Problems in the VOA-Somali Service (Part Two)

Mr. Abdirahman Yabarow, chief editor of VOA Somali section is following the foot steps of his close confident and former boss, Mr Yusuf Garad, Manager of BBC Somali section, under whose watch BBC Somali section lost credibility, respect and listenership. The re-launching of VOA Somali news broadcast created a new momentum, interest and an opportunity to fill the void for news and world affairs for the millions of Somalis disappointed by the BBC Somali section’s lackadaisical performance.Sadly, the newly appointed chief editor of the VOA Somali Service Abdirahman Yabarow is heavily dependent on the advice of his former colleague Mr. Garad head of BBC Somali section. Clearly, Yabarow if he did not surpassed clanship, he is on the footprint of the highest grounds in exercising impropriety, nepotism, favoritism, unfair dismissal and most of all discrimination in the process of hiring prospective journalists for the service. It has become known that less qualified individuals with limited knowledge in the field of journalism is being hired on the expense of qualified candidates which is in breach of governing policies and guidelines put in place by the board of directories of VOA.Hiring process of VOA Somali section under Yabarow’s leadership:Contrary to VOA’s hiring standard procedures, there is no public posting or announcement put forth in the media for a position or a vacancy in the Somali section of VOA. Mr. Yabarow recruits candidates under the radar for them to take the standard test for a vacant position. Here are some examples of Mr. Yabarow’s baleful hiring tactics:1. Abdulaziz Sadam, (Hawiye sub clan Habargidr) was hired by Yabarow from BBC under the influence of Yusuf Garad2. Ibrahim Hassan Dandurey, (Hawiye sub clan Abgal) has failed the standard test taken by Nagusa Mengesh deputy director of African division in Toronto and still Yabarow helped him out to get around the process by assigning him stringer level from Toronto and, later hired him full time contract.3.Yabarow hired Aynte to get him job experience from VAO for six months while enjoying to stay with his family in Minnesota, earning full salary at a stringer level. 4.The last contract position of VOA Somali service was given to Abdullahi Colombo, (Hawiye, sub clan Murasade) but this carries an interesting story to share with the public:Abdullahi Colombo has taken a standard VOA test at the time Fred Cooper was the head of Somali section of VOA. Fred assigned the test to be marked by a staff member with secret number given on his test paper. Abdullahi Colombo failed the test to the lowest grade.Highest expectation to hire Abdullahi Colombo by Yabarow came from their elite Hawiye clan members such as Mohamed Abdi-officer of DC government, Gaagale respected elder of Hawiye clan in Washington, Hussen Atto former finance minster during Siyad Barre regime, and Aynte who helps Yabarow write corresponding letters to his superior since Yabarow’s writing skills are very poor. After several meetings Yabarow proposed to their elite clan members and insisted to do their part to write pressure letters to Nagusa and Gwen Dillard head and deputy African Division of VOA to promote Abdullahi Colombo. Yabarow also suggested posting Abdullahi Colombo’s enhanced biography to few websites from his clan to be part of promoting Colombo. Few websites published Colombo including Daynile and others.Shortly after Fred Cooper retired, Mr. Abdirahman Yabarow resumed to be the head of the Somali section of VOA. To full fill his commitment, Mr Yabarow convinced Nagusa that the test of Abdullahi Colombo conducted by Fred Cooper was not marked properly therefore, another staff member should be assigned to mark it; once more. Nagussa accommodated the suggestion and assigned staff member to mark Colombo’s test paper; yet again achieving the lowest failing grade. Devastated by the new markings Yabarow changed tactics while facing mounting pressure from his clan members and decided to go back to ask Nagusa asking third chance for Abdullahi Colombo’s test be reviewed, suggesting this time reviewer be a senior editor for the final verdict, Nagusa accepted; third more. Again, test result was consistent with the two previous staff markings; Colombo failed to the lowest grade.Unyielding Yabarow, decided not to report the truth to Nagussa that Abdullahi Colombo failed, but instead lied and reported Colombo’s passing with the highest grade. Mr. Abdullahi Colombo now is in the pay role of VOA under the patronage of American tax payers, even though, he doesn’t understand nor able to translate a piece of English script. Mr. Yabarow initiated a grouping style management to have the support needed for critical moments from his clan staff members at the VOA. While, employing the above turbid hiring process, Yabarow denied or delayed fine Somali journalists joining the VOA, here are some examples:1.Idil Osman from London U.k applied VOA Somali; she has a degree in journalism very rarely that many Somali have that type of degree. Idil belongs to Marehan clan of Darood; her standard test was marked by Yabarow. After few calls Yabarow to London he discovered her clan affiliation; then Mr. Yabarow submitted her failing marks without prejudice to Fred Cooper. Fred became very suspicious and assigned non staff member to correct the test again, the findings was stunning. She scored the highest grade. She told me that she was given a contract by Fred Cooper before he retired and she will be joining soon to the VOA Somali section.2.Abdiwahab Dahir Farah (Darood sub clan Lelkase)3.Mohamed Dahir Hassan (Darood Sub clan Majerteen) 3.Mohamed said (Darood sub clan Majeerteen); and many more were rejected their tests for the same reason by Yabarow due to their clan belongings.You may ask why would I take the trouble to go through the hassle documenting these facts and share them with you. For the simple reason that as a concerned citizen and commentator, I am afraid for the future of the VOA Somali Services. Upon its recent inauguration the Somali public saw it as a breath of fresh air from the suffocating biased BBC Somali Service, which lost credibility and in the last few years lost listeners from across the Horn of Africa Region. It disturbs me that Mr. Abdi Yabarow is a close friend and associate of Mr. Yusuf Garad, the current Manager of BBC Somali Service and under whose watch the BBC lost its integrity. I don't think Abdi's admiration of Mr. Garad is shared by most if not all VOA Somali Service's Somali staff and its listeners. If my assessment is correct then it follows that it is NOT in the interest of the VOA Somali Service and staff morale to give Abdirahman Yabarow a blank check to reduce VOA staff structure to a clan turf, similar to what Mr. Yusuf Garad did to BBC Somali services. The very reason some members of BBC staff left and joined the VOA to start a new beginning. I wish the VOA Somali Section success. And I will continue monitoring the VOA Somali Service with the constructive intent that it does not face the same fate as its counterpart at the BBC. Should you need to contact me please do so via e-mail. With best wishes, Dr Abdullahi Hashim drahashim@gmail.com
Please send to us your article or opinion ON VOA.. terrorfreesomalia@gmail.com

Problems in the VOA-Somali Service (Part ONE)

http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/01/problems_in_the_voasomali_serv.html

terrorists using western media.. BBC interviews the FBI most-wanted man in SOMALIA terrorist Hasan Turki






SOMALIA AL-SHABAB GROUP LINKS TO AL-QAEDA THEY HAVE WEBSITE WWW.KATAAIB.NET IN VANCOUVER WA, PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR BILL WARNER

Most of the Terrorist are from Hawiye tribe (al-shabaab) The leadership is mostly sub-clans of Hawiye (Habar Gidir clan) With The Exception Of OGADEN CLAN http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dB2mnoXLoec&feature=related (ONLF )own hassan turki(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hasan_Hersi) and Abu Mansur a foot soldier from al-Qaeda.

