A TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED SON MOHAMED AHMED HASSAN ARWO

A TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED SON MOHAMED AHMED HASSAN ARWO

"Who, when afflicted with calamity say: "Truly To Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return."" [The Qur'an; Chapter 2 (Al Baqarah - The Cow) : Verse 156]

 Our destiny is prearranged. I would like to share with you my poignant experience of an episode of our life that waits us all. For five days I learned more about life journey than my entire life, the death of my son Mohammed and the process I went through till we put him in his last room on the world and first hereafter. It is a tribute to dear son and a lesson to us all. 

Death respects no age, no gender, and no strength. We saw daily young dying, old surviving, strong dying and weak surviving. We witness fragile patients that survive on comma for decades. All these testimony and yet deep in our mind we think it is the old that dies. Every one of us will taste death at preset time by no one else but by our creator. That time can be sooner or later by the will of Allah.

I buried my beloved son MOHAMED yesterday, a young man at the best epoch of human life, man with entrepreneurial talent always thinking of building empires without neglecting his duty towards Allah and to us. He needed my input which I grossly failed. I regret utmost and it will remain a painful reminder in my life .It was just before Ramadan when finally we agreed to put the foundation of that empire in Hargeysa, a business empire under his leadership and my guidance. We were so happy so optimistic so looking forward that I was counting days. Alas just after Hajj he hinted he has light health problem. He was so strong physically and spiritually. He hid all his pain without whispering to the ears of those close to him. None of us knew the seriousness of his case. He endured all that pain all alone to save us from worry. I knew him for he never let us know anything that can worry us. Allah will be kind to my son as he was kind to us. That is what Allah promised and his promise is done before it is said.

On Sunday afternoon, I spent an hour with his body in mortuary reading Quran and offering Du’a. Each time I touched his body and see his face it was as though he was telling me " father don't worry I am in better hands, hands of Angels of heaven." Alhamdulilaa”

Our destiny is in Allah’s hands. I was not busy, not sick, not occupied, and no financial problem, yet I couldn’t move towards my beloved son, my only son. I regret very much and ask myself why and why yet I know I cannot take a step without Allah’s willing. It is hard to excuse myself from this gross irresponsibility. Astaqfurulla, Allah forgive me, I know my destiny is in your hands.

 I was so unlucky that I arrived a day late to see him alive but Allah gave me a way to communicate with him. I sensed he was listening and I promised to him to uphold his dreams Insha Allah. I promised to him more, that I will not share with you but ask you to help me by offering prayer so Allah help me  make it a reality.

Monday Duhur prayer I went with group of elders to pray in a Pakistani mosque in Grangetown where my home is located. After prayer I was surprised to hear the imam calling us to pray for the deceased. “Let us offer Du’as to the deceased young man Mohamed Ahmed Hassan Arwo" tears come to my eyes. He offered the best of Du’as and no one moved" then after Sunna prayer all came towards me giving me a hug and offering condolences. I was touched with their kindness and solidarity.

Tuesday morning and the washing ritual. The washing cermony was done in Aljalalia Mosque, in Grangetown, Cardiff. I washed him with my hands with the help of my close family and under the direction of Sheekh Omar, and Salama Funeral Services. I was delighted to be there to see his youthful body never changed glowing with freshness. Thank Allah he was so clean, so neat, so stunning, no trace of anything but shining body with nice smell. It was as though he was bathed before us. Deep in my heart I thanked Allah for this is a sign of Ehlu Jannah. The body of the deceased shows signs of hell or heaven. My son’s body was that of whom Allah promised for better life in Heaven.

After washing session finished I looked at him, not scaring but rather with exhilarating gesture I realized how his body is gleaming and how he grew a full dark beautiful beard. It looked trimmed and recently combed. A beard he never had but last days of his life.  The nice smell of his body was sensational. I hold his right hand and every part  was as  alive, bending, not stiff but nearly moving. . I entangled my fingers with him and offered a special Du’a.

Mohamed with me and my daughter in Jubail,Saudi Arabia

 Immediately family females members, led by his mother and sister came in. It was really a testing time. Thank Allah our worry never materialized. I never saw and never heard a pack of women under this circumstances as strong as they were, withholding all their feelings and clearly stating Du’a one after another, no cry at all, no chest beating, no hair tearing, just offering Du’as. His mother Amal a strong Muslim with mountains of Iman and courage of lion, told him what he has to say at the grave, when Angels question him about his beliefs  and asked Allah to forgive him for all that he has done for her and for me. She recited Quran and Du’as. It was the Du’as of his Aunt Hayat Omar Arteh, that touched my heart " Alhamdulilaa you are beautiful you are clean you are so sweet, you are Ehlu Janno, all signs are here Thank Allah” she continuously said without hesitation.

Then came the real test, the most touching. My daughter Najat kissed him and whispered into his ears “My brother you were all to me. You were my brother, my protector my guardian, you always advise me. I ask Allah to forgive you and to reward you Jannatul Fardaws for all the good deeds you have done and your love to us. You died young but accomplished great, Allah loves you” The courage of my daughter is beyond belief. I was shaking not with fear but with admiration. Thank Allah who gave me such strong family, thank Allah for giving me Amal as wife and Najat as a daughter.      

Then they kissed him and concluded with Du'as that we men couldn't offer. We were standing motionlessly, holding open hands towards heaven repeating Amen after them and in whispering voice.

Mohamed with his son Ahmed

We moved towards Al-Nur mosque for prayer. In front of the mosque I was met by my people of Cardiff. They are my people for they all love us as family. They are not just family but really good family, sharing with us the hard and the soft .My fellow Somalis and good number of other Muslims lined up to hug me and to offer condolences one by one. Masjidu-Nur of Butetown was crammed downstairs and upstairs. Women were given a special area where they were literally compressed like sardines in a box. After Duhur prayer Sh. Mohammed led Jinaza prayer. Tears filled my eyes but my heart was so cool and my mind told me my son is in the hands of his creator and he will be in better life than his short life here. I offered the Du’a wih parental tone and in my special words, as the rest of the congregation did. Then again I was attacked with love and solidarity, they offered condolences tears in their eyes and some cannot hold their sorry and openly cried.

