Africa Oil war has impacted communities in Galgala, Balanbal and places in the Ogaden

Analysis

Ethiopian Army killed and injured civilians in Balanbal district, Central Somalia, an incident believed to have connections to gas and oil exploration pursued by Melez government in the Ogaden and extended to the border with Somalia. Similar incident took place in the town several months ago where the Ethiopian Army murdered and maimed more than dozen people including three prominent Marehan clan chiefs. The action of the Ethiopian government is deeply rooted in their quest to exploit region’s mineral and oil reserves. As of now, Africa Oil and Cinmax (small mafia operandi organizations) are conducting Seismic tests in the Ogaden and the surrounding regions. In Ogadenia, in 2006, the rebel group ONLF in an ambush, attacked Chinese staffers who where drilling gas wells in the region. Nine Chinese and many Ethiopians where killed in the attack. However, unreported, the illegal mineral and oil exploitation undertaken by small unpopular corporations under the pretext of economic development, cause civilians in those regions to suffer. In the Balanbal situation, Ethiopian Army is engaged active war in the reserve area (Somalia-Ethiopia border) with the border inhabitants to displace thousands of people in order to reach its goal which is: to steal natural resources of the people of Ogaden and neighboring, unprotected reserve area.

In the Africa Oil website, ongoing projects in the Ogaden and Puntland autonomous state are presented ready to view. The partners in the deal are the Melez administration in Ethiopia, Puntland Regional Government, African Oil and its subsidiaries. Often oil schemes involve cash handouts to the willing partners under the guise of operational costs. Masterminds like Africa Oil, market their schemes on their website openly, even go as far as demonstrating their strategy towards sharing operational costs with external companies just serving them promissory note to ascertain future revenue shares. It is a dangerous undertaking since the civilians in those regions are mere subjects who have no say whatsoever. For example, in Central Africa country of Congo, hundreds of thousands of civilians have been uprooted from their homelands under the curtain of development projects. Africa Oil and the like are out there to scavenge unprotected resources of smaller nations with no legitimate governments present.

Africa Oil other resource exploitation projects has also sparked intensive war between Puntland government and the defenders of the Sanaag Natural Resources. In that confrontation alone, 90 people have been reported killed and thousands wounded. Communities’ only food sources–farms and wells–have been set ablaze or poisoned. Africa oil in collaboration with President Abdirahman Farole of Puntland, has delivered its final verdict on these communities. President Farole ( Africa Oil Partner), first ordered people to leave their homes or face the impossible, then, a week later he gave the army ‘green light’ to invade Galgala some 60km from Bosaso. And though the military initially captured the town, operations have been seized temporarily after the Puntland Army lost many soldiers. No one knows what is to follow.


Te end, in the light of the recent displacements of viable communities in Central Africa and the ongoing onslaught in Galgala and Balanbal, the international community has the obligation to step in: 1) Provide protection to the civilians in the cross fire. 2) Ban the stolen resources and Africa Oil’s trade activities. Indeed, Africa Oil’s self incriminating reports indicate for the foreseeable future, they will continue hunting for unprotected resources, whilst depriving the people of their God given rights to the resources. If the world does not do anything and continuous to watch unprovoked, Nigeria’s Delta region like resistance–unstoppable–will pop up in many places of Africa and Asia.

Terror Free Somalia Foundation Horn of Africa Political Analyst
Mohamud Ahmed
maash68@gmail.com

©2010 All rights reserved. Users may download and print extracts of content from this article for their own personal and non-commercial use only. Rebublication or redistribution of this report, including by framing or simeans, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Terror Free Somalia Foundation
terrorfreesomalia@gmail.com

Anti-draft constitution protesters march in central Somalia town of Balanbal

BALANBAL (tf.sf)- Anti-draft constitution demonstrators, including women and children, marched on Thursday through the streets of a town in Somalia’s violence-torn, reports said.The marchers who took to the streets of Balanbal town, Galgadud region, shouting slogans against the new draft constitution for Somalia led TFG Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohammed Ali.Abdirisaq Abdulle Igal, one of the Organizers who delivered speeches at the crowds voiced their opposite against the new draft constitution, saying the new constitution endangers and disgraces the region of Islam and the dignity of sacred Somalia culture and value.The protest which started early on Thursday rocked the whole streets of Balanbal town and the demonstrators were also strongly condemned the arrest of some Somalia’s PM office this month by the order of Abdiweli Mohammed Ali, TFG premier. H/T kismayo24

update .Somali border violence claims 10 lives... Ethiopians, Somalis Clash, Civilians Displaced

At least 10 people have been killed and 30 others wounded in clashes between Somali villagers and Ethiopian forces in Ethiopian-controlled Somali region of Ogadeni.

According to witnesses, the clashes broke out after Ethiopian troops attacked Jeed village of Shillaabo region in Ethiopia leading the residents to take up arms against the Ethiopian forces, a Press TV correspondent reported. The dead included Ethiopian soldiers, the witnesses report, adding that villagers started to flee from their houses in fear of more fighting between the two sides. "Dozens of Ethiopian special police forces launched onslaught on the village after three of their colleagues were killed," said a Somali elder, who added that, "armed youths retaliated the onslaught resulting in the death of 7 innocent civilians." Last month, 20 civilians were reportedly killed in clashes between villagers and Ethiopian forces in border village of El-Dibir, where residents clashed with the foreign troops. In a similar incident in May 12, residents of northwestern Somalia's self-declared republic of Somaliland were killed in a purported Ethiopian military incursion. MSH/MB update Somali border violence claims 10 lives

Ethiopians, Somalis Clash, Civilians Displaced
Balanbal — Clashes between Ethiopian troops and young Somalis has broken out in parts of the Somali region under the control of Ethiopia on Tuesday morning, witnesses say.Reports say that the fighting started at Jeed village, between Balanbal and Lasanod village which is 70 kilometers to the west of Balanbal district of Galgudud region in central Somalia and controlled by Ethiopia.Sources said that fighting came as the more of the Ethiopian forces of the new police attacked Jeed village where there had been more young Somali people who had fought with the Ethiopian troops who were recently making military movement in the area.