Somalia has been at war since 1991, The Horn of Africa nation has been plagued by chaos and clan-based civil war since when hawiye Warlordism, terrorism. PIRATESM ,(TRIBILISM) Replaces the Honourable Somali President Mohamed Siad Barre administration .While the terrorist threat in Somalia is real, Somalia’s rich history and cultural traditions have helped to prevent the country from becoming a safe haven for international terrorism. The long-term terrorist threat in Somalia, however, can only be addressed through the establishment of a functioning central government Videos: Jihad Camp in Somalia; English-Speaking Recruits

Puntland: VOA Somalia Section Gives Airtime to Pro-Piracy Propaganda

update on Problems in the VOA-Somali Service..Abdirahman Yabarow former cab driver is said to have fabricated his journalistic background

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 VOA Somalia Section Gives Airtime to Pro-Piracy Propaganda On 9 June 2012, the Voice of America (VOA) Somali Section gave a five-minute interview on the air to a self-proclaimed ‘Somali community elder’ who claimed to be living in Puntland State. The interview subject, whom VOA reporter Abdullahi Nur Mohamed “Colombo” incorrectly identified as a community elder named Mr. Shire Farah Mohamud, claimed that he lives in Bali-Dhidhin village of Bari Region. Puntland Government has no information confirming the existence of a known community elder named Mr. Shire Farah Mohamud in Bari Region, and therefore the interview subject was a fraud. Mr. Shire spent the opportunity on the airtime to condemn Puntland Government’s robust anti-piracy law enforcement action in towns and coastal areas of Puntland State. Mr. Shire made baseless allegations, such as: “many houses were bombed in an airstrike”; “livestock was killed”; and “civilians in Bali-Dhidhin village were displaced, including more than 30 missing persons.” This interview with a self-proclaimed ‘Somali community elder’ is demonstrative of VOA Somali Section’s biased reporting toward developments in Puntland State. The VOA reporter’s lead-in questions portray the picture that the reporter is sympathetic to pirates and other criminal groups. The VOA Somali Section’s Editorial Board includes individuals motivated by animosities of the 1990s clan conflicts and who abuse the responsibility to provide fair and balanced reporting on developments in Somalia. The Editorial Board has a track record of biased reporting, promotion of anti-Puntland media rhetoric, habitually using interview subjects and sources of questionable background to create sensational journalism, and tilting news coverage in favor of one Somali political group or another, at the expense of neutrality. Puntland Government calls upon the U.S. State Department and the VOA Board of Governors to analyze and review the culture of biased reporting at the VOA Somali Section since 2009. Additionally, Puntland Government requests that VOA Somali Section be obligated to prepare and publish Daily Transcripts of news casts and programs in Somali and English languages, in order to better inform the U.S. Government and the taxpayers about the role of VOA Somali Section in efforts to restore peace in Somalia.

THE END   
Source :  Puntland Government

"Somali   Media Watch" SEGMENT "

Problems in the VOA-Somali Service (Part Two)


The Final Blow to the BBC Somali Service

VOA-Somali Service: an enclave dominated by one clan.




Somali Terrorist says Fighting Will Continue Despite Civilian Casualties ,Obama Administration Gave More Airtime to Jehadists That Hate America

The Final Blow to the BBC Somali Service

The gradual demise of the BBC Somali Service was apparent over the past several years, but the final blow was not dealt on it until now. The VOA Somali Services new dawn show has finished up whatever is left of the BBC Somali Service with fresh stories and exceptionally skilled broadcasters.If you want to judge the dichotomy for yourself, then just compare the two services output this week, especially the two dawn programs, which are only separated by their respective theme music. The VOA's new, 30-minute show goes on air at 6:30 am Somalia time. The BBC goes on air at 7:00 in the morning (yawn!). The difference is day and night. And here's why: on Sunday July 19, the two services covered the same event in London, in commemoration of Somali journalists killed in Somalia. But that?s about what they had in common. The depth of the coverage, the originality, the breath of freshness, and most importantly the journalistic substance were radically unparalleled. Characteristically, the BBC Somali Service settled for its decaying ways of covering news events: a simple, over-the-phone interview with a participant. Said Ali Muse, the lone soldier on duty that dawn was not only late to fire up the theme music by about 2 minutes, but he decided to fill the airtime with a random noise he recorded while in Ghana on a recent trip to over Obama. He tried to convince us, the reluctant listeners, that despite the pale and the clearly uninteresting nature of the noise he inadvertently recorded, that all he wanted was to give us a sense of how tense the situation on the ground was.? I, for one, didn't buy it.

In fact, I wasn't sure if I should feel sorry for his lame excuse, or whether I should call my MP in the British Parliament and lodge a screaming complaint against wasting my hard-earned tax money for a random noise from Ghana. I'm still mulling over it. To the contrary, the VOA covered the London event with a class. Haarun Ma'aruf, with his deep but intelligent voice, prepared a feature story about it, skillfully linking the input of three participants in that same event. The distance advantage didn't even give the BBC an edge. It was a no-brainer. The same day, the VOA also aired another feature story by Abdiaziz Sadam about the two French hostages. A legal expert in Canada was enlisted to shed a light on the legal ramifications, and a Somali writer in the USA was inquired to analyze. Moreover, VOA's Galka'ayo reporter interviewed the head of a new Somali band, Waayaha Cusub. Then, fittingly, we enjoyed a song by the group. Regular on VOA's new breakfast show is an item about the rate of exchange and the prices of basic foods in Somalia, a run-down of newspaper headlines, a sports feature and letters from us, the committed audience, not to mention a daily song and mostly funny jokes (sometimes unfunny details, I might add).. That's plenty of items in a half an hour show. Conversely, the BBC fills its airtime with recycled items from the archive, billed as an interesting stuff. Hardly so. The desperation of poor coverage is profoundly clear.Over the last week, when the BBC filled its invaluable airtime with audio from years ago, repacked as fresher material, the VOA has aired comprehensive feature programs analyzing the day?s news with fresh ideas, reliable sources and just a smart and nifty approach to newsgathering. Meanwhile, the flight of the BBC staff remains unabated. In fact, part of why the VOA's new dawn show constitutes a final blow to the BBC is Abdirahman Ainte?s decision to join the VOA. This exceptionally skilled broadcaster whose utility of the Somali language is proverbial, has redefined the Somali media as we know it. His keen interest in the sudden implosion of Islamist ideology in Somalia is profound. Few weeks ago, he moderated one of the best Sunday discussion programs featuring the best known Islamic scholars. He also prepared a series of features retracting the history of Islamists in Somalia. With the advent of the VOA, the BBC Somali Service has tattered, capitulated forcing it to reach its saturation point. It outlived its purpose. There?s no more reason it should exist, unless the British government wants us to enjoy the antiquated noises of the old guard whose relevance is clearly outmoded.

