Danish Girl Costs $5 Million To Marry Her by Somali man - Naja Johansen's Story

Somali pirates got so rich that now they no longer want your money! They want your virgin teens. This is the indication given by one pirate who decided it was better to marry a white Danish girl than to collect at a least a portion of the $5 Million ransom fee they wanted for the girl and her family whom they have for ransom.

Sh. Shariif oo Ka Hadlay Dagaalada ka Socda Muqdisho

Madaxweynaha dowlada kmg Soomaaliya Shiikh Shariif Shiikh Axmed oo maanta Shir Jaraa’id ku qabtay magalada Muqdisho ayaa markii ugu horeeysay ka hadlay dagaaladii maalmihii ugu danbeeyay ka dhacayay magaalada Muqdisho iyo aragtida dowladiisa ee dagaaladaasi.
Kadib shir jaraa’id oo uu maanta xarunta madaxtooyada xafiiska uu ku leeyahay Madaxweyne Shiikh Shariif ku qabtay ayuu kaga hadlay intiisa badan dagaaladii maalmihii ugu danbeeyay ka dhacayay magaalada Muqdisho.

Madaxweynaha ayaa waxaa uu sheegay in dowladiisa ay ku dedaaleysay in dagaalo danbe aysan ka dhicin dalka Soomaaliya isla markaana la joojiyo dhiiga shacabka ee daadanaya.

Madaxweynaha ayaa waxaa uu sheegay in ay jiraan sida uu sheegay dad shaqo ka dhigtay in dagaalo habeen iyo maalin ay qaadaan,waxaana uu sheegay in moqifka ugu wanaagsan ee dowladiisa uu yahay sidii loo joojin lahaa dagaalada hada soconaya.

“Een waxaan shacbka Soomaaliyeed u sheegeynaa in dowalada ay ku dedaaleeysay in shacbka Soomaaliyeed laga daayo dhibaatada iyo dagaalada soo laablaabtay,laakiin nasiib daro dad dagaal xirfad ka dhigtay oo aan dowladnimo rabin oo aan ka fikireny maslaxada umadda Soomaaliya ay habeen iyo maalin dagaal la taagan yihiin” ayuu yiri Madaxweyne Shiikh Shariif.

Sidoo kale madaxweynaha ayaa waxaa uu sheegay in mowqifka dowlada uu yahay sidii lagu difaaci lahaa jiritaanka dowlada iyo weliba sidii loo marri lahaa dhabo kasta oo lagu baajin karo dhiiga shacabka ee daadanaya.

Madaxweyne Shiikh Shariif ayaa waxaa uu dagaalada ka socda magaalada Muqdisho uu ku sheegay in ay yihiin kuwo loogu adeegayo dowalado shisheeye waxaana uu baaq u diray dhalinta ka soo hor jeeda dowaladiisa.

Ugu danbeeyn waxaa uu madaxwenaha shirkiisa jaraa’id ku sheegay in heshiisyo horudhac ah oo ay la galeen dhinacyada ka soo hor jeeda qaar ka mid ah lagala laabtay.

“Waxaad ogtihiin in mudada ay dowlada jirtay ay ku dedaaleysay wada xaajood in ay la gasho dhinacyada ka soo hor jeeda oo ay ka dhaadhiciso barnaamijkeeda siyaasadeed Nasiib daro dadkii nala gaaray heshis horudhac ah dib ayeey uga laabteen” ayuu yiri Shiikh Shariif Shiikh Axmed Madaxweynaha dowlada kmg Soomaaliya.

Hadalka ka soo yeeray Madaxweynaha dowalada kmg Soomaaliya sheikh Shariif Shiikh Axmed ayaa waxaa uu ku soo aadayaa xili Dagaalo galaaftay nolosha dad badan ay maalmihii ugu danbeeyay ka dhacayeen magaalada Muqdisho,waxaana sidoo kale hadalkiisa uu ku soo aadayaa xili goobo badan oo ay ku sugnaayeen ciidamada dowalada lagala wareegay isla markaana dowlada ay iminka ku kooban tahay meelo cayiman oo magaalada ka mid ah.
Shabelle Media Network

