In a statement issued today, the United States Department of State announced today that it has designated five al-Shabaab leaders as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) under Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended. The designations target al-Shabaab leaders who are responsible for financing, planning, and carrying out terrorist attacks in Somalia and East Africa.
The five designated individuals are:
Maxamed Siidow, a finance emir and a commander in al-Shabaab’s armed wing, the Jabha. Siidow oversees illicit taxation operations in Aliyow Barrow in the Lower Shabelle, Somalia. He has also led al-Shabaab fighters in attacks and participated in attack planning operations utilizing improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Cali Yare, a finance emir who oversees al-Shabaab’s illicit taxation operations for the village of Beled Amin, Lower Shabelle. Yare is responsible for consolidating all religious taxation and illegal taxes collected from civilians and clan elders. Yare directed and claimed responsibility for the November 14, 2018, IED attack on Somali Armed Forces near the village of Calagaad, Lower Shabelle.
Maxamed Dauud Gabaane, a finance emir, responsible for all al-Shabaab finance operations in Wanlaweyn District and Beled Amin, Lower Shabelle. Gabaane also serves as the head of the group’s intelligence wing, the Amniyat, in Wanlaweyn District. Gabaane operates an extensive early warning and informant network that regularly collects information on coalition forces and Somalis who work at the Baledogle Military Airfield.
Suleiman Cabdi Daoud, a finance emir, and wali (commissioner) of Beled Amin. Daoud also oversees al-Shabaab’s illicit taxation operations in the Lower Shabelle, responsible for collecting religious taxation from villagers. He also assists in overseeing an al-Shabaab “court” that stores fines collected from civilians in the region. Daoud previously served as an Amniyat official.
Mohamed Omar Mohamed, the wali of the al-Shabaab group in the Diinsor District, Bay Region, Somalia, and has been responsible for a series of attacks targeting civilians. Mohamed was previously the wali and Jabha commander of the Berdaale District, Bay Region.
In addition to the five individuals designated by the State Department, the Department of the Treasury also designated 15 al-Shabaab financial facilitators and operatives, four charcoal smugglers, and seven of their associated companies. These combined designations reflect the United States’ counterterrorism priorities in Somalia and support the dynamic relationship we have established with the Somali government to counter the terrorist threats endangering their people and undermining their communities.
According to the statement, as a result of these actions, all property and interests in property of those designated today that are subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and all U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with them and adds that the United States remains committed to working with our Somali partners to defeat al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups that threaten the security of Somalia and the region.
Somalia has long been plagued by terrorism, with Al-Shabaab being the the most prominent and active extremist organization in the country. Al-Shabaab is an Islamist militant group that seeks to establish strict Islamic rule and has pledged allegiance to Al-Qaeda and has been responsible for major terrorist acts in Somalia and in East Africa including suicide bombings, ambushes, assassinations, and IEDs, targeting government officials, security forces, AMISOM troops, humanitarian workers, and civilians. Their attacks have inflicted significant casualties and undermined stability and security in Somalia.
The group finances its operations through extortion, smuggling, and taxation of local businesses. Al-Shabaab also recruits from marginalized communities, exploiting grievances and offering a sense of belonging.
Efforts to combat terrorism in Somalia involve the Somali government and international partners such as the African Union, the United Nations, and the United States and although some progress has been made in weakening Al-Shabaab’s capabilities and territorial control, the group remains a significant threat in most of Somalia.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has laid off another 10,000 employees as part of its ongoing cost-cutting efforts. The layoffs, which affect employees across all levels and functions, are the third round of cuts Meta has announced in the past six months.
The company has said that the layoffs are necessary to “ensure that we are best positioned for long-term growth and success.” Meta has also said that it is investing heavily in new areas, such as the metaverse, and that these investments are driving up costs.
The layoffs have been met with mixed reactions from employees and investors. Some employees have expressed anger and frustration, while others have said that they understand the need for the company to make tough decisions. Investors, on the other hand, have praised Meta’s cost-cutting efforts, saying that they are a sign that the company is serious about its long-term growth.
Meta is not the only tech company that has announced layoffs in recent months. Other tech giants, such as Netflix, Twitter, and Spotify, have also announced layoffs as they grapple with rising costs and slowing revenue growth.