We took the last episode of Mohamed's life, a trip to the Ely Cemetery. The ground was covered with my fellow Somalis and my fellow Muslims. Thank Allah for the number of attendants. Cars filled all open spaces and people covered all the grass area. They came from all over the world . From Holland, from Canada , from Saudi Arabia, from all UK of course large number came from our next door cities, Bristol and Newport. Many of them cried openly. I learned nothing is better than true friendship when I saw my son’s friends crying openly. I learned men cry not of fear but of love and sorry.

Mohammed with his grandfather Omer Arteh and his late grandmother Shukri Jirde. 

The grave itself is located at a corner and under a tree. A location anyone with choice would have chosen. Allah has chosen for my son MOHAMMED.  

May Allah bless his soul and make his grave a room from heaven. May Allah bestow his mercy and reward him Jannatul Fardaws for his loyalty to Allah and to his parents. I pray Allah to forgive me for all I haven't done for him. He gave me all his love while I did gave him a little of mine. Making his parents happy and satisfied was his utmost priority. It is painful to see ones child die before him but I am happy for all good deeds he have done in his short life. He never used his hand and tongue to harm any creature . To him they were tools to support, help and praise everyone. His heart was so huge he never found difficulty to entertain entire humanity with love and joy. I am proud to have Mohamed as my son. He departed us physically but he rests in my heart and mind for ever. He gave his entire life to serve us, never feel tired to execute our endless demands. He was a tower of help, mountain of support and river of love. Allah took my son for better life Insha Allah. His loyalty to Allah and to us will be rewarded with Allah's love.

Ahmed Arwo with his grandsoin Ahmed

Mohamed left in this world a son, named after me, Ahmed and a lovely wife who changed his life during this short period they were together. She made him happy, forward looking for better life. I noticed all these changes from the day they get married. My daughter-in-law Fathiya Sh Ibrahim I pray Allah to compensate your loss with better future and happy life in this world and forgiveness and Jannatul Fardaws hereafter.  

  Please do offer Du'a for him and for us.

Related articles:

My Daughter' s tribute
http://samotalis.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/in-memory-of-my-dear-brother-mohamed.html

My tribute in Somali:

http://samotalis.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/xus-iyo-xusuusta-inankeyga-maxamed.html

2- http://samotalis.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/xus-iyo-xusuusta-inankeyga-maxamed_18.html

Please do offer Du'a for him and for us.

Father Tel:  07903744256 (UK)

Mother Amal Tel:  02920344085 (UK)

Ahmed Hassan Arwo

Mohamed Ahmed Arwo with Abdiwahab Ismail Raja, me and uncle Abdihakim,

Mohamed in white thob with uncles and first cousins

Mohamed behind in black suit with uncles and first cousins

http://samotalis.blogspot.com/

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UK Accused of Training and Supporting Deadly Somaliland Counter-Terrorism Unit

The UK is providing training and support to a Somaliland counterterrorism unit accused of unlawful killings and political intimidation, according to members of Somaliland’s parliament.

The Rapid Reaction Unit (RRU), a Somaliland paramilitary counter-terror squad established in 2012, was deployed by President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud’s administration on November 15 to prevent opposition members of parliament (MPs) from entering parliament in order to influence a vote, members of Somaliland’s parliament told VICE News.

A report by Somaliland’s Human Rights Center, published Tuesday, also blamed the RRU for the deaths of at least two demonstrators after soldiers allegedly fired at a group of them indiscriminately. MPs confirmed that the RRU had been accused of killing protestors at demonstrations.

Citing “security reasons,” the UK Foreign Office will not confirm or deny to VICE News whether it provides assistance to the RRU. However, the British government has previously released details of support, including security equipment, vehicles, a UK-built headquarters, and a pretrial detention facility — all “gifted” as part of its counter-terrorism program.

Abdirahman Mohamed Jama, a Waddani party MP, accused the president of using the paramilitary unit as a personal task force, and said that British forces are regularly witnessed training the RRU at a camp in Hargeisa.

“I have seen with my own eyes that they were training them how to shoot,” he said. “I saw them learning how to shoot bullets a month ago at a camp in Hargeisa.

“It’s not a secret,” he added. “Everybody in Somaliland knows that the British are funding the RRU.”

An annual report by the Somaliland Human Rights Center released on Tuesday said that the number of soldiers in the RRU has doubled from 50 to 100 in the last two years.

The RRU uses “unnecessary force” against civilians and “sometimes beat suspects,” the report claims.

On December 28, 2013, police and RRU forces opened fire on civilians protesting water shortages in Hargeisa, resulting in the deaths of two demonstrators, the report said.

Underground chemists in the UK are trying to bring Quaaludes back. Read more here.

On November 15, Jama says that he and 28 opposition MPs were denied entry to parliament in an apparent attempt to influence a vote on a new speaker of the house. RRU and other state security forces numbering around 400 had occupied the building.

Jama described the November 15 incident as “the final demolition of the Somaliland democracy process.”

Warning shots were fired, five members of parliament were arrested, and two were “badly beaten” by police, Jama says. All were released without charge several hours later.

“They were trying to prevent people from voting,” he said.

The pre-arranged vote did not go ahead after MPs inside the House left in protest, and a quorum was not present.

The speaker of the House of Representatives told VICE News that the security forces attempted to disarm his bodyguards and refuse him entry as he approached parliament.

“Maybe a kilometer away from the House there was a checkpoint with a large number of security forces including the RRU,” Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi said. “In order to avoid a clash I decided to continue to my house. They are powerful now. Everybody is afraid.”

“We were very lucky we weren’t hurt,” Jama told VICE News. “The ruling party was very angry of the support we had in parts of Somaliland.”

Protests followed the military occupation of parliament, which, according to Jama, led to the deaths of at least three people.

“Whenever there is a protest in Somaliland, they don’t use water cannons, they don’t use rubber bullets. They use live bullets to disperse a crowd. Bullets kill people,” Jama said. “They fired indiscriminately into the crowds.”

Jama, who is also a British citizen and former teacher at a number of schools in the London borough of Harrow, said he was “ashamed” of the use of taxpayer money to fund the “oppressive” force.

“I urge the UK government to review its funding and support to the RRU,” he said.

UK terror suspect mocks police on twitter after skipping bail and fleeing to Syria. Read more here.