Kenyan – Somali Maritime Agreement: Shame for Sheikh Sharif – Validation of the Shebaab Viewpoint

It does not take much time to get an approximately accurate idea about the capabilities of a statesman; when it comes to Somali politics, you can be sure that 50 days is all you need. "In my opinion, the Somali people can do well without the shameless actions of certain, so-called, Somali politicians. "


Dr. Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatis
April 16, 2009

It does not take much time to get an approximately accurate idea about the capabilities of a statesman; when it comes to Somali politics, you can be sure that 50 days is all you need

Those who accuse tribalism as cause of all the maledictions in Somalia usually offer a correct model of approach to Somali politics, but fail dramatically to interpret events and developments.

It is not good and it is not bad to be Majerteen; it is just a fact.

Majerteen belongingness does not eliminate the Somali identity of the person.

To attempt to interpret everything in Somalia as result of the tribe or clan membership of a person is futile. There are great patriotic Somalis who happen to be Majerteen; and there are – unfortunately - some treacherous and mendacious Majerteen, who can easily betray their own country and nation, Somalia.

The two extreme cases can at times be represented by two persons originating from the same family. What makes the difference then?

What is the difference between studying in the University Sapienza in Rome and getting degrees from Carteon University in Ottawa?

In fact, between two Western universities there are no major differences.

And out of the same family can equally and unequivocally emanate the best and the worst person; allover the world, it´s the same.

Differences, true, great, unbridgeable differences are made by only Values.

Adhesion to a certain value and indifference for the same value constitute good reason for two persons originating from the same family to either embody evilness or exemplify piety.

Values and virtues, morality in general, consist in the core of the personality of every person. Greatly revered, some values can make of a statesman the paragon of heroism and patriotism, justice and equity. Blatantly rejected, the same values are absent from another statesman´s attitude and behaviour, and in this case the end result can be anything between political failure and national shame.

Does it truly matter for a statesman to preserve and defend his country´s national territory?

This is simple to answer; if this country is all you have, if the national progress is what you want to deliver, if its authentic, historical and cultural heritage permeates your thoughts, then you certainly defend all the parts of the country and notably struggle to liberate parts still occupied by the foreign invader(s).

If you have little attachment to your country, because you can live in another place where you have been naturalized as citizen, you evidently care less.

A statesman´s values are usually reflected in his career path; if you participated in a liberation movement, struggling to offer your compatriots freedom and independence, you will certainly value one square meter of your fatherland´s territory greatly.

On the other hand, if you have been appointed by means of foreign interference, all you care about is to please your foreign masters. If they ask (in fact "order") you to disregard an issue pertaining to part of your country, you apparently acquiesce because you depend on them, your future, your success and your fortune depend on them.

This makes the difference between the two Majerteen who belong to the same family:

the illustrious Somali President Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, who was malignantly assassinated by the English Secret Services, because he sided with righteous statesmen in the international arena (like the also assassinated by the pro-English part of the US establishment President J. F. Kennedy),

and

his son, the present Somali prime minister, Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, who had been appointed by the TFG president Sheikh Sharif in his position just 50 days before he signed the disreputable document of shame (13 February) that in the international journalistic jargon is called "sign maritime boundary agreement".

The agreement (signed on April 4) has in fact no more value than a simple toilet paper; it will be littered and declared null and void by all the patriotic Somali forces. The fake agreement gathered already severe criticism from the part of many Somali intellectuals and politicians, statesmen and leaders.

Facing total rejection from the powerful Shabaab in the Somali South, the TFG establishment made indeed a lethal mistake by signing the shameful paper.

At a moment the Somalis start realizing the lack of project and the lack of dream, the lack of method and the lack of vision that characterize the new TFG guard, at a moment the Shebaab denounce the TFG as unrepresentative servitors of Somalia´s worst enemies, namely the colonial powers of the West, premier Omar Sharmarke and his president did their ingenious best to prove to the Shebaab that they are right in their accusations of them and to corroborate the Somali Nation´s worst fears about their full incapability to rule the country.

By signing this fake paper, the TFG administration reconfirms in front of the eyes of the entire Somali Nation that the Shebaab are right when they claim to be the national liberators of Somalia.