The layoffs in the tech industry are a sign of the changing economic landscape. The tech industry is no longer immune to the challenges that are facing other industries, such as rising inflation and supply chain disruptions. As a result, tech companies are being forced to make tough decisions, such as laying off employees, in order to stay afloat.
It remains to be seen how the layoffs at Meta will impact the company’s long-term growth. However, the company has said that it is confident that it can weather the current economic storm and emerge stronger on the other side.
Tina Turner, an iconic American-born singer, passed away at the age of 83. She rose to fame after overcoming a difficult upbringing and an abusive relationship to become one of the greatest recording artists of all time. Turner began her career in the 1950s and gained popularity during the early years of rock and roll. She later became a prominent figure in the 1980s pop music scene, known for her bold style and powerful vocals.
Turner won numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including six Grammy Awards in the 1980s. She released several hit songs such as “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Typical Male,” and “Private Dancer,” which resonated with audiences and showcased her musical experimentation and candid lyrics.
Despite facing hardships, including an abusive marriage to guitarist Ike Turner, Tina Turner emerged as a survivor and an inspiration to many. She openly shared her experiences of abuse and transformed herself into an international sensation. Turner’s life story was captured in various forms, including the stage musical “TINA: The Tina Turner Musical” and the HBO documentary “Tina.”
Turner’s unique and powerful voice, described as a three-tiered instrument with a distinct range, captivated audiences worldwide. Her impact on the music industry is undeniable, with over 200 million records sold throughout her career.
After retiring from show business, Turner battled health issues and experienced personal tragedies. However, her name and legacy continue to resonate, and her music remains beloved by fans around the world.
Characteristically, before I look at the budget in detail, I must say a word or two about the definition of budget. Budget is a financial plan that states the objectives and goals of a government for a certain period of time; usually a year. In other words, it is the annual economic strategy but there are occasions when planning, instead of helpful, becomes harmful. Budgeting is a difficult and daunting process of estimating both revenue and outlays or expenditures during a specific period. Propounding a balanced budget with strong macro-economic and fiscal policy for a country with no de jure recognitions is prodigy. Lack of participation with the international economic system including the Brent Wood institutions is hampering Somaliland’s economic prospects. A national budget is the financial plan of a country. The government gets money from fees, taxes, and fines, and spends it on its national interests like national defense, security, infrastructure, grants for research, Education, social agendas such as social security and Medicare.
Somaliland Budget [i]2023 is 421.5 million dollars. The Central Government Budget is 298 million—making executive allocation to 71 percent. The parastatal agencies (like Hargeisa Water Agency, National Printing Agency, Central Bank and Berbera Fuel Depot) have 33 million, while the Local governments had a budget of 69 million. Moreover, the development investments such as World Bank projects, Somaliland Development Fund and Joint Programme for Local Governments are 21.5 million.
Local governments [ii]revenue has remarkedly improved from $43 Million to $69 Million for the last couple of years. It is an increase and upsurge of more than 50%. This has led major service delivery improvement.
The Minister of Finance Development presented the 2023 National budget to the House of Representatives in October 2022. Using budget data from the 2023 Financial Year, I will make a number of analyses regarding the budget source of revenues, allocations, mismatches, and budget priorities. This will allow us to understand how the 2023 Government Budget allocations differ from the National Development Plan II which has ended on 2021 and realities on the ground.
The best practice for budget measuring contains no more than the following 8 steps: Pre-budget Statement, Executive Budget Proposal, Enacted Budget, Citizens Budget in year report, mid-year review, year-end reports as well as Auditors Report. However, to the dismay of many citizens hardly five of the above-mentioned items exist; even though those are shrouded with secrecy while public participation has augmented distinctly and with little details and unfortunately at least three of these eight steps does not exist, at all.
The 2023 budget and its format are markedly different from last decade not as format uniquely but substance as well. Under the leadership of the acclaimed economist, the finance ministry has taken baby steps of reform. The ministry produced Macroeconomic and Fiscal framework, Medium-term Budget framework and budget outlook paper. Tax identification numbers has markedly increased from a few hundred to over 30,000. The number of regulatory frameworks has been introduced, to some extent the information management system has been implemented, staff training, and development has been prioritized which further facilitated streamlining data and production of quarterly economic performance bulleting was the icing on the cake. This has facilitated timely production of pertinent and reliable data in a consistent manner.
