Switching Places

(A Recommendation to the gift givers)

Although Somalilanders have been made to believe that democracy has been fully established in our young Republic, internet websites have been bombarded recently with a new notion of a gift giving scheme which contradicts our system of democracy as well as that of the world. There has been much talk recently about the office of the presidency being given to Awdal as a gift. This is also becoming a uniform talk among a lot of Somalilanders. Nowadays, there never passes a day that I don’t hear the Awdal gift in some way or the other. Listen to any political conversation and some time, some how comes out the sentence of Awdal being given the presidency as a gift.

How and where this gift giving body operates is unknown. It seems that our dreams of nation building together are replaced by giving gifts. To me, this new gift giving kind of democracy seems to be “half-baked pie” idea. I here by recommend a full-baked alternative to the gift giving body to consider putting them in action for the coming sixteen years.

Switching Places (Qalabaa gadi):

Switching places is a proposal in which the Somaliland confederacy partners are switched with each other for the coming sixteen years. It is a finely tuned exchange between the confederacy partners in which they switch roles. While this might sound a scary prospect to a partner, the life lessons that would be learned through the experience will give all the partners a greater appreciation for each other.

In the switching, all positions will change places. The office of the Presidency, the Parliament, the Guurti and all government positions will be affected. Cities will change status and some personalities will get in on an act.

First and foremost, the office of the president will change hands. Siilaanyo will be given the gift of becoming the President of Somaliland. Of course, Somalilanders will go to election and vote for him just to satisfy the democratic election due process. Hargeisa and Borama will change status. Borama will become the capital of Somaliland and hence Siilaanyo (the gift getter President) will have his palace in Borama. All government departments, as well as the international agents will relocate to Borama. That will put Borama in full employment status as Hargeisa has been enjoying for the last sixteen years. Siilaanyo will have to adopt the “blame everything for the President” policy as Rayale adopted for so long. Siilaanyo (the gift receiver) will not be allowed to visit his home region and will be stuck in Borama like Rayale has been stuck in Hargeisa during his term.

The government office for the appeasement of SNM will have to close doors as it can not operate in Awdal. Instead a similar office will open doors for Horyaal in Borama city. Siilaanyo will have then to find a way to include “Naftood Hurayaasha Horyaal” in his speeches and will have to surround himself with Horyaal members.

Rayale will move to Qunujeed. As soon as the switching takes effect, he will have to spare no time bashing Siilaanyo by any means necessary and will have to reject what ever comes from Siilaanyo just for the sake of being in opposition and will have to contradict himself more often than not – a position held by Siilaanyo at the present time.

The Parliament and the Guurti will switch places too. In other words, the number of the seats occupied by the Isaaqs will go to the Samaroons and vice versa. I know that this will create headache, but hey, the Samaroons have been living with this nightmare for the last sixteen years. Therefore, Isaaqs will have to figure out a way to adapt to it. In addition, Isaaqs will have to adapt the “quite diplomacy” and will have to accept the “starve with dignity” policies – policies practiced by the Samaroons for a loooong time.

Now, the Samaroons having the majority in both houses will have to make sure that no motion passes through in any way possible. This will in turn make sure to let Somaliland hang in the middle of no where for the coming years and will also make sure to put the public in a chronic state of confusion more than ever.

The tarmac road between Borama and Dilla will be in completion with in no time. Infrastructure of Awdal will be developed and rehabilitated all the time. But those of the other regions will be neglected to a zero point infrastructure.

The port of Zeila will be developed and Awdalites will enjoy almost free tariff import/export. But citizens from the other regions will be taxed heavily as Awdalites are treated in Berbera at the present time.

Customs officers will be trained. Border crossing at Lowyacado will be made easy, but border crossing at the other corner will be restricted and people will be let to experience hell – some kind of a policy that is in effect at Lowyacado at present.

Personalities will be required to act like those playing in the political field of Somaliland. So far, Osman Bahdon volunteered to act like Biixi. He will have to research, praise Horyaal members and revive their fame and good deeds by any means necessary and will have to write speeches for Rayale in Qunujeed.

I (Dugsiye) volunteered to buy a whip (dheengad) and will act like inna Kaahin. I will have to make sure to try to whip Siilaanyo out of the presidential palase in Borama.

Osman Yusuf (Osman Dheere) volunteered to act like Baradhe (Potatoes). He will get all the contracts especially the Adhi contract. He will have to subcontract only to Awdalites and will have to remind the complainants that Siilaanyo has been given the gift of the president and that they are not qualified for any subcontract.

Awdal correspondents will replace Diridhabe and will have to make sure that they leave no stone unturned to make up stories in the mijilises. They will be required to read every article written against Awdal and will personally respond to the author in secret.

Warsan magazine of Ottawa will open branches in Borama city and will act like Haatuf. The magazine will have the privilege to take pictures of all the properties of Siilaanyo and will spread lies against the will be president accusing him of corruption as it has never happened in the world before. But will not write a word about the first lady as Warsan group are bound to respect “ilaalinta dhaqankeena iyo xushmada dumarkeena”.

Adam Isaaq airport of Borama will be developed and will become the main airport in Somaliland Republic.
A new party will open doors and will be named USTAAD. The new party will act like the Qaran party. The president of Ustaad will be ALXAAJ CAATEEYE and will act like Gaboose.

As soon as the switching takes effect, Goljano computer training school of Borama will be given a lucrative contract to conduct a population count in Berbera and Burco. Goljano will exercise it’s know how and will do the job in flying colors and will come up with a correct estimate unlike Gaavo’s junk.

In conclusion, switching places is like putting one’s shoes into the other. The life lessons that would be learned through the experience will give all the partners a greater appreciation for each other sixteen years at a time. The next partners (Sool and Sanaag) will have their turns respectively after Awdal and the rounding will then begin all over again and again and again ilaa qiyaamaha. In all these years Somaliland will hang up in the air. I hope this proposal will serve better than the gift giving scheme.

P/S There are those who always pretend to have been offended by any thing. I know that I will be receiving tens of hate e-mails in respond to this article. I urge them to get into the comfort zone and hold their blames for the incoming president - the will be getting the gift of the presidency - as I am holding my whipping.

Suleiman Dugsiye

Ottawa, Canada

GAAVO"S JUNK

(Reader, be aware!!! Awdal, be alert)

Two weeks ago, journalist Mohamed Omer (Hyena) posted a news piece in harowo.com in which he explicitly explained about a collective report by UN-HABITAT and GAAVO.

UN-HABITAT – a United Nations agency who is supposed to help needy people for shelter has been in Borama for the last sixteen years but has never built a room for any one person or family. GAAVO is a privately owned organization in Berbera which offers basic training of carpentry, auto mechanics and computers. Despite the fact that Amoud University is in the back yard of Borama city, a lucrative contract was given to GAAVO by UN-HABITAT to conduct a population count in Borama city. Instead of a proper estimate, GAAVO reported back junk and further proved the globally known principle of “garbage in garbage out”.

The term “garbage in garbage out” is used in any field and in any situation in which it is difficult to create a good result when given bad input. It is also commonly used to describe failures in human decision making due to faulty and imprecise data. The work of GAAVO in this project is a classic example of junk data input which resulted unreliable worthless conclusion. Hence, GAAVO had earned the privilege to be used as an example of the garbage principle. In other words from several days of inaccurate data collection and misrepresentation, GAAVO came up with an unwanted report which was faulty at best and really bad judgment at the worst.

Journalist Mohamed Omer reported:

“Warbixin ku qornayd qoraal ay soo bandhigtay hay'adda UN-Habitat, ayaa waxa ay hay'addu faafaahin ka bixisay tirada guryaha iyo dadka ku nool magaalada Boorama oo ay hay'adda UN-Habitat ku qiyaastay 76,208.”

That is pure junk and undermines the real population of the city of Borama. No wonder it was rejected by every one in Borama including the ten year olds and down. UN-HABITAT and GAAVO peddled arrant nonsense and as was obvious the report was based on unjustified assumptions and undermined by mischievous claims. The report was laughable in comparison to the estimates of the local governments and the public as a whole. Check out the following:

“Qaar ka mid ah aqoonyahankii ka qayb galay aqoon-isweydaarsigan, ayaa sheegay in surveygan oo lagu qaaday qalabka loo yaqaan GPS ka aanu hayn mid sax ah oo ka turjumi kara xaqiiqada runta ah.”
Wariye M. Omer

The use of the Global Positioning System (GPS) as sophisticated as it is, with its modern techniques, is not some kind of a process that can easily be claimed in glowing terms. One can not simply waste time sitting in the hotels and restaurants and then again claim to have used the sophisticated technology of GPS. Global Positioning Systems are space-based radio positioning systems that provide 24 hour three dimensional position, velocity and time information to suitably equipped users. GPS systems receive data that is sensitive enough to map blocks of a city. Importantly, all GPS receivers must receive signal transmission from at least 4 satellites to calculate an accurate position.

Understanding and defining the accuracy needs of the project is crucial to ensure successful use of the GPS. Sophisticated computers and post processing software are crucial also along with a high considerable amount of time. Very well trained, qualified personnel who have the expertise of how the technology works, how the GPS data is collected and how it is interpreted and used in the context of measure surveys is also important. All are dependant to one another and are important yet complicated. In respect to all the needs, I don’t think a basic training organization of carpentry and auto mechanics like GAAVO is capable of using the Global Positioning System.

Despite GPS technology, there are many opportunities for errors to be introduced in the process. User mistakes can cause major errors. Receiver errors from software as well as noise and bias errors can sabotage the process. Improper interpretation of the data can risk the whole process to be considered as junk. If the personnel have not the necessary expertise to take the steps to minimize their impact, undercount can be particularly high. A case in point is what happened in Nigeria when proper process was not followed –

“Lalasz (2006) reported that the 1991 Census is thought to have undercounted Nigeria’s population (officially put at 89 million) by perhaps 20 million people.”

That is what happens when non-qualified personnel are let to do the job of using the GPS. I think it is now clear that GAAVO muddled up with the project and that the organization involved itself with some thing out of its know how zone and expertise. Its methods have very much undercounted the population estimate of Borama city. To make some analysis, it is agreed upon that 62,000-67,000 voted in Borama in the last election. If we take the GAAVO estimate as is 76,208, and subtract it from the least number of the voters 62,000, we get 14,208. This number comprises of all those under the age of legal voting age plus all those who never voted for any reason plus all those who were away in the election time but came back home, plus the spoiled votes that were not counted etc. etc. But that makes no sense. The number should be way more than the 14,208. Hence, the UN-HABITAT GAAVO estimate is dead wrong.