As a British citizen, Im ashamed of my government's decision to keep this failed ship steam ahead. But I must recoil and congratulate the American government for giving the Somali people another lease in media life.

By Ayan Ali Gallad. Email: ayanaligallad@yahoo.com

American Thinker: Problems in the VOA-Somali Service -

Problems in the VOA-Somali Service (Part Two)

http://terrorfreesomalia.blogspot.com/2009/03/somalias-text-message-insurgency.html

Problems in the VOA-Somali Service..Abdirahman Yabarow former cab driver is said to have fabricated his journalistic background

 

Jan 12, 2008 I Wrote- Very informative article about VOA-Somali Service 

  A VOA-critical article, A View of Our Community. VOA was very dismissive of our complaint...  VOA response to my article, on Voice of America Somali Service letter to the editor Dear Editor: American Voice of America Somali Service

 

two years after i wrote that  article VOA Issues come to light

To: Somali Service, Africa Division, VOA, IBB and BBG top executives

 30. january 2010

Re: Resignation Letter

Date: Tuesday, January, 27, 2010

My name is Farhia M. Absie. I am a contractor for the Somali Service of Voice of America (VOA). I write this letter with heavy heart knowing that I have no choice but to officially give up on a job in which I love doing with all my heart. However, my boss, Mr. Abdirahman Yebarow Weheliye left me and other reporters before me no choice but to leave the Somali service of VOA. Not to do this at this time enables to diminish my credibility as Journalist and as a human being.

Mr. Weheliye’s Abusive Behavior

Mr. Weheliye is aggressive, and he continuously insults and demeans me as well as others at the service. He is unprofessional and the most incompetent boss I have ever worked for. He tries to make up for his short comings by putting others down. He is inferior to anyone who is not from his clan. This behavior has baffled me for the longest time knowing that he is responsible to lead a service that was supposed to be impartial to what’s happening in Somalia. A service that’s deeply needed by Somalis that hungry for fair and unbiased news and information. However, I just recently discovered the roots of his hostility towards me: I have made strong friendships with several of my coworkers (one was forced to resign few months ago) who Mr. Weheliye sees as enemy and people to be fought and resist against because of his clans political and historical grievances against them.

This behavior made the news room an uncomfortable battle zone because of Mr. Weheliye’s constant harassment of others he did not like due to their tribal affiliations. Indirectly, he tried to turn me against some of these people at the service that belonged to other tribes. These staff members that he wanted me to turn against were from the same tribe as my mother, and when I rejected this to his face, he took it as I siding with them and against him. I reminded him that this is the United States of America and the Somali Service doesn’t belong to any particular clan. I told him that this was a news organization, and the mission of the U.S for this Service was to help deliver accurate news on the plight of the Horn of Africa. I warned Mr. Weheliye privately many times to disengage from his clannish hostility towards me and others. I told him that I don’t like the clan system that continues to destroy Somalia to this day to become an issue in our workplace in the United States of America.

It was at this time that Mr. Weheliye saw me as an enemy to be rid off as he has done to others before. But I resisted, and some of the employees including me begun to complain about being signaled out because of our friendships or tribal affiliations. Some have now left VOA because of this targeting, but I have decided to fight against his behavior which fueled his actions towards me even further. I however, stood up to him many times letting him know that no matter how much he tries to demean me or demote my duties by eliminating my air time, the Somali people are not blind, deaf and dump. They know who the most talented broadcasters at the service are. It’s not something he can cover up with the nurturing and promoting of those that he thinks are not threat to him. Those that he knows owe him because they were hired unfairly and unjustly from the beginning. The most incapable and incompetent people at the service are those from his tribe. Most of them are uneducated and have no natural talent; they know that they would have never got any other job that’s not in a factory if it wasn’t VOA. That’s why they take his abused.

Mr. Abdirahman Yabarow Weheliye him self is a fraud in many ways and he know it. The reason why he can’t tolerate and gets intimidated by others and anyone else who is not like him is because the only job he has ever held more than few years was driving a Taxi in Washington DC. Somali people know who he is and the fact that his broadcasting record is completely fabricated.

I do not prescribe to the whole tribal thinking, I consider myself Somali and a citizen of the world—and I am deeply disturbed by the cruel mismanagement and clannish behavior of Mr. Abdirahman Yebarow Weheliye and some of his newly arrived clan members at the service.

The reasons mentioned above and many others mention bellows are the reasons why my integrity will not allow me to remind with this Service. Therefore, I am here by resigning from VOA.

I understand that those above Mr. Yebarow have chosen to turn a blind eye and to file behind him no mater what. However, I am hopeful that those of you at the top will have the integrity to open your eyes and seek out the truth of why he is having problems with everyone who is not from his clan, but not anyone from his clan. It’s the Somali way of life. When it comes to someone from your clan member against someone else, its common to always filed and stand shoulder to shoulder with your clan member, right or wrong.

The Somali service has no Somali intellectuals that listen to, it’s a joke. And the way it’s going now, it only contributes to the fire in Somalia. And will no way help the message that the U.S wants to send or share with the Horn. Most people have no respect for the service because they quickly realized how corrupt it is and the fact that it feeds to the same propaganda agenda that is responsible for the demise of the southern Somalia.

My future is too bright for this service. I have dreams that Mr. Weheliye and his small minded friends alike cannot even imagine. That’s why I am moving on. I list the following for future reference if anyone is ever interested. I’ll also attach an invoice that Mr. Weheliye asked me to do last year for someone who was not at the time a member of the Somali service. This information has been forwarded to the members of the media and the office of the Inspector General. This work was never done by this person who is a close relative of Mr. Weheliye. He decided that he wanted to reimburse her the money in which she bought her flight ticket to America.

1- Abuse of federal Contract

2- Unfair hiring practices

3- Discrimination on the basis of Clan and retaliation

4- Miss use of the VOA Somali Service to attain and to fulfill certain agenda which clearly undermines the U.S policy towards Somalia and the goals of the Somali Service.

5- Fraud.

It won’t be long before all the others or at least most others that don’t belong to his tribe follow me and those that left before me. I Have faith that justice will prevail and the U.S tax payers will not continue to fund the very same practices that keep on fueling the conflict in the Horn of Africa.

I thank you for giving me the opportunity to be able to serve my deeply wounded people and fellow Somalis.

