CUDURKII FILANWAA

Kuusow wuxuu ahaa wiil xarago badan dhallinyaronimadiisi; inkasto uu qooqanaa, haddana hablaha isagama dhici jirin. Taxadar iyo feejignaaan, deganaansho iyo qunyarsocodnimo, aftahannimo iyo sheeko macaani ayaa kamid ahaa calaamadaha lagu yaqiin. Wuxuu ahaa baarri yar iyo waayeelba utura. Waxaa lagu yaqiin xoog iyo itaal dheeri, xarrago iyo labis wanaagsan, salaadana kama tegi jirin. Haddaad eegto muuqaalkiisa, wuxuu umuuqday ragga ka dhexmuuqada goobaha lagu jimicsado ama jirka lagu dhiso. Bidhaantiisa keliya ayaa cajebin jiray dumarka guur doonta ah siiba kuwa tirada badan ee kunool galbeedka ee loo yaqaan ‘single mothers’. Waa naago aan laqabino haaysta carruur.

Hablahani Soomaaliyeed ee lagu soo daadgureeyay Mareykanka ayaa ahaa kuwo ragoodii la dilay ama iskood ugeeriyooday kadib dagaaladii sokeeye ee kaqarxay Geeska Afrika markii Maxamed Siyaad Barre laga tuuray xukunka sannadkii 1991. Mid waliba waxay muujinaysay hannaan quruxsan sifa mar un ay uhesho nin uqalma oo lakoriya ubadka.

Kuusow guri kasto cagta uu dhigo wuxuu kala kulmi jiray martiqaad xoogan, heeso dabacsan, maaweelo aan kala go’ lahayn, qosol iyo maamuus, cunto macaan, iyo ayadoo hablaha kukala tartamaan hanashadiisa. Dabcan nin kasta wuxuu leeyahay habdhaqan ugaar ah. Kuusow wuxuu umartiyi jiray Owliyo oo cabaar ujirtay halka uu deganaa iyo kuwo kaloo tiro badan. Waxaa shukaansaday Cabdiya, Calaso, Caasho, Istarliin, Baarliin, Barwaaqo iyo weliba ina adeertiisa Fartuun. Intaaso hablood kuma uusan arag mid uqalanta. Guri kasto uu galaba waxaa kadhexdhawaaqi jiray heesooyiin macaan oo ay qaadayeen hoboladii caanka ahaa. Ha ahaato Maxamed Saleebaan tubeec, Sahra Ahmed Jaamac, Kiinsi Aadan, Cabdi Tahliil Warsame, Cumar Dhuule iwm. Wax kasto lagu qanciyaba, Kuusow ujeedadiisa ma ahayn inuu faraha lagalo naag ilmo haysata. Wuxuu uhanweynaa gabadh ay isla soo koreen oo kunooleyd magaalada Xamar berisamaadkii. Waa Ambiya qoordheer.

Kuusow iyo Ambiya waxay wadadhigteen hal dugis Qur’aan burburkii kahor; waxay ahaayeen deris; labadooda waalidna waxay ahaayeen qaraabo iyo saaxiibo. Kuusow wuxuu go’aansaday inuu soo guursado Ambiya inta goori goor tahay. Intuusan Afrika u ambabixin ayuu sannad idil tumaayey labo shaqo. Wuxuu isku mushquuliayay lacag uruuris iyo dadaal dheeri ah. Habeen iyo dharaar ayuu telefoonka kula hadli jiray Ambiya. Ayadana waxay kuriyoon jirtay habeenka ay aqal geli heesta loo qaadi doono oo ahayd “hibo iyo ducaba naga hooya” iyo weliba “calaf lama dago lama diidi karo waa deeq Ilaah”.

Waa labo hagaag kuheshiiyaye dooqoodaa isku keenay. Markuu sannadkii udhammaaday ogaadayna inuu uruursaday lacag kufilan, ayuu Kuusow goostay tigidh diyaaradeed iyo weliba wax iibsi. Kabo nooca casriga ee loo yaqaan Nike, Reebok, Adidas, dhar cadaan iyo carbeed, barafuuno, iyo waxa dumarka lagu qurxiyo ayuu labo boorso kabuuxshay. Dabadeedna maalintii duulimaadka lagaadhay ayuu ukicitimay garoonka diyaaradaha ee baaxadda weyn ee New York-waana halkii uu deganaa muddo toban sannadood ah. Waa garoonka loogu magacdaray Madaxwynihii J.F. Kennedy. Tigidhkii ayuu dhiibtay mar allaale markuu yimid xafiiska laga maamulo shirkadda diyaaradaha ee Pan American Airlines ama PAN AM.

Ambiya xilligani waxay kusugantahay magaalada Nairobi ee ah caasimadda dalka Kenya. Waxay degantahay mid kamid ah hudheelada ugu qaalisan magaalada Nairobi. Qarashkeeda waxaa hore loga baxshay New York. Waxaa intaasi usii dheer gaari qaali ah oo laga soo kireeyay shirkadaha baabuurta raaxada ijaara. Wuxuuna ahaa baabuur nooca loo yaqaan Renault ee lagu farsameeyo Faransiiska. Muddo toddobaad ah ayaa Ambiya lagu qurxinaayey goob ay leeyihiin gabdho Hindi ah, waana goobaha loo yaqaan beauty salon. Kuusow markuu soo maraayo magaalada Qaahira ee waddanka Masar, ayuu soo laliyay telefon. Waxaa kaqabtay Ambiya. Wuxuu usheegay inuu kuso fool-leeyahay Nairobi muddo lix saacadood kadib. Dhammaan eheladiisa iyo saaxiibadiisa ayaa isasoo dhoobay garoonka diyaaradaha ee Jomo Kenyatta International Airport sifa ay usoo dhoweeyaan. Tiro badano shaxaad doon ah ayaa kadhexmuuqday garoonka.

Qaddar yar kabacdi waxaa garoonka soo cagadhigtay diyaarad baaxad weyn. Ambiya oo aad moodo boqoradii Bilqiis ahayd ayaa loo xilsaaray soo dhoweynta Kuusow. Diyaaradii ayaa albaabada loo furay. Hal mar ayaa waxaa kaso yaacay dalxiisayaal, khubaro, safareey, madax dawladeed, caruur iyo waayeel. Dhammaantood waxaad moodaa in abidkood aysan arag dhibaato adduun. Kuusow wuxuu ahaa qofkii 105 ee soo dega. Waalidkiisa ayaa utilmaamay Ambiya muuqaalka Kuusow. Wuxuu ahaa nin dheero dhisan, midabka maadhiinka leh, laafyo qurux badano dhoolo caddeynaya. Ambiya waxay isku martay Kuusow intuusan waalidkiisa gacanta lagaadhin.

Waxaa meeshi kadilaacay mashxarad iyo oohin is dabajoog ah. Hadal iyo dhammaantii, waxaa laysku guray kolonyo baabuur ah waxaana loo kicitimay hudheelkii Ambiya deganeyd. Gabbalka intuusan dhicin ayuu Kuusow kala qaarijiyay wixii shaxaad doon ahaa. Waxaana lagu balamay in meherka iyo arooska laqaban doono isla maalin-waana saddex maalmood kadib. Qayilaad iyo quraafaad ayaa socday dhowrkaasi maalmood. Arooska wuxuu dhacay habeen dayaxa uu ahaa shan iyo tobnaad. Waxaana laysugu tagay hool weyno kudhexyiil hudheelka oo laga baxshay lacag badan.

