Piracy off the Coasts of Somalia

The collapse of any form of administration leads humans to resort to chaos and competition for available scarce resources ultimately spearheading survival of the fittest. The aftermath of Somalia's collapse in 1991 saw the proliferation of premeditated murders of foreigners especially employees of AID agencies and international correspndents on a wider scale.

The most lavish business in Somalia today is not only kidnapping or killing of foreigners working in the country but a new art of war known as 'piracy'-where a cluster of pirates armed with rocket propelled granades (RPGs) and AK 47s transported by speed boats hold merchant ships in shallow and deep waters ransom-a thriving business that brings in millions of dollars to the paymaster and the pirate in every encounter.

Applying commando-raid styles, pirates laden with explosives and brandishing Kalshnikovs of all makes board any conceivable object in sea waters including scooners, yachts, petroleum tankers and cargo ships with lightning speed thus causing panic among crew who may have little or no readiness or experience tackling unexpected dangers. Sailors who attempt to resist pirate assaults are dealt with mercilessly by being shot at close range.

Hardly any ship held ransom escapes the wrath of Somali pirates. Masters at boarding even the highest bow of modern carriers, they prudently with tactical force commandeer any ship to their preferred safe destinations before start of negotiations with the owners or the maritime representative in Mombasa, Kenya. As if having prior knowledge of crew amalgamation, pirates often go for ships predominantly manned by poor Asian nationals.

Upon receiving word that contact has been made with the owner and that ransom negotiations have gotten of the ground, pirates who had earlier espoused barbarian tactics and Herculean force, end up at the close of a deal, displaying kind acts that leave abductees in utter bewilderment.

Moreover, piracy in this part of the world is limited to a small stretch of the Red Sea and not the entire 3300km coastline of Somalia. It is a distance of calm waters that allow the pirates a quick run for their lives should they be pursued by a much stronger force. Experience and tenacity is the force behind their many escapes from dangers. The most these pirates have come along harms way is when the captain of a luxury cruiser used debilitating sonar to deter would-be attackers. In one incident, a foreign navy used attack helicopters to destroy the core of some savage pirates who hijacked a cargo liner.

The money skillfully generated from piracy has flooded Somali warlord coffers having tremendously altered the market economy of many regions. With brideprice paid in U.S. dollars, young women wedding pirates have alot to display in their jewelry boxes. They get anything their eyes covet: gold bought in Dubai, diamond polished in Paris, Lapus Lazuli mined in the mountains of chaotic Afghanistan, brightly colored Saris from India, shoes crafted in Italy, Japanese cars, mansions, electric generators, Arabian sofa, Syrian drapes, DVD and CD players, and assortment of goods not even available to the hard working Somali from the Diaspora.

Besides, not a penny of the pirate's hard currency goes to the dogs as many have embarked on novel business ventures. Qaad, a chewable stimulating herb known to generate hefy income and cultivated in the highlands of the Arabian peninsula, Kenya, and Ethiopia, is a new business undertaking pirates cherish most. Using Land cruisers and other means of quick transportation, young and old pirates have found a new way of generating extra money while the other party invades the Red Sea for fresh vessels.

The international maritime agency has voiced concern over the escalating piracy in the Horn of Africa though nothing much has been done to bring it to an end. Despite a few navies attempting to patrol Somali coastal waters, still, alot remains to be done. Had the international community played its rightful role of bringing peace to Somalia, there would never have been piracy off Somali coasts.

I think the few men who wade into the dangerous waters of piracy are on the payrolls of paymasters who are luxuriously sunbathing somewhere along the Somali coast and perhaps meticulously executing other dreaded future plans. The way I see it, piracy is connected to Somalia's instability. Until a stable and strong government is created in Somalia, the piracy business is their stay with us for sometime.

Bloodshed in Kismayu

Kismayu is Somalia's southern port city and also the third largest city. Since 1991, when the central government collapsed, there has been bitter rivalry between warring clans for control of this strategic city bordering Kenya's northern border coastline. Before 1991, it was home to a squadron of the Somali Navy and infact had its port rehabilitated by George Fuller Company in the early 80s. Known for clean and beautiful beaches, tropical weather, serene atmosphere, and peaceful locals, Kismayu had her image boosted by the Italian colonial administration before Southern Somalia unified with the northern British Somaliland in 1960 to form what became known as the Republic of Somalia.