There are a lot of other methods that are reliable to use, less expensive and in some cases need no spending money or time. To try one that is widely accepted, considered satisfactory and needs no effort let alone a fortune or time, check the following term and follow the calculations:

“3 times the registered voters give a good population estimate.”

Now, if the agreed number of those who voted is 62,000 and that is taking the least number of the range, and multiplying by the 3 the result is 186,000. Now check the local government’s number:


“Aqoonyahankii iyo maamulka dawladda Hoose ayaa iyagu ku qiyaasay dadka ku noo magaalada boorama in ka badan 150, 000 oo qof.”

The numbers make sense now. And that is in respect to the time of voting. Other sophisticated methods can be used here but I think that there is no need to further complicate the matter as this gives us a clear estimate. This shows us that the GAAVO UN-HABITAT project was a complete fiasco. UN-HABITAT could have exercised some logic and at least built few houses for the needy that have been waiting for an action for the last sixteen years instead of this extravagancy. As far as the population count is concerned, I think it is fair to say that we keep our estimation number for Borama city and garbage the junk by UN-HABITAT and GAAVO.

Another way to have done the job well was that UN-HABITAT hires fifty of the locals and let them count the population. I am sure the locals would have counted every one and come up with accurate number with ease. Serious doubts that can be raised is the fact that, one might ask why the lucrative contract was given to GAAVO while the number one university of Somaliland (Amoud) is just next door. How come UN-HABITAT had done nothing for the needy people but all of a sudden had the ability to fund such an expensive contract. Well, I guess the answer is that some people are spoon fed at the expense of others. That policy has been in the works for years and years. But what is mind-boggling is why the United Nations agencies are allowed to be used as cold war weapons against Awdal.

Another logical question is why only Borama is subjected to population count while other cities like Hargeisa, Berbera, Burco and Gabiley are not. Simply put, the answer to me is that there are intentions behind the whole drama. Population figures are used to help calculate federal funding for regional and local governments and determine representation as well as international aid. In simple terms, the less the population, the less of every thing a city or region receives. In this matter where Borama population is undercounted, it faces to lose significantly in every side of the equation.

Some may argue that this was an isolated incident, but the fact that this kind of things have been going on for quite a while now, proves the intentions behind. United Nations agencies are always fed nonsense and unfortunately that garbage fed becomes the norm. Check out the following garbage that was fed to a United Nations agency which might have become the reality in its records:

“The MRG described the Somali clans of Darood, Hawiye and Isaaq as minorities who were under threat...”

This kind of garbage is always the input in the global arenas and the intention is quite clear. That kind of flip flopping plays well in the global games of politics and is a sure thing that it benefits the multi-colored faces of the junk feeders.

In today’s age of information technology, Internet has become the most important media. Thanks to it, a sentence of garbage gets read by millions in seconds and who knows how many of the millions right away put in record and believes the junk.

We know that UN-HABITAT and GAAVO report is garbage and surely I believe that there were hidden agendas. To avoid such, I urge the local governments of Awdal and the elites to always be alert and not to allow any group or organizations to muddle through Awdal affairs without first checking their qualifications and expertise. I also urge to discuss in details the future implication of such matters. I encourage the local governments also to demand to do their own matters instead of being done by others. I am sure Awdal out smarts any region. All in all, as was figured out by the residents of Borama city, the report by UN-HABITAT and GAAVO was garbage, we therefore are better off by keeping ours and consider the UN-HABITAT estimate (76,208) as that of Magaalo Qalooc.

P/S In any shape or form, Saaxil baa tirrin Awdal kaa aqbali maayo.


Suleiman Abdi Dugsiye
Ottawa, Canada

Waxaan la hureyn horaa loo yeelaa

Waxaan la hureyn horaa loo yeelaa waa odhaah hodan ah oo waxsheeg iyo tusaaleba leh. Aleylehe hadal waa intii hore loo yidhiye si adag ma ku bartey (learned the hard way). Maanta nafteydaa jeclaatey in aan kusoo qoro maqaalkan afkeena hooyo ee hodanka ah ee aan cudurdaartee dhowr jeer baa la iigu dhawaaqey inaanan ku fiicneyn qoridda xarfaha laban laabma ee hadii aan qori waayo laban laabka, fadlan akhriska ku laban laaba.

Qoraalkan oo aan uga cinwaan dhigey odhaahdaa tayada le wuxuu ku saabsan yahey sheeko run ah oo igu dhacdey. Sheekadaas oo tashi iyo wadal hadal ka dhex dhalisey aniga iyo nafteyda. Inkastoon ka adkaadey, hadana qamuumtii ey igu beertey ayaa markiiba ku boodey, ileen ninba meel baa durmaan looga tumaaye, in aan sheekadaas Awdal ku tilmaamo. Xaga ey ka khuseysana sheekadaad kala dhex baxeysiine aan bilaabo.

Baaburr amma gaadhi kolba sida loo yaqaano oon leeyahey maaha cuseyb mana aha duug oo waa meel dhexaad. Wuu ka adag yahey adeeg maalmeedka iyo shaqo ku taga iyo socdaalada gaaban. Waa daneeye jabidu ku yartahey oo aan iiga dhicin “Mercedes”.Waa tayaale qabowga Kanada iga difaaca, kuleylkana iga qabooja.

Daneeye, waa magaca aan u bixiyee, wuu ila saayiri waayey bishii u danbeysey. Socodkiisa ma gaabine lugahaa (tires) laga galey. Habeenkii eebe keenaba hawadaa ka baxeysey oo aroortii marka aan shaqo tagga bilaabo ayaan ugu tagayey laba taayir oo aad u naaqusan. Waan kaxeeyaa oo waxaan la tagaa geerij (garage) ii dhow oon ka buuxiyaa. Maalinta oo dhan wuu hagaagsan yahey oo masii deynayo hawada.Aroortii markaan baxayo labadiiba wey naaqusan yihiin.Bishii u danbeysey maalin nololeedka ayey iiga mid noqotey inaan sii tukubiyo ilaa geerijga, buuxiyo oo maalin oo dhana wanaag ku socdo.

Dhowr maalmood oon geeyey meelaha laga sameeyo, kolba wax yar baa la iigu nabaa oo lacagna la iga qaataa. Mahagaagee tixanihii halkii buu ka socda. Dhowr kii maalmood ee u danbeeyey waxaan dareemey inuu ninkii geerijka lahaa il kulul igusoo eegayey. Waan dareemey inuu karaahiyeystey imaatinkeyga. Nafteyda markaan la tashadana waxey u arkeysey iney sahaala tahey oonan u baahneyn inaan badalo oon iibsado taayiro cusub. Dhawr jeer buu isku dayey geerij le inuu iga iibiyo taayiro. Laakiin nafteydii yeeli weydey. Ninkii waan isku xumaaney oon ka dareemey inuu diidanyahey inaan hawadiisa ka isticmaalo. Shaley aniga oo sii tukubinaya daneeye ayaan ku tashadey inaan u dhaafo ninkaa wixiisa oon hada gadib u wareego geerij kale oo in doora ii jira. Go’aan baan ku gaadhey inaan markan indhaha isku qabto oon ka buuxsado laakiin wixii ka danbeeya iska daayo.

Waxaan daneeyi sii tukubiyaba, markaan gaadhey ayaan arkey geerijkii oo xidhan ood moodaba in laga guurey. Nusa saacad kadibna balan baan la lahaa macmiil (customer) oo aan kala saxeexaneyney qandaraas (contract). Talaa igu cadaatey. Waxaan ku goostey inaan daneeye sii tukubiyo oon tago geerijkii kale. Markaan ku dhaqaajey ayaan canaan baaburkii ku bilaabey. Waxaan idhi daneeyow dhinacna u dhici weyday. Fadhiisani weydey hagaagine weydey si aan goa’aan kaaga gaadho. Tukubkan maxaad ku jeclaatey ma Awdal baad tahey. Nafteydiibaan ku jeestoo waxaan idhi nafyahey maxaad u garan weydey dantaada ood mustaqbalka dhow iyo ka dheerba uga fikiri weydey oo wixii manta jooga uun arintaada ugu deysey. Naftiibaa jawaabtoo tidhi; Suleymaanow ma garani waayine Gadabuursi baan ahey oo mustaqbalka dhow iyo ka dheer eed sheegeysaba xasuustiisa Adel baa iigu dabeysey. Tukub kiibaan ku gaadhey geerijkii kale. Markaan meeshii hawada joogsadey een ku foorarsadey tuunbadii hawada ayaan arkey ruux I dul taagan. Saraan u eegey, mise waaba kii geerijkii hore lahaa ee I karaaheystey Ileen war baanan ogeyne mehered lihii baa geerijkan usoo wareegey. Wuxuu iigu dhawaaqey inuu taayiro noocii ugu danbeeyey uu hayo hawadiina lacag noqotey. Waan qosloo waxaan xasuustey; “halkan lug halkaana lug meel walba waan kaaga horeyn, odhaahdii xildhibaanadii golaha Somaliland.

Waan ka dhaqaaqey aniga oo sii le waxba kaa iibsani mayo hawadaadana ma doono ee salaamu caleykum. Aniga oo arintaa ka xumaadey ayaan nafteyda u sheegey aleylehe waxaan la hureyn horaa loo yeelaa.. Taleefankeygii (mobile) ayaan lasoo baxey oon u yeedhey geerijka wareega (mobile geerij) aniga oo nafteydii cunaya oo u sheegaya kol hadii wanaagii hore u garanweydey waa waxey ka gurtaa. Waa la ii yimid oo laba taayir oo cusub ka iibsadey oo halkii lagu galiyey. Lacagtiina laban laab igu noqotey. Walee hadal waa intii hore loo yidhi …. Waxaan la hureyn horaa loo yeelaa ……

Sheekadii tukubkeyga sidaas baan ku dhameeyeye, qiyaasteedu miyeyna Awdal teena aheyn. Tukubkaa Awdal ey u tukubeyso geerijkaasi egteeda inta aan laga xidhan amma looba diidin laba mid baa u haboon; in ey hantiile buuxa ahaato (full partner) si aanan loogu diidi Karin amma ey qiimo iyo tayo meel walba ay ku gaadhi karto la timaado si eyna ugu hantaaqmin geerijkaa kale ee la dhisaayo.