Waxaa habeenka arooska laso ijaaray koox muusikada tunta, baabuuro tiro badan, cuntadana waxaa diyaariyay maqaaxid Soomaaliyeedo kutiil xaafadda Eastleigh ee ay Soomaalida kubadantahay. Waxaa gabadha meheriyay Sheekh Macoow oo caan ka ahaa culimada Soomaliyeed dhexdeeda.

Todobo habeen iyo todobo maalmood ayaa ladamaashaadaayey. Waxaan maleynaya dhowrkaa maalmood cid gaajo kusexatay inaysan jirin. Arooskii kadib waxaa isku dhamaaday buuqii iyo sawaxankii. Labo todobaad kadib intuu Kuusow ladardaarmay waalidkiisa, walaalahiisa, iyo cagaladiisa Ambiya, ayuu dib ugu soo laabtay magaalada New York illeyn fasaxii baa kadhamaadaye. Wuxuu kuso laabtay New York wuuna soo wacay dadkii uu jeclaa ee uu kaga soo tagay Nairobi. Wuxuu xaaskiisi cusbaa udalbay fiiso ay kutimaado Mareykanka. Muddo kadib, Kuusow waxaa kuso booday xanuun uusan hore uqabin. Feerihii ayaa isku dumay; wuxuu dareemay daal xad dhaaf ah, dhidid fara badan habeenkii, iyo dhadhanka cuntada oo kalumay. Wuxuu utegay dhakhtarkiisa waxaana lagu sameeyay baaritaan adag. Waxaa laga baadhay cudurada dilaaga ah ee Maleeriyada, Qaaxada, Sonkorowga, Dhiig karka iyo kuwo kale oo faro badan. Jawaabtii sheybaarka waxay soo celisay inuusan qabin intaasi oo cudur.

Usbuucii labaad ayuu kunoqday dhakhtarkiisa waxaana lagula taliyay bal in mar kale laga qaado dhiig sifa loo ogaado waxa sidaasi ugalay. Labo maalmood kadib ayaa jawabtii lahelay. “Saaxiib waxaad qabtaa cudurka AIDS-ka” ayuu dhakhtarkii kuwargeliyay Kuusow. Hal mar ayaa Kuusow lagu soo booday. Dhowr daqiiqadood ayuu miyir beel ahaa. Markuu soo miyirsaday kadib ayaa waxaa dood dheer dhexmartay asaga iyo dhakhtarkiisi. “Goorma kuugu dambeysay naag aad laseexato”, ayuu dhakhtarkii weydiiyay Kuusow. “Labo bilood kahor” ayuu Kuusow ugu jawaabay. “Tumey ahayd naagtaasi” ayuu haddana dhakhtarkii weydiiyay. “Waa xaaskeyga oon kaso guursaday Nairobi, Kenya” ayuu Kuusow kujawaabay. “Haddaba ayadaa cudurka kuugu riday” ayuu dhakhtarkii hadalkiisa kuso gebagabeeyay.

Waxaa Kuusow loo qoray dawooyiinka loo yaqaan anti-retroviral drugs oo kacaawiya ladagaanka jeermiga faraha kulul kuhaya caafimaadkiisa. Intuusan gurigiisa tegin, ayuu Kuusow kawacay naagtiisa Ambiya telefoonkiisa gacanta. Sheeko kuma uusan furfurine, waxaa un keliya uu usheegay inay tagto rugta caafimaadka ee uqaabilsan arrimaha qaxootiga loo qaado debedaha siiba Mareykanka. “Haa xabiibi anigaaba balan kuleh halka aad ii direyso” ayey Ambiya si asluub kudheehantahay ugu jawaabtay gacalkeeda cusub.

Ambiya waxay tagtay halkii Kuusow udiray oo ayba balan kulahayd. Baaritaan dheer ayaa lagu sameeyay. Kadibna waxaa loo sheegay in lagu soo wargelin doono muddo dhow. Waxaa kaso wareegtay saddex asbuuc markii warqad looso diray loona sheegay inay qabto cudurka dilaaga ee AIDS-ka. Gabadhii way qaracantay waxayna gashay sariir.Habeen iyo dharaar waxay kuheesi jirtay "haddii aanay xabashiyey xoolaha lamaaliyo tahay dawlad xor ah, calankaa idiin xidhan Afrikada laheeryahay midka idin xasuuqe xulufada lahaysto, Xaayle maad iska qabataan" iyo weliba "hooy hooy Amxaaroy, inaan hadhay imoodaye, hadda waa ikano, haddaba waa anigu".

Kuusow markuu ogaaday xaaladeeda siday tahay ayuu kawareystay sidii cudurka AIDS-ka ay ku qaaday waxayna usheegtay in hadda kahor askar Itoobiyaan ah kukufsadeen xaafadda Kaaraan. Labadooduba waxay geeriyoodeen sannad guuradii koowaad maalintii ay aqal galeen oo kale ayagoon dib dambe ukulmin ubadna kala helin.

Sheekh Daahir’s Mystic Powers

They call him Kitaab-dheere not because he hangs around long holy books. No, it is because of the depth of knowledge he acquired in the quarters of divinity. Sheekh Dahir is unrivalled in his translations of dreams, presentiments, auguries, and the obvious. That he uses his powers punitively is not because he wants to. He often says he would rather promote people to high offices and riches than make one of their siblings sick. But the people are ‘headstrong’. And they leave him with no option. Soofe, for instance. What was he doing in telling Sheikh Dahir, “if you were responsible for the coming of the rains this season, then me and you have nothing to talk about! You skipped my farm and I won’t give you a kilo of grain.” He said that, when the good Sheikh triumphantly told him he brought the rains. Greed got the better of him. He just wanted a pretext not to give the Shiekh his due.

And look how he was punished. Sheikh Dahir didn’t even use his favourite ‘Bara bisin la’ to stop his heart. He could have done that. Instead, he opted for ‘Al-qaarica’ which he says is literally ‘ta wax gar garaacda’ and he paralysed one-side of him. That will serve the purpose of dissuading potential rebels and any attempt at Iconoclasm. For it was the established norm that no one challenges the Sheikh.' Somaliland ', they call him as well. They say the two have much in common in the pursuit of recognition. But that is what they talk in under wraps. The last time he addressed a crowd, he said, “ Somaliland oo kale angia ha imoodina’. Recognition of my powers are sent from up. I don’t seek that from the hands of infidels.” Pity that people still call him that tag, after all the attempts to dispel the existence of a common denominator!

