Day: May 24, 2019

THAI OPERATORS FOUND GUILTY OF ILLEGAL FISHING IN SOMALIA

Take a read.

https://hiiraan.com/news4/2019/May/163975/thai_operators_found_guilty_of_iuu_fishing_in_somalia.aspx

PUNTLAND REPS vs SSC REPS IN CONSTITUENCY REPRESENTATION

Garowe, May 24, 2019

People of PUNTLAND are wondering about as they are also dismayed by lack of true political representatives in Mogadishu and Hargeisa.

The SSC Regions don’t express much regrets as they didn’t choose those who are either self-appointed or hand-picked by Hargeisa with a specific purpose to harm the very cause and interests of SSC Regions. That is self-explanatory to most people in the Regions. Tradionally, residents of the SSC Regions had no history of self-government, and had historically always supported the strongman among Darood leadership in Somalia, starting with Sayyid Mohamed Abdullah Hassan of Derwish Movement. Now they are tempted to support Farmaajo, but their delemma is that they don’t see him as a strong leader to bet on.

In the case of Puntland State, we aren’t too sure whether the people of PUNTLAND are aware of the fact that they have neither genuine political representation nor competent spokespersons for the vital interests of Puntland in Mogadishu at all. Some observers said that Puntland had zero influence in Mogadishu, and that is why the obvious and well documented partial and partisan politics of Farmaajo-Khayre Administration has free hand in its systamatic campaigns to purge persons of Puntland origin from the public service of the Federal Government – forget all about power-sharing and taking Puntland into any account in regional balance on power and resources sharing. This political campaign to marginalize Puntland specifically by President Farmaajo to the pleasure of Prime Minister Khayre, is happening under the watch of those presumably was elected to represent the interests of the people of the State of Puntland in conjunction with Somalia’s national objectives. We have authentic reports that some Federal Cabinet Ministers of Puntland origin were even complaining about the presence of some junior civil servants from Puntland federal constituency in various departments of the FGS in Mogadishu. Think about the extent of that failure and irresponsibility. One may not be aware of the fact that the so-called Puntland representives in Mogadishu are locked in Mogadishu hotels, and they are in line, waiting for a call from either Khayre or Farmaajo to settle hotel bills. Federal dipomatic corps, judiciary and finance postings have been made “no go” for persons of Puntland origin. What representation people of Puntland expect from poor hostages in a gangland under the name of Somalia’s Capital City.

Still under these severe conditions, failed Puntland’s representatives operate in petty partisan factions, some acting as if they represent their own parties in sub-clan riddled politics of Puntland of late; some representing the old school when MOD was in power in the heydays of Barre Regime, while others are confused as to where they belong to, still others are there to go along the highest bidder for vote-buying in anti-government parliament motion-prone Mogadishu. Nobody trusts a politician without a principle and one nobody knows what he or she stands for. It is unfortunate situation in politics one may find himself/herself. Hence, the name of political prostitution in political science. These pseudo representatives of Puntland in Mogadishu couldn’t even dare to challenge Federal Minister, Godax Barre, whom everybody knew that he was a minister only by name with no influence over one class-room in Mogadishu, let alone Somalia’s Education Sector, and who still doesn’t understand that the Federal Member States hav exclusive jurisdiction over Education Departments of the states.

It is quite ironic that Somaliland Authorities, who arrest youth and children clad in T-shirts painted in Somali flag, have more staying power, influence over Mogadishu Regime through its unofficial representatives in Mogadishu than Puntland, who considers itself as the main pillar in the re-instatement and reconstruction of the failed state of Somalia.

Political observers had noted that in the case of Puntland representation in Mogadishu, the problem had its roots in the actions of former opportunist ruler and petty despot that had sold out everything dear of Puntland values, leaving behind a mess and a society that had lost hope and vision for the future. That is the challenge the current leaders of Puntland have to meet and fix ASAP.

Puntland’s unlucky representatives within Mogadishu ruling bodies don’t even have the awareness of powerful lobby works by representatives of Northwest Somalia (Somaliland), Southwest State, even Galmudugh.

In the light of the above dire political situation, we recommend that all failed Puntland political representatives in Mogadishu have to tender their resignations enmase and return their Puntland Mandate to the people for another chance to select competent and patriotic persons of higher moral and political standing. Cut the crab and resign all.

ismailwarsame.blog

BREXIT (BRITISH EXIT) FROM EUROPEAN UNION IN DISARRAY

May resignation speech in full. Take a listen:

SOMALIA: MARRIAGE BY PROXY

Garowe Witnesses Groundbreaking Proxy Marriage with Unique Hajj Pilgrimage Condition

By Warsame Digital Media (WDM)
Garowe, March 21, 2019

In the heart of Somalia’s Puntland region, where temperatures often soar under the relentless sun of the Horn of Africa, a traditional yet unconventional wedding ceremony unfolded in the cool, air-conditioned comfort of a Garowe banquet hall. The event, however, defied more than just the sweltering heat: neither the bride nor the groom attended their own nuptials. Instead, representatives from both families formalized the union through marriage by proxy, a longstanding Somali cultural practice where absent couples delegate authority to family members to officiate matrimony on their behalf.