The Ethiopian troops attacked at Jeed and opened fire to Somali civilians at Fadhigarale in the Somali region where they ha wounded three civilians whose injuries rushed to Balanbal district on Monday according to witnesses who said that they had fled from their houses as the clash started.It is unclear the reason of the Ethiopian troops' attack and the real casualties of the fighting.It was 9th of last month as the Ethiopian troops attacked Eldibir village where they had killed more than 20 Somalis, most of the elders of the region.

PuntlandNews :Africa Oil Reports Operational, Financial Ops for 1Q11

update on Africa Oil war has impacted communities in Galgala, Balanbal and places in the Ogaden

(PuntlandNews  TF.SF)Africa Oil announced its financial and operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2011.
Highlights and accomplishments during the first quarter of 2011 included:

• The Company completed the acquisition of Centric Energy Corp. ("Centric"), a publicly traded oil and gas company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. Total consideration paid was valued at $60.2 million and included the issuance of 30,155,524 AOC common shares. Centric's primary asset is Block 10BA in Kenya which is strategically located within the highly prospective East African Tertiary Rift System between AOC's Block 10BB and its South Omo Block. Centric and Tullow Oil plc ("Tullow") are joint venture partners on the Block 10BA. In addition, Centric also has a carried 25% interest in Block 7 and Block 11, both located in the Republic of Mali and operated by Heritage Oil Corporation.
• Africa Oil entered into amending agreements with the Government of Puntland in the quarter, represented by the Puntland Petroleum and Mineral Agency, in respect of the production sharing agreements ("PSAs") for the Dharoor Valley Exploration Area and the Nugaal Valley Exploration Area. Under the PSAs, as amended, the First Exploration Agreement has been extended for a further 12 months, from January 17, 2011 to January 17, 2012. Under the amended PSAs, AOC is obligated to spud a minimum of one exploratory well in the Dharoor Valley Exploration Area by July 27, 2011. A second exploratory well is required to be spudded in the Nugaal Valley Exploration Area or, at the option of AOC, in the Dharoor Valley Exploration Area, by September 27, 2011. In conjunction with this amendment, the Company completed its farmout agreement with Red Emperor Resources NL ("Red Emperor"). Under the terms of the farmout agreement and an election made by Red Emperor to increase their interests, Red Emperor will earn a 20% interest in both the Dharoor and Nugaal Valley Blocks and is committed to paying a disproportionate share of costs related to the one well drilling commitment included in the first exploration period of both the Dharoor and Nugaal Valley Production Sharing Agreements.
• The Company signed a definitive agreement with Lion Energy Corp. ("Lion"), a publicly traded oil and gas company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Lion. Pursuant to the agreement with Lion, AOC will acquire, by way of a plan of arrangement, all of the issued and outstanding shares of Lion in consideration for 0.20 common shares of AOC for each common share of Lion. It is anticipated that 17,233,636 AOC shares will be issued as consideration to acquire Lion. Lion is a joint venture partner of AOC in Kenya and Puntland (Somalia), and currently holds the following working interests; 33.3% in Block 9 (Kenya), 10% in Block 10BB (Kenya), and 15% in each of Dharoor Valley and Nugaal Valley (Puntland). In addition to the above properties, Lion estimated that it had cash, accounts receivable and investments in marketable securities with an approximate aggregate value of CAD$30 million at the date of signing the definitive agreement. A meeting of Lion shareholders, to approve the transaction, is scheduled to be held on June 8, 2011 and, assuming shareholder approval, the transaction is expected to close shortly thereafter.
• Subsequent to the end of the first quarter, Africa Oil entered into a letter of intent for the creation of a new Puntland focused oil exploration company. The new company will be created as a result of the transfer of AOC's interest in its oil and gas properties in Puntland (Somalia) to Denovo Capital Corp. ("Denovo") (the "Transaction"). Denovo is a capital pool company and intends for the Transaction to constitute the "Qualifying Transaction" of Denovo, as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. Under the terms of the letter of intent:
  • Africa Oil and Denovo will negotiate and enter into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Africa Oil will transfer to Denovo all of the issued and outstanding shares of its subsidiary holding companies (the "Puntland Subsidiaries") which hold participating interests in the Dharoor Valley and Nugaal Valley Production Sharing Agreements in Puntland (Somalia) (the "Puntland PSAs"). Africa Oil will receive, in consideration of the transfer, 27,777,778 common shares of Denovo. As a result of the Transaction, the Puntland Subsidiaries will become wholly owned subsidiaries of Denovo.
  • Africa Oil currently holds a 45% participating interest in the Puntland PSAs. Upon completion of the transaction for the acquisition of Lion Energy Corp, AOC's participating interest in the Puntland PSAs will be increased, directly or indirectly, to 60%. It is anticipated that the entire 60% participating interest will be transferred to Denovo.
  • The definitive agreement will provide for conditions precedent that are standard for a transaction of this nature, including receipt, by both AOC and Denovo, as required, of all regulatory, partner and third party approvals including TSX Venture Exchange approval. Denovo will also seek Denovo shareholder approval for a proposed 0.65 (new) for 1.00 (old) consolidation of its common shares and a change of name of the company, both of which are conditions precedent to completion of the transaction. It will be a condition precedent of the transaction that Africa Oil will have completed its proposed acquisition of Lion Energy Corp. and that Denovo will have completed a private placement of CAD$35 million comprised of 38,888,889 subscription receipts of Denovo sold at a post-consolidation price of CAD$0.90 per subscription receipt. Each subscription receipt will be exercised, upon completion of the transaction, into a unit of Denovo, comprised of one common share and one share purchase warrant (a "Denovo Warrant"). Each Denovo Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire an additional Denovo share for $1.50 for two years, subject to accelerated exercise provisions if the Denovo shares trade at greater than $2.00 for 10 consecutive trading days. It is anticipated that the definitive agreement will be entered into during the second quarter of 2011.
  • Africa Oil will acquire 11,111,111 subscription receipts in the private placement financing, for proceeds of CAD$10 million. At the conclusion of the Transaction and the private placement financing described above, AOC is anticipated hold approximately 55% (non-diluted) of the issued and outstanding common shares of Denovo. Upon completion of the Transaction it is expected that Denovo will meet the listing requirements of the Exchange for a Tier II Oil and Gas Issuer.
• Africa Oil ended the quarter in a strong financial position with cash of $77.8 million and working capital of $57.2 million as compared to cash of $76.1 million and working capital of $70.6 million at December 31, 2010. The Company's liquidity and capital resource position improved since year end primarily as the result of payments received upon the completion of farmout transactions. Working capital improved $24.4 million subsequent to the end of the quarter as the current portion of the warrant and convertible debenture obligations were settled in shares.
• Africa Oil currently has more than sufficient funds to meet its portion of the $163 million expenditure obligations ($43 million net) as per the active work programs approved by the Company's Board of Directors for 2011. During the first quarter, the Company spent $5.0 million of the 2011 Board of Directors approved $43 million in capital expenditures.
• As of the end of the first quarter, the Company has completed all previously announced farmout transactions with Tullow. Tullow has acquired a 50% interest in, and operatorship of, five of AOC's east African exploration blocks, comprised of four exploration blocks in Kenya and one exploration block in Ethiopia.
• The Company completed the amendment to their farmout agreement with Lion. The amendment reduced Lion's interest in Block 10BB to 10% (originally 20%) and eliminated its interest in Block 10A (originally 25%).
• The Company, together with its joint venture partner Lion, entered into the First Additional Exploration Phase under the Block 9 PSC in Kenya. As a result of the withdrawal of its two other joint venture partners, AOC will now hold a 66.7% working interest in the PSC and has been approved by the government as Operator of Block 9. Lion will hold the remaining 33.3%. The First Additional Exploration Phase commenced on December 31, 2010 and will expire on December 31, 2013 with a one well work commitment (minimum depth 1,500 meters).
• The Company continued to actively explore in East Africa:
  • In Block 10BB, the Company, together with its partners, is currently in the process of undertaking Full Tensor Gravity ("FTG") surveys and finalizing the prospect and lead inventory on Block 10BB. Drilling is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2011.
  • In Block 10A, the Company, together with its partners, has completed recording approximately 800km (gross) of 2D seismic. Seismic data acquired is currently being processed. The Company expects to drill a well on this block in the fourth quarter of 2011.
  • In Puntland, the Company has recently signed a letter of intent with a drilling contractor and plans to spud the first well in the Dharoor Block during the third quarter of 2011. A second well in the Dharoor Block is planned to commence following completion of the first exploration well.
  • In Block 9, the Company, together with its partners, has recently commenced 750km (gross) 2D seismic survey focused on the oil prone Kaisut sub-basin. The seismic crew has recently commenced recording and is anticipated to be completed during the third quarter of 2011.
  • The Company completed its seismic acquisition program in the Company's Ogaden area of Ethiopia, acquiring 500 km 2D seismic. The new data has been integrated with existing seismic to generate a series of new prospect maps. The Company continues to focus efforts on the large El Kuran prospect.

