Somali premier, opposition leader meet in Mogadishu (the Hawiye clan leaders meeting in Mogadishu )

Somalia government soldiers and Islamic Courts Union (ICU) forces guard the Chairman of the Alliance for the Reliberation of Somalia Sheikh Sharif Ahmed (not pictured) on his arrival in the capital Mogadishu, December 24, 2008. REUTERS

The prime minister of Transitional Federal Government of Somalia [TFG], Nur Hasan Husayn, aka Nur Adde and the chairman of the [Djibouti-based] Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia [ARS], Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmad, today met in Mogadishu. The meeting was held at the residence of Nur Adde. The government spokesman, Abdi Haji Gobdon, briefed the press about the meeting which took place at the residence of Nur Adde in Mogadishu.
The spokesman described the meeting as friendly one in which the two sides discussed issues regarding the reconciliation process and, this as their first meeting held in Banaadir Region [whose headquarters is Mogadishu].
[Gobdon] The meeting took place. The prime minister of the TFG, Nur Hasan Hussein and the chairman of ARS, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmad, held a meeting at the prime minister's residence, but not at the presidency. The meeting was a friendly one in which Sheikh Sharif and his colleagues, including Sheikh Jalanqow, Umar Hashi and other officials numbering about 20, who are members of ARS, visited the prime minister at his residence.
Responding to a question from Holy Koran Radio whether the meeting was a closed-door one, the spokesman said:
[Gobdon] There were no journalists around, since they had not been invited. Holy Koran Radio was the first media house I gave the information. The two sides discussed the developments made by the reconciliation process and how it had started, as well as the progress to its current status.both of whom are abgaal of the SAVAGE hawiye clan

CNN Video- Ethiopian troops

Ethiopian troops to pull out soon. Ethiopian troops supporting the Somali government are expected to pull out within days after a two-year deployment.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2008/12/27/vo.ethiopian.troops.somalia.cnn

Gunmen kill Somali deputy minister

Gunmen on Saturday killed a deputy minister in Somalia's south-central town of Baidoa, witnesses said.
Ismail Hassan Timir, the deputy minister for reconciliation, was shot as he stepped out of his car in Baidoa, the seat of the country's transitional parliament, an AFP correspondent who saw his body reported. more..http://rawstory.com/news/afp/Gunmen_kill_Somali_deputy_minister_12272008.html

Fighting between rival Somalia Islamists kills 12

MOGADISHU, Dec 27 (Reuters) - Twelve people were killed on Saturday when an Islamist group seized control of a central Somali trading town in a battle with hardline al Shabaab militants, residents said.
Al Shabaab, which means youth in Arabic, captured Gurael, 370 km (230 miles) north of the capital Mogadishu on Dec. 6, after three days of fighting with a government-allied moderate Sunni Islamist group in the area.#
Locals said the Sunni Islamist group ousted by al Shabaab three weeks ago had been regrouping and launched their attack on Saturday morning.
"I have counted 12 dead fighters lying in the alleys of Gurael," witness Ali Aden told Reuters. "Some of them were injured by a mortar that landed in the hospital. Others were hit by stray bullets," he added.http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LR141197.htm
10 die in clashes between Somali Islamist militias
MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) (AP) — Clashes between two rival Islamist militias in a central Somali town have killed at least 10 people, witnesses said Saturday, as speculation continued over whether the president the ineffectual U.N.-backed government would resign.
Resident Ali Haji Dalal said she had counted 10 people killed in Saturday's fighting in the town of Guriel. Eight of the dead were fighters. Salad Nur, a nurse at a hospital in the town, said a mortar landed in the emergency department, wounding six people.
Resident Abdi Aden Yare said that in the fighting a local militia seized back control of Guriel from the extremist Islamist group al-Shabab. more..http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-12-27-somalia_N.htm

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
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Al Shabaab Guerrillas Seize Town in Galgadud Region After Battles
http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_Al_Shabaab_guerrillas_seize_town_in_Galgadud_region_after_battles.shtml