Britain’s counter-terrorism operations have recently come under scrutiny following an investigation by Al Jazeera that unearthed allegations by Kenyan anti-terror police that the UK provided training, equipment, and intelligence to an assassination squad that has carried out nearly 500 extrajudicial killings.

Somaliland receives millions in aid from the UK. The country declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has been cautiously celebrated as a beacon of democracy within the fragile state, following five elections.

The UK government’s Department for International Development (DfID) describes it as “more stable than the rest of the country,” but states that development needs “remain high.” Journalists are regularly arrested and detained.

VICE News contacted Somaliland’s ruling Kulmiye party for comment but did not receive a response.

“We are not able to provide detail on our counter-terrorism program funding for operational security reasons, however any HMG funding is delivered in line with HMG’s Overseas Security and Assistance Guidance and is regularly reviewed to ensure compliance with international human rights,” a Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesperson said. “We believe that respect for human rights is an integral part of any effective approach to counter-terrorism.”

Follow Ben Bryant on Twitter: @benbryant

Sourve Vice News

SOMALILAND: IN THE MEMORY OF MY DEAR BROTHER MOHAMED AHMED H ARWO

 IN THE MEMORY OF MY DEAR BROTHER MOHAMED AHMED H ARWO

BY NAJAT AHMED H ARWO  

"Who, when afflicted with calamity say: "Truly To Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return."" [The Qur'an; Chapter 2 (Al Baqarah - The Cow) : Verse 156]

I cannot go to reflect on our loss without addressing the pain and the sorrow of my beloved father, after all it is that which triggered me to write this memoir.To him Mohammed was everything, not only a son but a friend, a colleague and above all a manager of his affairs. 

My dear father,

As you may know, I am not the writer nor the talker, I am more of the reflector, and therefore I require time to allow myself to respond to my own emotions. It has just been over two weeks since our beloved Mahammed has left this world and I can only manage to gather my thoughts together.
I have read every single word that you have written regarding the death of our beloved Mahammed , and I was overcome with emotions. Your ability to report the exact facts at the most traumatic time is impeccable.

The death of my only brother and your only son has left a whole in my heart, and on most days I feel as if someone has cut off my limp. As he was my everything, my shoulder to lean on, my adviser, my best friend, my guardian, my protector, my role model, my councillor, and my motivator. In all the roles he played as a son, brother, husband, father, nephew, friend, cousin and grandchild he played them ever so perfectly. He filled all our lives with love, kindness and generosity. I was always in awe of his ability to handle life's predicaments with grace, humility and most importantly with enthusiasm, always putting a positive spin on things. Mahammed always ensured to give everyone the time and attention they needed, was never too busy for anyone. In my entire life, I can not think of one memory that sees him in a negative light. Always the peace maker, the joker, the humanitarian, never the fighter.

I feel that there are hardly any words in any language that can truly describe my beloved brothers character. Word used would just seem like an exaggeration or even false!! But the truth is he was simply a rare gift, a blessing that was bestowed upon us by Allah. Mahammed's time on this earth might have been short but was very propitious. He was only 36 yet his accomplishments in life can be comparable to a retired 70 year old man. In his evanescent life he has achieved more than most adults can attain in their lifetime.

My dear brother always joked that it was not only you and mum who raised me, that he was also a big part of my upbringing. It is ever so surreal that I am the teacher in the family yet I always saw him as the original eccentric educator. Mahammed taught me valid lessons everyday in The School of Life. I still can hear his voice saying "Najat when was the last time you spoke to aunt or uncle so and so, go and make that call now". Constantly reminding me that life gets us all busy "But sis, you must always make the effort and give time to those you love the most, especially family, young and old. It only requires you to spend a few extra minutes each day to reconnect and make someone's day, month, year or lifetime. What a little sacrifice for such a pleasurable reward ". Who would have thought such wisdom would come from such a young man!! But he was always wiser than his years, born with such a traditional and loving soul.

Even in his death he is still teaching us lessons on good citizenship, humbleness, sincerity and mostly humanity. The amount of people that turned up to his funeral was so overwhelming. What a sight it was, to see people travel from all corners of the UK and rest of world just to pay him and us respect. The mosque was so full, that people were praying outside, Masha Allah what a beautiful sight it was. He had made an impact to every one that he met, all saying how amazing he was, and all agreeing that he was the ideal son. It was so touching to see how family members stated that "Mahammed was one in a million, unique, loving, giving and generous. No other can replace him nor can he be compared to". He was everyone's best friend, but those friends that he loved, cried as if they lost a brother too. They felt our pain and turned to my dear mother in her darkest hour and uttered weepingly "Mahammed was our brother and therefore you are our mother, whatever you need, call us just like you called for Mahammed. We are all your sons". That alone was a testimony to his character.

Mahammed was so loved, and nobody loved him more than you and mum. To lose a child is painful enough, but to lose such a rare and extraordinary treasure is unbearable. As parents we constantly feel that we could always do more for our children, guilt ridden, never satisfied with our efforts. However my dear father, you should not feel guilty over anything. Your son knew that you truly loved him and that is all that matters. He did not become the honourable gentlemen that he was without your help. If you feel proud of us , then you and mum should feel proud of yourselves first. We are not products of magic, we became the adults we are because of all the good qualities that you both instilled in us. Mohammed had your entrepreneurial skills, your wisdom and knowledge. He had mum's heart, kindness and faith, and both of your senses of humour and strength. Can't you see my dear father?? that without the combination of both yours and mum's character and love, we would have amounted to nothing, living a life with no sense of direction. Mahammed and I always felt blessed to have two amazing parents, and thank Allah everyday for choosing us to be part of your lives. We deeply love you both. Rest at ease my dear father as you have nothing to apologise for.
I know that there is a slight emptiness and loneliness that has take over our hearts, especially for my dear mother. She has lost her soul mate and best friend. It was such a joy to witness their relationship, two peas in a pod, we constantly used to tease them, wherever mum was Mahammed would be there too. He always used to put your needs before his own.