Sincerely,

Farhia M. Absie

Wikileaks: Discussion with Woyanne intelligence chief.: Wikileaks reveal Ethiopia´s fear of ONLF, and much more

U.S. Ambassador Donald Yamamoto sent to Washington the following cable regarding his discussion with Woyanne intelligence chief Getachew Assefa. This is one of the over 1,000 U.S. embassy cables from Ethiopia that are expected to be posted on Wikileaks.
Monday, 08 June 2009, 12:33
S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 04 ADDIS ABABA 001318
SIPDIS
EO 12958 DECL: 06/07/2019
TAGS PGOV, PINR, PREL, KPAO, ET
SUBJECT: UNDERSTANDING THE ETHIOPIAN HARDLINERS
Classified By: Ambassador Donald Yamamoto for reasons 1.4 (B) and (D).
SUMMARY
——-
1. (S) In a rare meeting with the elusive head of the Ethiopian National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) and main hardliner within the powerful executive committee of the ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) party, Ambassador and NISS chief Getachew Assefa discussed a wide range of regional and bilateral issues. Getachew made clear during the four hour private meeting that Ethiopia sought greater understanding from the U.S. on national security issues vital to Ethiopia, especially Ethiopia’s concerns over domestic insurgent groups like the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF). He spoke at length about former Addis Ababa Mayor-elect Berhanu Nega XXXXXXXXXXXX; VOA’s biased reporting; the dangers of former defense minister Seeye Abraha’s growing authority within the opposition; Ethiopia’s views on democracy and human rights; Eritrea’s role as a rogue state in the region; and regional issues including the importance of supporting the Transitional Federal Government and a rapprochement with Alhu Sunna Wal Jama’a (ASWJ) as the only option for Somalia’s survival; and the need for U.S. reconciliation with Sudan. End Summary.
TOWARD A BETTER UNDERSTANDING
—————————–
2. (S) Through the arrangements of former U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, Irv Hicks, Ambassador met with Ethiopia’s national intelligence chief, Getachew Assefa, for a four hour private meeting on June 4. Getachew, noted for his eccentric behavior and elusiveness, explained to the Ambassador that he welcomes greater dialogue with the U.S. Embassy, but underscored the importance of deeper U.S. understanding of Ethiopia’s security concerns. Characterizing the U.S. relationship as sound and expressing appreciation for the cooperation with the U.S. on special projects on counterterrorism, Getachew emphasized that Ethiopia shares U.S. views on high value targets (HVT) like Robow and al-Turki as threats to regional stability. But domestic insurgent groups, like the OLF and ONLF, should also be treated as terrorists because they have safe haven camps in extremist-held areas in Somalia and receive support and assistance from the very same HVTs that the U.S. and Ethiopia are trying to neutralize. Such support makes the ONLF and OLF accomplices with international terrorist groups, Getachew argued. Just as Ethiopia would not meet with domestic U.S. insurgent groups, referring to individuals and groups who would conduct bombings of U.S. government offices, abortion clinics and advocates of racial and gender hate, Ethiopia would not want U.S. officials to meet with Ethiopia’s domestic insurgents who bomb and kill Ethiopian officials and citizens.
3. (S) Getachew added that the GOE does conduct talks with the ONLF and OLF and there are groups, like the Ethiopian elders, who reach out to the membership in an effort to end the violence. Getachew stressed that this is an Ethiopian process by Ethiopians and should remain an Ethiopian-led, Ethiopian-directed and Ethiopian-coordinated process. Ambassador made clear that the U.S. Administration does not meet with the ONLF and that the U.S. is in close consultations with Ethiopian authorities on their views on the ONLF and OLF, and that the U.S. supports the work of the Ethiopian Elders to end the violence. Getachew noted the visit to European Capitals and Washington of ONLF senior leaders and said they met with staffers in the U.S. Vice President’s office. The Ambassador said that we had no evidence that a meeting took place with the Vice President’s staff and stressed that the State Department did not meet with the ONLF group. Further, the U.S. military no longer meets with alleged ONLF supporters in the volatile Ogaden region of eastern Ethiopia because of security concerns. The Ambassador stressed that such meetings in the past was for force protection of U.S. military civil affairs team working in the dangerous Ogaden region near Somalia, but in the last few years there has been no contact. The Ambassador added that there should be closer discussion between he U.S. and Ethiopia on this issue.
U.S. GIVES EXTREMISTS A VOICE AND LEGITIMACY
——————————————–
ADDIS ABAB 00001318 002 OF 004
4. (S) Getachew complained pointedly that Voice of America (VOA) is biased and gives a platform for extremist elements. XXXXXXXXXXXX
5. (S) Getachew also discussed the VOA reports covering former State Department official Greg Stanton of Genocide Watch, who charged Prime Minister Meles of crimes against humanity as a result of Ethiopia’s incursion into Somalia in 2006. Getachew complained that VOA Amharic reporting was biased and not even handed. He did note that VOA English was fine. VOA Amharic service does not interview Ethiopian officials who can refute “false assertions” espoused in the VOA interviews. Getachew praised Germany’s Deutsche Wella service for its balanced and yet hard hitting reporting. Getachew underscored that if the GOE is doing something wrong or does not have the support of the people, news services have an obligation to highlight such problems. Getachew said VOA, however, seeks to report only what is anti-government or lend support for the opposition. Getachew concluded that the U.S.G., because of VOA Amharic service is an official arm of the U.S.G., lacks neutrality in its support for the opposition and this undercuts relations between the two countries. The Ambassador replied that VOA is a very independent media and the U.S.G. does not have oversight and control over the content of the reporting.
6. (S) XXXXXXXXXXXX
THE OPPOSITION
————–
7. (S) Getachew commented on Ethiopia’s opposition leadership underscoring that he wishes to see a vibrant opposition movement, but currently, the NGO community and foreign missions support the opposition blindly without critical analysis. XXXXXXXXXXXX
ADDIS ABAB 00001318 003 OF 004
8. (S) XXXXXXXXXXXX
DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS
————————–
9. (S) Getachew echoed common themes advocated by the ruling EPRDF party stalwarts from the Prime Minister to the party faithful. He stressed that the EPRDF supports democracy and that it is the goal for the ruling party to eventually give way to other parties of common vision in fighting poverty and a commitment to support the process of democratization. Getachew said he would support opposition parties if they have a better message to help Ethiopia overcome poverty, improve health care and education, and raise the standard of living of the Ethiopian people. He added that the U.S. and others should look at Ethiopia’s democracy efforts and human rights record as a work in progress. It will take time but Ethiopia is moving in the right direction that will make Ethiopia a democratic state.
FOREIGN POLICY: ERITREA, SOMALIA, AND SUDAN
——————————————-
10. (S) Getachew described Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki as “no martyr,” who sought to survive and establish himself as the predominate leader in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia stands in the way of Isaias’ grand design and it is his goal to divide Ethiopia and weaken it through terrorism. Getachew remarked that one of Isaias’ bodyguards was in Dubai and then defected to Ethiopia. The bodyguard remarked that Isaias was a recluse who spent his days painting and tinkering with gadgets and carpentry work. Isaias appeared to make decisions in isolation with no discussion with his advisors. It was difficult to tell how Isaias would react each day and his moods changed constantly. Getachew added that Eritrea trains over 30 rebel groups at Camp Sawa near the Sudan border and graduates are infiltrated into Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia to enhance instability and target Ethiopian interests. Getachew expressed dismay with Kenya in allowing Eritrean intel officers and military trainers who support al-Shabaab in Somalia, to bribe their way out of Kenya and return to Eritrea. He explained the activities of Abraha Kassa, Eritrea’s elusive intel chief who directs Eritrea’s Somalia operations.
11. (S) On Somalia, Getachew said the only way to support stability was through support for the ASWJ which attracts a wide range of support from all the clans, especially those groups in conflict with each other. The ASWJ has been effective in countering al-Shabaab and is ideologically committed to Sufism and the defense of Islam against the extremist salafists which form al-Shabaab. Getachew said the U.S. can best help by supporting the ASWJ and TFG to cooperate, to pay salaries of TFG troops and support the IGAD and African Union which are seeking to sanction Eritrea, implement a no fly zone, and close ports used by extremist elements.
12. (S) On Sudan, Getachew urged the U.S. to engage Bashir and the Sudanese leadership. Sudan, more than Somalia, poses the greatest threat to regional security and stability, Getachew argued. The prospects for a civil war which destabilizes the region would be devastating. The only country that would benefit would be Eritrea.
COMMENT
——-
13. (S) It is interesting that Getachew’s description of President Isaias mirrors Getachew’s own character, as well.
ADDIS ABAB 00001318 004 OF 004
Getachew avoids speaking with foreigners and few foreigners really know him. He is not well liked within his own agency for decisions he makes in isolation which, at times, make little sense and are not discussed in consensus with his staff. His apparent hot temper and reclusive habits have made it difficult for his staff to gauge his moods and understand his thought process. The Prime Minister himself and other EPRDF leaders have remarked to the Ambassador that it is difficult to talk with Getachew and to meet with him, but that his loyalty to the EPRDF is never in question. Despite his poor reputation, Getachew is regarded as a strong EPRDF hardliner and commands considerable authority and influence within the powerful EPRDF executive committee which lays down the policy for the ruling party and the government. While relations with NISS officials below Getachew’s rank are extremely cordial and, depending on the unit, very close, the Ambassador has met with Getachew only twice in the past three years, and other Embassy staff have also met with little success in engaging him. Even visiting senior U.S. intel officers have not been successful in meeting Getachew. Ambassador will pursue future meetings with Getachew but he will never be a close contact. End Comment. YAMAMOTO H/T
Elias Kifle