This budget is 5% higher than the last 2022 budget, with the forecasted 5% to 10% growth for a coming couple of years; 2025 will be historic year for Somaliland, domestic revenue will surpass or to be close to [iii]500 million dollars coupled with the recently completed Berbera port expansion and Ethiopia’s much anticipated and projected to shift certain % of its import handling to be channeled through Berbera port will have a multiplying effect on the revenue. Donor funded projects are 20% unlike Somalia with the direct [iv]budgetary support and donor project funded are approximately 70% its budget.
Despite having a 421.5-million-dollar budget, only 24.5 million has been allocated the paramount portfolio of Education Ministry which is only no more than 8.2% of the overall budget. Currently, we are lowest in terms of Gross enrollment Rate in the region approximately 43% of primary grade 1 Gross Intake Rate while Kenya whose Gross enrollment Rate surpassed 109% in 2015 coupled with 105% completion rate of primary schools with further close to 90% transition rate from Primary to secondary heavily invests Education in 4.4 Billion dollars but our inconsequential allocation for this overriding portfolio is hindering not only the current development endeavors but as well future generations.
From 2018 to 2023 Education Ministry Budget has increased from14 Million to 24.4 Million USD which is 43% upsurge. But it is not adequate, huge investment is required in order to enable the Education Ministry to increase enrollment progressively and steadily. Currently, 8.2% of the 2023 Budget has been allocated but at least 12% to 15% of the budget is required to be directed to paramount and supreme Ministry of education.
The health sector is not in any better shape under the current 2023 budget. For example, 14 million dollars has been allocated a country with the highest child and infant mortality and coupled with the high maternal mortality rate h approximately 396[v] per 100,000 (it is too insignificant such a small amount). Education and Health in total have been allocated 38.5 million dollars which is a fraction of $7.7 dollars per person. Lack of heavy investment for the social services will critically diminish any future economic growth as half of our population lack both basic education opportunities and basic health facilities. A country which is not heavily investing in education and knowledge production will never reach self-sufficiency and its governance will not produce the desired outcomes.
In 20 years from 2000 to 2020: [vi]The global annual number of maternal deaths also fell significantly throughout this period, from 447 000 to 287 000, a decrease of more than a third. We need to come copying strategy for the Southern African Countries which has done tremendous and marvelous work decreasing maternal deaths and child mortality rate.
The much-touted public finance reform which has been in action for the last 12 years has shown limited early triumphs; all the 11 modules of the information management systems have been implemented with different levels of implementation stage. The asset register has so far captured cumulative amount of several Billion USD equivalent assets. Yearly reconciliation has been made International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) systems, while International Financial Reporting Standards (IFR) has been implemented. Information management system widely known IFMAS has been incorporated for numerous local governments but; much work remains to be done for the coming years in order reach institutions with sufficient capability and highly skilled workforce which can deliver necessary and obligator under the connotationally mandated segregated work.
Revenue has improved relatively for the last 5 years; thus far, the customs dominate 75% while inland revenue has reached 22% and the rest is 3%. In addition to that, few lines are contributing while others are hardly progressing or rolling. Most of the business tycoons are hardly paying profit tax; so, the profit corporate tax has made little improvement. Unlike the Goods and services tax which has shown dramatic headway but still the Telecom and Electric sectors are reluctant and disinclined to implement the required 5% GTS and to open their systems for the finance Ministry regulatory oversight. Increasing and widening the tax base requires robust systems and obligatory laws.
Finally, Somaliland required to dedicate significant political capital and immense investment for the Civil service reform. The World Bank funded project with name of reform will not make an iota of reform. Time is now to reform the current bloated civil servant at some institutions while others are lacking the required number. Skill must match on locations. After through assessment, adequate pay scales is required in order to reach efficient wage, otherwise it will end up, as the old Soviet joke; “They pretend to pay us and we pretend to work”.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan effectively mitigated the spread of the disease, leveraging its comprehensive public healthcare system, well-trained anti-pandemic personnel, and epidemiological surveillance, investigation, and analysis systems.
Moreover, Taiwan fully supports health-related SDGs and the World Health Organization (WHO)’s targets. Taiwan is willing and able to share its experiences with others to create an innovative health approach that positions the international community working toward the realization of health-related SDGs. The efforts of improving overall health standards are shown in many of our joint efforts with our like-minded partners.
