A response to: "With leaders like these, who needs enemies"

A response to: "With leaders like these, who needs enemies"



My years of browsing through Somali political commentaries taught me that strange statements are to be expected but by no means I could phantom that a fellow Lascanoders could take offense of the reestablishment of peace in my hometown. At the onset of his last article With leaders like these, who needs enemies, Siadist ringleader Mohsin Mahad regrets " the present deceptive calm in the SSC regions."

Let the reader unfamiliar with Sool affairs be reminded that after years of Puntland presence, locals in Lascanood decided to chase away Cadde Musse militia. And since then, the unthinkable happened in my hometown; the city whose landmark was the hordes of armed men roaming the streets and the daily interclan killings is today an oasis of calm and peace. Following the example of fellow Somalilanders, Lascanoders have decided to turn in the weapons to the newly founded police and to settle their differences through the nascent and highly successful system court put in place by Somaliland backed new authorities.

In all fairness, anyone had the opportunity to see that Somaliland haters are increasingly turning desperate in their futile effort to derail Somaliland recognition bid. Case in point, Somaliland haters prime meeting place (Wardheernews.com) published a 1994 Qaybe article. Seizing up on the opportunity, Siadist Mohsin Mahad defended Wardheernews decision to reprint the article stating that

"Those refutable home truths stood the test of time and remain as valid today as they were when he first made them at that time. And it is this reminding that makes then today an anathema in secessionist circles."

Fair enough but we all know that Qaybe has since embraced Somaliland cause and to denigrate the Lascanood most senior politician, Mohsin Mahad contends that

"Qaybe has always been a solitary lonely figure in every sense of the word with no grassroots back-up in his native home ground."

Waar manaa walaan mise Cadan ayaa laga heesayaa. If Qaybe has always been a loser and opportunist with no following in Lascanood (as Siadist Mohsin Mahad says), why then his 1994 comments deserves merit and republishing.

Back to the main point, while desperate comments were to be expected from the ever-shrinking ranks of Pro-Puntland Lascanoders as a mean of to encourage bonding among them, one has to wonder why on earth could someone wish bloodshed upon his homeland? Doesn’t Mohsin Mahad think that Lascanoders finally deserve peace and stability? One thing is for Pro Puntland Lascanoders to push civilians out my hometown by broadcasting Puntland army silly sabre rattling, another is to openly call for a major deflagration inside your hometown.

At the core of every Pro Puntland Lascanoders lies the belief that SSC regions should be socialized to accept their dehumanization; how can you otherwise conceive that none of Mohsin Mahad clique objected when Lascanood was submitted to economic exploitation from Puntland when as the same time Lascanoders were either killed in Garowe jails or serving as Yey foot soldiers. Equating unrest with honor has led Lascanood into the abyss. Why Mohsin Mahad clique do not respond when Lascanoders are subject to daily belittling, when Puntland even denied that colonel Deyr IskaToos was a member of its army (less that three months after he was named by decree to the deputy army chairman)? Why is Mohsin relying on Puntland counteroffensive when they are insulting they highest ranking SSC officer among their ranks?

Sadly the bizarre beliefs permeating this culture that violence and chronic under development are natural in Lascanood will require time and patience before they are eliminated. Fortunately Lascanoders have hit this long road.

Mohamed Sougal
mohamedsougal@yahoo.com

Pro Puntland Lascanoders should stop insulting the great people of Awdal

Pro Puntland Lascanoders should stop insulting the great people of Awdal



Following the recent events in Lascanood, major Pro Puntland Lascanoders website have begun to shed the mask and show their tribal hatred mindset. While other Somaliland clans are not immune, wave of tribal bashing is primarilay aimed at Awdalites. As recently as today, Pro Puntland Lascanoders biggest website, jidbaale.com was referring to Awdalites as HUUNADA

http://jidbaale.com/fullpage.php?sscid=5974&PHPSESSID=513113fd6fb3237111b3cdeb26d74b9d