The city of Kismayu is located in the productive Juba Valley with surrounding towns of Jilib and Jamame collectively serving as farming centers while many other bordering regions produce the bulk of livestock for sale in Arabian markets. Thus, whoever is in control of Kismayu pockets all the hard currency generated by the port through taxation of goods and services. On the other hand, there is agressive charcoal burning desperately needed for Arabian fireplaces. Also, the area around Kismayu is rich in agroforestry while the coast, despite overfishing by unlicensed foreign fishing trawlers, is home for many fish species.

The combined forces of the militias of the United Somali Congress (USC) under the supreme command of General Mohamed Farah Aidid, together with the Somali National Movement (SNM) under the chieftainship of Abdirahman Tuur of the nothern Somali regions, and the Somali Patriotic Movement (SPM) led by Colonel Ahmed Omar Jess devised the initial plot in Ethiopia to overthrow the government of Major General Mohamed Siyad Barre with a view to establishing a power sharing government though everything fell in disarray.

Abdirahman Tuur moved to the northen part of the country in what is now Somaliland while Aidid and Jess continued to wreck havoc in the South of the country unabated. Within a short time, a new character emerged. It was General Said Hersi alias Morgan. General Morgan moblized an army of clansmen from the south, east, and the central regions in an attempt to curve a new administration for himself. For a while, General Morgan, who is son-in-law of the overthrown President, captured Kismayu. Thus began a prolonged period of josstling for power in Kismayu between southern Somalia's two most political rival clans-the Hawiye and Darod.

In the end, Colonel Jess and General Morgan became persona non grata as a more powerful force in the name of Juba Valley alliance under Colonel Barre Adan Shire in collaboration with a sub-section of the Hawiye clan, took over power in Kismayu laying foundations for a rule that lasted almost a decade.

In 2004, a Transitional Federal Government was formed in Mbagathi, Kenya, with Colonel Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed as interim President. Colonel Jess, Colonel Barre Adan Shire alias Barre Hiiraale, and General Morgan were appointed to the legislature as parliamentarians. General Aidid died in 1996 and is depicted in the movie black hawk down.

In June of 2006, a new breed of fighters under a Jihadist umbrella known as the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) overthrew the warlords that ruled Mogadishu for over a decade only to be routed by Ethiopia's intervention. It was this misadventure that brought back Colonel Barre Hirale to the peripheries of Kismayu again with a new alliance and political force. Since no condition is permanent in Kismayu and Southern Somalia, just recently, an amalgamation of guerilla movements aimed at introducing Islamic Sheria to all of Somalia and pledging allegiance to a cluster of alliances within Somalia, Djibouti, and Eritrea, and bitterly opposed to the presence of Ethiopian forces and the TFG in Baidoa, meticulously executed a resounding blitzkrieg that saw them put Kismayu in their newly created realm.

The whereabouts of colonel Barre Hirale remain a mystery though a few conflicting internet sources report him to have been sighted in the town of Qoqani or as others cite otherwise, in the village of Fafaxadhuun, where his militia exchanged a few salvos with the local inhabitants. He is said to be besieged and unable to venture into Baardheere-his clan's territory-for fear he might be perceived as an uninvited guest as religious funtamentalism has infiltrated every corner of his homeland and beyond. But the latest reports say he has two bullets to the abdomen and that he is in Baardheere town itself awaiting medical evacuation to Addis Ababa as the Kenya government has refused him entry on the grounds his presence may incite social violence.

As the clock ticks and as the deadline for the withdrawal of Ethiopian forces from Somalia approaches, Islamist forces seem to be expanding their tentacles. They have captured Kismayu; more firepower is being seen and heard in Mogadishu and its environs; Baidoa, the seat of the TFG, is shaky and the central regions seem be getting out of control. Whether Ethiopia redeploys her troops to retake Kismayu is yet to be seen. For now, despite the deaths of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire, the Sheikhs are busy cleaning the city with full force.

Which is your Favorite? Coffee or Tea?