Taiwan is willing to share Anti-COVID success with the World
Taiwanese people have played a pivotal role in the success of Taiwan’s anti-pandemic model. When compared with the 38 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development member states, Taiwan ranks sixth-lowest in COVID-19 mortality and case-fatality rates. Taiwan also ranks fourth-highest for coverage rates of at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose and third-highest in terms of vaccine boosters administered. None of the data justifies Taiwan’s exclusion from WHO activities.
Taiwan Model in the East Africa – Awaiting to be Explored Since the establishment of Taiwan Representative Office in the Republic of Somaliland in 2020, healthcare cooperation has long been the flagship cooperation between Taiwan and Somaliland. Health Information System Project (HIS), Maternal and Infant Health Improvement Project, and Dispatchment of Taiwan Medical Mission are implemented. The Taiwan Model of Healthcare Cooperation is combined with software (capacity building and technology transfer) and hardware (follow the priorities and match counterpart’s needs).To assist Somaliland government to combat COVID-19, Taiwan has also shared Taiwan-made vaccines (Medigen), Taiwan-made high-quality medical materials, showing just how Taiwan is actively contributing to the health-related causes of WHO. Although positioned in Somaliland, Taiwan is willing to explore cooperation in the East Africa.
Let Taiwan In and Let World In
Taiwan has not been invited to the World Health Assembly since 2017. Now Taiwan is still seeking to join WHA as an observer and meaningful participation on the WHO activities. To contribute more to the World, Taiwan needs World’s support. Taiwan believes that “no healthcare cause should ever be politized or weaponized”. Taiwan also firmly believes that “Healthcare, sympathy and empathy transcend borders”. Taiwan has the will and ability to contribute more to the World.
As countries work together to build sustainable healthcare development in the post-pandemic era, WHO and all relevant stakeholders should support the inclusion of Taiwan in the World Health Assembly to meaningfully participate in WHO meetings, mechanisms, and activities.
Taiwan has been and will continue to work with the world to help ensure the fundamental right to health enshrined in the WHO Constitution are put into practice. In the spirit of the SDGs, Taiwan wishes to bring positive contributions to global public health. Only by fostering an inclusive culture will we be able to have sustainable health development.
Since Taiwan Representative Office in the Republic of Somaliland established in August 2020, the “Maternal and Infant Health Care Improvement” and “Health Information Management Efficiency Enhancement” projects play key roles of health cooperation. To further deepen and broaden the “Taiwan Model” cooperation, Taiwan and Somaliland Governments signed the “Medical Cooperation Agreement” for dispatching the Taiwan Medical Mission to Somaliland.
The Taiwan Medical Mission is not only working on capacity-building, also providing medical equipment and items based on Somaliland’s prioritized needs. In response to the Laas Anod conflict and humanitarian needs, Taiwan then accordingly provides trauma kits and other medical equipment as well as wheelchairs for our Somaliland brothers and sisters.
We all agree that peace and stability are the basis for all cooperation. We believe “Peace and Health both can increase human welfare”. A friend in need is a friend indeed. Sharing makes Taiwan and Somaliland getting closer.
“Taiwan can help and Taiwan is helping”. Taiwan will keep deepening “Mutual Benefit for Mutual Assistance” relations with Somaliland and to share with the East African countries.
By: Dr. Hsueh Jui-yuan Minister of Health and Welfare Republic of China (Taiwan)
As the world enters the fourth year of the COVID-19 pandemic, most border restrictions have been lifted and global health governance has shifted from pandemic response to post-pandemic recovery. Countries have stepped up efforts to achieve health and well-being for all and further the realization of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) whose progress was impacted by the pandemic.
Taiwan fully supports health-related SDGs and the World Health Organization (WHO)’s triple billion targets. Indeed, Taiwan is committed to building a more resilient and equitable health service supply chain, maintaining an inclusive and equitable universal health coverage system, and providing disease prevention and management through a robust primary healthcare system. Taiwan is willing and able to share its experience in creating a cross-sectoral, innovative, and people-centered health approach to help the international community work toward the realization of the SDGs related to health and well-being.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan effectively mitigated the spread of the disease, leveraging its comprehensive public healthcare system, anti-pandemic personnel, and epidemiological surveillance, investigation, and analysis systems. Taiwan’s anti-pandemic response model included advance deployment and rapid response mechanisms. Other measures included border control policies, coordinated distribution of medical resources, and a patient-transfer system to prevent and contain the pandemic at a time when vaccines and antiviral drugs were unavailable.