Keith Hill, President and CEO, commented, "Africa Oil continued to add highly prospective exploration acreage to its portfolio during the first quarter of 2011. Exploration activities continued throughout the quarter with FTG, 2D seismic and drilling preparations continuing on multiple blocks. The Company is very well financed, has a well diversified exploration portfolio and reputable joint venture partners. We are looking forward to the commencement of continuous drilling in 2011."Rigzone

Government soldiers take over central town,Somali Government Forces Take Over Key Town

BALEDWEYNE. Somali government soldiers have taken the control of Beledweyene town, the regional capital of Hiraan region in central Somalia, witnesses and official said on Sunday.
Residents said the government soldiers have for the first time seen in the west part of the town where the Islamist rebels have been controlling since the withdrawal of the Ethiopian troops.
Mohamed Dhaqane Aar, a Somali MP said the government soldiers led by General Mukhtar Hussein Afrah seized the western part of the city without strong resistance and that one of the government soldiers was wounded in short fighting between the Islamist rebels and the government soldiers on Sunday morning. There is no word from the Islamist rebels in the town and it is not known why they have vacated their bases in the western part of the city, but more Ethiopian troops with armoured vehicles entered in Balanbal town in Galgaduud region and Kalaberka, a key junction near Beledweyne on Saturday. Residents reported that the Ethiopian troops moved towards Beledweyne town on Sunday morning and arrived in Elgal town about 20 km north of Beledweyne.
Somali Government Forces Take Over Key Town
http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-07-26-voa8.cfm

‘Arms smugglers’ raided : Arms destined for Pirateland Raided in South Africa

 update on

Tribal enclave separatist Puntland sings ‘secret deal’ with Saracen Energy Company, based in Houston

THE MERCURY

Police inspect weapons confiscated in a raid on a Westville, Durban home. Photo: Puri Devjee

Four people, including three women, were arrested on Thursday when Durban police raided a Westville home and seized weapons and ammunition believed to be destined for Somalia to help in the fight against piracy, but which had been illegally diverted.

Among the weapons seized were eight 308 rifles, two shotguns and two AM3 assault rifles with telescopic lens and silencers. They were hidden in one of the rooms in the house.

The firearms were found still in their transportation cases. Police also recovered 592 rounds of ammunition and 12-bore rounds.

Police spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mdunge said that preliminary investigations showed the firearms had been transported from Malta.

He refused to say who the weapons were destined for as this was still being investigated.