But the Sheikh is unlucky. Luciano Pavarotti would have sought apprenticeship from Sheekh Dahir [who prior to his beatification to ‘awliyo-hood’ was born Xaashi Madaxeey]; had he heard his voice when he let out the sublime Qasiido- in the company of four or so women who untiringly put foox into the fire. The aroma, the spirituality and the tranquillity is mirthful. As the Shiekh, tall and graceful, reclines on several pillows, the melody flows like milk from the breast of Gobaad to the metrical reception of the possessed women:
“Mandad yaaaaaaaaa
Awliyo Alaay
Mandad mandad
Awliyo Alaay
Mandad mandad
Yaa jalal anbiyaa
Yaa suufiyaal”

But Cali Mataan –the frail and sick old man living next to his house, neither accepted the Sheikh’s powers nor understood why the Shiekh threatened to smash his small house when there is a big Axmaaro liquor house next to his. That Sheikh Dahir does not object to the presence of that ungodly edifice lit lights of suspicion in the heart of the old man. Yet, he saw what happened to others who trusted their hunch and dared to speak out. And word was out Sheik Daahir has acquired new strong verses that will wipe out all the descendents of transgressors at one go. They say it is a hybrid of verses from Qulu-cawdu birabil falaq, wa shamsi, and the deadly Cama indha’la. He prays that gossip he made the other day about why Kitaaab-dheere wouldn’t fight the occupying Xabashi’s and evict them from the land through a combination of landslides and storms never reaches the pious man's ears. But who knows? Maybe he is perfecting his techniques for a devastating hit when he gets the green light from the Almighty? After all, who can fathom what is going on in the minds of ‘people of God’?

When Sheikh Dahir’s wife asked why he doesn’t take care of his own kids, while he promoted Ilma Cumar-Jabane (who he claims to have made them successful in their schools and gave them Ministerial positions); he replies that what she saw as an apparent lack of concern for his family is the defining feature of ‘awliyadda dhabta ah’. But Sheikh Dahir is angry of late. All kinds of blasphemies are being reported to him by his ‘quruumo’ mainly coming from kids who frequent Internet sites (which he calls Xoolo Shaydaan) and [advised against its use long ago] and from some self-declared ‘educated’ youngsters.

That is why tonight, he is working in high secrecy to come up with the deadliest weapon ever produced by an Awliyo. His mentor-Mo’alin Timoweyne will congratulate him from the grave. Fittingly, it was at that point when he heard the news that Iran is accused of developing nuclear weapon [he later learned it has the power to exterminate the human race from the face of earth] in underground tunnels. He laughed. They had no idea the one he is just to bring to being. "They better call me Iran ", he mused.

Horn of Africa Weekly Review

The past two weeks has seen the Horn of Africa plunge into a new cycle of violence with the southern Somali port City of Kismayu falling into the hands of a new militant group. On the other hand, the city of Baidoa, the seat of the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG) has seen an increase in turmoil with the latest incident highlighting the killing of a Member of Parliament. Also, Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia, is no exception with political schisms, assassinations, and sporadic gunfire becoming the order of the day. Should we glimpse at what is transpiring off the coasts of the Horn of Africa, we see nothing much has changed expect piracy and the demand for more ransom. So where is this region headed? Is there any conceivable light at the end of the tunnel?

These questions and many others are hard to decipher. The most shocking news on the internet today details starving Oromo refugees in Mogadishu who originally escaped war in Ethiopia reportedly feeding on grass and leaves. There is a humanitarian disaster that calls for immediate international attention here. The lives of millions are at stake; aid agencies are unable to penetrate war zones to reach the suffering; blood is being shed mindlessly; millions are dying of starvation; rains have made roads impassable; there is an outbreak of contagious diseases; fleeing migrants loaded onto ramshackle boats are perishing at sea enmasse; pirates are wrecking havoc along the coasts and in shipping lanes thus disrupting international trade; and above all arms shipments arrive on a daily basis without control.

The leaders of the region have gone into protracted political coma while their poor citizens perish indiscriminately from natural phenomenons and artificial creations. With no industries and agriculture, coupled with natural hazards like deluges, soil erosion, shortage of rains, locust invasions, maladies, and other factors, the rate of human decimation has entered a dangerous precedent.

Factors that will slow down concerted human efforts in the fight against hunger and HIV/AIDS in the Horn of Africa include: Horn of Africa's ineptitude leadership, the American election fever, and the war between Russia and Georgia. Until then, peaceful expectations will remain at a low ebb.

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.

Somalia’s Power Vacuum and the Search for effective leadership

Since the collapse of Somalia’s central government in 1991, when the ex-military strongman Major General Mohamed Siyad Barre was ousted by the militia forces of the United Somali Congress (USC) headed by General Aidid, the man who instigated the movie ‘black hawk down’, several transitional governments evolved with the help of the international community though none survived past the prescribed five-year presidential term. The current state of Somalia may be attributed to lack of effective leadership. Leadership is a “…a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal” (Northouse). While leadership entails influencing others, crops ups in groups, and aims to achieve common goals, the kind of leadership Somalia has been through is a subject of discussion here. The world has failed to understand Somalia and the nature of government that best suits the Somali people.

Introduction

The struggle for Somali self determination began way back in the late 18th and early 19th centuries starting with the armed rebellion of Seyyid Mohamed Abdille Hassan alias ‘Mad Mullah’, a name given by the British colonial administration stationed in British Somaliland though the overall resistance started much earlier in the 15th century which saw Somalis defend their sovereignty against many Axumite kingdoms while rallying behind Ahmed Gurei alias ‘Gran’ or the ‘left handed’, the man who wrecked havoc on many Abyssinian kingdoms. “According to one legend popular in Ethiopia, Ahmed Gran was the issue of a Coptic priest and a Muslim harlot". A recent writer has more seriously suggested that the Imam may have belonged to a section of the Bija tribe.” On the other hand, it would be wise to delve in to the views of Somali historians and writers so as to know what they have to say about the man who played a special part in their history. Gran is much revered in Somali history, poetry and prose, and in folklore as a hero and a nationalist who struggled against Abyssinian and Portuguese conquest of Somali lands.

“However, Somali folklore suggests that he was in fact a Darod-son of a Somali woman and an Abyssinian Christian priest. The Somali nation, which considers him to be a great Somali hero, today believes this as a fact” (Aideed et al). The author of “the first footsteps in East Africa, Sir Richard Burton, a man who tirelessly traveled through Somalia and Ethiopia has left us an interesting history about Gran worth reading. Let’s glance at some paragraphs that highlight his military prowess and penetration in to Abyssinian territory and the majesty with which he fought precariously. "Supported with Arab mercenaries from Mocha, and by the Turks of al-Yemen with a body of Janissaries and a train of artillery, he (Ahmed Gran, also written as Mohammed Gragne) burst into Efatand Fatigars. In A.D. 1528 he took possession of Shoa, overran Amhara, burnt the churches, and carried away an immense booty. The next campaign enabled him to winter at Begmeder; in the following year he hunted the Emperor David through Tigre to the borders of Sana'ar, gave battle to the Christians on the banks of the Nile, and with his own hand killed the monk Gabriel, then an old man. Reinforced by Gideen and Judith, king and queen of the Saman Jews and aided by a violent famine which prostrated what had escaped the spear, he perpetrated every manner of atrocity, captured and burned Axum, destroyed the princes of the royal blood on the mountain of Amba Gesha and slew in A.D. 1540, David, third of his name and last emperor of Ethiopia.” Gran did fight but the manner in which he was killed by those he wanted to annihilate is worth reading. He was killed by a Portuguese musketeer on the 21st of February, 1543, in the battle of Wayna Daga in Ethiopia. The destruction caused by Gran still haunts many Ethiopians to this day.