Mid kale baan dulmarayaaye raali ha la iga ahaado. Maqaalkii Faadumo Muxumed Waaberi ee madaarka Borama oon akhriyey aad baan uga xumaadey dhibaatada iyo sharci darada iyo dulumka lagu hayo yada iyo Awdal. Waxaanse la ogeyn malaha iney Awdal ba tahey ku meel gaadh lafteeduba. Hadaan wadajir wax loo qabsana dhibaatadu waa wax sii socon. Waa hubaaloo waxoo dhanba qalabaa gadis weeyee odhaahyadan bal ila eega:

Cigaal wuxuu yidhi:

“ Cigaal baa madaxweyne ah Berbera ku lumin meyso xaqeeeda.”

Siilaanyo wuxuu yidhi:

“cidida uskageedna ku dhaho xukuumaddu wax ay u qabatay magaalada Burco iyo xarunta gobolka Togdheer ma jirto”

Rayaale wuxuu yidhi:

“ ……………………. “

A. C. Afyare wuxuu yidhi:

“Ninba dhariga kiisoo rabaa inuu dhadhaartaaye ….”

Faadumana waxey tidhi:

“orodnay oo orodnay oo orodnay oo orodnay oo orodnay oo orodnay …….”

Badhadhe wuxuu yidhi:

“ma idinka oo M/wenihii haysta ayaad diideen?” waa arintii adhiga.

Caateeyena wuxuu yidhi:

“ Anaa Awdaltey…….”

Tanna waa iga digniin:

Meelba yaa isla gaadhey, marka ay dhamaato mudadaa la sugaayi ……….


Xasuus: Dunidu waa dimuqraadiye qof walowba sidaad toonto u buuxso.


Suleiman Abdi Dugsiye
Ottawa

My little sweet talk with Warsan

“Giis (Geese) baa gartee Gadabursi wuu garan”

I drove to Montreal for a business trip (2 hours drive) last Thursday. To entertain myself I selected the best CDs of classic Somali songs and poems from my collection. From song to song, I enjoyed and sometimes sang along. Without any dull moment, I found my self covered half way the trip.

I decided to change the course and listen to a Somali gabey. As I leaned forward to press the open button, I saw scores of birds flying in flocks. The large groups of birds were flying in formations and were typically flying in a large “V” shape with one bird in the lead and others trailing behind in two lines. I slowed down and dropped down the glass window to have a good look at the beautiful formations the birds were making. Oh, what a beautiful show! To my amazement, I could even hear their honking.

Many times before, I saw large groups of birds flying in formations but never paid any attention. But this time something tickled my senses and I began to question myself of why these birds are flying together? Why are they flying in formations? And why are they flying in this particular “V” formation? Etc…

While my mind was busy trying to figure out the whys, my eyes hit a resting area sign and I decided to pull over, rest a little and have a coffee. I purchased a cup of coffee and a donut from the small shop in the resting area and sat on a park bench under a tree. Not far from me was a group of seven to ten birds. I began eating my donut but still thinking about the birds. One of the birds moved towards me and approached closer and closer and eventually jumped on to the bench and there it was next to me. I looked at the little bird but showed no signs of being frightened. I could right away tell that it was ready to make a friendship with me.

“Hello little beautiful bird”, I said. “Hello my friend”, the bird replied. “Who are you and what is your name?” I asked. “I am a goose from the Anatidae family and you can call me Warsan” the beautiful bird replied. “And I am an Awdalite from the Gadabursi family and you can call me Douksi.” I told the bird. She looked at me and nodded her head sideways as if she knew about the Gadabursi family and wanted to say something. She opened her mouth but respectfully looked away without saying a word. I then asked the bird if in a hurry and replied that she would be around for a while. I decided to buy her some food and excused myself. I bought some bird food from the little shop and immediately came back. “I have a little of some thing for you Warsan, I hope you will like it.” I said. “That is nice of you Douksi, thanks.” Warsan replied. I then carried out the conversation with Warsan and it went this way:

Douksi: Tell me, why do you fly together in groups?

Warsan: My dear Douksi, it is not only the humans that know everything, Allah (SW) bestowed on us gifts human beings do not posses. Unlike Awdal, we are united and we know the benefits of being together. Unlike Awdal, we know that united we can stand strong in our family alliance. Unlike Awdal, we accepted each other and we fly together so that we protect each other. Unlike the Gadabursi, we are together so that we lend strength to each other. Unlike your Gadabursi family, we are together so that we get our demands together. Unlike your Gadabursi family, we are together and do every thing together because we know that united we can not be defeated.

My dear Douksi, we are united and together and that is why you always see us happy, singing and flying high in the sky free. But your people are not united and that is why your Gadabursi family is always beaten in the political battle fields of Somaliland. You have proof of this by the so-called House of Representatives who are thirsty to take their law of justice, twist it up and throw it back upon the shelf to make the long awaited declaration of Isaaq land.

Together we are strong and no one dares to harm any one of us. But your people are indifferent to their plight and that is why they are hunted like a Buffalo in the wild streets of Hargeisa. Because of your divisions, your people only get no honor, no respect nor glory – only hell - day and night, not only in the past, but in the present. My dear Douksi the fact of the matter is that your people are in the wrong track and if that continues to be so, they will have no choice but to be included in the list of endangered species soon.

Douksi: I understand all that, but how can I get my family united?

Warsan: My dear Douksi, there is nothing like unity. United you share for good and for worse. The key to unity is communication. Adel knew it but Awdal doesn’t. My friend you know and I know that Adel was a legacy made strong through consultations and unity of people working together for a common cause. Awdal must revive consultations and decide its destiny. If Awdal wants to prosper and capture its place in History, then its quite diplomacy and indifference to its plight must come to an end. Awdal must recognize that its internal affairs are past due for repairs and can not be done with out uniting its own people through understanding and accepting each other. My dear Douksi unless Awdal sorts out its peoples’ confusion and agree on one thing, it must be obvious to the Awdalites that they will not be able to get the slightest concession on respect and fairness.

Douksi: [felt ashamed, looked down and nothing came out of the mouth]
[But through the heart said: “Oh my god, even the birds know about Awdal”

Warsan: C’mon now, don’t start me with your muted diplomacy, go ahead and say something?

Douksi: I know all that, but you know one day ….. One day … series of one day …..
[Meel aan doonayey roob igu eri …. Douksi continued…his one day series….

Warsan: C’mon Douksi quit that … stop it… Jooji. I already heard that million times from you and from every Awdalite. Your one day is somewhere in the future. You need to focus the present. The truth is that you only have dreams but unfortunately dreams don’t fill empty stomachs and don’t bring respect and fairness. What you need is action and a plan to get the one day together with your Awdalites. You must do your home work together; otherwise, you will be over run by those who are united under their tribal flag.

My dear Douksi, every one on earth knows, even the birds that under the flag of the Somaliland Awdal received nothing but poverty, hatred, and unfairness. And for your information, Kulmiye is now folding its sleeves to have you despised more than ever and have you glued on the bottom of the bag.

Saaxiibkey Douksiyow, Runta isku sheega. Waxaan la hureyn horaa loo yeelaaye waxaad u baahan tihiin waa wadciga siyaasadeed ee Awdal inaad meel isla dhigtaan. Now quit your one day dream and learn from me. Ask me about something that would benefit you.

Douksi: Ok, please tell me why do you fly in this particular “V” formation?

Warsan: The aerodynamic V shape reduces the air resistance, allowing us to cover longer distances. In fact, we can fly 70% farther by adopting the V shape rather than flying in isolation. My dear Douksi, let Awdal know that sharing a common sense of purpose propelled by the trust of all can get them the one day island quicker and easier.

My dear Douksi, the lead goose works the hardest. But when it gets tired, it drops out of the lead position and another from the back moves forward and takes the lead. My dear friend, your people must know that they need a leader with moral leadership who has the ability to inspire all Awdalites to their innate potential. Your people need a leader who is visionary and a map maker. Surely if your Awdal have a unity and a strong leader, your present Awdal will be like your Adel of yesterday.

To keep on course and maintain speed, those at the back honk regularly for encouragement. My Douksi, Awdalites need to encourage each other instead of criticizing, and must praise each other for the work done for the common good of Awdal. Mr. Douksi that is team work and sorry to say it is also what your people need to adopt.

My dear Douksi another advantage of this formation is that it allows us to see each other and communicate more easily so that we care for each other. Douksiyow tolkaa taa mayaqaano. Isma indho buuxiyaan iskamana war hayaan. Tolkaa u sheeg ineyna taasi ka socon Soomaalilaand. Kalina Kama socoto aduunka.

Warsan: Douksi, tell me about the planned Awdal convention in Minnesota?

Douksi: Yes, Awdalites are going to Minnesota for a convention and ready to start their engines. We are all in this together. We know that each of us is special in his/her way but will push our unity to its highest point. We will know that united is where we belong. We all will make sure to always be there for each other. We will finally figure out that all our dreams have no limitations. We are all in this together and it will show when we stand shoulder to shoulder and make our Awdal stand tall. We will do it right and we will all speak with one voice. We will stick together and reach our destiny together. Yes, we are all in this together.

Warsan: This could be the start of something new. I feel in my heart the start of something new. I feel that something has changed. I know it for real. You never imagined that it could happen and here you go my friend, it is going to happen. Good for Awdal and I am proud of Awdal. My dear Douksi, I hope you and your people will learn from the Geese. It is now time for me to go. I wish your people all the best.

Warsan flew away and I stood up and waved my hand with hesitation. All of a sudden, she turned back and flew around my shoulders and whispered to me before flying:

“Giis (geese) baa gartee Gadabursi wuu garan”

I nodded my head for approval and thanked her for the good conversation. She looked back at me and shouted; “tell your people in the convention:

Awdal waa idinka, Idinkuna Awdal baa tihiin.

Xadhiga Eebe qabsada dhamaantiin, hana kala jabina.”

Suleiman Abdi Dugsiye
Ottawa

Who are/were your role models

After a long day of class and business presentations, I came home late last Thursday. It was around seven in the evening. Usually, as soon as I open the door, the first sound that hits my ears is; “Hi daddy, how was your day?” But today was different, I heard no sound. That was unusual, and right away, parental thoughts went through my mind. I dropped my laptop and stepped into the living room hurriedly and said; “Are you ok my dear?” “Yes Aabo.” My daughter’s sweet voice replied.