WikiLeaks cables: Saudi princes throw parties boasting drink, drugs and sex.. Wikileaks: Underground party scene in Saudi

VOA-Somali Service: an enclave dominated by one clan.

  Terror Free Somalia Foundation: Editorial
update on Problems in the VOA-Somali Service
Upon its revival on Feb 2007 the VOA Somali Section personnel were clearly recruited on clan bases, formulated in 4.5 rule. I was one of the Somali Journalists interviewed and called to serve. The VOA Somali was intended to utilize objectivity and bias free sources. An experienced journalist to become part of well selected pool of reporters was required to appear for
both the interviews & skills assessment where he/she resided, in my case, I took the test and screening interview in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Few months later, I was contacted by an official from the VOA over the phone and was informed that I successfully passed the interview & the skills test. However the same official asked me the name and the place where I was born? My response was: Hargeisa. A short while later, my telephone rung again, this time I was asked which part of Somaliland or Puntland I belong to? This later ‘quiz’ had truly shocked me and I started to question myself. What has ‘clanism’ that doomed the whole nation of Somalia--once the bright rising star of the Horn of Africa--has to do with the journalism profession that calls for fair, unbiased and a balanced reporting, free from vested interests and the sick ideology of tribalism that marred most parts of Africa.

I worked in the Somali Section of the VOA for nearly four years and in that tumultuous period, I encountered numerous situations that differed in nature. During my early days with the VOA Somali Section, which was headed by a gentleman by the name Fred Cooper, I felt a confident sense of fairness and equality among all the Somali staff members, on top of that, a well balanced programming. Unfortunately this short lived peace took a nose dive soon when Mr. Abdirahman Yabarow took the wheel. It was not surprising to the staff, given the nature of the case which had everything to do with the fact that Mr. Yabarow had no prior experience of management. In fact, he had been a cab driver for 25 years and never really managed difficult tasks in his life. He had no substantial knowledge or prior experience of journalism either. Mr Yabarow soon started designing plans to employ only Somali Nationals who belong to his clan (Hawiye) in order to ensure that whatever plan he had in mind worked. He completely blocked or tainted the selection process of the potential employees; he took every effort to make sure that a vacant position at the Service would not go public; anyone that somehow managed to find out the foul practice, was threatened or singled out on the bases of clan affiliations in particular those from Darood and Isaq clans, the two other prominent Somali Clans, apart from Yabarow’s clan.

I recall at least 12 qualified journalists who learned their faith after they were notified by Mr. Yabarow. They were told, “You failed the test, therefore, you were not supposed to be granted the jobs you sought.” Astoundingly, during the same time three other individuals with mere basic journalism knowledge--who indeed failed the test whilst Mr. Cooper was the head of the Somali Service--were all hired back, simply because they are from Yabarow’s clan (Hawiye).
Due to the above mentioned events within the corridors of the VOA Somali Service, not many could have avoided the popular norm that the new Department head embraced an open ‘clanism’ strategy. Onset, Yabarow started to make sure he removed all the previous staff members under Cooper. This was conducted as an internal conspiracy shared by few to design a Service where everyone owed Yabarow, since most of the less skilled people he hired were individuals who had to return a favor. Eventually, the new comers sided with him on all issues, including the most illogical matters.