Seyyid Mohamed Abdille Hassan alias ‘Mad Mullah’

The British Somaliland Protectorate Administration gave him the name ‘Mad Mullah’ for his refusal to pay poll tax. Seyyid Mohamed Abdille Hassan fought devastating wars against the British, Italian, and Abyssinian forces for 21 years. He was indoctrinated in to the Salihiya sect of Sunni Islam by the Mahdi of Sudan who at that time held the position of spiritual leader in a theocratic establishment. He is reputed to have also fought numerous Somali sultanates that relied on foreign colonial governments for protection. Seyyid Mohamed wanted a unifying government for all Somalis but had his hopes dashed by the combined forces of Britain, Italy, and Abyssinia. Despite fighting meticulously between the years 1899-1920, Somali double standards and tribal divisions hampered his efforts.

Somali tribal segmentation

Despite being the most homogeneous nation in Africa, Somalis have been described by sociologists, psychologists, historians, and anthropologists as the most segmented race on the planet. Somalis are divided in to four major tribal divisions namely: Darod, Hawiye, Isaaq, and Digil and Mirifle. The Darod mostly live in eastern, central, and southern Somalia, the northern region of Kenya, and the Eastern part of Ethiopia known as the ‘Ogaden’ which is a disputed region. Darod produced the likes of President Shermarke , the last military ruler, Major General Siyad Barre, and the current transitional President.

The Hawiye occupy much of central and southern Somalia and have had a big stake in the Somali nation. General Mohamed Farah Aideed was a Hawiye, so were the first and second transitional presidents after the fall of the former junta. The land that composed the former British Somaliland is inhabited by the Isaaq tribe who trace their origin to an Arab immigrant sheikh who is thought to be buried in Maydh, a small town in that part of the former British protectorate. The Isaaq played a great role in the birth of the Somali nation and are reputed to have produced educated men and women who took part in the struggle for independence. In the meantime, this territory is seeking to secede from the rest of Somalia and has been described as a ‘haven of peace’ in Africa.

Digil and Mirifle occupy Somalia’s Bay and Bakool regions of southern Somalia and are known to be brilliant agriculturalists producing much of Somalia’s staple foods. They occupy Somalia’s bread basket regions. They also have had a share in the Somali successive administrations since independence.

Ironically, Somalis have a proverb that goes this way: “Me against my brother, me and my brother against my family, me and my family against my clan, me and my clan against the world (anonymous).”

Somalis have been described as ‘the Irish of Africa’-a reference to the war of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) that startled the British Isles for decades. Likewise, there is no long lasting way out in sight to Somalia’s senseless wars as serenity is always short-lived in the Horn of Africa.

The Birth of a Nation

The Somali Democratic Republic was born in 1960 when the former northern British Somaliland and the southern Italian Somaliland incorporated in to what became known as the Somali Democratic Republic with headquarters in Mogadishu City. President Aden Abdille Osman, who hailed from the south of the country, became its first President. Formed from an amalgamation of warring tribes with Cushitic lineages, Somalis are homogeneous, practice endogamous marriages, speak one language which is Somali, share one religion that is Islam, profess the Shafi’i sect, and lead pastoral lifestyles though transformation in to urban structures triumphed as the world changed in to a global village subsequent to the arrival of the 20th century. President Aden Abdille Osman, upon completing his first time, retired from politics altogether and was replaced by Abdirashid Ali Shermarke who also hailed from the south most notably in the land formerly known as Majertinia and currently splashed on the world map as Punt land-in reference to the ‘Land of the Punt’ or ‘Land of Aroma’-an brand name from ancient Pharaonic suggestions originated by Queen Hatshepsut of Egypt who on a voyage to that part of the world in search of frankincense and myrrh for medicinal and spiritual purposes tumbled upon a land that would have an impact on much of her succeeding hierarchy and beyond. Undoubtedly, Somalis share physical features with the Nuba and Saida communities who produced many of the Egyptian rulers of antiquity. Also, similarities in cultural traits such as clitoridectomy and infibulations bring us to the idea that the two peoples share analogously edifying bonds. There is need for advanced anthropometric, archaeological, and social anthropological research so as to deduce the foundation of the Somali people and their relationship to ancient Egyptians.

President Abdirashid Ali Shermarke was assassinated in 1969 upon arriving Las Anod airstrip by a 22-year old policeman and relative thus ending Somalia’s long cherished African model of democracy. “Shermarke had gained a mild reputation abroad as a troublemaker when he served as the nation’s first Prime Minister from 1960 and 1964, largely because of his efforts to obtain sovereignty over those parts of northern Kenya and eastern Ethiopia roamed by Somali nomads. His domestic policies, however, had produced little unrest. After a three-year out of office, he was elected President in 1967. He chose as his Prime Minister Mohammed Haji Ibrahim Egal, 41, who promptly proceeded to end the border frictions.”

Bloodless Coup: The dawn of a Revolution

Ironically, on the 21st of October, 1969, the same year President Shermarke was killed, Major General Mohamed Siyad Barre, seized power in a bloodless coup. The new military leader immediately imposed martial laws that led to the arrest, expulsion and execution of unfaithful cadres of the previous government ushering in a two-decade of rule by the gun and the proclamation of a succession of alien ideologies ranging from communism, socialism, and scientific socialism. Up till now, Somalia is in a power vacuum. Somalis are divided as to the cause of their political instability with some heaping blame on foreign intervention while others charge home grown agitators.

With the collapse of the central government, the country has been through the worst crises ranging from the death and displacement of millions to the absurd state of the economy, collapse of infrastructure, dumping of hazardous wastes, outbreak of communicable diseases, malnutrition, deluge caused by torrential rains, desertification and locust menace and the list could be endless. On the other hand, landmines pose a great threat to the unsuspecting civilian in a land where prosthetics are unknown. Insecurity has hampered relief operations for years with many humanitarian workers facing threat of abductors seeking ransom. Journalists have been targeted incessantly. Piracy off the coasts of Somali waters have become a lavish operation because of the hefty ransom paid by the ship owners. Thus, Somalia has been described by the United Nations as the most dangerous place to live.

Succession of ineffective Leaders

Upon chasing Siyad Barre’s hardnosed junta from Somalia, the United Somali Congress elected Ali Mahdi Mohamed as a transitional President. Ali Mahdi hailed from the Abgal clan of the major Hawiye tribe that still controls and inhabits much of Somalia’s Hiran region that is the source of power schisms, tribal animosity, religious fanaticism, national disunity, hatred, rape and murder, piracy, and a host of repulsive and hostile actions.

After the ouster of Ali Mahdi, the majority Hawiye established a legislative assembly that elected General Aideed as transitional President. Rather than cleaning the cob webs that tainted the Somali leadership and setting a prime example for the rest of the nation, Aideed embarked on a mission of revenge to an extent his actions received international condemnations. In his book, My American Journey, Colin L. Powell, former Chief-of-Staff, describes how they handled the hunt for General Aideed. “The UN special envoy, retired American admiral Jon Howe, put a $25,000 reward on Aidid’s head”. The American leadership failed to study the kind of people they were at war with. And that is what caused the whole operation to fail without much success. But it is Bill Clinton who paints a clear picture of the mistakes made by the U.S. Government as regards dealing with General Aideed. Clinton’s administration failed to recognize Aidid’s importance in Somali politics. The Clinton administration failed to exercise extreme caution. According to Bill Clinton’s Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Colin Powell: “Howe, Turkish Lieutenant General Cevik Bir, the UN commander, and the American commander, Major General Tom Montgomery, asked for U.S. helicopter gunships and AC-130 strike planes to attack Somali strongholds”. The use of bigger fire power destroyed all prospects for exculpation and tenacity. In 1992, old George Bush ordered what became known as ‘Operation Restore Hope’. The operation became a fiasco after the killing of 19 U.S. Rangers and a dozen Pakistani soldiers.