What an inspiration my brother was. Let us keep his dreams alive and remember his positive view of the world, his laughter and smile, his advice and wisdom. Let us all aim to be better human beings, better communicators and make our presence in this world actually count. Allah has only blessed me with one brother, but he simply was the best. I am so proud to be your sister my dear Mahammed, I truly wished that you knew how many people loved you, and how you impacted their lives. Some people even admitted that they loved you more than their own children lol. I promise I will look after your heart, your life, your wife Fathiya Noor, and your beloved son Ahmed-Ameer. I will do my utmost to raise my children, especially my son Maahir to have your exceptional and commendable qualities. If he turns out to be just 10% of the man that you became then I will be satisfied.

May Allah the almighty grant you paradise, the highest level of all, Janatal Fardoos. Ameen.


Najat Ahmed Hassan Arwo.

http://samotalis.blogspot.com/

An Open Letter From Somaliland Focus (UK) Regarding The Media In Somaliland

An Open Letter From Somaliland Focus (UK) Regarding The Media In Somaliland

Mr Mohammed Behi Younis, Foreign Minister

Republic of Somaliland

(cc: Mr Abdullahi Mohamed Dahir, Information Minister)

11 November 2013

Dear Minister,

I write as the Vice-Chair of Somaliland Focus (UK). We would like to offer you our congratulations at your appointment as Foreign Minister.

Since 2005, Somaliland Focus has been making the case for wider awareness of Somaliland and its democratic process, acting as joint coordinators of the international observers to Somaliland’s elections in 2010 and 2012, and through our involvement with the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group for Somaliland and Somalia. We’ve been proud to be associated with the achievements of Somaliland.

Yet we are moved to write to express our concerns about harassment and intimidation of news media members in Somaliland. We are copying this letter to your colleague Mr Abdullahi Mohamed Dahir, the Minister of Information. Media freedom is relevant to both of your briefs as it reflects on Somaliland internationally, and ensuring a free media is the responsibility of the entire government.

We note there have been numerous incidents, prompting the concern of groups inside and outside Somaliland. Most prominent lately has been the targeting of Hubaal newspaper, which in April saw its office in Hargeisa attacked, with injuries to staff members. In June, publication was suspended after articles critical of Somaliland’s government appeared, and its editor-in-chief and managing director were imprisoned. Although the men have since been released and publication has recommenced, the events constitute a major breach of the freedom of the press, explicitly protected by law in Somaliland.

The Hubaal affair is part of a long chain of events. In 2012 numerous journalists were arrested and a television station, HornCableTV, was shut down, while in 2011, the editor of the Jamhuuriya newspaper was arrested. That year also saw threats from ministers and security personnel towards the chief editor of YOOL, another newspaper, the arrest and imprisonment of Mahamud Abdi Jama, the editor of Waaheen, and an award-winning African journalist, and the arrest and imprisonment of a reporter for Haatuf.

Some of the arrests have been on grounds of criminal defamation and others apparently at the behest of regional governors. While pardons and releases have followed, such actions have a chilling effect on the proper functioning of the media and are likely to lead to ineffective coverage and self-censorship. There is a significant need for fully institutionalising the freedom of the media, particularly in making defamation a civil rather than a criminal offence, and in local governors not being able to organise the arrest of journalists.

Yet we note concerns reported in local media about proposed press law changes which could further undermine media freedom. Actions against media are becoming a regrettable hallmark of Somaliland administrations past and present, and negatively affecting our ability to effectively advocate for Somaliland. We urge that you and other policymakers address this compromising of a vital democratic pillar, which in turn undermines the completion of Somaliland’s transition into the multi-party democracy to which you have committed yourselves.

Yours faithfully,

Dr Steve Kibble

Vice-Chair, Somaliland Focus (UK)

Completing And Incomplete Sentence

Completing And Incomplete Sentence

Completing an incomplete sentence in one item of the “Sacad Musa” Resolution

As a general rule the clan based conventions happens when the clan or clans feel threatened by either internal or external intimidation besides their own domestic clan affairs that has to be improved from time to time.

It also happens when any given administration is seen as part of the problem and not part of the solution in both the domestic and external fronts.

It also happens when the administration is seen as corrupt and weak and can not safeguard their wellbeing

It also occurs, when the communities see their government as deceptive, and not telling them the truth etc. It happens when the communities are in doubt…!

One of the points in the resolution of the “Saad Musa” convention was:

1-“We obey, support and follow our government (……………….) as we did the others preceded them and we shall do the same for the future governments.” I think it was some thing to that effect. However that is not a complete (statement) sentence!

I think the complete sentence or statement must be:

We endorse and follow our government or rulers only”Bilixsaan.” This means, we endorse them and follow them and support them when they are doing the right thing for the country and for the people, and only when the government commands what is just and righteous, not only by their management of governing but also their doings and that they are on the path of righteousness. This virtue is Quranic and prophetic advice

Would you obey and follow your (government) rulers when they are destroying your cause and country by destroying the constitution and the rule of law?

Would you obey them when they betrayed the people by abandoning the programs and promises they made to them in exchange of the people’s vote?

Would you follow them when they followed the way of corruption and clanism with out bounds whether they know or recognize that they are did that or not? The right answer is obviously, NO.

The complete sentence is, we shall obey when the government is doing the right things for the people and for the country. This means follow and respect your leadership or government when they are right and doing the right things for the people. On the other hand what about when the government is excessive in transgression and indulges corruption and doing the wrong things? Would you follow such entity or would you stop it and cause change? If you insist on ‘just follow the government mantra’ you will find your self in conflict with the teaching of Allah. And this is what Allah the owner of the earth and the heavens said in this regard of when to obey and follow your rulers and when not:

“And follow not the bidding, the command of those who are extravagant. Those who make mischief in the land and mend not, and not put right their way

Those are told to cultivate virtue and they are told not to follow the ways of those who put forward extravagancy of man’s powers and material resources or who lead lives of extravagancy and self indulgency, (profiting on the back of the poor who trusted him.)

That makes mischief. However the door of repentance is open for those who want to repent. (Al shuraa.V51, 52)

When one is elected by the people, that one is elected to safeguard, defend, and protect the people and their resources, monetary and otherwise, not to steal them, not to divide them as to manipulate them for their end, and in the end leave them in the lurch!

When the government is ‘cockroaching’ you don’t have to follow. Instead you have to help them. You have to call them for Consultation and Corrections. If help is rejected you have to stop them.