This Awdal bashing has started in earnest lat November

http://www.jidbaale.com/fullpage.php?sscid=5509&PHPSESSID=07988a74e75e8047dd880 abbd171632b

When Jidbaale.com has started calling Awdalites Huuno and has increased since then. All major Pro Puntland Lascanoders websites has joined the fray boocame.com, allcayn.com by publishing a series of particularly disgusting anti Awdal cartoons by an idiot called Ina Dhoolo. Here is on example of the dozen of hate laden cartoons

http://www.boocame.com/page_view.php?articleid=657

As a Lascanoders, I feed deeply hurt that the only Somali websites engaging in tribal name calling are the ones displaying a Sool name. In Pro Puntland Lascanoders websites, Idoor and Huuno are daily occurrences. The ironic part is that these websites are owned by members of so called unity groups like NSPU.

Finally, I would like to tell the great people of Awdal that these silly name callings do not represent the general view of Lascanoders but only the last gasp of tribal minded groups like NSPU. Far from deserving these insults, Awdalites are to be commended for their achievements and a shining example for other Somaliland regions.

Mohamed Sougal
mohamedsougal@yahoo.com

Lascanoders Abroad to YEY: Not in my name

Lascanoders Abroad to YEY: Not in my name


For years, Baidoa-based warlord Abdillahi Yusuf has meticulously avoided the issue of the Puntland-Somaliland tug of war about Sool. Delusionally claiming to govern both Somaliland and Puntland, Yey has stuck to his hypocritical “above the fray” stance while at the same time arming and training the Pro-Puntland militia in Lascanoders. At multiple instances, TFG militias have been shipped from Mogadishu and Kismayo when it become obvious to Adde Musse that Lascanoders were about to get rid off his ragtag militia.

However, today, Abdillahi Yusuf decided to finally drop the mask. He sees the situation in Lascanood as Somaliland army occupying Puntland territory. Never mind if Lascanoders chose to chase away Puntland militias. Despite the fact that Lascanoders are in charge at all levels in Sool. So why is Yey quickly abandoning his years long policy of hypocritical neutrality to move to a full backing of Puntland? The recent dramatic surge in momentum of the Somaliland recognition bid undoubtedly provides the answer. It appears that Yey has been summoned by the TFG warehouse sheltered parliamentarians to take on a more aggressive stance towards Somaliland in a desperate attempt to undermine Riyaale next visit to the US.

In a more serious note, by deliberately tribalizing the issue, Yey is setting off a dangerous precedent, which in turn will make impossible any attempt of nation building in Somalia. Indeed, YeY is talking about Lascanood in terms of a clan overtaking another one territory, despite all the facts pointing to the contrary, how one can justify the presence of Puntland troops in places like Guriceel, Kismaayo, Jowhar and Mogadishu? How can YEY claim to rule Mogadishu and deny Somaliland administration to take hold on Lascanood?

ll Lascanoders and Abdillahi Yusuf know that Lascanood is infinitely better off today than it was three months ago. Law and order are improving, solid municipal, judicial and police instutitions have been built, and NGO are flocking to Sool at a time where there quitting all TFG administered regions. Thanks to the initiatives of Sool political and military elites, the region has been rescued from the chaos engulfing Puntland, be it human trafficking, piracy, hostage takings and daily bombings.

But true to his nature and past, Abdillahi Yusuf is trying to sabotage anything that represent a threat to its dictatorial rule. Even if it amounts to destroying the newly found stability of Lascanooder. Exactly how destroying Puntland peace did not matter when the democratically defeated Yey used all means necessary to hang on to power in the late 90.
Bottom line, it appears that Yey is ready to enflame the whole region to save his power. We, Lascanoders Abroad, wish to tell him: not in our names.