Before the advent of modern thermos flasks, the most famous container for the preservation of beverages in Africa was the gourd or Calabash followed by the clay pot then the tea kettle. The origin of tea may be disputed, but in East Africa, it originated in the Kenya highlands before finding its way in England and then to other parts of the world. English barons or English settlers to East Africa, were the first to establish large cultivations of the tea plant around Mount Kenya. That is when the area around the Rift Valley in Kenya came to be known as 'the White Highlands'- -or in other words the highlands of the white man or the highlands that best suit the white man's lifestyles.

The scientific name for tea is Thea (Camellia) sinesis. It was not until 1922 when tea found its way in the Northern Frontier District (NFD)-a land predominantly occupied by Somalis and annexed by Kenya in 1953 with the help of the strong British colonial administration that had the upper hand in East Africa. It was in 1953, when the current Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II of England, succeeded the throne while vacationing in Kenya.

In many Somali narratives, tea has been the cause of many divorces. A woman who fails to serve her husband on time becomes a victim of a quick divorce. A poorly lit fire or an old fashioned brewing container known as goofoow is often blamed for the divorce. Tea is to Somalis and the English people as coffee is to the Arabs and Americans. To a Somali, tea is more than a beverage. To some communities, it deserves more respect than beer or whisky.

Among the locals in Southern Somalia and Northern Kenya, the time tea was introduced is known as 'sannadkii biyo fuud' which refers to 1922. From there on, tea became a prominent beverage consumed on a wide scale. The inhabitants of the NFD region concocted the name 'warikow'-a name that exists to this day. A wide scale consumption of tea reached Southern Somalia and beyond, perhaps, afterwards.

Worldwide, the English people hold the record for tea consumption. Because of the absolute ownership of the big farms in East Africa, Britain became its major consumer, financier, and supplier. The major distributor of tea in Kenya until recently was an English owned company called Brooke Bond Liebeg. On the other hand, Britain played a major role in the colonization of Asia. That is why countries like Japan, India, and Sri Lanka play a major role in the world tea market.

Inside tea processing factories in Kenya, the tea leaves pass through five different categories or qualities known as 'sheaves'. The first, second, and third sheaves are of the best quality and major sustainer of the economy or hard currency earner; these three sheaves find their way in the shelves of major shopping centers in Europe, Middle East, and North America. The remaining two-actually of low quality-remain consumed locally.

From a historical perspective, coffee consumption predates tea consumption. The history of coffee is very old as it was consumed for milleniums in the Middle East, Northern Africa, and East Africa to due Arab influence. Coffee is thought to have originated in Ethiopia where coffee berries have been used for medicinal and ritual purposes for centuries. It is thought that the first person to have discovered Coffee was an Ethiopian herding goats. The value of coffee was brought to his attention by a goat that consumed the berries and leaves of the plant and then suddenly broke into dance.

In many English speaking countries, a break from work is known as coffee break. Italians call coffee caffe; in Turkish it is Kahve; while in Arabic it is qahwah, and in Kiswahili it is Kahawa. The scientific name for coffee is Coffee arabica and c. canefora. In the United States, a place where ready made coffee can be found is called a coffee shop whereas in other countries it is the coffee house. The machine that grinds coffee is a coffee mill while the one that brews it is a coffee maker.

After the defeat and collapse of the mighty Ottoman Empire, retreating Turkish soldiers left behind some of their food rations including ground coffee in Italy. An Italian priest named Cappucin stumbled upon an area where Turkish soldiers had abandoned. The most important commodity that captured his attention were packets of ground coffee which he began to experiment by brewing over fire. Upon tasting, he found it tateless and then added some cream and from there on evolved the name cappuccino.

Besides Kenya, tea is grown in India, China, Japan, and Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon). With the exception of Arab North Africa, Africa south of the Sahara is much dependent on tea as a preferred beverage. With no coffee makers, Africans are dependent on tea kettles for brewing varieties of teas. Those who assume starbucks coffee as the best beverage may be mistaken. A taste of warikow will surely reveal the contrary.

For Somalia, it is tea as usual-every minute, hour, or day-whether at home or away socializing in the Diaspora. Whether served with milk or in black form, the aroma and taste is what consumers give considerable delight. Without tea, there is no cocooing for visitors. Guests feel exuberant welcome with a cup of warikow-the best brew on earth. Regardless of whether tea or coffee is your favorite, one thing is certain: besides soda, the two remain the most consumed beverages worldwide.