(Cockroaching- is a word used for financial firms which go from a problem to a problem to a problem and so on and so forth!)

The author chose to employ this word relectantly in Siilanyo’s administration because they exhibited with the same behavior. They put the nation in to a disgrace, to another disgrace, then another and so on and so forth, all because of their ineptness, abstinence and boundless corruption!

However peace and prayers from my side

Ibrahim Mead
kingmead1@yahoo.ca

Erdoğan meets with Somaliland leader in İstanbul

Erdoğan meets with Somaliland leader in İstanbul


2 October 2013 /TODAY'S ZAMAN, ANKARA

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with the leader of Somalia's autonomous Somaliland region, Ahmed Muhammed Silanyo, in İstanbul on Wednesday.

The meeting was closed to the press. Turkey holds regular direct talks between the leaders of Somalia and Somaliland, acting as a mediator to resolve the problematic issues between the two sides.
Somaliland unilaterally declared its independence as a de facto sovereign state in 1991 after a coalition of clan-based armed opposition groups ousted the nation's long-standing military government. Somalia wants Somaliland to be part of a united country. But the territory, which has been a haven of relative peace amid the chaos and bloodshed in the country's south, is seeking international recognition. The international community is urging the sides to find a negotiated solution.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud and Silanyo came together for the first time in a tripartite meeting held by top Turkish officials at the request of the two parties in Ankara in mid-April.
Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu described the first meeting on April 13 in İstanbul as a "historic start," at which the parties signed the “Ankara communiqué,” voicing their commitment to the continuation of dialogue during proximity talks hosted by Turkey.
In early July, Davutoğlu also came together with officials from Somalia and Somaliland in a continuation of the peace talks between the two sides which started on April 13.
The Somaliland president also visited Turkey in mid-March to have talks with Turkish officials, including Davutoğlu, who pledged to increase aid efforts to Somaliland. During his visit, Silanyo was also scheduled to meet with Erdoğan; however, the meeting had to be canceled due to Erdoğan's poor health. Diplomatic sources stated that five ministers from the Somaliland side also attended the Davutoğlu-Silanyo meeting, which was closed to the press.
Meanwhile, in mid-January, Ankara also hosted the Somalia Core Group meeting which aimed to discuss the rebuilding of the Somali army. Turkey is part of the Somalia Core Group and recently signed an agreement with Somalia on training, technical and scientific cooperation in the military field.
Turkey places great importance on the integrity of Somalia and pledges to continue its support for the reconciliation, stability, prosperity and development of Somalia.

Xogmaal; Wareysi Khaas ah Aqoonyahan Axmed Xasan Carwo, La-taliyaha Dhaqaalaha ee Madaxweynha Somaliland.

Xogmaal; Wareysi Khaas ah Aqoonyahan Axmed Xasan Carwo, La-taliyaha Dhaqaalaha ee Madaxweynha Somaliland.

BREAKING NEWS: Ethiopian Airlines sends buses for stranded passengers in Somaliland

BREAKING NEWS: Ethiopian Airlines sends buses for stranded passengers in Somaliland

http://www.ethiopianreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=60934&sid=c2144ba23f25fa3362a28aafd9052283

Stranded passengers have been loaded on to buses in Hargeisa en route to Ethiopia's Jijiga town after Ethiopian Airlines suspended its flights to Hargeisa citing security and poor infrastructure.

Some of the 450 stranded passengers have began leaving Somaliland on Thursday morning by land and are expected to reach Jijiga where an Ethiopian aircraft is waiting for them. The journey is expected to take about three hours.

The rest of the passengers are expected to leave in a weeks time. This is the 10th day they have been stranded in Hargeisa. It is not clear if Ethiopian has terminated its services in the region all together due to the rift between her and Hargeisa.

Not a single airline is landing in Egal International airport despite purported upgrade by the administration.



For more information and background on this developing story visit:



1) Ethiopia freezes flights to Somaliland as relations hit a new 'all-time low'

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2) Ethiopian suspends flights to Somaliland region

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Ethiopia freezes flights to Somaliland as relations hit a new 'all-time low'

Ethiopia freezes flights to Somaliland as relations hit a new 'all-time low'

http://www.ethiopianreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=60909



Relations between Ethiopia and Somaliland region have hit an all-time low in the aftermath of Ethiopian Airlines termination of its flights to the northern Somali semi-autonomous region.

The suspension by Ethiopian without taking Somaliland's administration into confidence, embarrassed the Hargeisa leadership to no end.

The ordeal began after Ethiopian resumed its flights to Hargeisa's Egal Airport following a recent infrastructure upgrade including a new 2.4 km runway. Almost two weeks ago, an Ethiopian 737 with 120 passengers made a historical touch down by becoming the largest aircraft to ever land in Egal International airport.

The regional administration celebrated the event hailing it as a new chapter in the region's aviation. Mohamud Hashi Abdi, the aviation minister, said other airliners would follow suit.

But Ethiopian has since refused to return citing security and poor infrastructure as the two biggest concerns.

Even though the government of Kuwait has donated $10million for the upgrade, many sources in Hargeisa said not even 20% of that has gone towards the airport and it remains in poor condition.

The runway for instance was upgrade with basic tarmac that will not support heavy aircraft such as the Boeing 737. There are no runway markings nor have they built any parking or hangars for the aircraft. The perimeter remains vulnerable and very accessible to outsider intruders.

Ethiopian heavily protested its reluctance to trust its expensive airliners with such facility particularly when most of its Boeing 737 relatively very new.



Somaliland's Ministry of Aviation protested the national carrier of Ethiopia's claims during a press briefing in Hargeisa on Wednesday.

The Ministry's head of protocol Mr. Abdillahi Ahmed Arshe rebutted the claim saying security was not a motive for the pullout by Ethiopian Airlines.

More than 450 passengers remain stranded across Hargeisa for the 5th day and Mr. Arshe has called on Ethiopian to immediately compensate them. He denied his ministry made any mistakes and strongly defended Egal International Airport's infrastructure upgrade. He instead blamed Ethiopian for the ordeal.

"Ethiopian airlines should bear full responsibility requires airlines compensate passengers if their flight is cancelled or heavily delayed and also Ethiopian airlines also have a duty of care to look after stranded passengers," he said in a press release.