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

Rival Islamist hawiye groups unite in central Somalia

Forces loyal to the Islamic Courts Union-Asmara faction [i.e Alliance for the Reliberation of Somalia](habargidir wing) in the Hiran Region hawadle wing [central Somalia] have united with the [Islamist] Al-Shabab forces. The Islamic Courts forces in Beled Weyne [capital of Hiran Region] led by Sheikh Shuriye Ali Nur joined with the Al-Shabab movement in central Somalia.A ceremony for the union of the two forces was held today in Beled Weyne followed by a press conference. Sheikh Ali Shuriye told the Shabeelle Media Network that his group recognized the need to join the Mujahidin of Al-Shabab. Shaykh Ali Dhere of the Al-Shabab also told Mareeg that from now onwards the two factions would be known as the Great Organization of the Al-Shabab, and were united to remove the enemy (?Ethiopians) from the country.In the past, forces loyal to the Islamic Courts who were independent from the Alliance for the Reliberation of Somalia have joined with Al-Shabab.
This is the second time that forces from the Islamic Courts have joined the Al-Shabab.

ARS HAWADLE WING jehadist in Central Somalia Join HABARGIDIR WING Al-Shabab Terrorist, Both are members of Hawiye CLAN

Friday December 26, 2008 -jehadist belonging to the (HAWADLE WING OF HAWIYE )Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia (ARS) in central Somalia Hawiye heartland,have joined Al-Shabab forces. This is the first time troops from the ARS wing officially join Al-Shabab Terrorist from hawiye habargidir WING . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habar_Gidir In a ceremony to celebrate the unification of the two forces, senior officer from the two sides talked about the reasons for the unification and the importance of unity between the two groups. Sheik Shuriya Moalim who spoke on behalf of the troops that joined the Al-Shabab forces said that they decided to join Al-ShababTerrorist after realizing that ARS has deviated from the original purpose the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) was established. He added the unification of the two forces will strengthen the continuation of Jihad. Sheik Shuriya warned Somalis not to be deceived by the Djibouti agreement which he said is intended to weaken the Mujaheen. He added by saying that they are determined to fight the enemy (of Somalia) and those who support them. On the other hand, jehadist Sheik Ali Dhere who is the head of Al-Shabab Terrorist in central Somalia thanked the troops that joined Al-Shabab forces and that he hopes other Mujahideen will do the same. Recently there have been divisions among Islamic forces in the city of Beledweyne which led to parts of the city being controlled by opposing sides. Elders of the city later solved the disagreement. The unification ceremony was held in the city of Beledweyne in the central region of Hiiraan a Hawiye heartland mostly (hawadle)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawadle Increasingly differences among various factions of Islamic groups are surfacing although all of them say they are determined to liberate the country from occupation. AL SHABAAB was always fundamentally a Hawiye movement
The USC,http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohamed_Farrah_Aidid a Hawiye organization founded in 1989, had suffered from factionalism based on subclan rivalries since its creation. General Mahammad Faarah Aidid commanded the Habar Gidir clan, and Ali Mahdi Mahammad headed the Abgaal clan... The Hawiye occupy the south central portions of Somalia. The capital of Mogadishu is located in the country of the Abgaal, a Hawiye subclan. In numbers the Hawiye in Somalia are roughly comparable to the Isaaq, occupying a distant second place to the Daarood clans. since warlords overthrew Siad Bare.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 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-QAIDA
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'Unmanned spy plane' crashes in Somalia

BAIDOA, Somalia Dec 25 - An unmanned drone plane crashed in southern Somalia Thursday, with locals speculating that the device belongs to the U.S. military, The unmanned drone crashed in Baidoa, a southwestern town that serves as the Horn of Africa country' s seat of parliament. Ethiopian troops rushed to the crash site, which is locatedsomewhere between the Baidoa airstrip and the ADC Hall, home to the Somali parliament, according to local reports. "We heard two loud explosions, and then we heard [reports that] a plane crashed," said a witness who did not want to be identified. The witness described the aerial device as "too small to cause major damage," while confirming other witness reports that the drone had been flying overhead for at least 24 hours. Earlier in 2008, an unmanned drone plane crashed near Marka, the provincial capital of Lower Shabelle region. In both cases, locals said the drones were U.S. 'spy planes' on aerial surveillance missions. The U.S. military has conducted air strikes inside Somalia at least three times since December 2006, when Ethiopian troops invaded the country with U.S. support. In May, the reputed leader of Al Shabaab insurgents was killed in a U.S. air strike, where more than 20 other people died.