Ethiopian Occupation Forces Ready to Leave Somalia

Once again, the mighty forces of the ancient Axumite Kingdom, the Lion of Africa, and the flag-bearers of the Lion of Judah, have been defeated by the Dervishes-Somalia's war-hardened soldiers of liberation. The withdrawal of Ethiopian occupation forces from Somalia coincides with the withdrawal of Russian forces from Georgia. For both Russia and Ethiopia, withdrawal means a disgraceful historical event while for the people of Georgia and Somalia, it will connote supremacy and valor.

Recent news splashed on many web sites relate Ethiopian forces loading heavy artillery pieces, tanks, soldiers, and other military hardware on to cargo ships ready for departure from Somalia. This is good news for the people of Somalia who have been victims of Ethiopian interference since the collapse of the Somali central government in 1991 when Militia forces trained and armed in Ethiopia overthrew the junta of Major General Mohamed Siyad Barre culminating in the dismemberment, displacement, and cantonization of a once peaceful nation.

At the time of writing this article, the top three leaders of Somalia that include the President, Prime Minister, and governor of Banadir region are in Addis Ababa having consultation with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, strongman Meles Zenawi, over the ousting of Mohamed Omar Habeb as Governor of Banadir region by Somalia's Prime Minister-an act that angered Somali President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed who is a close friend of the governor in question.

Also, Djibouti, a neighbor of Somalia, is hosting a reconciliation conference for the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia and the combined opposition forces opposed to the TFG-a group led by Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. Djibouti held several reconcliation conferences and all ended in failure.

In conclusion, the withdrawal of Ethiopian forces from Somalia is truly a resounding defeat for the people of Somalia. For now, it seems, the problems caused by the lion of Africa in Somalia, has been laid to rest forever. What Somalis need to do is to come together and sort out their differences and create an all-inclusive government based on liberty, peace, and justice.

Prognostication of Acculturation in the Somali Diaspora

Maulana Al-Maududi (may Allah admit him to Jannatul-Firdaus) was a prolific writer and Islamic theologian who spent a greater part of his life disseminating Islamic ethics and values . Writing about the importance of Islamic dress, he had this to say about those Muslims who dress up in Un-Islamic ways: "the psychology of imitation suggests that it has sprang from a sense of inferiority and abasement and its net consequence is the cultivation of the defeatist mentality."

Since 1991, millions of Somalis have been dispersed to every sphere of the globe; many children were born outside of Somali borders; many Somalis have married foreign nationals; and undoubtedly many have renounced Islamic teachings since the Qur'an (Koran) states that "there is no compulsion in religion, truth is clear from error." Al-Baqara.

Because those who seek refuge outside of violent Somali borders fortunately experience freedom of movement and of expression, they also become exposed to what sociologists and anthropologists refer to as acculturation. This new phenomenon opens up an atmosphere laden with unique modes of transactions, novel communication systems, a melting pot of new dwellings and neighborhoods, new language , alien foods, new fashion and clothing styles that lead to changes in inner life and cultural lifestyles. These connote assimilation or integration.

In most cases, parents become citizens of their adopted country whose laws and regulations require they transform for the better or adopt the language of the host nation-that is adjust to the prevailing conditions and live by the rules. Adolescents enroll in schools whose medium of instruction reflect alien syllabus while those born in foreign lands automatically pick up languages other than their mother tongues.

On the other hand, the old will become impotent or eventually die such that their children will be left to fend for themselves in a new environment. Those oldies who succumb to death will be buried in the host country and their children will look to their graveyards for solace and for historical and genealogical traces.

Many in the Diaspora will have a taste of crime and ultimately end up in jail where they will pick up new habits that will transform them partially or completely. All in all, every household will be affected in one way or the other. Even those who beat up time to relocate and retrace their roots will arrive Somalia somehow if not outrightly transformed . A few will cling to past experiences as old habits die hard.

To better understand the impact of acculturation, readers will need to read novels in the African Writers Series editions written by African writers like Nurudin Farah, Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, Elechi Amadi, Taban Lo Liyong, Ngugi wa Thiong'o, Alex Laguma, Peter Abrahams, and Okot P'Bitek where each gives his or her version of events.