My little daughter likes reading and surfing the net, and usually like this time, she is either on-line or doing her home work. But today I found her watching the television attentively. I looked at the TV to make sure that she was watching the right stuff (parental guide ... you know). I found nothing out of the ordinary and I let her continue watching. After the episode came to an end, I asked her about it. She explained this and that and concluded that the young actors were her role models. I nodded to hint my approval. Then, all of a sudden, she threw a million dollar question to me and said; “daddy, who were your role models while you were growing up?” I paused for a moment to collect myself and immediately managed to put some sentences together.

“My dear, in my young years in Borama, my role models were not TV personalities, but real people whom I used to see every day live” I said. While I was struggling on putting some thoughts together, registries of millions of childhood events were showing as a series of flashbacks in my mind. As my mind was getting busier second after second, I was startled by her demand of wanting to hear more about my role models in my young years.

As fast as I am approaching to my senior years, and as much as I heard and urged about role modeling, I have never imagined myself in a situation where I would be asked about my role models, and here I was scratching my head, gathering anything that would make sense to avoid disappointing her.

My sweet heart, I said; throughout my young years in Borama, I was surrounded by role models. My parents had more influence for good. By setting good examples of living, they helped me make healthy choices in my life. Their values, opinions, and examples carried more weight with me than they might have thought. I grew up in a home filled with love, affection and cooperation. My parents, brothers and sisters had a lot of influence on me in becoming the person I am now – your dad. My dear, I learned a lot from my peers, those who were older than me, my teachers, friends and class mates. Those who are alive are scattered around the world with different professions now. They are doctors, engineers, professors, bankers, businessmen, parliamentarians, a president and more.

As soon as she heard president, she excitedly said; “a president was one of your role models?” That is right, I replied, president Rayale of Somaliland was one of those older than me and a good friend of my elder brother. She then repeated the same question twice and I nodded both times. I then intercepted her in the third attempt and said; “my dear, I did not say Clinton! She looked at me for a moment and in a soft voice said; “right,” as if she understood what I meant and walked away. She immediately turned back and inquired the possibilities of inviting for a dinner so that she meets my role models. “Fantastic idea my dear, may be one day” I replied. She paused for a moment and then, smiling and pointing her fore-finger to me said; “your one day?” I smiled back and said; “you got it!”

As much as I admire role modeling, it never occurred to me at any time to sit down with myself and whole heartedly ask and figure out how I was influenced to become the person I am now. My daughter’s questions paved the way and I decided to give it a shot and identify in real terms those who were worthy of imitation in my younger years. Distinguished readers, I here by share with you those from whom I learned much. In the following I will be naming names and I ask for their forgiveness for not taking permission. Gentlemen, I wanted to do so but could not know your e-mails. I there fore must confess that I used your names because of my reliability on your understanding. Waan isku kiin haleeyey!!!

I have been privileged to have positive role models through out my life, from my daughter who always reminds me what is really important in life, to my wife who encourages me to use the power of my mind. My father (allaha u naxariistee) a World War II veteran (French army), had the most influence on me. He always stressed more on education and discipline. He taught me the value of education and always encouraged me to respect others as I would like to be respected. My mother taught me to not set limits on what I could do. She always inspired me to try to live up to my potential. And I always remember her saying; “Waxaan laga hadhin waa la helaa...”


In my family, learning was a trigger up and down for me. I learned from my elder brother how to respect those younger than him and I in turn exercised that to my younger siblings. I learned how to respect older ones from my younger sisters and brother and triggered up that respect to my elder brother. My sisters taught me how to love each other and safe guard the family bond. I remember their sayings which they still use to-date in their e-mails. “Walaalo is jecel allaa jecel” is always their slogan. My younger brother was always active and tough. I learned from him to be tough in difficult times. He never complained and always managed to find his own ways to go through. His actions always reminded me the saying; “when the going gets tough, the tough gets going.” And believe me there were times I made use of the toughness I learned from him.

In our younger years in Borama, my generation was surrounded by positive role models (Awdal genius). It is a sure thing that those older than us were good role models. They helped us focus and direct the growth of our abilities to unlock our untapped potential. Love of learning is among other practices we learned from them. We learned from them values, such as going to school regularly and respecting others (the Awdal way). They helped us to develop our abilities. They made us see the possibilities within ourselves.

My generation had been privileged to have positive role models. I remember each and every one of those gentlemen whom we looked up to. I wanted to refresh my remembrance and called my best friends in Ottawa that we grew up together Mr. Ali Muse Kahiye and Mr. Dayib Aw Hassan Habane. We got together the next day and I asked them if they can name any of those they consider as good role models while we were growing up in Borama. To my amazement, they named exactly those I had in mind. Among those they named right away were the lords (as they were nick named at the time):

Dr. Abdishakur Sheikh Ali Jowhar, Dr Suleiman Walhad, Dahir Rayale (President of Somaliland), Ahmed Abdi Dugsiye (my elder brother), Farah Jilal, Mohamed Abdi Douksieh, Hussein Dahir Obsiiye, and many more.

I then asked them if there is any thing in particular that they can remember of them. My friend Ali Muse mentioned that he admired how fashionable they were and respectful to every body. He also mentioned how they valued education and how they were intelligent. My friend Dayib went into details and talked about instances, and concluded how we the younger generation took over the town after they graduated and moved to the then far away land of Banadir and beyond. We talked and talked about events and had fun the whole day. We remembered our teachers at the time who taught us with out any reservations like younger brothers. Among our respected teachers were:

Ibrahim Ayeh (Jimmy), Abdiwahab Sheikh Ali Jowhar, Hussein Jama (mareykan), Mohamed Dubad, and many more.

There was no shortage of role models in Borama in my younger years. I learned a lot from friends too. Dr. Saeed Walhad was a good friend from whom I learned the value of learning. Ali Jama Ali (Ali Geele) and Dr.Mohamed Hashi Abiib were my class mates (form 4B) from whom I learned how to compete for the top grades. There were those in later years I admired while in Abudhabi. Bashir Goth, Abdi Barkhad, Ali Bahar and Hassan I. Kheyre were among the elites who were looked up to. There were also those who were always away in the far and away land of Mogadishu whom we never met but whose names were house holds. Dr. Mohamed Nuh and Sheikh Mohamed Hadi were among them and were always considered as positive role models.

Gentlemen, I and my friends Ali and Dayib gave you top marks for your role modeling. You were all positive role models and you demonstrated self respect and self esteem with healthy actions and there fore increased our self-esteem. You helped us build morals and positive values. You provided examples for us to follow showing that our dreams and goals can be fulfilled. The way you lived appealed to us and we emulated it. Your role modeling affected us in a way that made us better people. We watched you and learned from you a lot (the Awdal way). You helped us to become the persons we are today. You taught us the world.

I salute you and thank you for the positive influences you had on those of us growing up in your prime times in Awdal. My Salutations also go to those many I did not mention their names but surely had done the same positive role modeling. I hear by acknowledge those many who are no longer with us and who were positive role models and I pray for them; Eebe (SW) naxariistii jano ha siiyo, qabrigana u iftiimiyo (Aamiin). Lastly Gentlemen; remember that my daughter invited you all for a dinner “one day.”

P/S As we say; “awrba awrka ka horeeya buu socodkiisa leeyahee” I wonder if my generation had any influence on those younger than us in shaping the persons they are now. Please share with us and let us know how we did.

Suleiman Abdi Dugsiye
Ottawa, Canada

Role Modeling

Role modeling in its simplest definition is to learn from somebody – both good and bad. This process of learning never stops; even when we get older, we continue learning from others.

Role Models:

A role model is someone who is worthy of imitation – a person someone looks to and admires how she/he deals with some thing whether it be with people, situations and problems. This could be someone with exceptional good behavior, skills and abilities. But could also be someone with bad manners and behavior.

We learn by imitation. We look around for somebody that is doing what we want to do in a way that we admire, and then we take that person as an example to follow. In early years, we as children learn all kinds of things from watching parents or other people. We learn social skills which can be as basic as saying “please” and “thank you”.

Role modeling and the Somali culture:

Role modeling is a thing practiced in all cultures of the world. It is practiced in different forms and named in respect to the language of its culture but shares the same idea of imitation. Somalis have been practicing role modeling for centuries. The practice is bundled up in our proverbs. “Awrba awrka ka horeeya buu socod kiisa leeyahey” is a Somali saying which signifies the attempt of imitation of a person from another. You can only remember how many times your parents told you to do some thing or to behave in a way that somebody else does or behaves. You can call back if you are a parent how many times you told your son or daughter to do some thing or to behave in such a way because somebody else you admire does it or behaves. What that signifies is the fact that that somebody is/was worthy of imitation.

[Gardaad amma Gardaadin]; was a form of role modeling. I do not know if it is practiced to date or if it is one of the once upon a time thing (Bari hore waxa jiray). I haven’t heard about it for quite a long time, but to me it definitely was role modeling in its finest form. In its practicality, it was a nice way of saying that someone was good and I want my son or daughter becomes like that person. The [Gardaadin] was an important and carefully planned piece of work that was intended to produce something nice. It was done in the early weeks of a new born. This shows the importance of good role modeling in the minds of the Somali parents.

It is obvious to us all that good role modeling is as important as our intake of oxygen in this new world of sophistication. It is more important to those of us in the Diaspora and especially to those of us in the western world. We live in cultures that induce us to do some things that are in contrary to our culture. We Somalis are known to be receptive to outside cultures. Hence, we the parents have a home work to do. We have more responsibilities on our shoulders than ever. My dear readers please allow me to shed some lights on some important hints so that we always keep in mind what we can do for our selves and for our children.

Parents and Role Models:

Eda LeShan, a family counselor and author about parenting, has often said:

“The only way to raise a decent human being is by being one.”

We are constantly being watched and looked at. All the good things we do reflect ourselves and our families. While I was growing up in Borama, it was like the whole town raising a child. But that is no more, and it is now that it is only the parents who are to raise a child or children. Waa waalidka iyo caruurta iyo aduunyadan dhaqankeedu adag yahey. Waalidkow ogaada in aad tusaale u tihiin caruurtiina oo wakhti walba ishoodu kugu maqantahey. Caruurtuna waxa ugu badan ay wax ka baran karaana ay tahey idinka. Sidaad yeeshaba yagana ka fil.

Young children have no prior knowledge of any thing. They learn things as they grow up by watching eagerly and imitating some one. That some one; is usually one of or both of their parents. Therefore, parents are the first teachers and role models of a young child.
They learn how to behave by seeing how their parents behave and following their examples. If for example a parent uses a bad language in front of the children, that same bad language will be seen used by the child with in no time.

