Press Release

Sool & Sanaag Are not Party to Col. Kahin's Ploy

(Sool & Sanaag Are Not Party to Somaliland!)

Somali Forum
A gathering Place for the People of Sool & Sanaag

16 December 2002

From the Somali Regions of Sool and Sanaag, Laascaanood, Sool
 

Our condolence for the families and victims of Col. Dahir Riyale Kahin of Hargeysa. Peace has once again been disturbed in northern Somalia. Let us pray for peace in Somalia.

It is the first time in recent memory of northern Somalia and of the Somali people, in general, that a northern Somali sub-clan has claimed the territorial integrity of another Somali sub-clan as their own. Not only that, but that same Somali sub-clan has claimed a non-existing territorial integrity, fake legitimacy and an independence that has no credence anywhere in Somalia, in the Horn and in the rest of the world. It is a claim that is nevertheless advocated by western based Somali intellectuals belonging to that certain Somali sub-clan. Intellectuals that are never seen nor heard in certain parts of northern Somalia. Of course clannish intellectuals who have been away from home for a long time, but may need to some sense of reality. Again a claim or a dream, depending on your interpretation, that has neither a legitimacy in Somalia nor a recognition from the countries of the Horn.

Unfortunately, for over ten years, the clan dream remained just a dream. But for reasons beyond the comprehension of the people of northern Somalia and of Sool and Sanaag, for a brief period of time, that dream became a nightmare. A nightmare that resulted the death of loved ones and destruction of personal and family properties. It reminded all of us the destruction that was once brought to us by the previous regime of Siad Barre. A regime that Col. Dahir Riyaale belonged to and has contributed to more than his share of death and destruction. It was that same regime of Siyad Barre that Col. Dahir Riyaale has advocated for all his life and has once again, in a different light, brought it again to us. Again more death and debilitation. On that afternoon, it sure was a nightmare that once again Col. Kahin has brought with him to Sool.

The Somali people, in general, and the people of Sool and Sanaag, in particular, have no desire to revisit the Siyad Barre regime. We have no desire for anyone again to disturb the peace. Let us hope Col. Kahin and his militia will not try it again.

Also, let the world know that Somalia has suffered enough; northern Somalia has suffered plenty; we don't need to suffer anymore. Let no one disturb the peace no more.

Let the world know too that the people of Sool and Sanaag, as members of major Somali clans, have recognized borders. It is a well defined border, with longitude and latitude; it is borders well recognized by Her Majesty, the British Kingdom; it is a border that recognizes where the Isaq sub-clans reside and where the Harti sub-clans are too. It sure needs no reinventing of the wheel again. Let us please, for the sake of peace, don't disturb those borders and the peace again.

Again, let anyone with doubts recognize that the people of Sool and Sanaag share all and everything with their brothers in Puntland. For the record, for future generation and for the peace loving people of Hargeysa, please note that Puntland is not for sale, was never for sale, will never be for sale. Sool and Sanaag were always part of Puntland and will forever remain in Puntland.

Again, for the sake of peace, please inform Col. Kahin to take his boxes and ballots where they are welcome; where they are wanted; but please not in Sool and Sanaag. Let us not please repeat the same mistakes again; and please let us know that lately in Somalia mistakes do matter much and do have consequences.

And finally, for the record, if the peace loving people of Hargeysa, Burco and Berbera, really want to secede from the rest of Somalia, please say so, and say it peacefully; say it in the ballot boxes; and please do it in your homes and territories, but not in our homes of Sool and Sanaag.

Somali Forum
A gathering Place for the People of Sool & Sanaag
A Home for All Somalis

Please Direct all questions and Queries to: SomaliForum@hotmail.com