I herewith republish an insightful elaborated by an astute Somali commentator and analyst who explains in his blog the reasons for which this agreement will only further damage Somalia´s chances of pacification, reunification and rehabilitation. His shrewd comments demonstrate very clearly that the new TFG president and prime minister cannot fool any Somali.

Kenya and the Annexation of Somali Territorial Waters

By Nasr Ibn Othmann

http://sommusings.blogspot.com/2009/04/kenya-and-annexation-of-somali.html

Quite often, in Somalia, certain individuals execute the most ridiculous of paralegal maneuvers, and, whilst doing so, they foolishly claim to be acting on behalf of the united Somali nation. In this particular instance, I am referring to the shadowy memorandum of understanding, jointly signed by a representative of the Kenyan government, called Moses Wetangula, and Cabdiraxmaan Cabdishakuur Warsame, a minister of the current Somali TFG.

It should be remembered—at this time—that the TFG of Somalia was created in Kenya itself, by a process of strategic elimination, for purposes other than the honourable service of the Somali civilian population. Therefore, can there be anyone who is genuinely surprised by the fact that the new TFG of Somalia is secretly ceding a portion of the Somali oceanic continental shelf to the Kenyan state? Ironically, during his last few months as President of the Somali TFG, Cabdullahi Yusuf Axmed is said to have refused a Kenyan government request for him to sign the very same memorandum of understanding.

For all of his lamentable failings, it seems that the old warhorse had some concept of national interest after all. In stark contrast to his successors, it must be stated that Cabdullahi Yusuf Axmed had refused—in no uncertain terms—to cede any portion of the Somali national territory to the Kenyan government. His punishment—for having dared to thwart Kenyan ambitions—was a momentary suspension of his travel privileges as the President of Somalia. The question must be asked, why does the TFG of Somalia exist if it brazenly serves the interests of the Kenyan state with little regard for legitimate Somali national interests?

In my opinion, the Somali people can do well without the shameless actions of certain, so-called, Somali politicians. How can any honourable Somali respect a man—whilst simultaneously claiming to be a minister of the Somali government just happens sell portions the precious Somali national territory to manifestly hostile entities—who prostitutes himself, his recognised office, and the good name of his nation? In my opinion, this ghastly event—which certainly represents a stain upon the dignity of the Somali people—shall precipitate actions in the future which, in all probability, will lead to the complete downfall of this so-called unity government of Somalia.

The new TFG of Somalia—it seems to me—is an infinitely worse monster than its predecessor. This illegitimate and bloated monstrosity cannot be permitted to speak in the name of the noble Somali nation. It is plainly evident, from observing the behaviour of the various ministers of the current Somali TFG entity, and not least the cretin Cabdiraxmann Cabdishakuur Warsame that these people do not seek to serve the honourable and ancient Somali nation. These people are nothing more that charlatans, and unprincipled political opportunists. I urge every sentient Somali man and woman to reject the vain and preposterous proclamations, of these vile people, who have managed to transform Villa Somalia into a nest of thieves in recent years.

For if we tolerate such a blatant abuse of the Somali national territory, at the present time, future generations shall never forgive us. The Somali national territory—including the expansive territorial waters of the Somali nation—represents the basic foundation of the Somali cultural identity. Without the Somali national territory, there can be no custom, clan, or national economy. There can be neither native history, nor future opportunities for the people of Somalia. If it is the wish of the Kenyan authorities to increase the scope of their economic opportunities at the expense of the Somali nation, one can only conclude that it is indeed a sad day. For wars are fought precisely over such matters. I urge the Kenyan authorities to rethink the contents of the unfortunate memorandum of understanding in question. I am certain that the Kenyan elite—being a people of the book—can remember the words "Honour thy neighbour!"

Nasr Ibn Othman can be contacted here: yann1@live.co.uk

This is his blog: sommusings.blogspot.com

Kenya and the Annexation of Somali Territorial Waters

Quite often, in Somalia, certain individuals execute the most ridiculous of paralegal maneuvers, and, whislt doing so, they foolishly claim to be acting on behalf of the united Somali nation. In this particular instance, I am referring to the shadowy memorandum of understanding, jointly signed by a representative of the Kenyan government, called Moses Wetangula, and Cabdiraxmaan Cabdishakuur Warsame, a minister of the current Somali TFG. Read Full Article

Full Article Available in Somali Musings (written by NASR IBN OTHMAN)

Oil Hunting In Somalia - Part 1 Video

Somalia has lot of Natural resources like iron ore, tin, gypsum, bauxite, copper, salt, natural gas,uranium and largely unexploited reserves of oil.