For Lascanoders Abroad,
Mohamed Sougal
www.soolsomaliland.blogspot.com

Press release: Lascanoders Abroad warns of increased Siadist activity in the wake of Riyaale US visit

Press release: Lascanoders Abroad warns of increased Siadist activity in the wake of Riyaale US visit


Following the preannouncement of President Riyaale incoming visit in the Unites States, Lascanoders Abroad has learned, through some of its members, that Anti-Somaliland groups in the US began to mobilize. Indeed, two members of Lascanoders Abroad respectively based in Columbus , Ohio and Minneapolis , Minnesota , have been contacted by telephone and asked to join early preparations for Anti Somaliland rally to be held in the US . Although Siadists groups do not know the exact itinerary of President Riyaale, it appears, following our sources, that a massive Anti Somaliland protest is tentatively planned for Saturday January, 5th, 2008 in Washington DC . Transportations have already been arranged for Columbus and Minneapolis areas protesters.
Siadist groups are on their last throat and desperate to thwart the Somaliland increasingly successful march to recognition. They understand better that anyone the significance of next week visit, the first time a Somaliland official has been invited by US officials. They also understand and fear the possibility for the US to act unilaterally. Already, Siadist groups are sending petitions to Deputy Assistant Secretary, James Swan (the man in charge of Horn Africa inside the State Department Bureau of African Affairs)

Lascanoders Abroad call on all fellow Somalilanders, especially those living in Virginia and Maryland , to start planning for counter demonstrations in Washington , DC . Fellow Somalilanders, recognition is within grasp and it is time to ask yourself what you can do towards this noble goal.