Following are some of the most experienced, truly qualified journalist that departed from the the service, as a result.
.
1- Mohamed Omer Ahmed (Haydara)
2- Mohamoud Ahmed Abdalla
3- A/Salan Salwe
4- Fathia Mohamed Abssie
5- Khadra Husein Guray
6- Ali Abdi Harare

Despite, I stayed and worked very hard to get recognition from the ‘new boss.’ However, after I could no longer bear the organized chaos within the work place and pure aggressions perpetrated towards me by Yabarow, on the bases of my clan affiliations, I decided to confront him personally which led us to have a closed door meeting. I pleaded him to remain fair to all the staff members and mentioned to him that the Department is: for all Somalis, and that I would like to see him to let them do their job. For a short while, we made a little progress in the scrutiny. I had to remain steadfast notwithstanding he promoted every single person who came after me. Those individuals never delivered a news before, and were incapable to put a radio hour together, but they got the break anyway. Some of the editors whom he recruited while I was there, did not even know how to do a simple line up, and I was the one who did their job while they got paid. I had to stay because I enjoyed the journalism profession and I raise a family. Apart from the short compromise, my words fell into a deaf ears and Yabarow continued his behavior and tyrannical practices.

He even interfered with my work, as simple as picking a political discussion topic or he often directed instructions to me in order to exclude the reputable individuals in the weekly political discussion program, simply because they are either from Puntland or are known critics of the
Transitional Federal Government of Somalia (the TFG) which is led by President Sheikh Shariif (Same clan as Yabarow’s).

Per VOA Somali Section Chief instructions, the following individuals are barred to participate in political discussions program, often aired on Sundays:

1. -Professor Abdi Ismail Samatar
2. - Osman Abdi Nur Hashi
3. - Mohamed Abshie Walde
4. -Omer Farouk
5. -Awad Ashare

People in particular journalists and other intellectuals questioned why did Yabarow took extreme measures against these famous scholars? I would simply respond that my position is: a contractor with lesser rights and that the upper command decided so. To shed light to Yabarow’s scandalous acts, some Somali vigilantes complained to the Office of the Civil Rights, but nothing has been done. One has to understand how government laxity works in order to get what we had to go through.
After all, Yaborow secretly receives money by selling open positions in the service. Positions are awarded to the highest bidders. People are being brought from as far as Mogadishu when the most skilled Somalis are right here in the United States of America. Worse, there is no one who even possesses a Green Card that’s left in the Service, a strategy that puts Yabarow an advantageous position. This should make people wonder why that is. Could it be that Yabarow’s insecurity led him to practice ‘evil’ tactics? Well!, it would not be the first time that Mr. Yabarow did something illegal. It is a public knowledge, he was arrested in Saudi Arabia in an armed robbery he participated, 30 plus years ago. He was also arrested in Nairobi, Kenya on fraud charges, 6 or 7 years ago. Yabarow is an avowed candidate for corruption and embezzlement. For example, there are people in the service now, who received federal government funds for a work that they did not do. These accounts may seem incredible and hard to believe but there is a tangible evidence to back up most of the wild accusations.

The bottom line is: it does not seem that Yabarow or his superiors care about news transparency. But perhaps one of those days someone will listen carefully and hopefully something will spark that will alert authorities from the Broad Casting Board of Governors or the VOA leadership. Restoring the dignity and the respect the VOA Somali Section once enjoyed, is both crucial and worthy.
By Ali Abdi Hadhadhe Email: dhalool@gmail.com

 We welcome the submission of all articles for possible publication on Terror Free Somalia Foundation Send your comments and articles to terrorfreesomalia@gmail.com
Abdirahman Warsame is the Executive Director of the Terror Free Somalia Foundation.a national grassroots organization that opposes terrorism and supports democracy in Africa. regular contributor American Thinker . .Pajamas Media and .other American conservative organization

Somali Voice of America reporter let out of jail

The Voice of America broadcast service said Wednesday that a Somali stringer who had been jailed without charges since late December has been released.The VOA stringer, Mohamed Yasin Isahaq, had been held in the semiautonomous region of Puntland, the broadcaster said."Mr. Isahaq is an excellent journalist and we join his colleagues and his family in welcoming his release," Gwen Dillard, director of VOA's Africa Division, said in a statement from Washington.On Dec. 20, the Somali government's Puntland Intelligence Services surrounded Isahaq's house with armed vehicles and took him into custody, VOA said.His arrest came days after he reported a story for VOA on the plight of internally displaced Somalis in and around the southern part of Galkayo, Puntland.In November 2009, Isahaq suffered a minor chest injury after police in Galkayo shot at his car at a police checkpoint.The Committee to Protect Journalists has expressed concern about what it calls a "deteriorating situation" for journalists in Puntland and the rest of Somalia. CPJ's Africa Program coordinator Tom Rhodes has praised Isahaq as one of "the best journalists "working in the region.VOA's Somali service broadcasts 3 1/2 hours of radio programming daily, seven days a week, aimed at Somalia and the rest of the Horn of Africa region.The Voice of America, which first went on the air in 1942, is a multimedia international broadcasting service funded by the U.S. government through the Broadcasting Board of Governors.VOA broadcasts approximately 1,500 hours of news, information, educational, and cultural programming every week to an estimated worldwide audience of more than 125 million people. Programs are produced in 45 languages and are intended exclusively for audiences outside of the United States.http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9D2TVU00.htm

Somali Islamists seize radio transmitters for BBC,Insurgent Group Bans VOA, BBC Broadcasts in Somalia,Al-Shabaab uses terror to stop local stations from retransmitting BBC and VOA

Insurgent Group Bans VOA, BBC Broadcasts in Somalia

Somalia's al Shabaab takes BBC off airMOGADISHU, Somalia

— Somali Islamists on Friday seized radio transmitters that let the local population hear news programs from the British Broadcasting Corporation, witnesses said.Militia group al-Shabab accused the BBC of broadcasting anti-Islamic propaganda.Resident Jibril Abdi said the extremist group's fighters confiscated FM radio transmitters in the capital of Mogadishu. Other witnesses reported the same in other towns.The BBC said in a statement it was "concerned at any attempt to prevent its broadcasts reaching its audiences in Somalia and is working hard to get back on air."Jerry Timmins, BBC Head of International Relations and Africa Region, said, "The action has resulted in all BBC output being taken off air including BBC Somali, Arabic and English language output.""The BBC speaks to all sides in Somalia — including al-Shabab — and reports events as they unfold. It is essential for the people of Somalia that the BBC is allowed to continue to report accurately and impartially on the situation in the country without undue interference from anyone."The BBC has been broadcasting in Somali for 50 years.Al-Shabab insurgents control much of southern and central Somalia, including large portions of Mogadishu. They frequently threaten or assassinate journalists whose coverage they disagree with.The group wants to topple the country's weak U.N.-backed government and replace it with an Islamic state. Somalia has not had an effective government nearly 20 years.