The last few years lot of rumours about lot of oil being find in all four corners of the country was circulating and rumours of companies giving money to somali warlords. this video showcases one such company call "range resources" which claims to have Exclusive rights to all minerals in semi-autonomous Somali state known as PuntLand.

Click Here to See the Video



Don't forget to Watch Oil Hunting In Somalia Part 2

Warlords, Self-deception, And The Ruin of The Somali Nation

Somali Musings - Let us not forget that the Ethiopian army has been active in the Somali region of Gedo since 1996, when this army was engaged in operations then being directed against the now defunct Al-Itihad Al-Islamiya organisation. We should not be surprised by the news, currently reaching us from the Gedo region, that the infamous warlord-cum-parliamentarian Col. Barre Hirale has been re-armed by the Ethiopian state and is determined to retake the Somali port city of Kismayu. Barre Hirale's 

forces—backed up by the Ethiopian army—recently took possession of Burdhubo and Balad Xawo towns in the Gedo region.

Can anyone, in their right mind, really believe that the Ethiopian army can serve the best interests of the Somali people? How often must certain sections of the Somali community attempt to deceive themselves in the interests of personal greed? By all the established laws of humanity, and in all of the annals of human history treason has been the most heinous of crimes. We recently witnessed the resignation of the abominable Somali traitor Cabdullahi Yusuf Axmed as President of the Somali TFG, now we see others carrying on from where the hopelessly misguided octogenarian had left off. Surely now is the time to find a new way ahead for the Somali nation?

The Somali people simply cannot afford to remain in their current unfortunate situation. The Somali people have become nothing more than the captives of various warlords, with vicious and disgraceful reputations as men who have betrayed their own compatriots. The Somali people must learn to speak the truth to those in power, no matter how fearful their reputation. The time has come to seek the truth, and in doing so to name the various traitors who currently masquerade as Somali politicians. It is time to call this moribund class of parasitic cretins what they really are. They are not policy makers or law makers; they are not visionaries or peacemakers.

They are all treacherous villains who bleed the Somali nation of its vitality. These reckless Somali warlords burn the spirit of the Somali nation by sacrificing the youth of our nation for their own selfish ends. How many more young men's lives can we afford to lose needlessly in the endless wars for territory between glorified Somali gangsters who claim to be legitimate defenders of certain communities? The flawed ideas that underpin the phenomenon of Somali warlordism cannot be allowed to live on. If we, the honourable people of Somalia, continue to tolerate the existence of such foul and treacherous practices, then our ancient nation shall be dismembered by our enemies.

Surely if the Ethiopian army, for so long now involved in the killings of thousands upon thousands of innocent Somali civilians, is active inside the Somali national territory specifically because it aims to dismember the Somali nation? Can we really afford to lose more of the Somali national territory to an ancient enemy of the Somali people? It is people like Colonel Barre Aden Shire "Hirale" who facilitate the dismemberment of the Somali national territory. It is precisely such people who permit the Ethiopian state to interfere in Somali national affairs. We can do well without such interference and, in the long run, the Ethiopian authorities shall inevitably have to deal with the full consequences of their actions.

For now, let us demonstrate our refusal to submit to the will of the Ethiopian state. The Somali people are a people of faith, and as such, we cannot allow the most deplorable members of the Somali community to politically hold the rest of us hostage. We must make a stand, before it becomes too late. We, of the Somali nation, must all learn to recognise that our best interests are never served by the Ethiopian army or any other invading military force. Let us all, in the name of the Almighty, renounce the kind of self-deception that has brought us to our current and terrible political plight. The Somali people deserve so much more than the degenerate warlords who are responsible for the political ruin of our nation.