Somali President Yusuf Will Not Resign Position, Spokesman Says

Dec. 25 (Bloomberg) -- Somali President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed won’t resign this weekend, his spokesman said, dismissing a New York Times report he is set to quit.
“I am strongly condemning propaganda reports” claiming the president will step down, presidential spokesman Hussein Mohamoud Mohamed Hubsired said in a telephone interview from Mogadishu today. “The president will not resign and there is no case for him to resign. The president will continue his duties until his mandate” expires. The newspaper reported yesterday that Yusuf, who became president four years ago, was set to resign, a move that might spark a clan-based battle to succeed him. To contact the reporter on this story: Hamsa Omar in Mogadishu via Johannesburg at
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601116&sid=aQqEKq1aHIJM&refer=africa
BAIDOA, Somalia Dec 26 - Somalia's interim President Abdullahi Yusuf is expected to address the country's federal parliament regarding media reports that he might resign from office, .
On Friday, parliament Speaker Sheikh Adan "Madobe" Mohamed visited President Yusuf at his residence in Baidoa, the seat of parliament. President YusufNo official reports emerged following the closed-door meeting between the two Somali leaders, but a lawmaker confidentially told that President Yusuf requested the Speaker to gather MPs in Baidoa."The President has reached a decision and he wants to share his final decision with a united parliament, but lawmakers have been divided in recent weeks," the MP said.Speaker Madobe began holding discussions with groups of lawmakers in Baidoa following his meeting with President Yusuf, the sources added.Conflicting reports have emerged regarding Yusuf's final decision, with local and international press largely reporting that the Somali leader has decided to resign.MP Abdirashid Irro, a close ally of President Yusuf, told the VOA Somali Service that Yusuf has decided to resign and will address the Parliament soon. Somalia's ailing president, now in his 70s, is a former warlord who has held together a multi-clan parliament and government since coming to power in 2004.

5-year terrorism threats forecast for U.S.

Homeland Security: Beware instability in Middle East, Africa

WASHINGTON - The terrorism threat to the United States over the next five years will be driven by instability in the Middle East and Africa, persistent challenges to border security and increasing Internet savvy, says a new intelligence assessment obtained by The Associated Press.
Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attacks are considered the most dangerous threats that could be carried out against the U.S. But those threats are also the most unlikely because it is so difficult for al-Qaida and similar groups to acquire the materials needed to carry out such plots, according to the internal Homeland Security Threat Assessment for the years 2008-2013.
The al-Qaida terrorist network continues to focus on U.S. attack targets vulnerable to massive economic losses, casualties and political "turmoil," the assessment said. more..http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28387496/

Chertoff: Threat of terrorism still high

WASHINGTON - The terrorism threat to the United States over the next five years will be driven by instability in the Middle East and Africa, persistent challenges to border security and increasing Internet savvy, says a new intelligence assessment obtained by the Associated Press.http://www.kansas.com/news/nation_world/story/643096.html

China navy mission makes neighbours nervous

GUANGZHOU: A Chinese navy anti-piracy task force set sail for Africa yesterday in the nation's first potential combat mission beyond its territorial waters in centuries.
The three vessels - two destroyers and a supply ship - left a port on Hainan island amid increasing worries about China's military power. The mission will also challenge China's ability to co-operate with other naval forces patrolling the Gulf of Aden, one of the world's busiest sea lanes. Warships from India, Russia, NATO and the US are cruising the Somali waters, plagued by pirate attacks this year. China announced it was joining the anti-piracy mission on Tuesday after the UN Security Council authorised nations to conduct land and air attacks. more..http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24845277-2703,00.html
China Warships Targeting Somali Pirates In Groundbreaking Mission