Al-Shabaab uses terror to stop local stations from retransmitting BBC and VOA
ooriginal reporting source riginal reporting source
 According to Terror Apologist Website Somalia...original reporting source habar-gidir hawaye..

widespread reports country's territorial waters has been given to offshore oil Drilling and illegal fishing Fish European and Asian Companies . Somali MPs to debate over size of Somali territorial waters.Former Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Mohamed Moalim Hassan has announced in an interview with the VOA Somali broadcast that Somalia’s designated Sea border will be 12 nautical miles

update on The Somalis are caught between a rock and hard place. Choosing between two bad choices Thieves and Terrorists.Law No. 37 on the Territorial Sea and Ports, of 10 September 1972 : update Qarammada Midoobey: "Waa in la sameeyo cabirka xuduudda badda Soomaaliya ee EEZ si Dawladda Soomaaliya looga saaro Kumeel-Gaarka"Xukuumadda FKMG oo 19-ka December 2011 ka Tanaasuli doonta Xeerkii Badda Soomaaliya ee soo jirey 40-sano

Admiral Faarax Qare "Soomaaliya Waxay ku Waayeysaa 97% xuquuqdeeda Badda ay haysato hadda, Haddii la tirtiro Law no. 37"

Somalia the most corrupt country MPs of the transitional federal government are today expected to meet in the Golaha Sha’abka where they will debate over fate of the size of the Somali territorial waters as enshrined in the 19th December 2011 roadmap.According to the Somali water law of 1972, Somali territorial waters covers up to 200 miles.The law was incorporated to the international convention on the law of the sea of 1982 that later became into full force in 1994.The minister of fisheries and natural resources of Somalia, Abdirahman Sheikh Ibrahim who paid a visit to Seychelles has yesterday reported to parliament about his assignment in Seychelles. according to Somali Navy Admiral Farah Cumar Ahmad and Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Mohamed Moalim Hassan issued the government is trying to change the law NO# 37 .

Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Mohamed Moalim Hassan has announced in an interview with the VOA Somali broadcast that Somalia’s designated Sea border will be 12 nautical miles, contrary to 40 year old Territorial Sea and Ports Law No. 37, which Somalia ratified in September 1972.

FormerTFG Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Mohamed Moalim Hassan

It’s unfortunate that the minister openly admitted this malice as reflected in his statement:”The problem that exists is: it was to be, notwithstanding we had the ratified law in place in 1972, which say Somalia’s Territorial Sea (Waters) is within 200 nautical miles, but that law was not recognized internationally…they told us ‘we only recognize 12 nautical miles’ for Somalia,” the minister did not say whether he condones or opposes the intent of this dangerous proposal.

Note: If the statement of the minister substantiates, Somali people will be deprived of a territorial sea (waters) estimated 2, 158, 506 km square (approximately 2.2 million kilometer square).

LISTEN TO THE MINISTER’S INTERVIEW WITH THE VOA-SOMALI:

Halkan ka dhegeyso Waraysiga Wasiirka KKHBB (VOA – May 8, 2011)Defend Somalia’s sovereignty, in particular the Territorial Sea which has been under attack since the fall of Somalia’s central government in 1991.Please read the complete report on Somalitalk.com

Ra'iisul Wasaaraha DFKMG Cabdiweli M.C. Gaas su'aashi aan waydiiyay, ayaa ku jawaabay “…"Haddii Aynu 200nm Sheeganno, Baddeennu waxay gelaysaa Jidda, Sucuudi Arabia" Ra'iisul Wasaaraha DFKMG. Admiral Faarax Cumar Axmed "Xuduuda Badda Soomaaliyeed ma ahan 12nm ee waa 200nm
"

Somali Government Claims Control of Border Town. BBC News - Somalia: Government captures al-Shabab militia bases. Somalia pro-government forces retake border town. Kenya mounts search for 9 Shabaab

African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) peacekeepers patrol in their tanks along a main road in Hodan district in of the capital Mogadishu, Somalia, March 4, 2011
Somali officials say pro-government forces have retaken control of a border town from al-Shabab militants, after several hours of heavy fighting.The officials said Saturday that security forces and government-friendly militia have seized Belet Hawo on the Kenyan border.A military official told the Reuters news service that 20 militants were killed in the fighting.The capture of Belet Hawo is part of the government's offensive to end control by al-Shabab fighters of large parts of the capital, Mogadishu, and of Somalia's central and southern regions.  Al-Shabab is trying to overthrow the government and set up a strict Islamic state.  A report by an AU commander in Somalia said recent fighting in Mogadishu has killed at least 40 peacekeepers and wounded 130 others.The figures, cited in excerpts of a letter obtained by VOA's Somali service, are far higher than those publicly disclosed The letter said AU troops suffered the casualties during operations last month to retake key sites from al-Shabab militants.  The letter said the operations involved peacekeepers from Burundi.A spokesman for the AU peacekeeping contingent, known as AMISOM, would not confirm or deny the casualty reports. But a spokesman for EU foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, told VOA Friday the bloc has information that at least 50 AU troops have died in recent fighting in Somalia.Somalia's government has held on to parts of Mogadishu with the help of AU peacekeepers from Uganda and Burundi VOA

Somalia pro-government forces retake border town

BBC News - Somalia: Government captures al-Shabab militia bases

 Kenya mounts search for 9 Shabaab

Condemnation of genocide in Kismay city (jubbaland state of somalia)

we condemning the barbaric action against Kismayo which was done inthe name of resistance (islam) by a coalition TERROR group. Kismayo was ruled by clan mareehan army .was the one of the most peaceful places in Somalia terror free zone , al shabaab and ONLF wanted only bloodshed and they killed at least 100 innocent lives. Althoughthey are using the name of islam , they are really clan motivated. They have committed a genocide and revenge.we condemning the chaos and disorder of the al shabaab .with ONLF Kabalax clan and hawiye clan use Islam .The speaker of Al-Shabab group. most of them are clan motivated . We Want The World To Know somalia The clan-based media . most of the media are false and misleading specaly kablalax media(plogs ).Garowe Online and hawiye media (bbc somalia)(voa) (hiiraan)(mareeg) (shabaeele) and arab media al jazeera and iran press tv . ect .Finally we calls all Somalis to open their eyes and beaware of the danger and the consequence of this unashamed al shabaab group.
We somalia american and the world should work with responsible somalia clan ... in fighting terror. It's a real concern of ours - terror taking root in the Horn of Africa. We don't want to see another safe haven for terrorists created. Our interest is purely in seeing Somalia achieve a better day."
When the US put al-Shabaab on its list of terrorist organisations it was a source of celebration for them. Sheikh Muktar Robow, an al-Shabaab leader, welcomed US action against his followers.
"Al-Shabaab feels honoured to be included on the list. We are good Muslims and the Americans are infidels. We are on the right path," he told Al Jazeera.