Reference: Original Article by Somali Musings

Warlords, Self-deception, And The Ruin of The Somali Nation

SOMALIA: A Precarious and Perilous Place for the Press

This year’s annual report reveals virulent attacks on journalists including unspeakable cases of killings, arrests, injuries, ill-treatments, abduction and death threats as well as serious, sophisticated and systematic harassment and intimidation in main cities.  SOMALIA: A Precarious and Perilous Place for the Press posted on National Union of Somali Journalists

Somali Piracy ends with Islamic Government

The big news coming from Somalia these days is the increasing number of naval forces meant to combat piracy at the Somali coast.

On Boxing Day, China sent three navy ships to join the United States, Britain, Russia, India, Malaysia, French and other forces. However, this will not solve piracy until the situation on mainland Somalia gets better. Unfortunately, the world is still in denial as far as the influence of Somali Islamists is concerned.

Read full article:Somalia Islamist government best hope against piracy

2009 the Year of Doom for Somali TFG

The Somali Transitional Federal Government will see great unfortunate sudden hardship killing any hope of its survival in the coming year where it may seize to exist within a few months into year 2009. As a result of Ethiopia's departure, change in the U.S. outlook of East Africa's geopolitical war, change in TFG leadership as Abdullahi Yusuf goes back to Puntland, - a semi-autonomous state known to interfere any Somali political progress, and the popularity of the strengthening Islamic resistance, the TFG is doomed with eventual downfall.

Although it is unlikely, the Somali TFG President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed is expected to give his resignation in front of the parliament in the coming days. This is to take place during his impeachment hearing for impeding the Somali peace process between TFG and its foe, the Islamic resistance fighters, and to answer questions about the political turmoil he single handedly created for his fellow TFG officials when he unilaterally fired the TFG Prime Minister and appointed a new one in just two days. The parliament already voted for Sheik Adan Mohamed Madoobe as the acting president, in case Yusuf refused to attend an impeachment session. Sources close to the President were quoted saying that Abdullahi Yusuf will leave office, a claim which the Somali TFG President clearly denied later.

Regardless of the Somali TFG President's denial of permanent leave of the Presidency, Somalis expect him to give way to others, hoping someone more useful to the Somali people will take his place. The Somali public's expectations are strengthened by the popular calls for Mr. Yusuf's resignation as when the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Jendayi Frazer, mounted Washington's pressure on the Somali president calling on him to leave office.

Abdullahi Yusuf, the Somali Transition Federal Government's warlord President had his fate coming. Earlier this month, Mr. Yusuf was criticized for arming his native clan Majeerteen with TFG weapons. This act enforces the tribalism agenda of the, commonly known as warlord, President already made obvious by assigning the most of top TFG ministerial positions to Majeerteen members of the government. Nonetheless, he is well prepared for the departure of the Presidential seat planning on going back to the semi autonomous district of Puntland where he is the head of state. Thereafter, he will undoubtedly continue to do all he can to stop the TFG from signing any peace deals with the opposition, or to make any positive progress in any political or developmental direction as he will no longer be part of it.

Although many Somalis see the arming of the Majeerteen clan by Abdullahi Yusuf as an act of preparation for his departure, it can viewed as the building blocks of another resistance for the TFG. One must remember Mr. Yusuf, with the help of Ethiopian government, obstructed any viable progress for the former Transitional government of Abdilqasim Salad Hasan, with their elaborate impediment. While Mr. Hasan's government was in place, the two an other influential parties - such us the European Union and African Union, initiated a negotiation for all the Somali warlords to form another government on top the then existing one. From the start of Mr. Hasan's Transitional Government, Mr. Yusuf and other then prominent warlords were the key factors that hampered its development progress. Once he is no longer part of the current government, Mr. Yusuf will again be a barrier the current Somali TFG have to overcome.

Another predominant barrier the TFG cannot overcome the current Islamic resistance conducting daily attacks on TFG and its support force, the Ethiopian army. Numerous reports indicate Ethiopian invasion will end soon. This will definitely be a blow to the TFG's stability. Up until now, the TFG's security depended on the Ethiopian army in Somalia to defend them from Al-Shabab and other Islamic fighters who now control most of Somalia except Baidoa and some parts of Mogadishu. It is expected that the Tigres' departure will create an easy passage for the resistance to take control of Mogadishu and Baidoa disbursing the TFG politicians who clearly cannot defend themselves on their own. In the following weeks after the Ethiopians vacate Somalia, the Transitional Federal Government will be reduced to many different warlords scattered around the country, with each of them running back to his clan base for security.