Radical Islamists linked to al-Qaeda set to take control of Somalia

Fears are growing it could become a new al-Qaeda stronghold two years after a failed US-backed Ethiopian invasion.The country's weak transitional government, its 14th in 17 years, looks likely to fall once Ethiopian troops pull out at the end of December after failing to stamp out a growing Islamist insurgency.The Ethiopians are the last line of defence against a total takeover by a radical Islamist group linked to Osama bin Laden's terror organisation.The group preaches strict Sharia law and approved the stoning to death of a 13-year-old girl in October.Al Shebab, the fanatical armed wing which broke from the Islamic Courts Union which ran Somalia for the second half of 2006, now holds more than 80 per cent of the country – more territory than the Courts controlled during their reign.Rashid Abdi, Somalia analyst for the Brussels-based International Crisis Group said: "They may be forced to moderate their radical line once they take over just to stay in power. more..http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/somalia/3964681/Radical-Islamists-linked-to-al-Qaeda-set-to-take-control-of-Somalia.html

terrorist sympasizer hawiye Clan council condems plea to extend mandate of Ethiopian mission

HAWIYE Clan council terrorist sympasizer condems plea to extend mandate of Ethiopian mission. The Hawiye clan and cultural council has denounced today's plea by the African Union Security Council to Ethiopia to have its troops remain in Somalia until a replacement is found.
A news statement released by the jehadist Hawiye clan and cultural council today in Mogadishu condemned the current fighting in Mogadishu and blamed it on Ethiopian and AMISOM troops.
The terrorist sympasizer council said it was saddened by the recent call by the African Union Security Council to Ethiopian for its troops to remain in Somalia. jehadist Muhammad Arab who is the member of the executive committee read today's statement to the media.The statement also asked groups fighting government and Ethiopian troops to be mindful of areas where they are waging attacks. It said fighting in Mogadishu from 19 to 23 this month was not thought out.
The statement also commented piracy on the Somali coast saying it could lead to the occupation of Somalia.It urged the Somali people to collectively do something on the matter.
The statement comes at a time when IGAD member countries are holding emergency meetings on Somalia especially on the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops which will take place before the end of the year as announced by the government of Meles
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: Hawiye Council Chairman 'Supports' Insurgent Attacks
http://terrorfreesomalia.blogspot.com/2008/04/somalia-hawiye-council-chairman.html

Japan considering sending warship to tackle pirates off Somalia

TOKYO — Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura said Thursday that the government is considering dispatching a Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer to waters off Somalia to protect Japanese ships from increasing piracy activities.If realized, it would be the first such dispatch overseas on policing activities in the sea under the Self-Defense Forces Law.
A growing number of nations are sending navy ships to fight pirates near the lawless East African country, more http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/japan-considering-sending-warship-to-tackle-pirates-off-somalia

German warship thwarts hijack by Somali pirates
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 25 (Reuters) - Quick action by a German warship halted an attack on an Egyptian bulk carrier in the Gulf of Aden on Thursday by Somali pirates trying to hijack it, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) said.
The rescue was a sign that the foreign navies patrolling the key shipping lane linking Europe and Asia were adopting more effective tactics against the surge in piracy in waters off Somalia this year, the Kuala Lumpur-based IMB said.
"Despite the increased naval presence, the attacks are still mounting," IMB official Noel Choong told Reuters. "They (the warships) can't be everywhere, but quick action today by the German warship helped and is very encouraging."
The rise in attacks on shipping prompted NATO ships to begin anti-piracy operations off the Somali coast in October, joined by other nations such as China and India.
The Egyptian bulk carrier, with 31 crew, was sailing to Asia when Somali pirates surrounded it, firing automatic weapens and wounding one crew member, said Choong, who did not have the name or port of origin of the ship.
"The German warship was the first to the scene, responding to the Egyptian ship's distress signals, and managed to chase away the Somali pirates with its helicopter," he said. more..http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/KLR105225.htm

Backgrounder: International community's response to piracy off Somalia
http://www.undpi.org/World-News/Backgrounder-International-community-s-response-to-piracy-off-Somalia.html

German navy foils Somali pirates

The German navy says it has foiled an attempt by pirates to hijack an Egyptian cargo vessel off Somalia. Six Somali pirates were captured by sailors of the frigate Karlsruhe in the Gulf of Aden.
However, the pirates were immediately released on the orders of the German government, officials said. Separately, three Chinese naval ships were due to leave their home