Teenagers are most clever in imitating. In this western countries we live in, those of us who are parents and came carrying our ethnic culture on our backs must know that the rules of the game now are different for our children who were born or grow up in our new home lands. If you are a father and spent a night away from home socializing whether it be Qaad or Garaabo or god forbid the hard stuff, then you can expect the same from your teenager son soon. If you are a mother and always busy driving your Van around the streets with your sun glasses and new Diric, you can expect your teenager daughter throwing the books after school and going out for an early chat with her friends and coming back just five minutes before you arrive home and making you think that she has been studying hard all night.

Wax walba ka digtoonow oo ogow waxaad qabaneysaba in carrutaadu ku daawaneyso. Oo waliba si fiican kuu daawanayaan si ay u sameeyaan waxey kaa barteen hadhow si ka fiican sidaadii. Guriga markaad joogtana tusaalo fiican tus. Markey wax dhiganayaan adna wax akhriso. Ma oran kartid wax aan akhriyo ma garanayo waayo waad akhrisan kartaa Quraankaba. Xaaji aabow ogow ilbaa kugu maqan. Subaxii Markey kacaan ee u anba baxayaan dugsiyada, adiguna sidoo kale amma shaqo tag amma meel kalaba tagoo. Tusaalee in reerku wada kacayo meel la tagaba. Haddi kale xaajow arimo aanad fileyn baad arki. Aan tusaalo ku siiyo anga oo kusoo hadal qabsanaya sheeko bari dhaweyd ka dhacday halka aan joogo ee Ottawa:

Nin Soomaaliyeed baa lahaa dhowr caruura. Wiilka u weyn caruurta wuxuu markaa ku jirey dugsiga sare oo badhtan ka marayey. Wiilkii baa bilaabey sagsaag oo duruustii jarjarey. Ka dib wuxuu gaadhey inuu joojiyo inuu tagaba dugsigii. Aabihii baa ogaadey inuu wiilkii dugsigii tagin. Odeygii oo cadho ku jirto ayaa soo fadhiisiyey wiilkii oo weydiiyey sababta uu ku joojiyey waxbarashadii. Jawaab male oo wiilkii hadal kasoo bixi waa. Odeygii baa markaa bilaabey canaan iyo waanno. Aaboy buu yidhi laba mid yeel; inaad waxbarashadaadii ku noqoto iyo in fadhi kuuma fiicnee aad shaqo tagto.Wiilkii foorarey ayaa odeygii layaabey oo sare madaxii u qaadey oo yidhi aaboy midnaba ma yeelayo maxaa yeeley waa mide waan nacey waxbarasho ku darsoo shaqada aad sheegeysana ma rabo. Odeygii baa yidhi waayahee sideed ku noolaan markaa. Wiilkii baa jawaaboo yidhi sidaad u nooshahey baan u noolaan. Wuu sii wadoo wuxuu yidhi aabow adiguba tan iyo intaan Kanada nimid ma arag aroor aad kacdey ood shaqo u kacdey. Ma arag adiga oo wax dhiganaya ileen qeyrkaaba wax bey bartaanoo waxbarasho da’ malaha e . Habeen iyo maalin halkaa uun baad fadhidaa kol aad garaabo cunto iyo kol aad saaxiibadaa kala sheekeysato taleefanka idinka oo ka hadlaya wixii ka dhaca wadan la yidhaa Soomaaliya amma talafishanka uun baad rogrogtaa kolba waxaad daawataba. Markaa aaboy midna ma yeelayo waayo adba midna maad yeelin lacagta dowladu kusiisana anba wey isiin oo waan aqaanaa xafiiska ceydha.

Laba arimood oon kor ku qorey ayaa halkaa ka fuley. Waa mare awrba awrka ka horeeya buu socodkiisa leeyahey oo kuwii la dhashey ee ku daba jireyna arintoodo Aloo ka duwa mooyee waa sida wiilka. Ta xigta sidaan sheegey waa la ina fiirsanayaa oo ishaa inagu maqan oo wakaa wiilkii ku tala jira inuu sameeyo wixii uu ka bartey xaajigii aabihii. Murtidu waxey tahey ha la digtoonaado waa la ina fiirsanayaaye wax wanaagsan halagaa barto.

Social Skills:

Things best taught by example are social skills and attitudes. Children learn more naturally at home than any where else. Good manners start at home and the child learns from that environment. If a child sees a parent using please and thank you all the time at home as well as outside, that child picks up the words and makes them bundled with his/her own daily life. As children take part in social activities with a parent, they begin to notice how the parent reacts to other people and new situations. A child’s own self-confidence in meeting people often depends on the parents’ example.

The Home Atmosphere:

Children not only learn things from parents, they also absorb the general atmosphere of the home. A child raised in a home filled with love, affection and cooperation can easily show love to others. For those of us who live in the western countries, this is I think a particular area that we must pay attention. The stress and the frustration associated in living in the western countries are not some thing that we are familiar with. We in the Diaspora are experiencing many difficulties. Cultural shock, employment barriers, foreign languages, are among the many hardships we are feeling. This creates unnecessary conflicts in our homes and that we know it. These have an impact on our children and also create an unpleasant atmosphere of the home. So, my fellow Somalis, it is an advantage to our children if we constantly try to improve the atmosphere of our homes.

Preach what you practice:

Children often have no idea why we do what we do. Explain things out to them. This is again another field we Somalis need to learn. We don’t talk to our children. We know in our culture that we adults don’t take time to converse with the children. Meel ay ka timid garan maayo ee koleyba waalidku inta badan lama sheekeysto caruurta. Yar iyo kuwa waaweyn midnaba hadal uma furno. Kuwa qaan gaadhka ahna yaga inaan salaam uun ka qaadno amma wax udirano mooyee wey yartahey inaan si haboon ula sheekeysano oon wax ka weydiino gaarahaan wixii khuseeya noloshooda iyo waxbarshadooda. Wada hadalku iyo wada tashiga iyo waliba wax u sheeguba wuxuu abuuraa nolol guri oo jaceyl ka muuqdo. Ogowna hadii aad aabo tahey ood sheeko u fidin weydo inankaaga adiga oo wax walba ka warsanaya oo islamarka wax uga sheegaya wacdiga nolol maalmeedka, adiguna ha filin inuu kuu yeedho oo wax kuu sheego. Hooyadana sidoo kale. Iska ilooba iney idinla tashadaan hadii aanad ka dhaadhicin in albaabadu furanyahiin.

Our Mother tongue:

Our mother language seems to be losing ground among our children. There is a miss understanding among us which states that our children will not be fluent in the official languages of the countries we live in if we let them learn the Somali language. This is a myth. As a matter of fact there was a study not long ago about the affects of the foreign languages in learning environments where English or French languages are official. For example learning in the schools where English or French are the official languages and other language being the official language at home. That is to say for example English or French at school and Somali at home. The study concluded that it is advantageous to children to learn both languages. The results went further and clarified that it is beneficial to children and even increases the smartness of the children. And that is apart from the many advantages learning both languages have.

Hala ogaado in barashada afkeena hooyo waxba u dhimeyn waxbarashada caruurteena.

Markaa Soomaaliyey yaan la moogaan afkeena hooyo inaan ku dhiiri galino caruurteena inay bartaan.

…….To be continued……

Suleiman Abdi Dugsiye
Ottawa

You got it all wrong and disappointed me, Mr. President ...

Aan ku bilaabo magaca eebe ee naxariista guud iyo mid gaaraba naxariista.

Marka xiga aan u duceeyo dhamaan dadkii reer Awdal ee xaq darida SNM tu ku xasuuqdey ee ilaa manta la diidanyahey in la xasuusto aniga oo leh; eebe naxariistiisa ha idin siiyo, qabriyadiinana ha idiin waasiciyo oo ha idiin iftiimiyo. Intaad ka tagteena eebaha dadka u kala xaq naqa maalinta qiyaamaha ha u waasiciyo samirka iyo iimaankaba….. Aamin.

Aan raaciyo aniga oo u mahad celinaya geesiga walaalkey Al-Hajj Abdiqani suldan Ateyeh sida quruxda le, sharafta le, dhiiga le, xasuusta le, maamuuska le ee uu ugu Sara kacey xuquuqda dadkiisa. Salaan iyo sharaf waxa mutey inta badan ee jidh diidey khudbadii Rayaale.

Wixii ka danbeeya, Mudane madaxweyne, since the 18th of May, I bet you have been singing the blues with your new friends. But unlike you Mr. President, and for your information, I have been singing with my sister Hibo Nuura allaha daayee;

“Suntaadii habeenadan waan ka seexan waayoo seedahaad I goysee….”

On the 18th Mr. President I saw you in a picture standing tall on the stage delivering your speech, surrounded by the criminals and back-slapping you. I saw you smiling with those who murdered my people and your people and since Mr. President, I have been singing;

“Salaankaa ad fuushey sare kuuma wadayee ……...”

Indeed, Mr. President, salaankaa ad fuushey sare kuuma wadayee Awdal waa halkeedii.

Mr. President, you had choices, but you chose to side with the devils and that disappointed me. In your speech, you praised the mujaahiliin and chose to ignore the shihiidiin and that disappointed me Mr. President. But for your information, while you were surrounded by the criminals; their victims (my people and your people) were surrounded by the angels in heaven. While you were praising the criminals, I was praying for the innocent victims. While you were raising your hands for their praise, I was raising the flag of the victims high in my heart. Mr. President while you were delivering your ill-timed speech with your glasses hiding your tears of joy, I was reading with no glasses and my eyes were tearing blood all the way down to my toes.

Again for your information Mr. President, while your friends dispersed soon after your speech, the angels remained with the victims entertaining them with their godly songs. While the devils left you alone, the angels remained and will remain with the victims for ever. Mr. President you had your day in the Hargeisa where ever with the murderers, but the Awdal shihiidiin had their day in the gardens of the heaven with the angels.

I read your speech Mr. President and you distorted the facts. Let me remind you sir a quote which just popped up in my mind before it slips away;

“Get the facts, or the facts will get you. And when you get them, get them right, or they will get you wrong."
Dr. Thomas Fuller.

Mr. President I am embarrassed to say that you did not get the facts right. You flipped the one sided coin the criminals gave you and told us the familiar one side story. But make no mistake about it; the facts that got them wrong will soon get you wrong if not already.