The investigation which led them to the house in Westville had been ongoing and more firearms could be found.

“We believe the firearms were illegally diverted to South Africa, but how they ended up in Durban remains a mystery,” he said.

“We believe the house was being used as a firearms holding area,” Mdunge said.

Those arrested, two 20-year-old women, a 28-year-old woman and a 39-year-old man, would appear in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court today.

It is believed that part of the house had been converted into offices where two women were working.

Somali pirates have been involved in a spate of hijackings around the Horn of Africa, including that of a Durban couple who are still being held captive.

Bruno Pelizzari and Deborah Caitz were kidnapped along with skipper Peter Eldridge on October 26.

Ten days after their capture a Dutch naval vessel gave chase and ran their vessel ashore. The pirates fled along with the couple, leaving Eldridge behind after he refused to leave the yacht. Eldridge was duly rescued by the Dutch and brought back to Richards Bay.

On Thursday Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Clayson Monyela said: “There is nothing new on the South African couple who were hijacked by Somali pirates.”

In another incident involving South Africans, two men from Cape Town who were falsely arrested for ownership of allegedly smuggled goods as well as for “impersonating journalists”, were released and arrived at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday.

Anton van der Merwe and Chris Everson, a cameraman and a sound recordist, who both work for an American documentary news show, were travelling to work on an independent production in Somalia. Their producers had told them to board a charter aircraft at Entebbe international airport in Uganda.

Piracy off the coast of Somalia has been growing rapidly, with numerous vessels being hijacked and held for huge ransoms.

A number of international organisations such as the International Maritime Organisation and the World Food Programme have expressed concern over the rise in acts of piracy, incidents of which have contributed to an increase in shipping costs and impeded delivery of food aid shipments.

A multinational coalition naval task force has been established to monitor and inspect vessels along the north-east African coastline.

Countries which are party to this task force include France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States. - The Mercury iol
· Some background.

Somalia’s Separatist media committed to spread baseless stories

 

Pirates' Haven - Al Jazeera English

The Pirates Are Winning! :

The pirate kings of Puntland Hijackers get $1.8m for ship

PIRACY SPECIAL The pirate kings of Puntland

Lobbyist hired to combat more Somali pirates??The Pirates of Puntland hired a Lobbyist

Africa Oil war has impacted communities in Galgala, Balanbal and places in the Ogaden

 

Some Harsh Words for al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militant from caretaker prime minister Abdi Wahid Goonjeeh : C/Waaxid Goonjeex “Horta Al-Shabaab yay yihiin, yaa hogaamiya, xagee loogu hagaagaa…”

shabaab leadar on the left

Sii hayaha xilka Ra’iisul wasaaraha Soomaaliya Md. C/Waaxid Cilmi Goonjeex ayaa sheegay in natiijada kulamada New York iyo Madrid ay yihiin kuwo faaiido u leh dadka iyo dalka Soomaaliyeed, Beesha Caalamkana ay muujisay taageerada ay u hayso Dowladda KMG ah.
“Damaca Ra’iisul wasaaraha cusub ee la filayo waa igu jiraa, balse ma ogi xilkaasi cid loo magacaabi doono” ayuu yiri Sii hayaha xilka Ra’iisul wasaaraha Soomaaliya.

C/Waaxid Cilmi Goonjeex waxa uu sheegay in Ra’iisul wasaaraha cusub looga fadhiyo soo celida Ammaanka iyo tayanta ciidamada oo hela Tashiilaadkooda oo dhan, islamarkaana uu noqdaa mid wadaniyad leh oo abuura ilo dhaqaalo oo caalami ah, buuxin karana baahidaasi.
“Horta Al-Shabaab yay yihiin, yaa hogaamiya, xagee loogu hagaagaa, heshiis ma ogol yihiin, taasi waa maya, waa dad aaminsan hadaf aan muuqan oo ay ku jiraan Ajaanib, oo aan lahayn xuduud, una haystaana in Dhulka Ilaah abuuray oo aan la kala lahayn, sitana calan gooni ah, ayna wataan rag ay amiiro u yaqaaniin, islamarkaana Ajnabi u dooran kara inuu madaxweyne ka noqdo Soomaaliya” ayuu yiri  Md. Goonjeex oo sheegay in ficilka Al-shabaab  in xoog lagu maquuniyo maahee aysan jirin heshiis iyo wadahadal ay ogol yihiin.
Md. Goonjeex oo u waramaayay Radio Muqdisho ayaa sheegay in xukuumadda cusub ee la dhisi doono ay dejin doonto qorshaha isbadal ee xiliga dhow, taasoo sida la rajaynaayo ku talaabsan doonta waxqabad muuqda.

caretaker prime minister actually has more power than the president given the current circumstance of somalia.because he heils from marehan clan The only  clan in south  waging war  fight against Somali Jehadest on  two Different Front. Jubaland State of Somalia and Somali Central State aka suffi . A Sufi militia defending parts of Somalia's central regions from al-Qaida-linked ...Dhusamareb,  Abudwaq,dhabad ,Galinsoor and Balanbal in the Galgadud region. he is from town of  Abudwaq

Somali Sufi Islamists seize town from Alshabab

Somali Islamist group of Ahlusunna( Sufi )seized Guriel town in central Somalia after a brief battle with Alshabab Terrorist on Saturday, residents said.The Islamist Ahlu sunna seized the town that locates 300 km from Mogadishu. 15 person killed while more than 20 others were injured in the fighting that created more fears to the residents of the town."It is true that Islamists (Ahlusunna) captured Guriel, Alshabab fighters left from the town, resident man Elmi Hashi told by phone. Latest reports indicate that the fighters seized the town are patrolling the entire streets of the town.Witnesses said the fighters gave short speeches to people of the town after seizing it from a handful of Somali troops."We are not going to harm you and your people so keep calm," they told the people of Guriel... Guriel is Terrorist Hassan Dahir Aways MOST WANTED Hometown .The situation is reportedly calm as Ethiopian troops are heading to the town from near Balanbal town in Galgadud region. power struggle jehadist militia inside Habar Gidir Take Place Habargidir (cayr)hometown The most savage Hawiye occupy the south central portions of Somalia ...Original Story we translat ..http://www.bbc.co.uk/somali/news/story/2008/12/081227_shabaab_ahlusunna.shtml
Related Stories
Al Shabaab Guerrillas Seize Town in Galgadud Region After Battles
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al-Shabaab Terrorists Destroy Christian and Sufi Holy Sites in Somalia
http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/195567.php