BBC Somali Section, like everything else in our world, is constantly changing. What was once strict ethic of the BBC may be considered as non ethic now.
It is unfortunate that the internationally accredited BBC is still accommodating a Somali Warlord and permitted him to use the only source of information and news of the Somali people, for his sinister and criminal advocating propaganda internationally. Yusuf Garad is a Somali Warlord who is to be removed like all others were disgracefully chased away from their strong forts.
Yusuf Garad is using a distant fort called BBC Bush House, where he devours irrationally all news that doesn’t match his wishes. He immorally disregards all information and news that does not serve his purpose, which is clannish in one time, hate propagating and supporting certain factions against others on the other hand. Last year during the time when the extremist Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) controlled many regions of Somalia including the Mogadishu, the capital city; Yusuf Garad blatantly sided with his uncle Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys who was the Head of the Shura of UIC. He over publicized the UIC out of proportion.
Yusuf Garad deliberately publicizes all negative propaganda against the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and its efforts to bring about a peaceful reconciliation. The reason is simple and clannish; because Abdillahi Yusuf Ahmed is from a different clan. Similarly, Yusuf Garad undermined and diluted almost all the positive and reconcilable endeavors of the TFG. He shamefully calls and holds international telephone conferences, by inviting, from around the world, certain elements of the Somali society who share his morbid opinion and casts through the BBC Somali service. He uses the BBC Somali service as a vehicle and tool to proliferate his religious and political believes.

we talk a bout voa in 1-12-2008

Problems in the VOA-Somali Service http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/01/problems_in_the_voasomali_serv.html

al shabaab Terrorist media

SOMALIA AL-SHABAB GROUP LINKS TO AL-QAEDA THEY HAVE WEBSITE WWW.KATAAIB.NET IN VANCOUVER WA, PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR BILL WARNER

Somalia May Miss Key Political Benchmarks

                                                                           Garad Jama,
NAIROBI —Observers of Somalia's political transition process say the final political benchmarks to end the transition, including the election of a new president, will not be met by the August 20 deadline. An arbitration committee working to solve clan disputes on how to share parliamentary seats is yet to reach agreement. Some reports also say the technical selection committee working to screen and approve members of the next parliament objects to some of the candidates put forward. The transition process calls for clan elders to choose members of a new parliament. Those new lawmakers will then elect the new president.In the next three days Somali officials are expected to finalize the list of 275 members of parliament, election for speaker, his two deputies and finally the president.

Garad Jama, the chief of the arbitration committee, told VOA some clans still have to agree on how to share seats allocated to their clans, sub-clans and sub-sub-clans.“The distribution of MPs [members of parliament], some clans like Marehan clan, they had difficulties sorting out how to distribute members of their MPs," said Jamaa. "Also they were not sure how to or they were some disagreement on how to distribute among clans.”Jamaa also says politicians and government officials are constantly interfering with the process of selecting new lawmakers.“There is interference from politicians, either from the federal government and local administration like Puntland [region of Somalia] is interfering constantly the way or who the elders should choose," he said.

Somali local media are reporting the Technical Select Committee (TSC) has rejected more than 60 selected potential legislators because of their connection and involvement in Somalia’s civil war.Professor Abdullahi Hirey, head of the TSC, told VOA's Somali service Wednesday it is important to block such people who have committed crimes against their own people.There is a problem, he says, Somalis are suspicious that there are other people from outside who are involved in the process. Hirey said whether you are a Muslim or not, when someone has committed crimes even if he is your brother you have to say the crimes he committed we have to be honest about this most of these things it’s a general knowledge (war criminals) and we know it.In a statement the United Nations special representative for Somalia, Augustine Mahiga, said the process to end the transition has been difficult and required hard and courageous decisions.Mahiga said, as the end to the transitional period nears, Somali political leaders, elders and other parties have come too far to fail. H\T-  voa

Alshabab spokesman Terrorist Ali Rage: ‘Alshabab has nothing to do with the Galgala conflict’

Mogadishu: Terrorist Sheikh Ali Rage told the press today, “Alshabab is not involved in the Puntland’s Galgala military confrontation…The war is between Puntland Intelligence Service and the local clan inhabitants,” Terrorist Sheikh Ali Mohamud Rage.

“The Galgala Muslim population took up arms to defend their religion, dignity and land. You will succeed, be patient and fight against opression by Ethiopian stooges,” He said. “You have the right to defend your faith, property; God is on your side and you will defeat the enemy.” He added. Sheik Rage also accused the media to have exaggerated Alshabab animosity towards Puntland.

Puntland authorities put the blame on Alshabab to have perpetrated yesterday’s attack on Puntland Security Forces. Though the semiautonomous president, Abdirahman Farole claimed victory over the militia, local sources reported heavy losses on the Puntland Forces.

Earlier, the leader of alleged group in Galgala mountainous region, Abdulkadir Farah talked to Somali Public Radio, “we are not Alshabab, Alshabab operates in southern Somalia,… they are not here any shape or form. We are fighting against injustice and clan sabotage.” The president of Puntland Farole hates us because of our believes and the willingness to accept Sharia law,” Mr. Farah.

After the Alshabab press release, many have questioned the validity of the recent media reports. Reuters Abdi Sheikh reported that the group’s allegiance to Alqaida linked Alshabab, was admitted by group’s founder Sheik Atom to reporters in Galgayo Town. However, there is no trace of such an admission. Eventually, the source of the news came from Garoweonline, which is owned by Puntland President’s son, Mohamed Farole.

Sheikh Atam, an elusive cleric fought Puntland previous administration in the past over oil and mineral exploration projects. In 2006, 15 people died in Majayahan village, and after several failed missions, the then Puntland’s President Ade Muse, abandoned the bloody projects. Ever since, the Sheikh Atam and his militia stayed in Galgala, Majayahan and Dalan, and call themselves ‘The Defenders of Sanaag Resources.’ Meanwhile, some say Puntland’s President, Abdirahman Farole, who resided in Australia and holds Australian citizenship, wants to resume the oil and mineral exploration projects, a plan which the people of the area (Galgala, Majayahan, Dalan, etc) fiercely oppose.

The region is under developed and is populated by marginalized communities. Currently, Puntland has no police, local government, and institutional presence in the area. President Farole has never set foot in Sanaag, Haylaan and Western Bari and is accused by local inhabitants of diverting international aid to Garowe, capital of Puntland and President Farole’s hometown.

Since the last military confrontation, the area has remained calm after the local elders mitigated another deadly conflict.One Response to Alshabab spokesman Ali Rage: ‘Alshabab has nothing to do with the Galgala conflict’  news sources. laasqoray.org
confirm the news
Breaking News: - Sheikh Atam Give an Interview. VOA-  he confirm the voa news heavy fighting between  his armed groups and Puntland force .in Galgala . He said  to  voa  The Conflict is the between  (local clan)  local  galgal residents and  Puntland President Farole’s  clan., ... In the interview,  He said to   had nothing to do with shabaab and this is  clan-based political conflict . nothing but tribal conflicts.
... I don't know what to make of it," listen to yourself. ..
 Do you think  Pirate kingpin Farole is  Playing the terror card ??

"We Report, You Decide,"
just like Fox News