Security is one issue the TFG can no longer take for granted, as it will lose two of their major supporting allies, the Ethiopian army and the African Union forces. It is reported that the AU will follow the Tigres in taking their troops back home emphasizing the sudden disclosure of their plan by the Ethiopian dictator Melez Zenawi earlier this month. This spells disaster and state of emergency as hell will break lose on TFG militia positions with no apparent backing from any viable force. As one can expect, the Islamic resistance fighters will surely run over any remaining government troops, -where the clan based TFG militia --they are mainly from the Majeerteen clan armed by Abdullahi Yusuf himself, will evaporate into thin air running in all directions of the country to save their lives.

Unfortunately for the Somali Transitional Government, more bad news will come when the new United States administration takes office. The new Obama government in the U.S.A has clear intentions to withdraw the majority of their military resources from foreign lands in order to concentrate on Afghanistan. Mr. Obama made it clear his troops will leave Iraq in less than two years. Although he had not publicized, one can figure he is not interested in mingling with Somali war affairs, and therefore one should expect any U.S. financial backing of its invasion or geopolitical influence to be seized. This may already have prompted Melez Zenawi to drop all operations in Somalia sensing there will no longer be any incentives for him.

In conclusion, the Somali Transitional Federal Government is in deep trouble and may seize to exist within a few months into year 2009. Its downfall will be accommodated by new resistive forces in the form of their leader, lack of financial assistance by Europeans and Americans, and inadequate military backing by either their own army or outside foreign interference. Most of all, the TFG's future looks dim because of the rise and popularity of the Islamic resistance destined to replace it.

More than 25,000 Somali Refugees Fled Kenya Since Beginning of 2008

Sharp increase in number of refugees entering Kenya At least 25,000 Somali refugees have arrived in Kenya. Instability in southern Somalia has led to a sharp increase in the number of refugees entering Kenya. At least 25,000 Somali refugees have arrived in Kenya since the beginning of the year to join 130,000 others living in refugee camps since 1991 in the arid Dadaab area in the northeastern province, said officials.

There are only a handful of wells to provide water, food is carefully rationed by the World Food Programme, and most people live in flimsy huts made from bits of twig bound together with string and covered in plastic sheeting from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
The land is flat, and the shrubs are almost exclusively thorn bushes with spines as long and hard as nails. And yet still the Somalis come, at a rate of at least 200 a day.

Those thronging the fence are hoping to jump the queue for registration as refugees - a status that gives them a fighting chance at a relatively safe and stable life denied to them at home in Somalia.

Bitter fighting In Mogadishu

Take Dahawa Mohammed Noor. Back home in Mogadishu, she had a good life as a wife, a teacher and a mother of nine. But the fighting between the Islamist insurgents on the one hand and Ethiopian forces backing the Transitional Federal Government on the other, has grown ever more bitter over the past few months.

Dahawa and her family managed, but only just. She and her husband struggled to keep their children fed as the cost of food more than trebled over the past six months. But Dahawa and her family were determined to stay - Mogadishu was their home, after all. Then the fighting drifted towards their corner of the city. In one bloody, terrifying night, Dahawa said soldiers raided their neighbourhood. With tears streaming down her face, she was unable to explain exactly whathappened, except that her husband and five of her children were all killed.

With the surviving members of her family, Dahawa fled Mogadishu, and spent three weeks trekking and hitching rides through Somalia's western desert to the Kenyan border and the relative security of Dadaab. Dahawa's story is tragic, but it is hardly unusual.

Bandit culture In Somalia
Bloodshed, drought and starvation are all contributing to what amounts to a perfect storm for aid agencies. A UN analysis of food security in Somalia found 3.25 million people desperately in need of humanitarian support - a figure 77% higher than their estimates at the beginning of the year, and one which represents 43% of the entire population. The civil war lies at the heart of the crisis. I'm telling the Somalis 'enough, enough' - 18 years (they've been at war) and I think it's the right time now that they sit together.