Radical Islamists linked to al-Qaeda set to take control of Somalia http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/somalia/3964681/Radical-Islamists-linked-to-al-Qaeda-set-to-take-control-of-Somalia.html

Somali Central State Part 3.avi

Somali Central state Balanbal caabudwaaq sade daarood galgaduud soomaaliya horumarin Shirkii beesha Sade Leicester United Kingdom

Sufi Militia Says Al-Shabab Planning to Attack Galgadud Region

A Sufi militia defending parts of Somalia's central regions from al-Qaida-linked militants says it believes al-Shabab has shifted some of the group's military focus from Mogadishu to the central regions and is preparing to launch attacks in the central Galgadud region.Fighters for the Sufi Ahlu-Sunna Wal-Jama'a militia are said to be on high alert in Ahlu-Sunna strongholds, including Dhusamareb, Guri-el, Abudwaq and Balanbal in the Galgadud region.Earlier this week, a spokesman for the Sufi group, Abdullahi Abdirahman al-Qadi urged residents in towns under its control to remain vigilant and to report any al-Shabab presence or activity.
Stability
Horn of Africa observer Stig Jarle Hansen at the Norwegian Institute for Urban and Regional Research says if al-Shabab attacks and is able to capture Dhusamareb, it could significantly affect the stability of Somalia's semi-autonomous Puntland region as well.The Puntland government is battling an Islamist insurgency in the remote mountains of northern Somalia, led by factional leader, Mohamed Siad Atom, who has pledged allegiance to al-Shabab and is believed to have links with al-Qaida,Analyst Hansen says the fear is that if Ahlu-Sunna is chased out of Dhusamareb, al-Shabab may be able to advance to the Puntland-controlled area of Galkayo and link up with Atom's forces."The wider picture is that al-Shabab has been slowly but surely expanding north into Galgadud province," said Hansen. "In fact, the last stronghold of the Sufists before you reach Galkayo is Dhusamareb. If Dhusamareb falls to al-Shabab, that might change the whole strategic situation."
Buffer
Although Ahlu-Sunna suffers from internal divisions, it has served a vital role as a buffer force against al-Shabab ambitions to seize all regions in southern and central Somalia.Ahlu-Sunna's heightened concern in Galgadud follows a major offensive launched by al-Shabab in the Somali capital Mogadishu during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Al-Shabab, which aims to turn Somalia and other parts of the region into an ultra-conservative Islamic caliphate, carried out two separate suicide attacks in the city and, following fierce battles, took over several government bases. But it failed in its larger objective to take the presidential palace and other key sites that remain under A.U. and government control.
Unable to seize all of Mogadishu, observers say there is a possibility that al-Shabab could be shifting its strategy and looking once again to target Galgadud's largest town, Dhusamareb.In January, al-Shabab forces briefly seized Dhusamareb from Ahlu-Sunna Wal-Jama'a in what analysts described was part of a move to encircle the government in Mogadishu by extending its authority throughout central Somalia. Ahlu-Sunna fought back several days later and regained control of Dhusamareb. It has controlled the town ever since.Ahlu-Sunna's reputation in Somalia has been tainted by reports that it is supported by Somalia's regional rival, Ethiopia.Alisha Ryu

Nairobi 14 September 2010  voa
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In Somalia's war, a new challenger is pushing back radical al-Shabab militia
Ahlu Sunnah Commandoes
Moderate Islamists say deal with Mostly Hawiye Wahhabi Government failed
ASWJ's Victory Over Terror, The Sufi Islamist organization Ahlu Sunna wa al Jama’a (ASWJ)
Militia group vows to crush radical Islamists

Clan Rivalry Complicates Terrorism Fight in Puntland

Photo: AFP Abdurahman Mohamed Farole, president of Somalia's northern breakaway state of Puntland speaks in Apr 2009 at a press conference in Nairobi (file photo)