MORE..http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7799796.stm
China sends warships to join patrols off Somalia
Reporting from Guangzhou, China -- Chinese warships headed toward Somalia on Friday to combat piracy, the first time Beijing has sent its navy on a mission that could involve fighting so far beyond territorial waters.The deployment to the Gulf of Aden, which has been plagued by increasingly bold pirate attacks, is a major step in the navy's evolution from mostly guarding China's coasts to patrolling far from home. MORE,,http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fg-china-pirates27-2008dec27,1,5048660.story

tribal enclave of Somaliland leader 'concerned' about Ethiopia withdrawal plan

Mr. Dahir Riyale, the Somaliland leader,met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on Wednesday in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital.Mr. Riyale [left] and Mr. ZenawiNo official reports emerged following private talks between the two leaders, but informed sources said trade and security relations were discussed at length.The Somaliland? somali northern regon leader "expressed deep concern" regarding the planned withdrawal of Ethiopian troops, "especially since not enough African Union peacekeepers are present [in Mogadishu]," the source added.It is the first time the eedor tribe Somaliland aka eedoorland or isaaqland administration has directly addressed Ethiopia's withdrawal plans.Ethiopian troops have been protecting the Somali interim government in Mogadishu since December 2006, when Ethiopia come to help southern Somalia to dislodge Mogadishu's Islamist rulers from power.In recent months, Islamist militia have steadily regained most of the territory lost in the 2006 war and now surround Mogadishu and Baidoa, the government's last remaining strongholds.Somaliland, in northwestern Somalia, unilaterally declared independence from the rest of the country in 1991 but has not been recognized internationally.Historically, the region's leaders have largely distanced themselves from engaging in the political affairs of the southern regions, but have commented on new developments periodically.the Terrorist Somali National Movement (SNM)(SOMALILAND), composed mainly of the Isaaq clan, was formed in Hargeisa with the stated goal of overthrowing of the Barre . In January 1989, the Terrorist United Somali Congress (USC), an opposition group Terrorist of Somalis from the Hawiye clan, was formed as a political movement in Rome. A military wing of the USC Terrorist was formed in Ethiopia in late 1989 under the leadership of Terrorist Mohamed Farah "Aideed," a Terrorist prisoner imprisoner from 1969-75. Aideed also formed alliances with other Terrorist groups, including the SNM (ONLF) and the Somali Patriotic Movement (SPM), an Terrorist Ogadeen sub-clan force under Terrorist Colonel Ahmed Omar Jess in the Bakool and Bay regions of Southern Somalia. , 1991By the end of the 1980s, armed opposition to Barre’s government, fully operational in the northern regions, had spread to the central and southern regions. Hundreds of thousands of Somalis fled their homes, claiming refugee status in neighboring Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya. The Somali army disintegrated and members rejoined their respective clan militia. Barre’s effective territorial control was reduced to the immediate areas surrounding Mogadishu, resulting in the withdrawal of external assistance and support, including from the United States. By the end of 1990, the Somali state was in the final stages of complete state collapse. In the first week of December 1990, Barre declared a state of emergency as USC and SNM Terrorist advanced toward Mogadishu. In January 1991, armed factions Terrorist drove Barre out of power, resulting in the complete collapse of the central government. Barre later died in exile in Nigeria. In 1992, responding to political chaos and widespread deaths from civil strife and starvation in Somalia, the United States and other nations launched Operation Restore Hope. Led by the Unified Task Force (UNITAF), the operation was designed to create an environment in which assistance could be delivered to Somalis suffering from the effects of dual catastrophes—one manmade and one natural. UNITAF was followed by the United Nations Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM). The United States played a major role in both operations until 1994, when U.S. forces withdrew. Warlordism, terrorism. PIRATES ,(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

Somali fighters warn Western powers

An armed group battling Ethiopian forces in Somalia has told Al Jazeera it will take its fight beyond the country once it defeats its rivals."We are fighting to lift the burden of oppression and colonialism from our country ... We are defending ourselves against enemies who attacked us," Abu Mansoor, the leader of al-Shabab, said."Once we are successful with that we will fight on and finish oppression elsewhere on earth," he said. more..http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2008/12/2008121974021291686.html