The fall between Somaliland ministry's aviation and the region's biggest carrier has equally created myriad fluctuations in Somaliland and Ethiopia's over all relations. The Ethiopian government has refused to intervene and so far has shown little interest in keeping relations with Somaliland region or any of its concerns despite the fact that Somaliland already dispatched two senior ministers, namely, Aviation Minister and Interior.

The Ethiopian government already handles Somaliland region with a distrustful eye since it accuses several senior ministers of having ties with Al Qaeda linked al Shabab group. Ever Since the Kulmiye administration of President Ahmed Silanyo came to power in mid-2010, Addis Ababa has protested Somaliland's presidency minister Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan, Religious affairs minister Sheikh Khalil Abdilahi Ahmed and Minister of Finance Sheikh Abdulaziz Samale as having links to al Shabab.

Meanwhile, Hargeisa dispatched a heavily armed anti-terrorist unit to disperse the stranded passengers who gathered in the city center on Wednesday night. More 400 people including sick women and children were asked to leave the premises of the travel agency that was handling Ethiopian Airlines tickets.

The freezing of Ethiopian to Somaliland comes days after Anglo-Turkish oil giant Genel Energy also pulled out off the region citing security.

Somaliland has been trying to secede from the rest of the Somali state for more than two decades to no success.

Ethiopian suspends flights to Somaliland

Ethiopian suspends flights to Somaliland 

The Ethiopian Airlines has suspended its flights to Hargeisa and Berbera in northern Somalia due to poor infrastructure.

The airliner was using a runway in the coastal town of Berbera until two weeks ago when Somaliland regional administration reopened the Hargeisa airport after minor upgrades. At first Ethiopian said the upgrade met its objective but after further studies it has discovered that Hargeisa airport does not meet her safety standards due to poor tarmac runway.

It insisted on resuming its Berbera route until the airport in Hargeisa was probably completed but the aviation minister, who was trying to safe his own face after the failure of the upgrade, insisted on them to use Hargeisa.

Ethiopian said it would not risk its multi-millionaire aircraft nor the safety of its passengers. The two could not reach an agree and as a result, Ethiopian has stopped its flights to Somaliland.

The airport has been going under maintenance for almost a year and the upgrade money was donated by the government of Kuwait. Majority of the funds were locally reported to have been stolen by corrupted officials linked to President Ahmed Silanyo and his immediate family.

The airport is now basically useless and many passengers are stranded in Hargeisa.

Because of this mess made by the corrupted regional officials in Hargeisa, many passengers missed their flights meaning many missed their university enrollments, schools and their jobs back in the Diaspora.

Video: Angry and stranded people in Hargeisa gather outside the Safeway Travel Agency that handles tickets for Ethiopian.




Ethiopian should immediately contact this stranded passengers and refund their tickets and explain to these people that the mess came from the office of Mohamud Hashi Abdi and the corrupted Silanyo.

Ethiopian is by no means not responsible for this drama.

Somaliland has been beaten and betrayed by her own

Somaliland has been beaten and betrayed by her own 

By Ibrahim Mead

Leaders are trusted servants of the people. When they betray that trust they become betrayers. There is a dark empty hole in the heart of the betrayers. They become sinners “Their crime is of such enormity that it will deprive them of divine mercy and the Prophet’s intercession. On the Day of Judgment, every traitor would be raised carrying the flag of his betrayal. A caller will cry out from the vast arena of judgment, pointing to him, drawing attention to him” (Xadeeth)

Betrayal is defined as “the violation of a presumptive contract, trust that produces moral and psychological conflict within a relationship amongst individuals, between organizations or between people and their governments. Betrayal is a complete break from previously decided upon or presumed norms by one party from the other.
” Someone who betrays that contract and that trust is commonly called a betrayer.”
Betrayal is devastating and the reason that betrayal is most devastating is because most often it is a loss that didn’t have to occur. It only happens because of someone’s deliberate hurtful behavior, or their carelessness, or their own personal weakness.

Islamic view of betrayal:

Islam views cheating, deception as a betrayal and they are considered as heinous sins, a source of shame to the guilty party committed them, both in this world and hereafter. The Prophet, (scws), did not merely denounce them by excluding them from the Muslim community in this world; he also announced that the shame of traitors will be immense. “Those who thought that their betrayal had been forgotten will find it right there, exposed for the whole world to see on banners raised high held by their own hands!

Every traitor will have a banner on the Day of Resurrection and it will be said: This is the betrayer of so-and-so.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari) Their shame will increase even more when they meet with the Prophet of Mercy, the advocate of the sinners on that terrifying and horrible Day.The Prophet of Islam said: “God said: There are three whom I will oppose on the Day of Resurrection: a man who gave his word and then betrayed it; a man who sold a free man into slavery and kept the money; and a man who hired someone, benefited from his labor, and then did not pay his wages.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

In this context it is the heads of the three branches of government in Somaliland who betrayed their trust. It is the trio, the president of the Republic, the chairman of the expired House of Representatives and the chair man of the expired, unelected body called Guurti. They collectively violated the presumptive contract with the people. The two chairmen of the respective houses of congress ceased to serve the people long time ago; they instead serve the executive body for their own personal benefits. Some have their allegiance with their clan more than they have with the country that pays them The executive body transformed the government of (the many) the people in to an oligarchy entity! (A Government by the few)

Conclusion:

I think Mr.Siilanyo and his aids think that admitting their wrongs and expressing remorse or sorrows are signs of weakness. They don’t want to appear weak so they act callously, and ignore the problem totally! That is what they are doing now! They are using our kids with guns to kill the innocent citizens. That is abuse and misuse of power.
Is there a chance that Siilanyo is as miserable as the people he betrayed, but unable or unwilling to admit it, and that he will die with it? Chances are he’s not! Maybe he is simply shallow and self-involved, without the capacity for deeper understanding of what he did, knowingly or otherwise and the effects of his acts. Either way I think Mr. Siilanyo should try to stop dwelling on this ungodly situation. He must learn what he can from (betrayal) his evil acts whether intentional or otherwise so he doesn’t repeat this sin again and again, moreover he better not let this incident-how sinful it is- harden his heart or make him reluctant to reach out again. People who do not value trust enough to respect it in the first place more often than not engage this pattern of repeat offender cycle.
Mr. Siilanyo better make this tragedy a teachable moment and move on, but only after confession and atonement, not with out them.