The United States says it is planning to boost ties with Somalia's two autonomous regions - Somaliland and Puntland - in an effort to restore stability in the south and to curb the spread of Islamic extremism. Some analysts say the move, however, may end up increasing violence and instability in Puntland.In late July, Puntland government forces began fighting with militants loyal to an Islamist factional leader based in the remote and mountainous Sanaag and western Bari regions of northern Somalia.
Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole said the assault was a counter-terrorism operation, targeting the terrorist leader of the Puntland cell of al-Qaida, Mohamed Siad Atom. The Puntland government has linked Atom to numerous kidnappings, bombings, and assassinations in the region since 2008.In March, the U.N. Monitoring group for Somalia said it believed Atom was one of the principle suppliers of arms and ammunitions for al-Shabab, an al-Qaida affiliate that controls much of southern Somalia. A month later, the United States Treasury Department froze Atom's assets and those of a nearly dozen other suspected Islamist militants in Somalia. But the leaders of the Warsangeli, a sub-clan of the larger Somali Darod tribe, say the conflict in the north is not about entirely about terrorism. They say it also is about long-held political and economic grievances the Warsangeli have had against the Puntland government since the region declared autonomy in 1998.
Somalia observer Stig Jarle Hansen of the Norwegian Institute for Urban and Regional Research in Oslo said if the United States is planning to assist the Puntland government in its fight against Atom, it will need to approach the situation with extreme caution."The danger is that you could suppress the Warsangeli in a drastic way," said Hansen. "Or you could act in a way that mobilizes the Warsangeli to the Shabab side. So, you can make your predictions come true through your own actions."The leadership of the Puntland government is dominated by members of the Majeerten sub-clan of the Darod, and there has long been a simmering power struggle between the two sub-clans for control of Puntland's lucrative commercial hub, Bosasso.The rivalry between the sub-clans boiled over into a bloody confrontation in 2006, when Mohamed Said Atom's militia attacked Puntland security forces to protest exploration rights the government gave to an Australian mining company in the mineral-rich Sanaag and western Bari regions. The Warsangeli said the deal was struck without its permission. In recent years, the Warsangeli, and other Darod sub-clans in Puntland have complained bitterly about the Puntland Intelligence Service, a counter-terrorism organization created in 2001, and which receives considerable support from the United States. The clan makeup of the powerful service is predominantly Majeerten, and the organization has been accused of working to empower one clan at the expense of others.
Somalia observers warn a narrowly-focused U.S. engagement with the Puntland government, specifically in the counter-terrorism field, could unintentionally spark an inter-clan war. They say the conflict then could be exploited by al-Shabab to expand its influence into the far reaches of northern Somalia.VOA
President Faroole fumbled the ball!!!
Galgala: Farole’s Waterloo
Africa Oil war has impacted communities in Galgala, Balanbal and places in the Ogaden
Somalia's once stable Puntland hit by insurgency
SOMALIA: Prominent Somali Legislator speaks about Puntland’s oil deal and the uprooted Galgala community . In related news Puntland pirates join the Galgala fight

somali Commemorating Independence Day,Somali Independence Day Marked In Minneapolis

http://www.dowladnimo.com/index.php?action=fullnews&showcomments=1&id=2142
The military parade on National Day will offer the public a unique opportunity to see "Somalian Technical" display" of advanced military technology, the Presidential ... Siad Barre last president
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxUo_uGjb3w
The Somali National Army was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRkaPyyEwgA&feature=related
Dark Day .history of Somalia .January 26, 1991.Collapse of the somali nation( Key Players )
The Somali Conflict Root causes , peace-building strategies

Happy Independence Day, Happy Birthday somalia

Gathered Friday in many towns in central Somalia to commemorate 26 of June, the freedom day of northern Somalia and when the flag of Somalia was erected.
Northern Somalia, now the breakaway republic of Somaliland gained its independence from Britain in 26 June 1960 and the first Somali flag was erected in Somalia soil.Residents in central Somali towns said hundreds of people have gathered in Dhusamareb, Guriel, and Balanbal towns in Galgaduud region in central Somalia where Ahlu Sunna Waljama’a controls. and puntland
The demonstrations were organized by Ahlu Sunna Waljama’a religious organization and officials from the organization addressed to the people.
The officials said they were commemorating the day when the first Somali flag was invented and erected in the soil of Somalia.They have also talked about the desecration of graves by al Shabaab in southern Somalia and condemned the actions of destroying graves.
Somalia’s president Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed and prime minister Omar Abdirshid Sharmarke sent congratulations to the Somali people in the corners of the world commemorating the 49 anniversary of when the Somali flag was erected and the freedom day of north Somalia.
Somali Independence Day Marked In Minneapolis
http://wcco.com/local/somali.independence.day.2.1061924.html

Tribal enclave separatist Puntland sings ‘secret deal’ with Saracen Energy Company, based in Houston

An article under the guise of false coastal guard training mission, was posted on Garoweonline.com:  Puntland signed an agreement with Sarecen Company to train its Marine Forces,  a clear indication that Farole’s camp is once again attempting to cover up the ‘oil exploration deal’  signed with Saracen Energy Group, based in Houston. The story conceals the bargain and communicates fictitious message: “Government of Puntland is of the firm belief that Saracen International will make a significant contribution to establish, train and mentor the Puntland Marine Force according to the strict rules, guidelines and restrictions that are issued by the highest office of the Puntland government,” Garowe Online. Other reports mentioned another company: Kuwait Energy Group  has been contracted to make oil and mineral explorations in Puntland, but no one knows their level of involvement in Puntland’s illusive deal making.
In the past, Puntland leased commercial oil and mineral exploration rights to Range Resources, African Oil (Canmax) and other dubious companies. All efforts failed after the people of the region revolted against the misuse and exploitation of the federally mandated Somalia’s resources. In 2006 an armed conflict broke out between Puntland Dervish Forces with Puntland Intelligence Service on one side, and local militia in Majayahan mountainous belt. At least 15 people including 9 soldiers lost their lives. The project was abandoned after the government failed to subdue the militia which was led by Mohamed Said Atom. President Adde Muse, then in power called off military operations and ordered troops to pull out of the region.
Four years later, and another president in power, this time Mr. Farole, a new conflict erupted in Galgala near Majayahan. Mr. Farole (current Puntland President) lived in Australia in 2006, and was initially instrumental in the original negotiations with Range Resource and Africa Oil. In fact, the  doomed oil and mineral exploitation scheme masterminded by none other than Farole and Issa Dholawa,  has been revived after Farole came to power in 2009. The current fighting in Galgala, Madarshoon, Karin, and many places in Western Bari are  affiliated to the conflicts in the past, and the same rebels led by Mohamed Atom has been fighting a fierce battle against invading Puntland Dervish Army alongside the Puntland Intelligence Service (PIS, a.k.a Ashahaado La Dirir).
Independent news media reported at least 200 soldiers killed and dozens wounded in the war.  The devastation for the civilian population has been enormous–farms were set ablaze; civilians died in the cross fire; tens of  thousands became displaced. The elders of the region requested a period of disengagement, however president Farole refused elders’ plea. He called his clansmen to take arms against the people of Western Bari Region.  ”The war in Galgala is not winnable due to the terrain and the mistrust people have in the administration,” said one of the elders. Meanwhile, the war continuous unabated, and the casualties continue to grow despite the opposing military victory claims by both the government and the militia in the region.
Notwithstanding the government claim that Atom’s forces were crushed, the militia group leader spoke to the media and claimed strong presence of his forces in the region. “Puntland has been spreading a baseless propaganda in order to silence  the people of Galgala, and to exploit their natural resources,” Mohamed Atom said.
The latest admission of the Farole administration to pursue the abandoned mineral and oil project in the Western Bari Region is contrary to what they mentioned  to the media , in the past months. Whether they guise under different name or utilize tactics coherent with their diversions, the truth will  come out in the open, ultimately. It’s here for you to see the company depicted as a marine resources organization–Saracen Energy Company official website.