I told the world ….. “Rayaale Xaaji”… remember Mr. President? But you showed the world smiling with the devils. You got it all wrong Mr. President, Xaaji and devils don’t go together. I told the world that the SNM are mujaahiliin. But you told the world load and clear that they are mujaahidiin. You got it wrong again Mr. President, the words don’t mix together, and the right one is that the SNM are mujaahiliin. I told the world in my article “SNM crimes against my people” that they murdered thousands of my people in Awdal. But you hid that fact in your speech and praised the criminals as mujaahidiin. You got it wrong again Mr. President; criminals are not praised for their actions. I told the world that the victims of the SNM died as shihiidiin. But you chose to ignore to mention. You got it wrong again Mr. President. Shihiidiin must be remembered and praised. I whole heartedly defended you with my writings against Haatuf. But you seem to have befriended with them. You got it wrong again, and I feel back stabbed.

I am ashamed to say it again, but you got all that wrong. Mr. President and I feel befuddled by all these changes. You got me disappointed. You can call it politics or appeasement, but I prefer to call it brain change. Must you have done it? You should have told us so that I update the SNM list as well as the Haatufs’. Must you have thrown away the Awdal genes? You should have told us so that we collect and put into the Awdal genes depository. Even though you might have hidden the fact that you have thrown away, Awdal genes never get lost. There is an alarm with them that guides back to Awdal.

It is now a fact that Awdal can not be deceived. Thank god, we have people like Al-Hajj Abdiqani who are always alert and ready to shout for the rescue. I salute Al-Hajj and the other Awdalites who stood up for the rights of our people who are no longer with us. You earned my respect and blessings and surely captured a special place in my heart. I assure you that your names are already written in a special golden page in the History of Awdal. We are all proud of you. We are all in this together and forever.

I conclude by reminding those who are busy trying to distort the facts the following beautiful quote:

"Facts are facts and will not disappear on account of your likes"
Jawaharlal Nehru.

Indeed, facts are facts, our people who were massacred by the SNM will always be remembered as the victims and will remain in our hearts special. The fact is that our innocent people who were murdered by the SNM are the real shihiidiin and the SNM are their murderers. That is the fact and will not disappear on the accounts of fact distorters.
My dear Awdalites I urge us all that we all wake up for our rights and write our own history in our own terms and protect from the intruders who wish to distort the course. May alleh (SW) give us all the wisdom to protect our rights and the rights of Awdal. I remind you my dear Awdalites that the “one day” is coming nearer and nearer and urge you to hang in there. Always keep in mind that Awdal is us and we are Awdal.

God bless us all.

Suleiman Abdi Dugsiye
Ottawa, Canada

Waa iga su'aale tallow Bahdon ma ii garan

I received a lot of e-mails in response to my articles “Isku Haye Iskama Hagrado” and Waxley Waa Waxeedii.” even though I requested that no body writes to me and adviced to jump into the comfort zone and blame the president. In the e-mails many of the respondents accused me of enjoying with the green stuff as they put it in there own words (money) that I received from President Rayale and that my duty was set to have him defended all the time. Others went further and accused Awdal being fed in extravagancy in the expense of the other regions of the Somaliland. Others beat the bush and I could not understand what they wrote and dismissed them as “shinbiriba codkeed cidey”. I understand that and I have no hard feelings for any body because I believe that every body is entitled to his own opinion. Out of curiosity, I wanted to investigate and bring out to the open if there is any truth to these accusations, and began questioning myself if there is any thing I received from Somaliland.

Well, I know that I received nothing from any body on this planet let alone Rayale. Therefore, the accusations of my being bribed by Rayale are baseless. Here, I must declare that I would not have even accepted a penny if offered simply because I am an Awdalite, an honest man who believes in mutual sharing and collectively building our young Republic for the betterment.

In the case of Awdal, I know that its economy and standard of living are far below that of the other regions. I know that people of Awdal are struggling in their daily bread. I know that the infrastructure of Awdal is non-existent. I know that Awdal is alienated from the rest of Somaliland. I know that the roads in Borama city are rough and dusty unlike those of the twin cities in other regions. I know that the plea of the people of Awdal to construct the road between Dilla and Borama always hits on deaf ears. I therefore know that no greens arrived from Hargeisa to Awdal but lies, hatred and barwaaqo hadal.

I then turned my attention to Dilla, Idhanka and Qalooc area. I tried to figure out if any help came to the natives from Rayale government. I immediately remembered that the mosques and houses destroyed by the mujaahaliin are still roofless and that people who lost properties were not even given tents to live out side let alone compensation. I then proposed to my self that the area needs to be preserved as a museum area of crimes against humanity as committed by the SNM. Hence, no green stuff (as was put in respondents’ own words) reached that area.

I then remembered Qunujeed and I was like...Aha, may be that is where it rained green. I needed help there and I called my friend Bahdon. I asked Mr. Bahdon if the people of Qunujeed are blessed with the Rayaale money and are sneezing out green dollars and if the natives walk on a green carpet of the Somaliland money. Bahdon laughed at me and told me that the town of Qunujeed is becoming ghost town day after day and that the people are closing doors and preparing to relocate to Gogti. He added that even president Rayaale is unable to visit and wish them good luck for the lack of a leading road to Qunujeed and unfortunately there is no helicopter in Somaliland. So, he is stuck in Hargeisa.

I then asked my friend Bahdon about Bon and Aroorseel towns and their people. I asked him if the people are feasting with the alleged Rayaale money and are burping out the green stuff. He again laughed at me and said that soon after Rayaale was elected president, gloom descended and the people of these towns decided to extend the fasting period to preserve what little they have. He added that they have been fasting for quite a while now. He concluded by saying; “Allaa deeqda bixiyee dirqi bey ku noolyihiin.” I then asked him if he has filled his pockets with the Rayaale greens. He angrily replied to me and asked if I have lost my mind. He hinted to me that he is considering and preparing himself a hunger strike in protest of how these towns are treated. I could tell from his voice that he was holding tears and immediately came to the conclusion that it was time to digress. I wished him good rest and hang up.

I then remembered Baki, Lughaye, Zeila, Lowyacado, Xariirad and C/qaadir area. I did not bother to ask any body if the greens these respondents are writing about reached these places. Because I knew that all the governments including the present divorced these areas and never wanted to have anything to do with them. I knew that even these places are red-cross (X) marked in the map of the Somaliland that hangs in the meeting room of the cabinet of the Rayaale administration (what ever the intention is). The truth is that these areas have been on their own for decades, and there fore it is obvious that no greens reached and will not reach there even if it rains green in Hargeisa.

It is then obvious to the world that what the respondents accused me of is baseless. It is also apparent that what Awdal is always accused of is flat wrong and that those respondents did not know what they were talking about. I here by assure them that the green stuff never reached Awdal. But will appreciate if they dare to share with Awdal. To give the respondents a hint of the area to search, begin from the border of Hargeisa with Awdal all the way to the border of Sool & Sanaag.

Out of frustration, I then decided to quit and give my self a rest. I grabbed my laptop and a portable lazy chair and set my self at a corner in my back yard. I threw a CD in the CD ROM and prepared to listen to some classic Somali songs. The music began to play. To my astonishment, the first words that hit my ears were:

“Subagga dufankiisaa dadku ka dhaashadaane, haduu dufan basaaso maxaa duxdii ka qaadey?

Now, here I was out there by my self trying to relax, and all of a sudden the sound of the song itself is tickling my brain. Talking to my self I can hear me say, “Wow, what a good sentence.” Knowing who said it; I can hear me remind myself that my uncle is a real genius who knows how to put the words together. Truly, the world has yet to come up with such words with that value in them. I listened well to the sentences and truly my uncle is one of a kind genius. I wonder if the other world languages can put in good sentences words like dawo bukootey, dab dhamxoodey etc.

Listening to the words of the song slipped me into a zone full of questions. But I knew that there was no one around to ask. I eliminated question after question till one seemed to be appropriate to a friend of mine. That friend asked me many questions in his articles. You got it, the friend is Mr. Bahdon.

My friend Mr. Bahdon, you know that I replied your questions whole heartedly, this is my turn and I am to ask you a question.

My friend, I remind you that I expect from you the truth and only the truth, so help you god... this is the question:

Dufankii Ina Cigaal duxdiisaa badneydoo waan wada ogsoonahey dhamaan dadkiisaa ka dhaashadey. Garani waayey aniguye, waa iga su’aale, saaxiibkey Cusmaanow Ina Axmad Xaaji Bahdonow, dufankii adeerkaa dux laguma sheegine, waar maxaa basaasiyey??? Cajab….


Suleiman Abdi Dugsiye
Ottawa, Canada

Waxley waa waxeegii

Not even five months elapsed since Haatuf made headlines, and here we go again, Haatuf is in the news, haatufing the land of peace and milk in its ugliest form and dragging up its alleged affairs again. Waxley waa waxeegii, but this time the Haatufs and associates are in a hot soup. Not even seventy two hours elapsed since I posted my last article “Isku haye Iskama Hagrado”, and here again I find myself writing another one. C’mon Haatufs, why don’t you use the thing in between your ears like the normal people so that I rest my fingers? Must you have every thing from the sheep contract to the chair? Give me a break people; don’t you know that there are others whose home is Somaliland and have mouths to feed? It is now obvious that what the Haatufs are up to is beyond freedom of speech. I believe that the Haatufs have a mission and their goal is one of the following:

.Drag the chair to the South and bargain with it.
.Get the chair by spreading hate.
.Tame Awdal as a second class nation.

In the case of dragging the chair to the south and bargaining with it, it depends on what the people of Somaliland want. The haatufs have no right to decide for the people. My advice to the Haatufs is to declare what they say and whisper to each other in the dark corners of the streets. But make no mistake about it; Awdal has already set its exit strategy but only giving you a chance to get to your senses.

In the case of attempting to get the chair by spreading lies and hate, I remind the Haatufs my favorite quote:

“Hatred ever kills, love never dies. Such is the vast difference between the two. What is obtained by love is retained for all time. What is obtained by hatred proves a burden in reality for it increases hatred."

Mohandas Gandi.

It is obvious that the Haatufs are washed over by a wave of hatred and bitterness towards President Rayaale and Awdal. The world never functions like just wishing something and getting it. Things would have been easier for the mindless if what ever in mind is obtainable by force. It doesn’t work that way and we all know it although the Haatufs don’t. The Haatufs always complain about President Rayaale and claim that things would have been better if he is no more on the chair. I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt and decided to figure out myself what the people think. I conducted a quick unscientific survey and questioned people both from Awdal and other regions of Somaliland without bias. After a careful analysis, the conclusion was the fact that overwhelmingly people believe:

“Idaa shuufta Siilaanyo or Ina Waraabe, Rayaale Xaaji.”