The President better address the disaster imbued from his betrayal and from the acts of his amateur act-first-then-think-later Ministers. He must seek forgiveness and move on, that is if he is there. That is if he believes atonement and forgiveness



People are not united, they are divided. Some are even targeted. The nation’s house is in disarray. It is crumbling and it ought to be intervened before it comes down! It is indeed crumbling on the heads of the trio but they don’t see it! They better change what is in their selves to see it They must seek forgiveness from Allah then from the people of Somaliland- only then they can move Somaliland forward. They can not do that by lying and living in a world of fantasy! I hope they are there to make this move.

Confession, atonement and renewal are the ways for word if the trios do understand that!



What is the role of the people in this tragedy?

It is your country which you shed blood and paid all your treasure that has been betrayed. It is your most sacred thing. It is your self and personality that has been demeaned and diminished. It is your identity and persona that has been carelessly and shamelessly dragged and tarnished. What the trio have done to Somaliland burns deep inside you. You loose sleep for the anger, the shock and the disappointment. You may find yourself still not believing it’s happened to you and to your country. But it has!
When those we have entrusted with our vote, our country and our loyalty betray us, we feel desecrated deep inside. We question whether we can ever recover from this. But we must recover from this by confronting the betrayers and cause change by utilizing the power of persuasion, and persistence. It is our right. it is the country we founded.
It is at this moment of realization, that you will make some of the most important decisions of your entire life, rather than on your bitterness and anger. If you dwell on your anger of what they have done to Somaliland it will consume all of your creative energy and thinking, the energy and vision that you will need to come up with your next move. Don’t be trapped with anger, confusion and hopelessness. Don’t let this misery swallow you up. Take Somaliland in to a safe shore. Don’t wait any more.

“Allah knows the man who means mischief from the man who means good.” (Ayah)
Strict probity is demanded of man but if he falls short of it man is told that he can not escape Allah’s punishment even though he may evade human punishment. “Those who want to change (nicmatu Allah) the good granted to them, they will not only encounter the anger of the people but they receive the wrath of Allah whose punishment is severe. In my judgment those are the ones who have forgotten or marginalized the founders of the 2nd Republic of Somaliland and instead heralded and spent the people’s money on the haters of the Republic. Those are the betrayers of Somaliland. Those are the rulers!! They also made the people punch of idiots in the process!

“Who ever persevere as we did before and stand on his ground as we did before, as far as Somaliland independence is concerned, and believes that noble cause which we paid blood and treasure, grasped the most trust worthy hand hold that never breaks.

The end belongs to the righteous

However peace and prayers
Ibrahim Mead

Prof. Samatar: Somaliland’s Arch foe in Hargaysa But How?

Prof. Samatar: Somaliland’s Arch foe in Hargaysa But How?
By Abdirahman Mohamed Dirye

Prof. Samatar has been waging crusade war and political sabotage against Somaliland in one-third of his lifetime and has been taking advantage of Somaliland political vulnerability. He has inbuilt hatred against Somaliland, thus; he spent 14 hours a day minimum to sabotage the hard-sought cause of about 3.5 million people talking to his graduate students and global audience about that Somaliland is simply a fantasy of one deluded tribe— who unsuccessfully tried to impose others of their nonsense on the tip of SNM’s gunpoint. In fact, he did great damage to Somaliland during which impossible to reverse. He cannot, so he does not deserve a welcome. People should turn their backs to him and that is best option. His conversion from his cult to Somaliland is yet uncertain.

Burco-online showed video clip was indeniable fact that prof. Samatar’s furious decline of Somaliland’s national flag cap offer by Somalilander in Timacadde University! His rejection is strong evidence of his faith retain but slow dancing with what Engineer Faysal Ali Warabe called “local jaahilin or ignorant” .

“I came here to observe” (of how my cruel campaign affected millions of unfortunate people back home) but what else is he observing rather than that? His return to Somaliland after four decades in self-imposed exile from Somaliland/ Somalia followed president Silanyo’s face to face meeting of updating him of how far the circumstances has changed. The President explained to the Professor that Mujahidins in today’s Somaliland’ Hirsi Politics is referred to people of Kulmiya fans at the time of the presidential election who were rioters and other criminals, not the Mujahidins with the Diaspora’s mind who upset you, people who burn tyres in violation of peace and thrown stones at the law enforcement agencies are my favorite Mujahidins. Who cares about lazybones wandering in burning Hargaysa’s streets aimlessly and talking about past guerilla fairytales?

It took for Muj. Silanyo to dismantle and SNM remnants and for two decades, he ensnared Muj. Muse Bihi, Dhagaweyne, and Ahmed Mire and rendered unusable awaiting death alone.

President Silanyo said “my frequent mention of Mujahidins in the power-search era was rhetoric and I am paid a lip service to the poor orphans of SNM to be my vehicle to power, instead, the SNM orphans will welcome you with roses of all kinds from Berbara to Gabilay!” and immediately Samatar, a man fixated on the past episode and gone era that won’t return, recognized president’s startling statements and found out what he was told in back in the States was true when he arrived at Berbera airport; the Mujihadins that welcomed him at the airports were group of political thugs and former clean cut terrorists clearing of their crimes through a sham democracy of which they successfully hijacked to turn to Iranian’s theocracy style! Elections do not necessarily mean a system is a democratic, Iranian’s Khumeinis hold elections on yearly basis and that does not attract international legitimacy they desperately needed, Similarly, Somaliland’s Godanites hold it. It is just waste of time and money.

Geeljire, a blind critic of the credible Riyale-led- administration and Dr Abdilahi Omar, and an ex-social interpreter at the social ( probably an abortion?) centre for Somali women in the Netherlands with unwanted pregnancy and Birmingham municipality worker , ushered him and explained what Mujahidins actually are, so such shallow term won’t scare the chauvinistic unionists like Samatar because they are more unionist than him as they are Islamist unionists seeking the lost Caliphates of the Islamic world, that is good thing.