“Oakley believed that the United Nations, including his old friend Admiral Howe, had made a mistake by isolating Aidid from the political process and by becoming so obsessed with tracking him down. By extension, he disagreed with our decision to try to apprehend Aidid for the UN.” There was deep division in the US Congress on the issue of withdrawing US forces from Somalia. “…as I learned in a White House meeting with several members; most of them demanded an immediate withdrawal of our forces. I strongly disagreed, and in the end we compromised on a six-month transition period. I didn’t mind taking Congress on, but I had to consider the consequences of any action that could make it even harder to get congressional support for sending American troops to Bosnia and Haiti, where we had far greater interests at stake.” Somalia was of no vital importance to the United States as stated by Bill Clinton. Inexperienced Bill Clinton ordered the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Somalia in 1993thus ending the much sought humanitarian mission. Aideed was killed by his own tribesmen in 1996. In August 2000, Abdikassim Salad Hassan who hailed from the Hawiye tribe, was inaugurated President. His presidency did not last the five-year limit.

Birth of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG)

Despite the formation of a Transitional Federal Government (TFG) in neighboring Kenya under the auspices of the international community in 2004, its usefulness is yet to be seen. Led by its President, ex-Colonel Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, an 80-year old former rebel who is reputedly the longest surviving liver transplant patient, the TFG is nothing more than a toothless tiger cowering under Ethiopian tanks in the town of Baidoa that is no bigger than the Vatican City.

The Union of Islamic Courts (UIC)

After living at the mercy of warlords for almost a decade and a half, Somalis founded living in Mogadishu and its environs formed an amalgamation of eleven courts known as the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) that seized power in a reverberating blitzkrieg in southern Somalia in 2006 pitying neighboring Ethiopia to intervene militarily, an operation that is still in effect with the consent of the U.S. Ironically, Ethiopia, alarmed by the rhetoric of the UIC leadership, sent an estimated 50,000 soldiers, reinforced by helicopter gunship, artillery and tank fire. In December of 2007, the UIC disbanded after being routed only to regroup with the assistance of President Afewerki of Eritrea, a man who is a bitter rival and maternal cousin of Meles Zenawi, the current Prime Minister of Ethiopia. The most worrying trend for the U.S. and Ethiopia is the presence of men perceived as a threat to the region especially Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweis, a former head of Al-Itihad Al-Islami, a ravenous, Jihadist, extremist religious group that wrecked havoc in the 90s and Aden Hashi Ayro, a man considered by the U.S. as the representative of Al-Qaeda in the region. Also, the vulnerable Red Sea that is a passageway for much of the world oil originating in the Gulf States could as well fall in the hands of a force to reckon with.

The irony is that, the U.S., worried by what it calls ‘terrorists’, has an armada of warships along the Somali coast with the sole mission of combating ‘terrorism’ and ‘terrorist hideouts’. In addition, the U.S. has a military base in Djibouti (formerly known as French Somaliland and then the Territory of the Afars and Issas) bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, between Eritrea and Somalia. They have been stationed at Le Monier barracks since April 2002. “Djibouti is France’s largest foreign military base. Djibouti is host to several thousand French military personnel, including the 13e Démi-Brigade de la Légion Étrangère (13e DBLE - 13th Half-Brigade of the Foreign Legion).”

The U.S. is taking such drastic measures to avert incidents similar to the 1998 Embassy bombings of Kenya and Tanzania carried out by Al-Qaeda. Just recently, U.S. planes carried out bombing missions in the town of Dhusamarreb in the Galgadud region of Somalia killing the much sought after terrorist suspect Aden Hashi Ayro thought to have trained in Afghanistan. “An American missile strike in Somalia apparently killed a militant long identified as one of Al-Qaeda’s top operatives in East Africa on Thursday, but while Bush administration officials claimed success they also acknowledged facing an uphill battle to score lasting blows in their final months against the terrorist group around the world.”

Reconciliation in Djibouti

A reconciliation conference has just been concluded in neighboring Djibouti aimed at creating peace between the TFG and the Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia hereafter referred to as the ARS. In a three-page document signed by both parties, signatory members will have to observe immediate ceasefire until the deployment of a peace keeping force that will pave way for the departure of Ethiopian forces within 120 days. To me, this agreement will not hold as long as there are other parties opposed to it. Representatives of a hostile jihadist faction fighting Ethiopian and TFG forces have categorically rejected it because they believe in the implementation of Islamic sheria.

“Ironically, every crisis intervention and reconciliation rehearsed by the International Community ended in tatters due to Somalia’s strategic importance and political significance further inflicting grotesquely nightmarish feelings of misery for the peace-loving Somalis and exhilaration for the newly-evolved warlords and their foreign cronies who perceive any form of stability in the country as catastrophic to their political intentions. Thus, a myriad of confronting physical and mental upshots with profound results continues to consume the very fabric of Somali society in all localities.”

Nations of IGAD

The two tiny nations of Djibouti and Eritrea, both of whom play a role in the Somali conflict, have a border dispute that erupted in to war this month. The two are fighting over Mount Gabla, also known as Ras Doumeira, overlooking the strategic Bab al-mandeb straits, which are a major shipping route to and from Europe and the Middle East. Also, both states are members of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). Formerly the Intergovernmental Authority on Drought and Development (IGADD), IGAD comprises the nations of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Eritrea, and Uganda. All six nations have a hand in Somalia. Kenya is the staging ground for anti-terrorism missions for Somalia, Uganda has African Union (AU) peace keeping troops in Mogadishu, Ethiopia has occupation forces that have been accused of human rights violations, Djibouti has held several fruitless reconciliation conferences for warring Somali groups, Eritrea hosts Somali extremist assemblage, and also Sudan, the former headquarter of Osama Bin Laden’s Al-Qaeda (meaning the “the base” in Arabic), a nation that has terrorized its southern provinces and Darfur, has, undoubtedly, a gigantic stake.

Leadership Problem and Situational Approach

The enormity of tribal fragmentation that has afflicted Somalia for centuries can be remedied by having competent, knowledgeable, and committed leaders who tend to understand the fragility of the political atmosphere the nation is embroiled in. “Knowledge is intricately related to the application and implementation of problem-solving skills in organizations.” Only an impulsive out-of-nowhere invincible force will tilt the political landscape in Somalia. With each tribe suspicious of the other, those shadowy Somali leaders pretending to unify the nation will meet with hostility and resistance from the other side of the isle. Due to lack of visionary leaders, the political arena in the country will remain one shrouded in mystery and a humiliating one for those on the forefront to the humanitarian crisis. Those in the schism that has reduced the nation in to rubble are remnants of the former junta who had training in the former U.S.S.R., Yugoslavia, Communist Yemen, Cuba, East Germany, and other eastern European communist blocks like Romania and Bulgaria. With corroded tribal mindset, these men previously served as soldiers or communist propagandists. On the other hand, lack of leaders with crystallized cognitive ability seems to hold Somalia ransom. “Crystallized cognitive ability is intellectual ability that is learned or acquired over time."