Those who remained in Somalia at the height of the civil war will perceive the newly arrived as adulterating their old customs while the newly arrived would endeavor to entice them to abandon their old lifestyles and embrace theirs. What a conflict? Could this erupt into a new cultural war?

When one neighbor barbecues in the open and another basks in the sun with a bottle of Budweiser in hand, while another supplicates with the holy Koran besides him, there ought to be cultural commotion. Also, a conflict of language will flicker when
the returnee from the Middle East speaks in Arabic while the girl from Stockholm addresses him in Swedish. A neighborhood could house speakers of Yiddish, Swahili, Amharic, Russian, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Kikuyu, English, Flemish, Dutch, Somali, Kinyarwanda, and a score of other languages each unintelligible to the other.

Even if peace arrives now or at a later date, a new breed of Somalis carrying dozens of conflicting identities, different religious beliefs and practices, and a plethora of educational credentials, repugnant cultural lifestyles and unique eating habits will flood Somalia-all competing for space where they would want to release their distinct ideological trade marks. Only then can we determine the superiority of one ideology, race, or language from the other. Over to you for comment.

Seyyid Muhammed Abdulle Hassan

All nations, whether big or small, colonized or uncolonized, poor or affluent, pride in their past and present historical events with heroes and heroines, legends or legendary figures, nationalists and freedom fighters revered as role models in commemorative events and national celebrations. No wonder Kenyans celebrate Kenyatta Day and Moi Day in honor of the first and second Presidents respectively.

In Somali written and oral history, Ahmed Gurey, also called 'Gran' or the left-handed, is reputed to have been the first Somali freedom fighter to repel with decisive force against Abyssinian imperialism and European colonialism of Somali inhabited lands in the run up to the 15th century. However, many loquacious Somalis, devoid of creative research skills or ignorant and biased in nature seem not to understand the historical significance of the wars fought by this brave man who fought with valor. On the other hand, Seyyid Muhammed Abdille Hassan, a man named 'Mad Mullah' by the British occupation forces based in northern Somalia at that time has not been given the credit he deserves simply because a dangerous cancer in the minds of many Somalis-a disease that has afflicted the young and old in equal proportion and known as tribalism-has tragically swept the faculty of thinking of many into disrepair and dissuaded them from grasping the truth.

Since our discussion today is mainly centered on Seyyid Muhammed Abdille Hassan and his skirmishes against the combined Abyssinian-Italian-British forces and local Somali Askaris in the payroll of the occupation forces, it is equally important we mention that the Dervishes-the gallant forces of the Seyyid-were the first to be bombarded by aircraft in the history of Africa. Also, it is worth comprehending that the Seyyid was the first Somali to graduate from an institution of higher learning and the first to object to the payment of poll tax imposed on his people by the British colonial government. He was the first Somali to construct a garrison at Taleex which is visible to this day. Students and admirers of Somali history need to be reminded of how he contracted a German engineer to lay down the foundations of this massive garrison which up to now stands as a landmark of Somali history.

It was Seyyid Muhammed Abdille Hassan who revived the struggles of Ahmed Gurey and also taught Somalis the importance of self-rule or self-determination. The offspring of the horses and mules he abandoned when he betook himself to the jungles of the Ogaden region-especially in the village of Iimeey-his final death bed- remain visibly scattered in the countryside-a testament to the majesty and prowess of a bygone hero. Never in the history of Somalia has a man so eloquently created a living genesis of poetry and prose that still begs for publication and translation. The letter he wrote to the then British colonial administration protesting against proselytizing, indoctrinating, and brainwashing his people must be put be put into context.

Perhaps, it is wrong to associate or measure or place in par the heroic struggles of the Seyyid with modern African freedom fighters like Patrice Lumumba of the Congo, Kwame Nkurumah of Ghana, Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya, Gemal Abdelnasir of Egypt, and Haile Selassie of Ethiopia-because the techniques the Seyyid applied and the era and duration of his struggles are incompatible with the struggles of modern African freedom fighters.