If that is so, and there is no alternative, I don’t understand what is bothering the Haatufs. I don’t comprehend what is eating them from inside. If you hate the genes of Rayaale how can I accept yours? We claim that Somaliland is a young democratic country. President Rayaale was elected democratically. Therefore, wether you like it or not or you hit your heads on the walls till you bleed to death, he will remain on the chair till he finishes the term. If that is unacceptable to you, then consider this:

Hadeynaan heshiineyn waa inaan kala go’naa oon kala howl yareysanaa.

In the case of attempting to tame the Awdalites as second class citizens, I am sorry, you ran out of time. The policy of quite diplomacy and appeasement is now a once upon a time thing and no more valid in Awdal. Awdal is ready to stand for its rights now, so caution with care Haatufs, what was once a sweet cake for you could be a hot soup to get into. We in Awdal have compromised ourselves and gave the confederation partners all we’ve got just to make it work. But as they say; “Abeeso far loo taagaa fanaxey u boodaa,” for the Haatufs and associates nothing is enough, more is always needed. To them they would rather break the country into pieces if not get things on their way. To verify how we gave away everything, all you have to do is to check the number of your parliament representatives and compare that with the Awdal representatives. I don’t think that that is a good way to share. Another way is to count the ministries, deputy ministries, directors, managers and government employees from regions other than Awdal. I can go on but I think that is enough to make you think twice. Isn’t it fair then to say?

Wax walba waan ku siiyee, waayaha aduunyada ku war qaadan meyside, igadaa wareerkoo barwaaqo hadalka iga dhaaf.

It has been clear to Awdal that it gave away too much, but still there was always hope that things will get better tomorrow. That itself is proving to be a dream. I am hardly alone in my thinking; indeed, Awdal is undergoing a dramatic shift from a decade and a half-old policy to protect their rights under the hijacked clan based rule of Somaliland. It has been Sixteen years and two days since the break away now, and all of a sudden a new chapter of greed and selfishness begins instead of working together for the betterment and the Haatufs are leading the way this time. It has become clear to Awdal that its people are increasingly finding themselves facing economic decline, injustices and dwindling rights coupled with hate and bitterness. No wonder these harsh circumstances are causing the regions people (Awdal) to drop their support of Somaliland. If things don’t change on Awdal’s terms this time, or if Somaliland lets Haatuf lead the way then it should be clear that what is in the minds of Awdal is:

Inaan kaa go’aan imika taladeed hayaa!!!!! And we have every right to decide for our destiny.


Suleiman Abdi Dugsiye
Ottawa, Canada

Isku haye iskama hagrado!!!

“Isku haye iskama Hagrado” is a Somali saying which I quoted in an article I wrote some months ago titled; “Ruthless Betrayal of Awdal,”in which I pinpointed the sense of alienation felt by Awdal in Somaliland, how Awdal is kept out in the cold when it comes to sharing the resources and how this is affecting the Awdalites to mistrust the people and the government. This morning while I was trying to read the current news from home posted in Harowo.com, my eyes caught a piece by Hashim Goth. After I read it all, I found my self shaking my head in astonishment. The only thing that popped up from my mind was; “Isku Haye Iskama Hagrado.”

It is my understanding that Somaliland was formed in confederacy of nations united by a vision of nation building. An agreement with caring, nurturing each other and sharing what ever little we have. A union of supporting each other, strengthening of what is uniting us and dismantling what ever is to create hate among us.

What I read in the piece was neither sharing nor nurturing but a classic case of dislike and hatred towards Awdal. It was a classic dose of tribalism in action and as practiced in the Somaliland Republic. Check out what I read and I quote;

“..markii uu shir la qaatay Aadan/Baradhe ganacsatadii xoolaha ee qolo walba lahayd, ayuu u sheegay in qandaraaska uu ku bixinayo qaab Qabiil, wuxuuna tiriyay magacda Jilibadii uu kala siiyay isaga oo ugu horaysiiyay jilibada beesha Isaaq ee uu ka soo jeedo, wuxuuna calaa jilib u siiyay 10kun ilaa 6kun inta u dhaxaysay, waxa soo hadhay waxay noqdeen reer Awdal wuxuu yidhi waxaan siiyay 2kun,…”

Some might argue that this is an isolated incident or a policy as exercised by only one or two persons. Well, as they say; “war garaad dhaamaa jira,” This is not an isolated matter but the daily occurrences in Somaliland. This is how the contracts of public and private sectors are issued. This is nothing but pure nepotism exposed and Somaliland is incredibly incestuous about it. Mr. Potatoes can be patriotic and work for the good of his own tribe but can not overly wish ill toward other clans. Surely that was your day Mr. Potatoes but let me remind you that it is Allah (SW), who is the sole bread giver. Times change and possibilities are that it turns to be “laga barey laga badi” any day. Surely, that is not going to be your day.

Somaliland is celebrating for its independence this week, but what did we accomplish for these sixteen years. That will be in a separate article, but the sure thing is that nepotism has been brought out to open air and has become a new weapon to fight against Awdal. The most obvious effect of nepotism is that it worked in direct opposition to the notion of sharing and loving your neighbor for what you love for your self. Obviously it worked against our sense of justice and fair play and only lead to resentment by those who are not the beneficiaries of the evil nepotism as practiced by the haves. It also has worked to breed mistrust and distrust.

What happened in Dhahar was a good example of the affects of nepotism. What was employment for regions other than Awdal has become a disgrace to Somaliland. As I mentioned in my article “Ruthless Betrayal of Awdal,” Less than 1% of the armed forces were recruited from Awdal. The intention of keeping Awdal out of the government payroll has back fired and disgraced our young nation of Somaliland. How can Awdal share the limited resources of our country with the rest, is surely a mystery to be solved. As we all know, less than 0.01% of the government employees are from Awdal region. To me this is nothing but alienation and selfishness and that is why millions that would have been invested wisely are flying in the streets of Hargeisa. That is why contracts are not tendered fairly and then the beneficiaries humiliate Awdal. When the non-governmental organizations are prohibited from stationing their headquarters in Borama how is Awdal supposed to continue part of the confederacy. It is a game that the government of Somaliland plays with Awdal and that should be corrected.

Distinguished readers, let me turn your attention now to the following:

“…sida uu warka nagu siiyay ganacsadaha joogay shirka oo diiday in magaciisa aan xuso wuxuu yidhi waan diidnay, ka dibna Aadan/Baradho wuxuu nagu yidhi ma idinka oo M/wenihii haysta ayaad diideen?”

What a say!!! As if Awdal benefits from the chair!!! What is amazing to me is the uniformity of this sentence to the people of Somaliland other than Awdalites. I hear this sentence every day and have become the favorite for some people. President Rayale is elected by the people of Somaliland. But surely is a liability to Awdal and the presidency is becoming a double standard to Awdal. I wonder if things would have been better for Awdal if some body else was the president. I wonder if Mr. Potatoes would have given Awdal the contracts he gave to his people if Siilaanyo or Ina Waraabe was the president.
C’mon people, talk about serious, your intentions are obvious and we will solve this matter and soon. Mr. President with all due respect if your being an Awdalite benefits Awdal as they say, I urge you exercise your power and cancel that contract. Make the play ground leveled for every body. What Mr. Goth suggested in his piece would serve good for every body.

Conclusion:

I here by conclude by my famous sentences. It is my personal opinion that it is time for Awdal to take a tough stand. We had enough with the methods of quite diplomacy and muted appeasement. These degrading schools of thought have clearly failed. Sixteen years of unleveled play ground is enough. It is time for us to demand a fair game. It is our duty to protect our rights and demand our share of the resources. We can not allow humiliation by share holders and let them bite the pie full mouth while we watch on the side lines. It is time to wake up and correct our mistakes.

Lastly, I here by issue a contract and only Awdalites need to apply. Tell me in details how Awdal can share the Somaliland resources with the rest of the regions. If you know how, expose it and you may win the contract.


P/S if you don’t like my opinion, do not write to me, write to Mr. Potatoes or get into the comfort zone and blame the president (Rayale).


Suleiman Abdi Dugsiye
Ottawa, Canada

Ruthless betrayel of Awdal

Ask any Somalilanders the achievements of the Somaliland government, and the answer right away is "peace" and "democracy". I believe, that is a remarkable achievement which proves our sophistication and civilization, and which labels us as the "peace loving, democratic people of the horn of Africa".

Any person with a sense of logic will agree with me that:

• 
  Peace as denoted by the Somali saying Peace and Milk "Nabad iyo Caano" is sweet and democracy is fair and just.
  Peace and democracy are prosperity and a state of mind.
  Peace and democracy are moral excellence.
  Peace and democracy are “love for others what you love for yourself."
  Peace and democracy if used positively promote love, sharing, caring, understanding and safeguarding the common good.
  Peace and democracy can be used as a tool to pave the way to betterment and advancement.
  Peace and democracy if used positively can be a tool to promote a sense of respect, fairness and compassion.

Unfortunately, peace and democracy in the Somaliland serve in contrary to the above. The peace and the democracy in the Somaliland together with the fact that President Dahir Rayale is a native of Awdal are an alibi for the policy of dominance, selfishness, injustice and ignorance. Peace in the Somaliland is a dry peace with the absence of war and when coupled with the Somaliland version of democracy is used as a tool to discriminate and isolate Awdal. Believe me, I am a passionate advocate of peace and democracy but the policy of the Somaliland government describes peace and democracy as ways to cheat and betray the nation of Awdal.

We all know that Somaliland was formed in confederacy of nations united by a league. An ideology of nations uniting to change the course to betterment. A league based on understanding, cooperating, caring and sharing. A union with a vision of nation building and advancement.

In contrast, it is becoming apparent day after day that the agreed upon policy of the foundation of Somaliland is being hijacked by elements whose doctrine is embarked upon an ideology adventure which threatens the future of the republic. These ego-centric gangs are slowly and dangerously moving the republic towards a clan state where selfishness, greed, injustice and dominance are becoming the state norm. Elements whose doctrine states to wield control onto others and whose motto are to establish an empire to bend the will of others.

Arguments and opinions based on rational pursuit of the facts, figures and a logical interpretation are rarely exposed. For the sake of it let me spell out some of the greedy injustices that are going on in the break-away republic that is causing anger and outrage in Awdal.