Anti-COVID Success
Taiwanese people have played a pivotal role in the success of Taiwan’s anti-pandemic model by wearing masks, practicing social distancing, avoiding crowded areas, following quarantine regulations, and getting vaccinated. When compared with the 38 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development member states and Singapore, Taiwan ranks sixth-lowest in COVID-19 mortality and case-fatality rates. Taiwan also ranks fourth-highest for coverage rates of at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose and third-highest in terms of vaccine boosters administered.
Promoting Health for all
Last year, WHO’s Director-General outlined five priorities for the subsequent five years, which are promoting health, providing health services, protecting health, powering progress, and performing. Moreover, WHO’s Achieving well-being: A draft global framework for integrating well-being into public health utilizing a health promotion approach further demonstrates its commitment to health for all.
Taiwan established a universal healthcare insurance system in 1995. Since that time, the government has continued to provide disease prevention and healthcare services so that people of all ages can enjoy the right to health. Taiwan provides prenatal checkups, gestational diabetes screening, anemia testing, and three ultrasound examinations to reduce pregnancy risks and promote maternal and infant health. To assist infertile couples and reduce the financial burdens of in-vitro fertilization, the government has continued to expand subsidized infertility treatment programs. Taiwan also aims to create a breastfeeding-friendly environment and provide preventive pediatric healthcare and health education. Furthermore, Taiwan has established a number of prevention and management programs for noncommunicable diseases by targeting chronic metabolic diseases assist at-risk groups, providing services such as diet and exercise guidance as well as smoking and betel nut cessation information to empower people to take control of their own health. Taiwan also supports the global fight against cancer and WHO’s goal of reducing cancer mortality 25 percent by 2025.
Innovative technology and universal health coverage
Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) is a prime example of universal health coverage, offering financial protection and access to a wide range of essential services. The COVID-19 pandemic helped the international community recognize the importance of regional cooperation and digitization in healthcare. Taiwan is committed to promoting digital health and innovation to enhance the accessibility and quality of healthcare services, including plans for a next-generation NHI program. Taiwan has introduced innovative healthcare services, utilizing real-time telehealth consultations for patients residing in remote areas and outlying islands, and is exploring applications for artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. During the pandemic, Taiwan issued 13 export licenses for its herbal formula NRICM101 (Taiwan Chingguan Yihau) to help countries in the region combat the pandemic. Taiwan is currently implementing preventive measures for the post-pandemic era, such as strengthening the domestic production of critical drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients to avert future drug shortages. Understanding how important it is to work with the international community, Taiwan will further share innovative technologies and best practices with partners around the world to advance universal health coverage.
Taiwan can help, and Taiwan is helping
Taiwan has not been invited to the World Health Assembly since 2017. Now that the COVID-19 pandemic is abating and dialogue on strengthening health systems worldwide is accelerating, Taiwan should not be left out. Taiwan can help, and Taiwan’s inclusion would make the world healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable.
Support Taiwan’s Full Participation in WHO
Taiwan urges WHO and all relevant stakeholders to support Taiwan’s inclusion in the World Health Assembly as an observer, as well as Taiwan’s full participation in WHO meetings, mechanisms, and activities. Taiwan will continue to work with the world to help ensure the fundamental right to health enshrined in the WHO Constitution. In the spirit of the SDGs, no country should be left behind—especially not Taiwan, which has made significant contributions to global public health.
Authors: Eng. Abdirashiid Muhumed and Eng. Maxamed M. Jibril
We have been tempted to write about rumors as a powerful political weapon and a means of spreading disinformation “fake news”. Despite a lack of evidence or proof, rumors can still be influential and create a strong sense of conviction and “chaos” that cannot be easily ignored. One recent case is the myth of plastic rice of Chinese origin in Somaliland that circulated like wildfire on social media and was uncritically disseminated by media outlets. Although less dramatic, this “hoax” has demonstrated the power of social media content creators who spread rumors for political gain and increased viewership.