The archetypes of leadership qualities set by Mahatma Gandhi of India, Nelson Mandela of South Africa, and the Dalai Lama of Tibet as has been recently discovered by various academic institutions with an eye on prospective leaders, though followed by a few governments of today, could set the pace for a contingency plan for many to emulate without shilly-shallying. Many failed states with far-fetched legacy of vengeance end up with never-ending geopolitical consequences such that chronic and sustained human flight, massive human movement and internally displaced persons (IDPS) become daily occurrences. Nations like Somalia, Myanmar, and Laos that have either been absorbed in political disasters, internecine wars, or distorted ideologies, could, as the dust finally settles, be compelled to dedicate their resources and intellectual will and emulate non-violent paths the likes of Gandhi, the Dalai Lama, and Mandela trailed in their pursuit of liberty, peace, equality, justice, and human co-existence.

Lewis, I.M., “The Modern History of Somaliland”, London: Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 1965, p.208.
Mohamed Farah Aidid et.al, “Somalia: From the Dawn of Civilization to Modern Times” New Delhi: Vikas Publishing House, 1993.
Burton, Sir Richard, “The First Footsteps in East Africa”, London: Longman, 1856, p. 180-184.
http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ahmad_ibn_ibrahim_al-ghazi
Powell, Colin (1995): My American Journey, Random House, New York.
Ibid. 584
Clinton, Bill (550): My Life, Alfred A. Knopf, Random House, New York
Ibid. 552.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/djibouti.htm
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/02/world/africa/20somalia.html
http://www.wardheernews.com/articles_07/october/25_conflicting_leadership
Northouse, Peter G. (2007), Leadership: Theory and Practice. Sage Publications. Thousand Oaks, CA.
Ibid. 48

The 101 Basics of Qaad

Qaad or Chat (pronounced cot), scientifically known as catha Edulis, is an evergreen perennial plant popular in East Africa and some parts of the Arabian Peninsula. It grows in the highlands of Yemen, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Known as Miraa or Mairungu (sometimes spelled Murungi) in Kenya, it grows in the fertile lands around Mount Meru. Meru local farmers have preserved large swathes of agricultural lands for Miraa or Qaad cultivation since it is a major sustainer of the region's economy bringing in estimated yearly revenue worth millions of dollars. In Yemen-and also in Ethiopia, Qaad is a major player of economical sustainability.

"The origins of khat are disputed. Some believe that it is Ethiopian in origin, from where it spread to the hillsides of East Africa and Yemen. Others believe that khat originated in Yemen before spreading to Ethiopia and nearby countries. Sir Richard Burton explains that khat was introduced to the Yemen from Ethiopia in the 15th century.[3] There is also evidence to suggest this may have occurred as early as the 13th century. Through botanical analysis, Revri (1983) supports Yemen origins of the plant.[4] From Ethiopia and Yemen the trees spread to Somalia, Arabia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, the Congo, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and South Africa.[5] The earliest recorded use of khat medically is believed to be within the New Testament.[6] The ancient Egyptians considered the khat plant a "divine food" which was capable of releasing humanity's divinity. The Egyptians used the plant for more than its stimulating effects; they used it as a metamorphic process and transcended into "apotheosis", intending to make the user god-like.[7] [8]

The earliest documented description of khat dates back to the Kitab al-Saidana fi al-Tibb, an 11th century work on pharmacy and materia medica written by Abū Rayhān al-Bīrūnī, a Persian scientist and biologist. Unaware of its origins, al-Bīrūnī wrote that khat is:[9]

"a commodity from Turkestan. It is sour to taste and slenderly made in the manner of batan-alu. But qat is reddish with a slight blackish tinge. It is believed that batan-alu is red, coolant, relieves biliousness, and is a refrigerant for the stomach and the liver."

In 1854, the Malay writer Abdullah bin Abdul Kadir noted that the custom of chewing Khat was prevalent in Al Hudaydah in Yemen: "I observed a new peculiarity in this city — everyone chewed leaves as goats chew the cud. There is a type of leaf, rather wide and about two fingers in length, which is widely sold, as people would consume these leaves just as they are; unlike betel leaves, which need certain condiments to go with them, these leaves were just stuffed fully into the mouth and munched. Thus when people gathered around, the remnants from these leaves would pile up in front of them. When they spat, their saliva was green. I then queried them on this matter: ‘What benefits are there to be gained from eating these leaves?’ To which they replied, ‘None whatsoever, it’s just another expense for us as we’ve grown accustomed to it’. Those who consume these leaves have to eat lots of ghee and honey, for they would fall ill otherwise. The leaves are known as Kad."[10](Wikipedia)

Though there are no historical exactitudes when its cultivation and consumption began, a plethora of conjectural writings assume its use predate a thousand years when religious scholars depended on it for inducing insomnia so that they would stay awake to recite and expunge religious scriptures or educate adherents on issues pertaining to religious doctrines in the dead of the night when human evil activities and satanic designs remained at lowest ebb. On the other hand, travellers, warriors, and those on sentry consumed it to remain alert and not be overtaken by slumber.

Catha edulis, when fresh-before the leaves wither off-has been found to contain cathonine, a drug that is also found in heroine. This drug content is what induces euphoria, hallucinations, loquacity, anorexia, and excitability. Chewers feel raised blood pressure levels caused by abnormal heart palpitations, palsy-walsy (friendly), absolute energy and drive, exhilaration-and for some-elevated sexual feelings not experienced other times.

The major drug contents of Qaad include: Cathinone (cathinine), Cathine (1), Cathidine, Celastrin, Edulin, Choline, Ascorbic Acid (2), and Ratine. It also contains amino acids, minerals and vitamins especially Vitamin C.

However, after 48 hours, its drug contents and levels drop drastically. At this stage, Somalis refer to it as "Garaabo" or "Baarixi"-meaning of lower quality. Whereas, in Ethiopia, where the cultivated brand is longer in size than the types reaped in Yemen and Kenya, the dried leaves of the "Hareri" plant retain ubroken cathonine levels and also have greater economic value as tons arrive North American and European airports for distribution to consumers laden with hard cash and living the affluenza lifestyles.

Qaad is a banned susbtance in the United States and not in Britain and Holland where its consumption is tolerated. There is a growing debate in Britain about how to contain the growing social ills related to Qaad use visible among poor African and Arabian immigrants. In Southern Somalia, almost 75% of men and 25% of women chew Qaad while in the northern breakaway Republic of Somaliland, almost 95% of men and 50% of women are hooked on Qaad use.

Many Somalis are of the view that the demise of Somalia's military administration that collapsed in 1991 rekindled old wounds when Major General Siyad Barre branded Qaad an illicit drug in 1983. An exodus of Qaad chewers found their way across the Kenya border town of Mandera where its abolition ignited regime change deliberations. Neigboring Ethiopia and Kenya, two major growers and suppliers of Qaad who also had territorial disputes with Somalia over the Ogaden in Ethiopia and the former Northern Frontier District (NFD) in Kenya felt perturbed by Siyad Barre's abrupt proclamation. Thus, guerilla activities against Siyad Barre's regime that had been dormant for a while, started to harpoon Somali border posts with debilitating effects. The closure of chewing dens countrywide agitated thousands of Somali youths suffering from depression and side effects-a feeling known as "qaadiro" stage among Somalis.