President Silanyo’s change of heart and double talk has brought Prof. Samatar, a former anti-Somaliland electronic ragtag militia ringleader, to Somaliland soil, Samatar’s union principle remains unchanged but bowing to the ground seems stunt, new phenomenon to fool bow lovers. Will smart people who have seen that movie before buy it? Only time will tell.

Dirye is a Somaliland activist, he can be reached at:

dirye@democracychronicles.com

Somaliland people are facing leadership worry

Somaliland people are facing leadership worry

There are also many Human rights groups who visited Somaliland in June 2012 in which researchers interviewed government officials, opposition leaders, civil society activists, local analysts, and victims of human rights abuses.


An Open letter to

Somaliland House of Elders

Somaliland House of Parliament

EU office in Somaliland

AU Office in Somaliland

UNPOS office in Somaliland

Somaliland Elders

Somaliland Islamic scholars

Somaliland Civil Society

Somaliland Women Group

Somaliland people are facing leadership worry.

It is true that the administration of Somaliland president MR Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo has committed human rights violations and is planning to generate a dangerous electoral crisis.

The people of Somaliland are looking forward to participate in the upcoming local government election on 28 November as Somaliland Election Committee announced; however there is a great risk that the small nation may lose their unique asset which is stability, for the reason that Somaliland’s current government has often exercising injustice decisions and lack of clarity of who is doing what.

Unfortunately, it is also a fact that the Somaliland people will go to the elections without registration. People will just go where ever they choose and cast their votes; there is also no doubt that this deprived election process may create disagreement and instability.

Somaliland’s government has helped create a measure of stability and democratic governance even as Somalia has remained mired in armed conflict. But Somaliland’s gains are fragile and currently under threat.

The administration of President Silanyo has regularly flouted human rights by putting ordinary innocent people in prison like Traditional Elders King Osman, King Rabi, and Governor of Marodijex Region Ahmed Hamarji, Direct General of Somaliland, Minister of Rehabitation, Reconstruction and resettlement Mr Ahmed Ilmi Barre, Vice President Advisor Mr Osman Said Jama, and many other Somalilanders.

Somaliland has spent 21 years trying to build stability and democracy, but all its gains are at risk if the government continues to undermine the rule of law “The electoral crisis has laid bare the need to create functioning government institutions that will respect human rights.”

There are also many Human rights groups who visited Somaliland in June 2012 in which researchers interviewed government officials, opposition leaders, civil society activists, local analysts, and victims of human rights abuses.

Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 after the demise of Somalia’s last functioning government. Many countries are working with Somaliland however no country has yet recognized Somaliland. In addition, many international investors are interested in investing in Somaliland, however the underprivileged government leadership and lack of recognition damages the trust of external investors.

The international actors always continue to engage more deeply with Somaliland and press Somaliland’s government to respect human rights and the territory’s emerging democratic norms, and provide assistance tailored to bolster key government institutions, the media, and civil society.

In recent years the Silanyo administration has regularly treated the opposition-controlled legislature as an irritant, refusing to respect its role in the legislative process or in overseeing opaque government expenditures. Little has been done to build the capacity of the nominally independent judiciary; the lower courts are often incapable of applying the law while the Supreme Court has acted as though it is entirely beholden to the president.

Government actions in violation of domestic and international law have directly infringed upon the rights of Somalilanders, many Somaliland people who visited to Somaliland this year said.

The last few months the Imprisonment of local journalist became part of Somaliland’s daily activities and the Silanyo administration has also circumvented the courts and trampled on the rights of criminal defendants by relying on a “Justice System” that is entirely under the control of the executive and that have no right to act as independent Judiciary.

The local courts and high court sentence and imprison Somalilanders, including people accused of common crimes and juveniles, without any presence of due process. They regularly sentence defendants en masse on the basis of little or no evidence after truncated hearings in which the accused are given no right to speak.

But patterns of low-level harassment targeting journalists, opposition activists, and others are the most common. On numerous occasions government officials have detained, usually for brief periods, individuals who have publicly criticized the government or provided press coverage deemed to be unfavorable. In March 2012, there was a very surprising incident when the Former Director General of Somaliland Foreign Affairs Mohamoud Raage resigned his position as DG and accused his Minster DR Mohamed Abdullahi for Stolen Public Fund and using Minister’s budget for his personal interest, unfortunately, the CID detained Mr Mohamoud in the country (Restriction of Movement) without Court Process and this case never come to court hearing.

Somaliland’s precarious situation in the region has deterred Somalilanders from protesting loudly when their rights are abused for fear of damaging their territory’s hard-won stability and its quest for international recognition. Many Somaliland people argued that they are effectively “hostages to peace” – unable to confront Somaliland’s deepest problems effectively for fear of upsetting the fragile balance that has kept the territory from going the way of Somalia and other countries in the region.

The repeated unjust decisions in regard to appointing and dismissing the government high positions threaten also the foundations of its emerging democratic system. “Somaliland is currently at a dangerous crossroads, 21 years of progress towards democratic governance and general respect for human rights will either be consolidated or endangered, depending on President Silanyo’s next moves.

The factors which may create severe instability is when the Somaliland Government decide to preplan or preselect which party will win the upcoming local elections where they already exclude UDUB Party and Nasiye Party from competition by using government Budget and illegal dictions reached by Registration election Committee.

Many Somaliland people are arguing that the upcoming election is almost a waste of time where the Government executive committee has already decided that The Ruling Party Kulmiye, The Speakers Party Wadani and Former Somaliland Vice President’s Party Xaqsoor should win the election, where the reality on the ground shows different since Umada, Reys, Wadani and UCID are the most popular parties across the Country.

Finally, There is concern about health condition of Somaliland president and the involvement of his Wife Aamina Jirde’s in the country’s decision making process and the role of his Minister of presidency Mr Hirsi H Ali Hassan who has very little knowledge in term of leadership and management, above and beyond that he has a history of engaging and involving gang violence and promotion of instability during previous government ruling time.

Considering all above information, we are voluntarily recommending that Somaliland Elders, Traditional People, House of Elders, House of Parliament, Civil Society, EU, EGAD, AU, and international community should seriously consider the future of Somaliland nation and its absence of transparence leadership.

Mahad Saalah Hassan

Somaliland Human Right Movement ( SOHUR)