Major General Mohamed Siyad Barre, President of Somalia from 1969 to 1991, deserves a pat on the back for introducing the Seyyid's struggles into Somali schools curriculum. On the other hand, President Barre left a historical legacy by having statues erected in Mogadishu in honor of the Seyyid and his predecessor-the legendary Ahmed Gurei even though we are told that callous warlords in cahoots with a few misguided militias have uprooted them for sale as scrap metal in the Arabian Peninsula.

It is almost 18 years since General Barre departed the political spectrum and to date, with the exception of a few rapacious hooligans who carved out the nation into Cantons, killed thousands, and displaced millions, what Somalia awaits to see is a leader who will unite the people and rewrite a novel history without distortions.


If there are any Somalis denying Seyyid Muhammmed Abdille Hassan his place in history due to their protracted paucity and meagerness of historical integrity, I would suggest they delve in to the golden pages of living history splashed across encyclopedias in modern libraries or most importantly present their queries before the numerous internet search engines like Google and Yahoo that never shy away from uncovering the truth.

Tubeec: A Look at Somali King of Music

Popularly known in Somalia and in the Diaspora as the 'Boqorkii Codka' or 'King of Music', Mohamed Suleiman (Tubeec) has the qualities of a modern musician. A soft-spoken man who polished his career through hard work in the Somali music industry, Tubeec has to his credit almost half a century of singing with numerous collection of songs in tapes and CDs. With the advancement of technology and communication, many of his songs have been converted into music videos available in VHS and DVD forms. His meteoric rise saw him play in Pan-African conventions most notably in Nigeria where he sang with the famous Magool (deceased) in the then capital city Lagos.

His captivating voice aired in various radio stations including the BBC Somali Service, Voice of Kenya, Voice of Addis Ababa, Radio Moscow, Radio Hargeisa in Somalia, Radio Djibouti, Voice of America Somali Service, Radio Mogadishu and the list could be endless. For the four decades the Somali music industry has been in existence, none among Somali male vocalists has been fortunate enough to shatter the golden voice of Tubeec though a few dared come too close. Omar Dhule and Abdi Tahlil Warsame are the only musicians with voices comparable to that of Tubeec.

Tubeec has been a source of inspiration among the young and old of Somalia in theatrical performances and in many popular social gatherings, in cafes, shops, in open and closed markets, in cars and in buses, in private homes and playgrounds. He could always be seen surrounded by uncountable number of fans who josstled for a glimpse of his natural image during national celebrations, Eid festivals, international events, and commemmorations in the heydays of the central government.

His fascinating and titillating voice instilled love and affection in many raptured hearts; his articulate mention of events audible in his songs rhymed with the musical love of his audience, his rambunctious character attracted throngs of admirers who would be seen giving him rapturous applause, clapping hands, dancing to the tune, and even demanding a rerun of a just concluded performance. The famous Hobolada Waaberi or the Dawn Troupe had been his base for many years. Housed in the famous Mogadishu Theatre, Hobolada Waaberi entertained the Somali nation until the collapse of the military junta.

Bespectacled Tubeec had a host of female vocalists including Sahra Ahmed Jama and Halima Khalif Magol-a duo described by many as the 'Queens of Somali Music'. When on stage, Tubeec is known to hold the microphone in his left hand while at the same using his right hand for making gestures. He often appears on stage in smart suits though he would doff off his coat when the room temperature rose to a boiling point-that is when the audience got out of control-agitated by the tremendous sounds of the instruments played in the background by a select group of well-rehearsed guitarists, trombonists, and pianists.

Some of his songs include 'Hooyo'-a tribute to the importance of our mothers in mothering and motherhood; he delves into the general character of a mother, her aspects of raising children, and her place in our life. I think no musician, living or dead has covered the broad role of a mother in musical form. 'Deeqa'-the name of another prominent song refers to a Somali mademoiselle to whom he showers praise.

As Somali music is tasteless without mentioning the beauty of the fauna and flora, Tubeec's song 'Jaawo Geel' describes the beauty and grandeur of a female lover that he compares to the Camel-an animal referred to as 'the beast of the desert' by an early European traveler through the Middle East and Africa-even though the song is primarily about love.

Tubeec will continue to reign as the 'Father of Somali Music' until such a time when an overwhelming new voice emerges within the Diaspora or inside of Somalia-a voice that will unanimously appeal to all Somali speaking people and permeate the hearts of the young and old, men and women alike.