Modern research and laboratory studies have been conducted to unearth societal, psychological, emotional, and physiological effects of qaad. Some of the results available seem encouraging while others cite great dangers and dangerous precedents associated with its consumption. For example, there are those who are of the view that qaad is a cure for sexual impotency and erectile dysfunction. If this hypothesis becomes credibe, then, qaad will have to be declared an alternative drug to be sold side by side with Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra.

On the other hand, some researchers have raised the alarm by revealing the gravity associated with its constant use. A line-up of diseases including myocardiac infaction, peptic ulceration, lip and lung cancers, cirrhosis of the liver, colorectal cancer, gingivitis, halitosis, dental decays, depression, diabetes, hemorrhoid, hypertension, urinary tract infections, vaginal infections among women chewers, and many others have been reported in medical journals. Abshir Bacaadle, a poet having great reputation among Somalis, in his denunciation of Qaad consumption, cites all the negative health hazards in the following lines:



Qorya raamso quudkana yaree qaadow adigaa leh
Boqolaal qorshoo wada qabya ah qaadow adigaa leh
Qoys dumaya qayliyo huruuf qaadow adigaa leh

Qalbi qooqan qoora aan waxtarin qaadow adigaa leh
Qardareeye kaadida qul quli qaadow adigaa leh
Jirkoo qaasha nadarkoo qayiran qaadow adigaa leh

Qalbi guban sigaar lagu qanciyo qaadow adigaa leh
Macdan qubta hawshoon laqaban qaadow adigaa leh
Hurda qarow ah soojeed qam qama qaadow adigaa leh

Iska qaado qaantana ha bixin qaadow adigaa leh
Qayil oo cun reerkiina qadi qaadow adigaa leh
Qashin iyo qashaabiir qurmuun qaadow adigaa leh

Qatar caafimaad oo qarsoon qaadow adigaa leh
Qalbi olol mar qabo oo qaniin qaadow adigaa leh
Qaraabo iyo ehel aan latabin qaadow adigaa leh

Qayrkaa shaxaad hana qajilin qaadow adigaa leh
Iska qari cidbaa kugu qabsane qaadow adigaa leh
Qabri ka hor qandha aan laga biskoon qaadow adigaa leh

Isqandiiri kana qoomamee qaadow adigaa leh
Ibliis qarowga aadmiga ku qaba qaadow adigaa leh
Afku wuxuusan ii qaban karayn qaadow adigaa leh

Qosol iyo qamuunyo isku xiga qaadow adigaa leh
Qasad dhaar ah qawl aan la fulin qaadow adigaa leh
Qur'aan lagu kaftamo qadaf iyo been qaadow adigaa leh

Cimri kuu qorraa qayb ka lumi qaadow adigaa leh
Qandiga fuqurka iyo quus rageed qaadow adigaa leh
Qureesh gabara waxa loo qawada qaadow adigaa leh

Dad qamaama qayliyo dagaal qaadow adigaa leh
Shaluu qaatay maantana qafaal qaadow adigaa leh
Qabyaalad iyo iimaan la'aan qaadow adigaa leh

Dhaliyara afkooduun u qoran qaadow adigaa leh
Wax ninwayni qaadoo qawada qaadow adigaa leh
Salaadaha dib qabo ama qallee qaadow adigaa leh

Xubna qaadiwaa sida qof qalan qaadow adigaa leh
Qabiltu jaanka aadmiga ku qabo qaadow adigaa leh
Dubaab lagu qarwoo kugu qulqula qaadow adigaa leh

Bisad ku quustay dabadeeda qabo qaadow adigaa leh
Qarjaf sayntu inay kuu tiraa qaadow adigaa leh
Qanaaskiyo was waaskaa qarsoon qaadow adigaa leh

Qandaraaska qaatumo xumada qaadow adigaa leh
Qarbaboosh ilkiyo gawsa qodan qaadow adigaa leh
Afqashuusha oon cadaygu qaban qaadow adigaa leh

Af qalala bushima qolof dhacsada qaadow adigaa leh
Qasban qayb daroogada ka mida qaadow adigaa leh
Qaflad aan dareenkeed la qabin qaadow adigaa leh

Ragoo quusta dumarkoo qawada qaadow adigaa leh
Faqiir qani ismoodoo qayila qaadow adigaa leh
Indha qoriya qaadirada subax qaadow adigaa leh

Qubays laga wahsado iyo qurmuun qaadow adigaa leh
Qamiis walaf quluub aan xasilin qaadow adigaa leh
Qoys laga dhixiyo qaaqla nimo qaadow adigaa leh

Waa quutul awliyo kidbiya qaadow adigaa leh
Qaamuuska waxa cay ku qoran qaadow adigaa leh
Inoo qaybi aan lagu qancayn qaadow adigaa leh

Qabsimadu inay kala xirmaan qaadow adigaa leh
Qurbaha joog adoon hawl ka qaban qaadow adigaa leh
Deg deg loo qasaariyo shilqoran qaadow adigaa leh

Qiso yaablohooy qarinayaan qaadow adigaa leh
Qofka daa'imoo qiima dhaca qaadow adigaa leh
Waxaad shalayto qabatoo qariban qaadow adigaa leh

Ku qasaar macaashkana ku qarow qaadow adigaa leh
Magnad kugu qasbiyo qaac ibliis qaadow adigaa leh
Hanti qaran qanaafiir ugee qaadow adigaa leh

Qaadicu salaadnimo asala qaadow adigaa leh
Intuu qadaf qof uun ku hadli karo qaadow adigaa leh
Lixdankaa qisoo wada qubxiya qaadow adigaa leh
Qaatala ka laahuye adigaa qaranka aafeeyay.

For some it enhances sexual potential for others it lowers their sexual urge. Some of the male population report dripping of sperms without sexual contact. Sleeplessness at night, exhaustion the following morning, facial decomposition, constipation or diarrhoea, putrid bodily smell, bloatedness, and the list could be endless.

In the Diaspora, cultural decays among chewers hooked on to this tempting drug have taken many institutions by surprise. Soaring school drop-outs or poor class performance, parental irresponsibility, domestic violence, divorce and broken marriages, unemployment due to tardiness and unwilingness to seek improved and better living conditions, dependence on government hand outs, gangsterisms and hooliganisms among the youth, juvenile marriages and unprotected sex, and a host of other social ills bedevil communities dependent on Qaad.

Warlordism, a system of government that is akin to feudalism and endemic to lawless Somalia , has helped accelerate the destruction of Horn of Africa's younger generations as children as young as ten years find themselves conscripted into militia regiments based on tribal loyalty. These desperate children who have either lost one or both parents pledge allegiance to powerful warlords who in return reward them with food and mind-altering drugs including marijuana and Qaad. In the absence of schools and rehabilitation centers, Somali children find themselves forced to choose between death by starvation or survival by shouldering the gun of a warlord. In any case, the might of the warlords rummaging through the streets of Somalia's major cities, towns, and villages and the many signs of death and destructions we often hear or see in the media, must not be perceived to be the handiworks of adults who have renounced the rule of law, but is a heavy assignment carried out with precision by malnourished children fighting for survival. What energizes Somali child soldiers is Catha edulis, marijuana, speed, and a concoction of other drugs including mosquito coil and valium. Qaad is no longer food or fodder for Mullahs but a tool that leads to the perdition and destruction of the individual and the society as a whole-that is, when used in a negative way.