For Lascanoders Abroad,

Mohamed Sougal
www.soolsomaliland.blogspot.com

Cadde Muse Administers a Final Blow to Pro-Puntland Lascanooders

Cadde Muse Administers a Final Blow to Pro-Puntland Lascanooders

Finally, the charade came to an end yesterday. After months of chest beating and bellicose promises to bring back Laaska into Puntland fold come hell or high water, Cadde Muse admitted finally what everybody knew: there was a secret agreement between Puntland and Somaliland conceding to the latter full administrative and political over the entire Sool region. This groundbreaking revelation created a political upheaval inside the Puntland parliament with several MP openly calling for the president resignation for what they perceived as national treason. Certainly, one can understand Pro-Puntland Lascanooders confusion and outrage over Cadde confession and his rather convoluted responses. After all, they have been taken for a ride since in retrospect the so-called military exercises to recapture Lascanood were merely deceptive posturing. But in all fairness Cadde Musse gave plenty of time to the naïve and gullible Pro Puntland Lascanooders in order to fully understand that his administration did not include the SSC region. For the record, let’s revisit some of these earlier signs.
- 1- Upon Abdillahi Yusuf resignation from Puntland presidency in July 2004, Cadde Musse went on to the record by claiming that SSC citizen Abdi Hassi was not entitled to lead Puntland because “he hailed from a peripheral region”. Then, Cadde threatened to take up arms if Hashi was allowed to even add one day to Yusuf presidential term even if the regional government was at the time in a state of military stalemate with Somaliland over Lascanood. The culmination of these clannish pressures ultimately led to Abdi Hashi humaliateling defeat in January 2005.
- 2- Cadde Muse failed to go to Lascanood to pay a decent tribute to the late beloved SSC Garaad Abdi Qani upon his in 2006, ostensibly citing urgent meetings with Abdillahi Yusuf in Mogadishu. Even if a mere couple of months earlier, all Sool Garaads respectfully attended the deceased Islaan burial in Garowe. And to add insult to injury, Puntland VP, Lascanooder Afqudhac, was prevented to attend Garaad Qani burial whereas all elders from Burco to Erigavo respectfully convened in Lascanood. My fellow Lascanooders did not forget this utmost humiliation and the subsequent visit of Adde was met with fierce popular uprising.
- 3- Cadde Muse failed to stand up for SSC people human rights when two of my fellow Lascanooders were killed unarmed and shackled inside a Garowe jail. This unprecedented act of savagery went completely unpunished and was a command of Hassan Abshir (a would be Puntland president). Indeed, once he learned that one of his clansmen were allegedly killed by two SSC officers, Mr Abshir came from Mogadishu in order to teach Lascanooders “ to live in dread fear of the noble men of Garowe”. We know the rest. And worse of all, this abominable was enacted when Sool Garaad were precisely in Garowe following the Garowe Islaan . The Somali adage Nimaad kabihiisa tolaysaa kafantaada tolaya could not find a better illustration. Ironically enough, in an unrelated event, the ers of a SSC officer were by freed force from the same Garowe jail by Hassan Abshir clansmen a few months later. Talk about a shameful double standard. The message sent wouldn’t be clearer: the life of SSC citizen is not worth much in Garowe.
- 4- After the y fight in Addi Caddey in October 2004, Cadde Muse commander in chief, colonel Caddhays, without consulting any SSC elder, decided to put an end to the military standoff with Somaliland. And in an uncalled form act of contempt, Cadhays went to say that no SSC land is worth fighting for.
5- Cadde Musse systematically maintained a strict discrimination against SSC officers inside the military. No SSC man was allowed to have full authority on any given brigade as Lascanooders were routinely cantoned to deputy commander positions. SSC officers had their loyalty constantly questioned and their military actions symmetrically denied. Case in point, during the last Puntland military blowout, only two officers, both from SSC, distinguished themselves on the filed: General Saciid Shoodhe and Coloned Jaamac Yare. In reward, Cadde Musse put the blame of Lascanood defeat squarely on Shoodhe shoulders who was subsequently removed from any leadership position and transferred to Garowe. Meanwhile, Jaamac Yare, who was until recently viewed as the most able to take on Puntland military leadership, was unexpectedly removed from the new Puntland military hierarchy put forward by Cadde Musse earlier this month. Therefore, it is not surprising that another mythical SSC officer, Yusuf Quuje, chose to abandon the apartheid minded Puntland army and to add his contribution to the development of his hometown Lascanood.

Undoubtedly, Cadde Musse give SSC people numerous heads up when it comes to his views on Puntland composition. What he said yesterday inside Puntland parliament is hardly a surprise. As the old Somali adage, doqonto adkeega ku dhufo hadii kalee iyada ku dhufo, and indeed for too long, Pro Puntland Lascanooders have chosen to remain deaf and dumb in the face of mounting evidences. The only reason adde Muuse let the charade “Lascanood is part of Puntland” go unchecked is that he needed to sell out Sool natural resources to foreign interest. If Cadde Muuse can today afford a multimillion house in Dubai, and if Garowe can today aspire to become the Dubai of East Africa (Cadde own words), it is clearly because the hefty upfront payment from Range resources has been used to that effects. There was a time in my childhood when trucks traveling the Lascanood- Galcayo corridor did not stop in Garowe because the Nugaal capital region was deemed too small. Before leaving Laaska, children were frequently asked to visit the washrooms because the next stop would be Galkayo.
Mohamed Sougal
www.soolsomaliland.blogspot.com

Lascanood, a month later

Lascanood, a month later

A month has passed since Laaska was freed from Puntland occupation forces on October 16, 2007. And following today events, Somaliland national army have successfully cleaned Sool from all Puntland militia remnants. Although Lascanood had been free too short a time to see its achievements fairy assessed, we can however see if my hometown is finally heading in the right direction.