Saracen is an unpopular, conservative owned Energy Company found by American West Coast Imperialist group who cherish destroying innocent communities as they proudly present in their website. “The Saracen name dates back to warriors of the Middle Ages but is also connected to an important chapter in Texas history…Alamo,” Saracen History.
Amazingly, Farole and his allies have many things in common with this group–destruction of innocent people, looting property, embracing tyranny and ego-centric ideologies.
In the light of recent events that unfolded in Puntland, and as far as central and West Africa, these kind of illegitimate projects seem to be sprouting. Those companies and their collaborators are engaged in exploiting under developed Africa through illegal arrangements.
As far as the conflict in Puntland is concerned, President Farole boldness and misuse of power will only further and strengthen the local resistance forces. Since he came to power, Puntland has been unstable and a dangerous place. Daily bombing, political assassinations and clan warfare have quadrupled , and of course, President Farole is the one to blame.
Mohamud Ahmed
Email: maash68@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 http://www.americanthinker.com/abdirahman_warsame/ . .Pajamas Media and .other American conservative organization   
Africa Oil war has impacted communities in Galgala, Balanbal and places in the Ogaden

AP Exclusive: North Somali gov't ? using private security company to train 1,000-man militia

The bloody diamond wars   of Sierra Leone, Angola and Liberia    now.  Add on more to the list SOMALIA.  This is just beginning.    
  I can't tell you for sure,  Somali government don't know nothing About this

we are totally against exploitation of Somali piracy and  Terrorism problem for Personal Gain

.
AP take our Exclusive  story  a step further 1,000-man militia being trained in north Somalia
the war on terror became a big business? Are We Losing our focus on security fight again al-Shabaab?
WHY special interest groups with Tribal Separatist entity undermining already Somalia's weakened national government  ?
my take We need Somali National Army not internationally armed clan militia?
UP-DATE ON Tribal enclave separatist Puntland sings ‘secret deal’ with Saracen Energy Company, based in Houston
In the northern reaches of Somalia and the country's presidential palace, a well-equipped military force is being created, funded by a mysterious donor nation that is also paying for the services of a former CIA officer and a senior ex-U.S. diplomat.

The Associated Press has determined through telephone and e-mail interviews with three insiders that training for an anti-piracy force of up to 1,050 men has already begun in Puntland, a semiautonomous region in northern Somalia that is believed to hold reserves of oil and gas.
But key elements remain unknown _ mainly who is providing the millions of dollars in funding and for what ultimate purpose.
Pierre Prosper, an ambassador-at-large for war crimes issues under former President George W. Bush, told AP he is being paid by a Muslim nation he declined to identify to be a legal adviser to the Somali government, focusing on security, transparency and anti-corruption.
Prosper said the donations from the Muslim nation come from a "zakat fund," referring to charitable donations that Islam calls for the faithful to give each year. The same donor is paying for both training programs.
Somalia hasn't had a fully functioning government since 1991 and is torn between clan warlords, Islamist insurgent factions, an 8,000-strong African Union peacekeeping force, government forces and allied groups. Given that mix, the appearance of an unknown donor with deep pockets is troubling, said E.J. Hogendoorn, a Nairobi-based analyst with the International Crisis Group.
"We don't know if this unknown entity is operating in the interests of Somalis or their own self-interest," he said in an interview. "If it's a company, there has to be a quid pro quo in terms of (oil and gas) concessions. If it's a government, they are interested in changing the balance of power."
The new force's first class of 150 Somali recruits from Puntland graduated from a 13-week training course on Monday, said Mohamed Farole, the son of Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole. The son, who is a liaison between the government and journalists and diplomats, told AP the new force will hunt down pirates on land in the Galgala mountains.
The range lies 125 miles (200 kilometers) north of the nearest main pirate anchorage but is home to an Islamist-linked militia that complains it has been cut out of energy exploration deals.
The Islamist militants led by Mohamed Said Atom have clashed with government forces several times this year. A March report by the U.N. accuses Atom of importing arms from Yemen and receiving consignments from Eritrea, including mortars, for delivery to al-Shabab forces in southern Somalia. Al-Shabab is Somalia's biggest insurgent group and has ties with al-Qaida.
The president's son emphasized the force was dedicated to anti-piracy, but said that he hoped greater security in the region would bring more investors into "public-private partnerships" with the government.
"You cannot have oil exploration if you have insecurity," Mohamed Farole said. "You have to eliminate the pirates and al-Shabab."
Energy exploration has started mainly just south of the mountains, although the amount of estimated reserves is unknown, or at least not publicly divulged.
Michael Shanklin, who was the CIA's deputy chief of station in Mogadishu 20 years ago, told AP he is employed by the unidentified donor country as a security adviser and liaison to the Somali government. Prosper said he is encouraging the Muslim donor nation, which insists on keeping its identity secret, to become more transparent.
The new force will be equipped with 120 new pickup trucks _ which have already arrived _ and six small aircraft for patrolling the coast, Farole said. No other force in Somalia, including the Mogadishu-based central government or African Union peacekeepers, has air assets.
Prosper said the Muslim nation is also donating four armored vehicles. A photo provided by diplomats and taken at Mogadishu's airport show two armored trucks made by Ford with gunner's turrets.
In recent weeks, Shanklin and Prosper met several Nairobi-based diplomats to discuss the contract between the Puntland and Mogadishu governments and a private security company called Saracen International, Prosper said in written replies to questions from AP. Prosper said Saracen is doing the military training and is being paid by the unnamed Muslim nation. Saracen is not providing the militia with any weapons, he said.
Uganda-based Saracen International was named in a March letter written by the Somali president's former chief of staff, Abdulkareem Jama, and obtained by AP that described training for the presidential guard. And it was named in a Nov. 18 statement from Puntland's government announcing the anti-piracy training. Bill Pelser, the chief executive of Saracen International, said it is "definitely a mistake or a misrepresentation."
Pelser denied being involved in the training program in Puntland or the one for the presidential guard in Mogadishu, saying he merely made introductions for another company called Saracen Lebanon. Lebanese authorities have no record of a company called Saracen. Pelser did not respond to requests for contact information for Saracen Lebanon.
Pelser is a former South African special forces soldier. Like many of his staff, he used to work for Executive Outcomes, a South African mercenary outfit credited with helping defeat rebel forces in Sierra Leone in return for mineral concessions.
Prosper declined to say how much the donor country has spent on the programs. Two Nairobi-based security analysts calculate it has already spent around $10 million on equipment, salaries and other costs. The analysts asked for anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to the press.
Somalia's vast swaths of lawless territory host training camps for hundreds of foreign fighters aiding al-Shabab. Lying across the narrow Gulf of Aden from Yemen, Somalia is a haven for figures seeking to escape a U.S.-funded crackdown on terrorist networks in Yemen.
Whoever controls a well-trained, well-equipped and consistently paid military force is in a strong position to make a bid for filling the power vacuum in Somalia.
Farole declined to comment on his father's political future but noted that since his father became Puntland's president, he chased many pirates out of the region and ensured regular payments for soldiers in a country where many desert because the central government is too disorganized or corrupt to pay them.
The U.N. is quietly investigating to see if the creation and outfitting of the new military force violates an arms embargo, according to a U.N. representative who asked not to be identified because he is not authorized to speak publicly.
The embargo forbids the importation of arms, military equipment or any support to any armed group in Somalia, including to any Somali government, without authorization from the U.N.'s sanctions committee. There is an exemption for support for counter-piracy operations, provided the Security Council was notified and gave permission. In the case of the new military force, the Security Council was not notified. AP