A Novel Twist: Hajj Pilgrimage as a Marriage Condition
What set this ceremony apart was an unprecedented stipulation introduced by the bride’s representative. During the customary exchange of vows, the bride’s family demanded that the groom commit to taking his future wife on the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca—a requirement described by attendees as a first in Somalia’s matrimonial traditions. The groom’s representative swiftly accepted the condition, ensuring the ceremony proceeded seamlessly. Warsame Digital Media learned through interviews that both the bride and groom, who had consented to the proxy arrangement beforehand, welcomed this innovative clause, viewing the Hajj not only as a spiritual journey but also as a symbolic foundation for their marriage.

Gender Dynamics in Proxy Ceremonies
Notably absent from the event were women, highlighting a cultural norm in such proxy marriages. The negotiation and formalization of the union were conducted exclusively by male representatives, underscoring the traditional gender roles still prevalent in Somali matrimonial customs. While the bride’s wishes were articulated through her male representative, the absence of women at the ceremony itself reflects broader societal structures that often limit their visibility in formal marital proceedings.

A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
This marriage exemplifies how Somali traditions are evolving to incorporate contemporary aspirations. The Hajj condition, while rooted in Islamic obligation, introduces a modern layer of spousal partnership and shared spiritual goals. Locals speculate whether this precedent could inspire future couples to blend personal or practical conditions into marital agreements, reshaping conventions while preserving cultural frameworks.

As Garowe adapts to shifting societal values, this proxy marriage—with its blend of customary practice and inventive negotiation—offers a glimpse into the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity in Somalia.

Warsame Digital Media (WDM) is committed to documenting cultural shifts and traditions across Puntland and the Horn of Africa.

Photo credit: Megan Rogers)
 

PUNTLAND’S ACHEELS HEELS

https://ismailwarsame.blog/2019/05/24/puntlands-acheels-heels/

PUNTLAND’S ACHEELS HEELS

Yes, an imperative reform in Puntland Administration is obvious to all and urgently needed. But, where do we start?

The sectors that had become the Achilles Heels of the State of Puntland are:
  1. Finance sector
  2. Security sector
Fix the two sectors, and Puntland would leap foward fast. These two sectors constitute half of Puntland’s entire problems.
Take first, Puntland Ministry of Finance where the management and personnel are on the same jobs for twenty years with 19th century rudimentary knowledge of financial management and that compoundedly streghtened by their chronic resistance to change, upgrading and reform. It is not an exaggeration – I worked with them as Puntland Chief of Staff at State Presidency during the first three years of Puntland foundation. How did they stay that long each one on the same job? That is their most guarded secret. What is it? The Ministry’s Top Management Team had developed and fine-tuned special skills to make sure that every incoming Puntland President and the new Minister of Finance are happy by providing them with unchecked and unaccounted for access to personal funds. But, if that is an open secret, why didn’t Puntland successive regimes do something about it? Good question! Have you heard the Somali word “Madax-ka-nool referring to Puntland governance?” Yes, you guessed – the President is everything in Puntland. He is the country’s minister of finance and cashier-general at same time. He can buy everybody, including the members of the House of Representatives (the Parliament). Then who would check the powers of the President? You tell me. With the financial muscle of the Ministry of Finance he owns the country and its people. You would say that is an exaggeration. You are free to carry out your own enquiries and independent investigations. But, don’t forget to share your findings with me.
But, that is not all. The top management of Puntland Ministry of Finance is the main obstacle and reason why international agencies and world financial institutions are unable to assist Puntland due to Ministry’s lack of transparency and financial accountability. The Ministry keeps secret even Puntland real revenue and expenses. This has created a situation where world community doesn’t know not only how to help Puntland in development projects, budget supplements and personnel capacity-building, but also how to work with the authorities. Puntland books are closed and they are Ministry’s Top Secrets.
Reform immediately that Ministry, and people of Puntland are half free.
Take Security Sector second, and you would discover the hard facts that nobody knows, even approximately, the number of men and women working in or attached to that sector, forget about their training, quality, incapacitation, mortality or even whether the names in ghost lists exist, or ever existed. How do you allocate resources, wages, pay etc? How do organizations in the security sector could assist Puntland improve its security needs? Yes, it is easy to blame others for your failures? But abive all, how do you defend your country when your lists of forces are ghost soldiers? That is why you hear calls for clan militia support whenever Puntland security is threatened.

These are the two critical sectors that require an urgent and radical reform, but the problems described above extend to other sectors and state departments as well.

ismailwarsame.blog

(Image credit: Dabaraani Media)

CANADA: DOUG FORD DOUBLES DOWN MIKE HARRIS

Take a read:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/10-ex-ontario-health-ministers-issue-joint-letter-decrying-attack-on-public-health-1.5145835

(Imagine credit: National Post)