The first few days were undoubtedly hard; first the school closures decided by governor Sandulle in order to protect schoolchildren had the reverse effect to spill scores of disaffected young men into the streets. Businesses therefore, too scared to proceed, were effectively shut down, putting the entire economic activity to a standstill. Meanwhile, the constant bellicose propaganda of RadioGarowe was particularly remarkable in driving elders and women from the city. Day in and day out, Puntland media drove up the chest beating rhetoric, promising a victorious return of their ragtag militia. Even if Lascanood freedom fighters and Somaliland forces have nothing to fear from those who ran faster that the legendary Abdi Bille less that a month ago, the relentless and unchallenged clan based hatred spewing often hit a nerve among the vulnerable population and cemented an atmosphere of simmering tension.

A month after, the situation is noticeably better. Businesses have reopened, Lascanood main road has been cleared and the trade route to Aynabo and Burco is back to its normal volume.
The security situation is the best it has been in years. All this was achieved despite the frequent attempts of Puntland to stir up trouble:

First, women and teenagers had been encouraged to set up roadblocks and to use weapons without the necessary knowledge. Sool famous website Afnugaal.com was recently reporting how Lascanood women and children have been dubbed Puntland first battalion (Gutaada Kowaad) by a bunch of hate driven expatriates. This real act of utmost cowardice is unfortunately not surprising coming from the very same Puntland army too much accustomed to killing innocent armed civilians in Lascanood. On a deeper level, by encouraging this reckless behavior, the Puntland leadership that repudiated Xaabsade for mediating between warring factions in Buhoodle, is showing once again its tota; contempt for SSC security situation.

Secondly, Puntland is trying to hijack the elders meeting in Boocame and making a mockery of this critical reunion for the SSC community. Unable to confront Somaliland militarily, Puntland is transforming what was supposed to be a traditional meeting, into a tug of war with Somaliland. False reports have filled by RadioGarowe reporting alleged attempts by Somaliland to prevent elders from reaching Boocame. Others elders were shamefully briefed in Garowe and asked to call for an immediate and all out clan war in Lascanood. And in contravention of Garaad Jamaac formal request to prevent further clashes in Sool, Puntland militia set up a military build up in Tuko-Raq mainly aimed at disrupting the serene atmosphere of the Boocame meeting.




On the political front, Puntland continues to misrepresent the unfolding of events in Lascanood. First, the farcical Adde Musse took to the airwaves with often contradictory messages. According to comical Adde, one day Lascanood was attacked by Asmara, the next day Dirta Waqooyi (whatever it might mean) were to blame. In his latest interview, Adde Musse once again reversed position and contended that Somaliland could not set foot in Lascanood (whatever it might mean) and that Puntland was chased away by disgruntled local militia. On the same topic, the ineffable president of Puntland Parliament was recently arguing that his army defeat in Lascanood was finally a good thing because it would allow his forces to go as far as Hargeisa and Burco and bring Somaliland back into Somalia federal system. Coming from a man who had to flee Garowe and seek refuge into Eastern Sanaag because Adde Musse militia were performing a routine clan cleansing, I am sure that this will send shivers up Somaliland forces spines.

Compared to this reckless and laughable sabre rattling coming from Garowe, I must confess that I am proud of the way Sool political intelligentsia is handling the situation. All the would-be child soldiers used by Garowe in its absurd proxy war have been taken off the streets and are back on school benches; those wounded by their unknowledgeable manning of guns received a prompt medical treatment and governor Ali Sandulle made a point of personally contacting the families of all the teenagers involved in recent incidents. In a notoriously violent city, the governor, with the help of Somaliland national forces, has taken successful steps towards building an effective and professional municipal police. In other developpements, governor Sandulle is skillfully working on expanding Somaliland administration into new regions; as late as yesterday, the governor was convening with elders from Gabadhe and the border town of Tuko-Raq. Meanwhile, Xaasbsade is touring the region, taking steps to avert any conflicts, had received a tremendous welcome in Kalabaydh and Darkengeyo. In his latest twist, Puntland is trying to set up some Sool sub clans against the others, and Xaabsade by playing host to countless elders meetings as he has recently done in Buhoodle is trying to prevent fighting among SSC subclans. Furthermore, his patient work is producing political dividends since the majority of ex Puntland police and municipal civil servants are now backing the new Somaliland built institutions. At the same time Colonel Dhakool is working from Buhoodle and succeeded in spearheading Somaliland efforts towards Lascanood refugees. Recent reports confirm that the majority of them already returned home.