It is hard to believe that there is some kind of plastic rice being marketed instead of natural rice grains. It is highly unlikely that synthetic resin mixed with cornstarch and shaped into millions of grains of rice, and then transported from China to Africa, would produce rice at a lower cost than producing conventional rice in China. Credible sources, including food safety authorities, health organizations, and reputable news outlets, have debunked the myth of plastic rice. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that there is no evidence to suggest that plastic rice is a real phenomenon. Similarly, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted tests on various samples of rice and found no evidence of plastic contamination. Additionally, major news outlets such as BBC News and The Guardian have reported on the myth of plastic rice and have cited expert opinions and scientific evidence to refute it.
The origins of the plastic rice myth can be traced back to China in 2011, where images and videos of rice appearing to be made of plastic were circulating online. This created widespread panic among consumers who began to question the safety of their food. Similar rumors soon spread to other countries, including India, the Philippines, Nigeria, and Gabon, generating a wave of media coverage on the subject.
Despite widespread fear and panic, multiple studies and investigations have found no evidence for the existence of plastic rice. In fact, the rumors appear to be based on urban legends and conspiracy theories rather than factual evidence. Rice is subject to strict safety and quality standards, and it is a complex product that cannot be easily replaced with plastic. Rice is made up of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and other nutrients that are essential for human health. Plastic, on the other hand, is a synthetic material made from petrochemicals that has no nutritional value and cannot be processed by the human body.
Somaliland imports all its rice from mainly Asian countries and its staple food for Somalilanders, and despite the rumors, there is no single evidence from the local citizens or government authorities regarding the plastic rice being consumed or sold in the Somaliland market. The myth of plastic rice is nothing more than a hoax. As always, it is important for the Somaliland government to strengthen the capacity of its food safety institutions to ensure that food is safe and healthy and, more importantly, food-related information is credible and reliable.
*The aim of the article is not to encourage consumption but rather to clarify to the public the misconception the caused by rumors about plastic.
Eng. Maxamed M. Jibril is a dedicated professional with a passion for sustainable food production and social responsibility. Currently pursuing an MSc in International Land and Water Management at Wageningen University & Research. Engineer Jibril has previously worked in the Somaliland sector of agricultural development and food security.
Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions, viewpoints of Somaliland Chronicle, and its staff.
If you are the sensitive type that is allergic to inconvenient and harsh reality checks, you should probably stop reading, our intention is not to upset your delicate sensibility, instead we want to objectively examine and look at the underbelly of the Somaliland – Somalia talks and how it has been the biggest obstacle to Somaliland’s quest for recognition and independence. If you have read this far, you are curiously skeptical of a new perspective on this dead horse of a subject. Trust us there is…
Let’s agree to disagree but we believe that Somalia has already won its main objective in the supposed dialogue with Somaliland. There are a lot of misconceptions about the nature of the talks and why we should participate in them in the first place, for instance, some think that Somalia is trying to convince Somaliland to rejoin the union or from the perspective of many Somalilanders, Somaliland must convince Somalia to ‘agree’ that it indeed deserves its independence and be the first country to recognize it, that could not be further from the truth and anyone who believes this needs their head examined. What Somalia is doing is simply show the world that Somaliland is not serious about its independence and that its leadership care more about aid funds and are holding out for a better deal. Deceptively brilliant and it is working because you see, we are being lectured by the Swedish Embassy in Somalia on election and security.
Because of the flaw in the basic premise of talking to Somalia, starting with the fact that it makes no sense to talk to a country that has been willing to strangle Somaliland in the crib since its rebirth of the horrific genocide perpetrated by the murderous dictatorship of Siad Barre, which it has prioritized over putting out the many fires that has been engulfing it for years, and that Somaliland has never understood the actual cost of the talks or the fact that those entrusted to negotiate on its behalf came back grinning like idiots and with a straight face broke the news they have signed over the control of our airspace to Somalia.
Although President Bihi did not start the talks with Somalia, he is equally complicit in perpetrating this monstrous lie and with his autocratic tendency of not caring about anyone’s view on any subject coupled with lack of any dissenting voice from his circle, he may be slowly sleepwalking Somaliland into a union with the very country that is attacking it in Lasanod. It is a lot, but before you blow a gasket, remember that that President Bihi has fully endorsed Hassan Sh Mohamoud’s Envoy to Somaliland Affairs immediately and has reciprocated by reappointing our brilliant Edna to represent us in talks with Somalia, despite recently declaring the talks dead and that Somaliland will no longer participate in such shenanigans unless a specific set of preconditions were met.