HIV/AIDS SCOURGE IN THE SOMALI DIASPORA

The greatest challenging malady the collapsed administration of General Siyad Barre faced was neither HIV/AIDS nor the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) but tuberculosis and malaria. One of the most underestimated chronicles in the world since 1990 is tuberculosis, which according to the World Health Organization (WHO) strikes 9 million people per year killing an estimated 1.7 million-84% of them in developing countries. According to WHO projection, between 2005 and 2020, about 25 million will die of the disease. If left untreated, each person with vigorous TB usually infects 10-15 other people. TB is a growing global threat. Human population intensification, urbanization, air travel, and other factors have increased contacts between people and spread TB, particularly in areas where large numbers of the poor crowd together. Additionally, AIDS weakens the immune system and allows TB bacteria to proliferate in AIDS victims.

Another dangerous world epidemic spreading like wildfire is the Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In any case, the million plus Somali Diaspora scattered worldwide is not immune from the growing HIV/AIDS scourge because of the tremendous acculturation and assimilation methods they apply-two major aspects expected by host governments from foreign nationals wishing to reside in their countries.

On the other hand, the multitudes of unmarried sexes intermingling freely speed up sexual contact leading to the spread of deadly diseases including HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STD), abortions, fatherless kids, and increase of death among teenagers and the elderly. Social and cultural changes due environmental influences and abandonment of previous strict religious observances may also be attributed to the proliferation of the HIV/AIDS epidemic among the Somali Diaspora.

Since there is no known vaccine for the prevention of HIV and no medicine for the cure AIDS, the view of the medical fraternity is that those who get AIDS will eventually die. There’re drugs that help infected people live longer though a tiny fraction can afford such drugs that are costly. According to data by the U.S. Census Bureau, AIDS is the leading killer among people between ages 15-49 worldwide.

Pornographic and other obscene bits and pieces available without difficulty from a variety of DVDs and tapes, satellite and cable television programs, hot and sexy magazines, alcohol and drugs, brothels and strip clubs, and easily accessible internet web sites plunge many immigrants into an unsuspecting world laden with an ocean of unholy materials. Rigorous bureaucratic applications in social services, health, and medical systems by host governments make it difficult for infected refugees to obtain retroviral drugs meant to fight the spread of AIDS virus.

Fear of social stigma and familial break up is another factor that prevents sufferers from seeking medical attention. Also, unprotected sex and shunning the use of condoms speed up infections. Qaad, a hallucinogenic drug grown in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, has been found as having great impact in the sexual stimulation of some chewers setting a dangerous precedent in the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Abstention and strict religious adherences, two important tools for the prevention of the HIV/AIDS scourge, seem not to be getting the right attention. The condom has been treated with suspicion and is often regarded as an object of sexual humiliation and Western trickery. To some it is referred to as ‘raincoat’-an instrument that blocks fathomless delightful satisfaction.

In conclusion, HIV/AIDS is, without the least doubt, an invisible creeping syndrome slowly decimating a sizable population of the Somali Diaspora regardless of locality.

Africa's Monstrous Leadership Styles

If the world's economic powers would join hands to uplift the living standards of the poor African continent, humankind's origin and cradle of civilization would provide alot in return. Ironically, distorted policies and economic strangulation on the continent by powerful half-hearted philanthropists coupled with inhuman practices endorsed by Africa's own ineffective, dictatorial, and lame-brained leaders have set the stage for recurrent rivalry and gunpowder obssession.

Until donor nations denervate the supply lines that feed Africa's monstrous leaders, suffering and destitution will remain in millions of faces indefinitely. A look at past and current African leaders shows none ever died of underfeeding or food shortage. Perhaps the youngest African leader to leave the political spectrum was Sergeant Samuel Doe of Liberia who died not because of malnutrition but because he was executed by an adversary. The same fate befell Joseph Kabila of Zaire.

Most African leaders outlast their compatriots in the West in age and in power. Men like Siyad Barre of Somalia and Haile Selassie of Ethiopia were ousted in coups at advanced ages. Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya died after ruling for 15 years. Hassan Guled Aptidon of Djibouti gave up power at an advanced age to his son Ismail Omar Gelle. Julius Nyerere of Tanzania ruled until poor health forced him to pave way for Hassan Ali Mwinyi.

Omar Bongo seems to be President-for-life for the nation of Gabon, Muammar al-Qadhafi is holding Libya hostage since 1969, Hosni Mubarak has refused to relinguish power since the death of Anwar Sadat in 1981, and most importantly, Africa's most extravagant ruler, Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire died disgracefully in Morocco having left behind billions of dollars of looted money accumulated over three decades of ruthless leadership.

All these men ruled their countries through forceful means. They looted foreign aid and stashed them in foreign accounts. Sani Abacha of Nigeria and Charles Taylor of Liberia left millions of dollars which could be used to feed millions of their citizens. While writers categorize leadership styles into transactional and transformational, most African leaders exercize pseudotransformational-a weird leadership mode that instils fear and servitude in their followers. This type of leaership style was put into use by David Koresh, Jim Jones, Adolph Hitler, and Saddam Hussein. It implied the use of repression, emergency laws, and callous seductive applications meant to benefit the repressive leader.

Africa does not need arms. What the continent desperately needs is economic empowerment to spearhead educational enrichment, political maturity, environmental responsibility, decent healthcare and educational fulfillments.

Al-Bashir and War Crimes Accusations

Omar Hassan Al-Bashir, President of Sudan, is a man facing tough times because the International Crimes Court wants to ensure he is kept behind bars for war crimes committted in the afflicted region of Darfur where millions have been displaced and thousands killed in a war that had been dragging on for quite a while. It is not the first time a leader from Sudan had been ordered to surrender. The Mahdi of Sudan was once ordered by the British Colonial Governor to surrender at the approach of the 19th century.


Apart from Slobodan Milosevic of Serbia who died in jail in the Netherlands before his case could be wrapped up for crimes committed in the Balkans War in the 90s and Charles Taylor of Liberia who is desperately waiting for the Judge's final hammer strike for the killing of many inoccent Liberians and the embezzlement of state coffers , many ciminal African heads of states who deserve to be apprehended will remain on the loose for sometime.

What the world, especially the United Nations has failed to implement, is an international accountability office that will oversee the effectiveness of individual leaderships, corruption elimination, and human rights related activities. Leaders perceived not towing the line and failing to abide by the statutes, conventions, and declarations agreed upon, will have to udergo scrutiny and be required to report to specially formulated offices so as to substantiate why expectations and accomplishments have not been met accordngly.

The International Court of Justice will have to flex its muscles if there is universal need to arrest those leaders who are shedding blood or causing tribal, ethnic, and religious conflicts. The world needs to unite against unnecessary human suffering in major trouble spots. Leaders suspected of crimes against humanity must be sanctioned; those working in cahoots with them will have to be recorded in an international occurence book; their foreign accounts will have to be frozen indifinitely; and surveillance of their movements will have to be enforced.

President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir is currenly on an arduous journey meant to raise his approval ratings in Sudan by embarking on a countermeasure roadmap expected to win the hearts of those opposed to his policies. The administration in Khartoum has refuted allegations against His Excellncy as baseless and politically motivated. For now, what many political observers wait to see is how effective Al-Bashir's warrant of arrest will be as this is the first time a case of such nature has been applied to a sitting President.