Major foreign policy test awaits Obama in Somalia

Ethiopia confirmed this week that it will pull troops out of the troubled nation, a move that experts worry could allow the country to fall into the hands of Islamist insurgents.
African nations this week failed to act in unison to ensure stability in troubled Somalia. Amid their disagreements, the country risks becoming another Afghanistan for President-elect Barack Obama's upcoming administration, experts warn, as Islamist militants threaten to topple the government and pirates continue wreak economic havoc.
Since 2006, thousands of Ethiopian troops have maintained a fragile peace in Somalia, staving off a rising Islamic insurgency. In early December, Ethiopia announced it would withdraw its troops from Somalia – a move many feared would allow the country to fall into Islamist hands. Now, despite earlier confusion that Ethiopia might delay that decision, the Ethiopian government has reiterated this week its decision to withdraw, Al Jazeera reports. more..http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/1224/p99s01-woaf.html

Spokesman says Somali President not resigning

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-12/26/content_10559949.htm

Somalia president expected to resign

Reporting from Nairobi, Kenya -- Somalia's aging president is expected to resign in the coming days, aides said Wednesday, succumbing to threats of impeachment and international sanctions over his refusal to support a national reconciliation plan.Abdullahi Yusuf, a warlord-turned-statesman, was once widely viewed as the linchpin of Somalia's transitional government. But in recent months, Yusuf, 74, has repeatedly clashed with the prime minister and has come to be regarded as an obstacle to peace.
Yusuf's departure would mark a turning point for the Horn of Africa nation. It could reignite clan warfare, but it also could clear the way for a new power-sharing government that includes a key Islamist opposition faction."Yusuf was always a liability to Somalia and to the peace process," said Ali Said Omar Ibrahim, head of the Center for Peace and Democracy, a Somali peace advocacy group. "This is going to help bring in a new era for Somalia by helping different stakeholders come together to decide the country's future." more...http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-somalia-president25-2008dec25,0,3872450.story

Somali president decides to resign

MOGADISHU - Somali President Abdullahi Yusuf has decided to resign, his spokesman said on Wednesday, in a move the African Union said would be positive for the peace process in the Horn of Africa nation.Yusuf has been accused by donor countries and regional governments of being an obstacle to U.N.-hosted peace talks.His rift with Prime Minister Nur Hassan Hussein has pushed the Western-backed interim government, struggling against Islamist insurgents, to the brink of collapse"The president has already written his resignation letter and he is expected to announce it on the coming Saturday," Hussein Mohamed Mohamud, a presidential spokesman, told Reuters, declining to give a reason for the decision.The announcement came shortly after the resignation of a politician Yusuf named prime minister last week, who said he did not want to be an obstacle to peace in Somalia."The move is a dignified move on the part of the president. If his decision is to resign, I would congratulate him," said Nicolas Bwakira, the African Union Commission's Special Representative for Somalia."It is, overall, a good move. It will give the opportunity to all parties to form a new leadership," Bwakira told Reuters. "It will resuscitate the peace process." Yusuf sacked Hussein earlier this month and appointed Mohamed Mohamud Guled instead, the man who quit on Wednesday.
Parliament and the international community backed Hussein, leaving the already weak government with two prime ministers. A regional bloc spearheading the peace process agreed on Sunday to sanctions on Yusuf and others seen as hindering the talks.Yusuf sacked Hussein earlier this month and appointed Mohamed Mohamud Guled instead, the man who quit on Wednesday.
Parliament and the international community backed Hussein, leaving the already weak government with two prime ministers. A regional bloc spearheading the peace process agreed on Sunday to sanctions on Yusuf and others seen as hindering the talks. more..http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2008-12/25/content_7339464.htm

Be careful what you wish for

this is the true fact about somali

1# Somalia's jihadists. ... the "most powerful force in Somalia today".

2#Abillahi Yusuf is the founder of the Puntland region of Somalia ... is second ..one of the most powerful after shabaab he lost his own brother and cousin.to somali mostly hawye jihadist war ..and he lost a lot of members of his tribe to war

3#JUBALAND army units who come under the command of a Somali Member of Parliament and former Defense Minister Bare Adan Shire (hirale) third most power>>.. lost his brother and cousin...-jihadist war ..and members of his tribeThe Only One to fight shabaab..Without Outside Help..lose the trust of TFG a long time ago..The emergence of jubbaland is a great development; they should bring their idea to discuss in an all-Somali national table, and then on a minimum basis of agreement a national government should be formed, able to represent all the Somalis from every region of Somalia.