Abdul Aziz Arrukban
UN Secretary General's Humanitarian Envoy

The escalating battles between the mosaic of factions and clans have forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes. They have also created a culture of banditry and piracy that makes it all but impossible for aid agencies to deliver food, medicines or shelter to large parts of the country.

The UN describes the current security situation as the worst since the conflict began 17 years ago. The violence has also contributed to an economic crisis made worse by the uncontrolled printing of cash to fund the war. Together with soaring prices for imported fuel and food, the surplus of Somali shillings has triggered hyperinflation that has forced the cost of food up 700% in the past year. That, in turn, has created a new class of urban poor, unable to feed themselves. And on top of it all, a drought - now in its fourth year - has all but destroyed crops and livestock across much of the south.

Diplomatic frustration

For the UN Secretary General's Humanitarian Envoy, Abdul Aziz Arrukban, the situation is exasperating. The number of refugees is expected to surge in the coming months

He has just completed a tour of the region, including a brief visit to the town of Wajid in the south of Somalia. On a tour through the Dadaab refugee centre, the Saudi-born diplomat waved his hands in frustration. "In the market (in Wajid), I picked up an egg, and I asked how much it was. Do you know that egg cost 20 US cents?" Mr Arrukban asks.

"That is more than five times what it cost six months ago. That's just too much," he continues. "How can these people pay for that? It's impossible."

Mr Arrukban's job is to facilitate the humanitarian response to the crisis, but he was also quick to admit that it is just a band-aid.

"I'm telling the Somalis 'enough, enough' - 18 years (they've been at war) and I think it's the right time now that they sit together," he says.

"They must figure out some way to find peace because building more camps (like Dadaab) is not the solution," he adds. That prospect appears a long way off.

The UNHCR says while the daily numbers of refugees now arriving in Dadaab are at an all-time high, they expect them to surge still further over the coming weeks and months.

This article was posted on Somalinews.com

6 Civilians Killed By Former Mogadishu Mayor's Militia In Mogadishu, Somalia

On August 30, 2008, members of the TFG militia, specifically those under the command of the former Mogadishu Mayor, Mohammed Dhere, executed 5 civilians in the Ba'ad market which is the second largest market in Mogadishu.

As the holly month of Ramadan approaches, residents of Mogadishu crowd the markets to gather food in preparation for the holly month. Unfortunately, the gathering of many unarmed civilians provides the TFG Militia with many targets including women, children and important businessmen.

This is not the first incident where TFG militia armed with automatic weapons entered markets at the heart of the city and murdered shoppers and businessmen in broad daylight. In addition to killing random victims, the TFG militia also rob stores and detain whoever they want.

In Mogadishu, it is normal never to hear from those the TFG militia, including copy-Ethiopia, detain unless they pay tariffs. Most often though, the TFG detain businessmen whom they think may own properties and demand money for their release. Killing civilians is a way of announcing their seriousness and that they mean business.

Currently, the Ba'ad market is closed as the shop keepers are worried they may be targeted by the TFG militia raiding the market.

Somali blogs and news will keep you posted on any additional reports coming of out of Mogadishu about this story.
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Should Somalia Celebrate its July 1st Independence Day?

Mogadishu is pounded by heavy artillary on a daily basis by and uninvited Ethiopian army. These days, it is not so uncommon to hear the sounds of PM artillary and to smell the gun powder while heavy smoke is every where specially in the most economically functional area of the city such as the Bakara market. It is an understatement, to say the least, that innocent people are terrified to live in the capital as they face harsh life full of fear. Those who can get away, didn't go far as they relocated to outskirts of Mogadishu but they are neither safe nor in good living conditions.

The rest of the country is not much better off as there are conflicts everywhere except for a few states such as Somaliland. Basically, Somalia in general is occupied by unwelcome Ethiopian troops, although there are freedom fighters chasing them everywhere they are. At least that is the picture one can conclude from reading most Somali news web sites.

Regardless of the resistance and relibration's efforts to oust the Tigres, Somalia is not on its feet at a time when its independence is coming in a few days. You see, July 1st is the day, as Somalis all over the world know, Somalia took its independence from Italy and England. Every year, the somalis celebrate this day for their independence. But should this year be skipped? Only to remind ourselves that we are under enemy occupation?

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