Lets address the elephant in the room that Somaliland is facing an existential war in its eastern flank where brave men and women are dying to uphold their sacred duty to defend the homeland against all enemies foreign and domestic. Our Command-in-Chief, President Bihi, has failed to hold Hassan Sh Mohamoud and Somalia accountable and has not uttered a word of protest to the world to get Somalia to stop the flow of arms and fighters from the Somali National Army to Lasanod where supposedly decorated and highly trained officers have met their maker at the hands of our brave military.
Through his multiple admissions, the Somali President, Hassan Sh Mahamoud, a diet version of Farmajo perhaps but despite the smile is just as antagonistic and hostile towards Somaliland and its independence. He has unequivocally stated that Somaliland cannot be independent and that Somalia will not disintegrate on his watch. The NGO-drones turned public servants in Somaliland view HSM different as he pledged not to disrupt aid to Somaliland and perhaps this makes him likeable in some circles but as far as anyone with an ounce of brains is concerned, Somalia’s stance has remained consistent and has demonstrated the will and resolve to achieve the goal of bringing Somaliland into its fold by any means necessary, including waging war using its proxies in Lasanod.
The damage is already done, and re-appointing Edna to lead the Somaliland – Somalia talks is utterly pointless. Somalia’s goal is to simply demonstrate that Somaliland is at the negotiating table, and is willing to talk and perhaps one day will rejoin Somalia. Keeping Somaliland at the negotiating table is a brilliant tactic and another level of ‘Ila Meerayso’ and we have been willfully falling for it for years.
In hindsight, during his election campaign, President Bihi has sold an image of a hardliner who will never compromise Somaliland’s independence and sovereignty while labelling his opponents from Waddani pro-Somalia, we are not here to relitigate that but the reality is that President Bihi has has not been good to Somaliland and failed the most basic of his sacred oath and duty as a leader and has continued the trend of distorting the line between Somaliland and Somalia much more than his predecessor.
Engaging in any form of dialogue with Somalia is futile unless Somaliland can come to a consensus on what they hope to gain from these discussions and have leaders who will not compromise their sovereignty. It is an act of betrayal to our nation and a disrespect to the sacrifice of our courageous young soldiers who are fighting to defend their homeland, to sit down with the enemy and continue on this perilous path. By allowing Somalia to take the lead with minimal opposition and compliance from Somaliland’s political leaders, we are permitting Somalia to triumph.
Somaliland Chronicle is responsible for the content of this editorial.
A court injunction issued in mid-January 2023 and seen by Somaliland Chronicle seeks to curb the reach of a few journalists accused of incitement or violence and propaganda and has ordered telecom operators in Somaliland to block the social media accounts of nine journalists and media outlets for spreading fake news and incitement of violence.
According to the court order issued by the District Court of Marodijeh, the Somaliland government is seeking to block access to the social media accounts, including Facebook, youtube, and Twitter accounts of Mr. Abdirisak Terra, Miss Busharo Baanday, Mr. Mohamed Yusuf Bakayle, Abdisalam Germany and others.
Some of the reporters that the Somaliland government seeks to block their reach in Somaliland have broadcast news, interviews, and articles related to the ongoing crisis in Lasanod, where they have accused the Somaliland government of committing genocide and have sought to amplify the message of the unionist elders who have pledged their allegiance to Somalia and have vowed to wage war against the Republic of Somaliland until it withdraws from what they called their ancestral lands. In some instances, these journalists have published propaganda aimed at sowing discord in Somaliland and demoralizing Somaliland’s armed forces.
Although the Somaliland government’s record on free speech and freedom of the press has been less than stellar, especially under President Bihi, many countries, including France, Canada, Germany, and the United States, where freedom of expression and media is the cornerstone of their democracies have enacted laws to combat disinformation and incitement of violence.
It is unclear if Somaliland’s telecom companies will comply with the court’s injunction which was issued three months ago, and if there are ongoing discussions between the Ministry of Telecommunication and Technology and the telecom operators on the subject. Somaliland government exerts little to no influence on telecom companies which are subsidiaries of the largest banks in Somaliland.
Efforts to reach telecom operators and the Ministry of Telecommunication and Technology for clarification on the court injunction were unsuccessful.