On a more political front, Fuad Adde Cadde went from Xuddur to Taleex leading a need assessment team. Bashe was from and center in the mission headed by Siciid Sulub and reccuring rumors are sending him into the presidency of Somaliland House of Representatives or Senate. Finally I was heartened to see Qaybe, using his tremendous experience and knowledge, outlining a course of action for the future of my province. SSC chief political statesman repeatedly berated Puntland for once again playing the tribal card and similarly disparaged Siadists wild card by insisting on the fact that Lascanood was effectively ruled by locals for the benefit of the local population. In his address Qaybe invited Somaliland politicians not to take lightly the frequent efforts by Puntland to tribalize the events and to talk about a clan based land grab. According to Qaybe, in some cases, time will needed to overcome suspicion among locals overflowed by this tribal propaganda.

Finally, stars are aligning and Sool political heavy weigh are pulling in the same direction. After five years of neglect, Laasconood is a devastated city, inextricably associated with violence. No running water, no hospital, no roads, few crumbling schools. When every Somaliland district can boast of their university, Lascanood is left with no postsecondary education. Recovery will not be an easy task and drawing on the concerted efforts of all Sool leaders is the avenue for Laascanood.


Mohamed Sougal
mohamedsougal@yahoo.com
www.soolsomaliland.com

What next in Lascanood? A final note



I always rejoice in political debates specially when they are related to my hometown. But sadly, I cannot enjoy the one I am having with Mohsin Mahad because my debater chose to engage in personal attack. Mahad contends, obviously without any shred of evidence, that I am an imposter, suggesting therefore that I do not hail from Lascanood.

I must confess that, while saddened, I was not entirely surprised by this line of attack coming from a Siadist. Indeed, the crux of thought of all Siadists is that no way two different Somali cannot enter into political compromise no matter its nature. By this token, Mohsin simply, cannot understand, that anyone, beside the Isaaq majority, could go along with the politically successful project called Somaliland. If Awdalites are enthusiastically supporting Somaliland, according to Mohsin, they are simply waiting for better days and for the resurrection of Somalia (whatever it might mean). If Lascanooders decide to work with fellow Somalilanders, they are obviously traitors to their clan.

If several Somali clans cannot enter into political compromise, how can Siadists like Mohsin want to broaden the meager appeal of their beloved TFG. How can any Somali nation exist? Nation building means engaging different clans and that exactly what Somaliland did. Different clans came together and decided to work together. A clan can work with other clan without being subjected or abused. And that what a Siadist closed up mind cannot understand. That why they all Siadists keep saying that Awdal is abused and yet the majority of them never set foot on Awdal. Simply because your master Siad only knew how to set up clans against each other does not mean that other political way cannot exit.

Dear Mohsin, Ethiopian will not be for ever policing Mogadishu; your TFG masters should exactly follow into Somaliland footsteps and engage politically all clans. Building is always more difficult that destroying, and I understand the frustation of Siadists that cannot put two sticks together when they see Somaliland political achievements.

On a final note, Mohsin, I will do like you and bore the reader with my clan lineage. I am from Lascanood and I am not a guest in Somaliland. My ancestors have fought for this nation in Jidbaale and Beerdhiga against a ous mad Mullah. Thousand of my fellow Lascanooders have been killed in these epic battles. My ancestors have fought against the union when the majority of Somalilanders approved Somaliweyn. And the fought again in 1988 when I was time to reclaim freedom. I undertand that this mix is difficult to understand for a clan burdened Siadist mind. But there you have it.

Mohamed Sougal
mohamedsougal@yahoo.com
www.soolsomaliland.blogspot.com