational state, as exemplified by the annexation of Texas in 1845, a case cited by Donald Kipkorir in his article. The western model of the legal-rational state is alien to the Somali people, and to all African people for that matter. The western model of the legal-rational state is the same model that gave the world Slavery, Apartheid, The Berlin Wall, and the global financial meltdown of September 2008. Donald Kipkorir should take a good look at himself, and perhaps he should ask himself in which direction the true, and strategic, national interest of the state of Kenya are to be found.

The death of a distinguished gentleman in Somalia

2008-10-04T10:17:00.000-07:00

On the ninth day of July 2008, a few hours after the tragic event, I learned of the death of a friend. The victim had been a prominent businessman called Cali Jama Bixi in the Somali city of Galkacyo. I first came to know him when he lived in Mogadishu, many years ago. This man had been universally respected throughout Somalia. On this day, he was assassinated—shot to death by unidentified gunmen—early in the morning, as he went about his business. This was another high profile killing in the Mudug region of Somalia. There have been many horrible episodes, like this one, in the northern cities of Somalia during 2008.

Some people say that this campaign of assassination is a direct result of the policies of the current Somali president, Cabdullahi Yusuf Axmed, a kinsman of all the recent victims in the state of Puntland, and a man who hails from the Mudug region. This campaign of murder is shocking to all members of Somali society. Never before, in the history of the Somali people, have the tactics of killerism been employed on the Somali peninsula. The deliberate targeting of ordinary civilians, for this type of violent attack, are being directed against president Cabdullahi Yusuf Axmed's own family. The numerous murders that have been committed, by the unknown gunmen, are being carried out with chilling efficiency, and it is very probable that we shall continue to hear about such cases, so long as the president of the TFG of the Somali republic pursues policies that harm the people of the Somali peninsula.

People are genuinely scared. It is quite clear that ordinary Somalis feel confused. The ordinary people do not know when this particular nightmare will end. The fact of the matter is that people are suffering for no apparent reason. All of the recent and mysterious deaths in the Mudug region of Somalia could have been avoided. This is a most disturbing realisation. Especially when one thinks about how unnecessary the Somali president’s policies are, and knowing that all of the recent murders in the Mudug region of Somalia could have been politically motivated.

A few months have passed since the death of Cali Jama Bixi. Countless others have died in Somalia since the day, in July, when Cali Jama Bixi died so tragically. This terrible waste of life is taking its toll on the Somali people. The president of the TFG of the Somali republic must take responsibility for his actions. It is quite clear to see that his policies lack any definable purpose with respect to the basic national interests of the Somali people. The fundamental national interest of any nation is peace and the preservation of human life. The president of the TFG of the Somali republic has, by any reasonable standard, failed to satisfy the basic national interests of the Somali people. In addition to this, his policies have stimulated some members of the Somali community to take matters into their own hands by resorting to the use of murder as a political tool.

The president of the TFG of the Somali republic has failed the people of the Somali peninsula. One would hope that, as a man, he responds by abandoning his misguided policies. One would hope that the president of the TFG has enough sense to realise the folly of his disastrous tenure in office. And, one would hope, for the sake of all decent Somali people, that the president of the TFG of the Somali republic decides to hastily exit national politics. It is imperative that the true price of political failure is paid in full by those responsible for the failure in question.