According to some Somaliland ministries and Officers sent abroad by the Somaliland government to spread the achievements of the republic, the following were achieved proudly by the government:

• Thirty bridges were built in Somaliland
  15,000 and more army forces were recruited.
  Salaries for the SNM forces were established -- “the mujaahidiin" as they say.
  There are 43,000 and more government employees in its payroll
  loaded state of the art medical vehicles were delivered to some cities
  Etc, etc, etc.

Simply out of concern, what did Awdal get out of the above?

• No bridges were built in Awdal, and the government ignored and closed its ears and morals to hear the desperate plea from Awdal for the construction of the tarmac road between Borama and Dila.
• Less than 1% of the armed forces were recruited from Awdal.
  Less than 0.01% of the government employees are from Awdal region.
  No medical vehicles were delivered to any where in Awdal.
  If you see logic as the most useful tool for defining truth, you will agree with me that Awdal had been and is being neglected on purpose. This reminds me the truthfullness of the saying:

" Isku haye iskama hagrado "

Awdal simply placed its blind faith in the supposedly good judgement of government, trusting to exercise justice and fairness to all the regions, but it is clear that selfishness and greed overpowered the trust.

What ever injustices done by the so called Somaliland government, one that is beyond my comprehension is the giving salaries to SNM members. Well, it seems that History is made here. Somaliland has become the first government on earth that compensates criminals. Criminals that killed thousands of defenseless innocent old men, women and children. If that is so, isn't it fair and logic to compensate the orphans of the victims? Let me remind the honorable members of the parliaments from Awdal that orphans in Zeila, Lughaya, Qunujeed, Dila, and Qalooc are waiting to hear from you.

Logic dictates that it is not fair to reward SNM criminals for their senseless crimes while the mosques they destroyed remain roofless up to date. It is not fair that 4x4 land cruisers are given to individuals and Dilla begs for a police vehicle and a building. It is not fair that towns and villages in some regions are booming and Qunujeed is becoming a ghost town. It is not fair that the only program available for Lughaye is that of Iqra and then greedy elements claim it.

Policy of Expansionism:

Those radical elements are now beginning to practice the policy of territorial and economical expansion. It is obvious that recently, stories have been planted as an effort to put a claim on Lughaye region. The purpose is to tear the social fabric of Awdal to make able to advance the claimant interests. These elements are actively involved in various components of a propagandas campaign to turn realities upside down. This is becoming the most serious crisis since Somaliland came into existence. The overwhelming evidence both in statements by politicians in Hargeisa and practice proves that a conspiracy is in the works to tear out the social fabric of Awdal.

With out any doubt, the most dangerous threat to the existence of the Somaliland Republic lies with the dominate and expand doctrine of those radical elements. This will definitely transform the land. Unfortunately, it seems that Somalilanders remain unaware of the implications of this ideology. The anti-Awdal elements think that the benefits of their motto will out weigh the liabilities, but they can be assured that Awdal's eyes are wide open and that consequences will out weigh their imagination.

What is happening in Goryacawl is unfairness. We all know that refugees coming back to regions other than Awdal are welcomed with open hands but those coming back to Awdal are ignored and neglected.

The pleas and the cries of our youth for justice in the education system is another one which proves the attempts of the radical elements to up root the only thing Awdal is famous for. Awdal will never accept these degrading policies. The whole thing is unfair and I don't really know what is in it (confederacy). For Awdal If you know please share it in the World Wide Web.
To those blind radical elements:
We (as the Awdal people) understand that our region is facing a deliberate, well organized and systematic political, racial, economical and cultural destruction, but make no mistake about it, this will back-fire. Our defenses are in place and your defeat is imminent. You better back off.

To those elected from Awdal:

With all due respect, let me remind you the following points:

• Democracy is an active process - one that requires ongoing engagement between you and the citizens of Awdal.
  You hold your seat in the name of the people of Awdal and are accountable to the people for your actions.
  You represent the views and interests of Awdal.
  You are to express your views and those of your constituents in the parliaments.
  You are elected to act in Awdal's interests.

Conclusion:

It is my personal opinion that Awdal must take a tough new line on Somaliland. Which are enough now with the methods of guide diplomacy and muted appeasement. These degrading schools of thought have clearly failed.

It is our duty to protect our rights. Awdal had this union relation with Somaliland since the formation of the confederacy and has not been able to get the slightest concession on respect and fairness. I am hardly alone in my thinking; indeed, Awdal is undergoing a dramatic shift from a decade and a half-old policy to protect their rights under the hijacked clan based rule of Somaliland.

It is obvious that people of Awdal are increasingly finding themselves facing economic decline, injustices and dwindling rights. No wonder these harsh circumstances are causing the regions people (Awdal) to drop their support of Somaliland. Consequently, Somaliland support in Awdal is a free fall. And Somaliland can not exist without Awdal. That reminds me the saying:

" Karis xun iyana wax kula' "

Suleiman Abdi Dugsiye

Ottawa, Canada

Why blame thyself while you can blame the president (Rayale)

Distinguished readers, before I get into details, let me turn your attention to the following quote:


“Democracy is a process by which people are free to choose the man who will get the blame”.
Laurence Peter.

Is there any truth in it? I don’t know about you, but to me, in its translated Somaliland version, there is truth in it. As a matter of fact it appears that the idea of putting the blame on the President for all the everyday problems is becoming the ritual of the day.

In Somaliland, it seems that our people have developed a unique mythology about democracy. The unique Somaliland form of government is where you can directly blame the President for anything. In contrast, no blame goes neither to those elected to represent the public in the parliament nor those authorities in the federal, regional and local governments. The blame of any thing that gets wrong, big or small goes on to the president. And his Excellency gets no praise for any thing done right. To me, it smells like a one man show. In respect to the quote and as practiced, it is fair to say then, since Rayale was elected democratically, according to the Somaliland public mythology, we all have the constitutional right to put all blames squarely on to him.

The world respects the position (president) as the highest and puts value on the title. But in Somaliland, it seems that all the value and respect associated with the presidency is stripped off and that the office is changed to the federal bureau of blames where people (public and private) get relief and comfort. In Somaliland there seems to be no form of government structure in between the President and the public. Therefore, the President is directly responsible for everything. President Dahir Rayale is/was blamed for many things. Check out some of the many blames that usually go or have gone on to his highness, the President of the Somaliland Republic:

The lack of recognition of Somaliland by the world, the blame goes directly to the president. The retreat of the Somaliland forces from Dhahar, the blame went to Rayale. The affects of Sool and Sanaag topography and weather, the blame was pushed to the President. The hostile environment in Dhahar as exposed by the former minister of defense, as usual, the blame was pushed to Rayale. Burglar in Hargeisa, the blame goes on to Rayale. Miscarriage in Burco, Rayale gets the blame. Domestic family dispute in Berbera, the President gets the blame. The ill-advice of the fortunate boys in Hargeisa (the cabinet) to the President, Rayale gets the blame. The misjudgments of the authorities of the different governments, the President gets the blame. The price of qaad goes up because of unforeseen circumstances, the President gets the blame. Too much noise in the streets of Hargeisa, the president gets the blame. The public don’t respect the traffic laws in all the big cities; President Rayale is there for the blame. A verbal conflict in the mijilises of Borama, the president is blamed. Garbage in the streets and roads of every city and town, the blame goes to Rayale. It Looks like Somalilanders have discovered an easy way to squarely put the blame on the president.

Being a human, I make mistakes every now and then. Recently, I seem to be getting tired of blaming myself for every thing that gets wrong. I have been looking for a person to blame for all my problems. I learned from my fellow Somalilanders. I chose to fellow the fast track and put the blame on the president for all my problems. Mr. President, with all due respect, from now on I decided to play the game like any other Somalilander. Sorry Mr. President I have no choice but to blame you for all my wrong doings. I will keep the praise for the good, but you will have to get the blame for any thing that gets wrong. Yes, why not? Every body does it and I am of no exception. I want to jump into the comfort zone and have fun. After all I elected you for that Mr. President

My recent article about the SNM crimes generated a lot of response. I received e-mails in the tens in which there were both praises and insults. I was accused of supporting you just because of you being an Awdal native. You got it Mr. President, I blame you for that. Some accused me of supporting you because of me being your nephew, you can append that on the blame list my President. I was accused of being a triblist; you squarely get that blame Mr. President. I lost my car keys this morning, I blame you for that too Mr. President because every body in Somaliland blames you for any thing that happens and I am a Somalilander and elected you, I therefore have every right to put the blame on you. One of my customers withdrew a contract for advertisement in my magazine this morning, I blame that on you Mr. President because you were blamed for the withdrawal of the Somaliland forces, both withdrawals seem to be identical and I have to blame you too. One of my business consultants advised me on a marketing strategy which did not work well as planned and I blame you for the failure because you are always blamed for the ill-advice of your ministers, the advice from my consultant is of no different, I therefore, have to blame you Mr. President.

Mr. President, I blame you for the “all in one” like a shampoo policy that Somalilanders practice. Mr. President, you did not train your citizens to know the different entities of the Somaliland communities. The separate and different entities of Isaq and Gadabursi being tribes, SNM being a group, Somaliland being a country and your Excellency being the elected President of the country. The blame is on you Mr. President because, had you trained the public how different these entities are, they would have known that each one of the entities is separate and has nothing to do with the other and I would not have received the many e-mails and would not have been accused for the many senseless accusations. Had you trained them Mr. President, they would have dropped the notion of “either with us or against us” a long time ago and Somalilanders would have a healthy debate on anything with respect and dignity.

Mr. President, I hope you will forgive me for putting all the blames on you, believe me sir, I have no choice but to do what all the Somalilanders are doing. Remember Mr. President as they say “do as the Romans do.” I hope that you will agree with me to blame you rather than blaming myself.

All in all, to any Somalilander where ever you are, if you have any problems, get the fast relief and blame President Rayale but remember to keep the praise of anything good for yourself. Always Keep in mind that:

“Democracy is a process by which people are free to choose the man who will get the blame.”

You elected President Rayale, he is all yours, get the fast relief, go ahead, make his day, and have a glorious time blaming the President for all that is wrong with your world. For sure you will find it very therapeutic.

P/S if you don’t like what I wrote, please don’t bother to write to me, get into the zone of comfort, join in the fun and put the blame where it belongs,,,,, blame the President.


Suleiman Abdi Dugsiye
Ottawa