 Tribal enclave separatist Puntland sings ‘secret deal’ with Saracen Energy Company, based in Houston

U.S.’s Dual-Track Policy: Does it help or hurt the efforts to End Somalia’s Crisis?

Somalia at War – Between Radical Islam and Tribal Politics : Education Segment

Galgala: Farole’s Waterloo

 Demonstrations in Dhahar following Farole explosive remarks

MAQAAL: Dilalka siyaasadaysani waa ‘Faroole ma dhaafto’:Gunmen kill well-known elder in Bosaso town

Ms. Arbour Support for Somaliland's Secession aka al-shabaab

Africa Oil war has impacted communities in Galgala, Balanbal and places in the Ogaden

Understanding the Collapse of Somalia [opinion]

Somalia’s Separatist media committed to spread baseless stories

<< the son of Tribal Entity Puntland President  Pirate kingpin Abdirahman Mohamed Farole talking on the phone  with South African mercenaries.

The President of Puntland, Abdirahman Farole, appoints son as his media director

 

President Faroole fumbled the ball!!!

Zenawi has rafts to contemplate, forget 'diplomatic recognition' for the self-declared 'Somaliland'

 

Tribal enclave separatist Somaliland leader wears Ethiopian lapel pin :Ethiopian Military Frees Somali Elders After Days In Custody

Is it justified that Britain hosts War Lord and War Criminal Ahmed Silanyo?

 Somali Government Commends Somaliland and Puntland Initiatives to tackle Violent Extremists in Northern Somalia (Press release 46)

J. Peter Pham: A Professor ?? or Tabloid Writer! Please make that call asking them to Fire shabaab aka Secessionist lobbyist

Response To Dr. J. Peter Pham ??. lobbyist for Terrorism in Pseudo-State Somaliland ,

latest "Intellectual for Hire"J. Peter Pham Exposes Himself

Peter Pham From World Defense Review, Exposing liars and Lobbyists . For this week's segment

Facts You Need to Know

 The tribal entity sepretest Somaliland 

some of the most dangerous jihadist are from somaliland

Ahmed Godane, Alshabab Supreme leader who often imitates Mullah Omar is from Somaliland. Shirwac, American-Aslbabab martyr, is from Somaliland. Mohamed Almuhajiri, Alshabab martyr, is from Somaliland. Two Somali detainees, Mohammed Soliman Barre and Ismael Arale, were transferred to regional authorities in Somaliland. and The Danish cartoonist attacker was also from Somaliland.

Ahmed Godane, Alshabab Supreme Leader is from Somaliland.
Shirwac, the Alshabab-American, blew himself in Hargeisa was from Somaliland.
Mohamed Al-Muhajiri, Alshabab from Toronto, was also from Somaliland.
Two Somali detainees, Mohammed Soliman Barre and Ismael Arale, were transferred to regional authorities in Somaliland. 
The Danish cartoonist attacker was also from Somaliland.
Somaliland Recognition: Why it won’t happenThe Buhodleh Massacre and its link to the tribal entity sepretest Somaliland ElectionsEthiopia Massacre in Buhotle Town SSC region of Somalia.....Ethiopia is helping Somaliland: An enclave of one secessionist clan hijacking others ..Anti-separatist protesters block roads in Las Anod town vadioDear Secessionist: Keep out Sool and Sanaag from your imagined “Somaliland”Tribal enclave The separatist Somaliland administration anti- Ethiopian 
 Somaliland Recognition: Why it won’t happenTime UNDP Stood up tribal entity sepretest Somaliland