4# PM nure and shareef(ICU) and transitional Somali parliament are the least powerful ..they don't have any army..and never stand up against jihad

Looks like we are Accept Defeat Gracefully in somalia

Not alks with terrorists , you are welcome for the destruction of mogadishu , wewill see who would win this tactics , there will be mass exodus from mogadishu , theasmara group is begging now for talks and somali reconciliation but it is too latenow .You thought you can win , let's see who will hold the upper hand , let the drums ofwar be played , we will see who is gonna loose and who is gonna win.Don't ever cry , be like a man.Get out all your arms and men and we will do the same , no negotiation , no talking,you have known war and destruction for 17 years and now your final days have arrived.Hawiye you are insensitive immoral moryaan , this is what you deserve.You killed millions of innocent people .Now is your turn., You expelled millions ofpeople , now is your turn.No talk with terrorists , Nur Hassan is a crazy man, youdon't deserve any kind of attention let alone talking with you , you destroyed yourown houses for 17 years of inter-hawiye wars , you will never see peace in mogadishu, don't cry for reconciliation , Ethiopia will not leave mogadishu, you have beenmarginalized by the international community , nobody cares about hawiye , you don'tknow how to play the games , you outsmarted the old siyad barre , you can't outsmartthe fox-yeey, See you you in the graves.

Somali President to Resign, Officials Say

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/25/world/africa/25somalia.html?_r=1&ref=africa

somali leader quit threat denied

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7799512.stm

Somali President Abdullahi Yusuf announced the he intends to formally resign as of Saturday in a move praised by the African Union as a way to strengthen the mandate (such as it is) of the floudering Somali government and allow Yusuf to “go with some sort of dignity.”
The announcement came just hours after Prime Minister Mohamed Guled, himself in power for only a week after Yusuf dismissed the former prime minister, announced his own resignation. While Yusuf gave no official reason for his resignation, Guled said his own decision was based on a desire “to end infighting among the government.” Guled’s resignation likely opens the way for former Prime Minister Nur Hassan Hussein to return to power.
But the source of Yusuf’s resignation isn’t a total mystery. The move came in the wake of a meeting with US under-secretary for African affairs Jendayi Frazer, who reportedly ordered the Somali President to restore former Prime Minister Nur to power or resign. If he refused, the US would reportedly back sanctions against him.
So Yusuf is out, and talks are now of a power-sharing deal in the Somali government. But with the Islamist insurgency seizing ever more of the country, the question much be asked: what power is there left for this self-proclaimed government to share, and how long will anyone be able to keep it?

Ethiopia says withdrawal from Somalia "irreversible"

ADDIS ABABA, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's decision to withdraw its troops from Somalia is "irreversible," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Wahide Belay on Wednesday.
The decision had got approval of the lower House of People's Representatives, Wahide told journalists.
"The Ethiopian army, that successfully discharged its mission in Somalia, will be withdrawn," he stressed.
Ethiopia will continue to support the activities aimed at ensuring peace and stability in Somalia, after it pulls its troops out of the Horn of Africa nation by the end of the year, said Wahide. "As the current chairmanship of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a member of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), an active participant in the UN and international forums, Ethiopia will continue exerting efforts to help ensure peace and stability in Somalia," said the spokesman. more..http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-12/25/content_10555187.htm

Riz Khan - Somalia: The next Afghanistan ?

Although the pirate crisis grabs the headlines, the fact is that for years this African country was left to fester in ungoverned HAWIYE criminality and ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESxvAMBrfRU

mostly hawiye Residents of central Somalia Region a Terrorist rebel stronghold have welcomed the advancement of Al-Shabab jehadist and its capture of various parts of central Somalia.The USC,http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohamed_Farrah_Aidid a Hawiye organization founded in 1989, had suffered from factionalism based on subclan rivalries since its creation. General Mahammad Faarah Aidid commanded the Habar Gidir clan, and Ali Mahdi Mahammad headed the Abgaal clan... The Hawiye occupy the south central portions of Somalia. The capital of Mogadishu is located in the country of the Abgaal, a Hawiye subclan. In numbers the Hawiye in Somalia are roughly comparable to the Isaaq, occupying a distant second place to the Daarood clans. since warlords overthrew Siad Bare.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 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.http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2008/mar/102338.htm