That Freedom Shall not Perish

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Traditional Leader Arrested in Somaliland

Local sources in the capital Hargeysa said the Boqor was picked up by a contingent of police officers led by the Somaliland Police Muhammad Ige on Tuesday, from the Hargaysa Club hotel where he was staying.

Somaliland Interior Minister Isma'il Adan Usman told IRIN on Wednesday that the elder had been arrested for breaking Somaliland laws and "committing crimes against the existence of the state".

Boqor Usman is also being accused of "having contacts with Puntland [the neighbouring self-declared autonomous region]".

Tension has been high between Somaliland and Puntland over the Sool and Sanaag regions, which are claimed by both.

The Boqor had reportedly contacted Puntland authorities in an effort to ease the tension and avert armed confrontation, sources said. Isma'il, however, said that the Boqor "supports the reunification of Somaliland with Somalia and has therefore called into question the existence of the country [Somaliland]".

It is a crime under Somaliland law to advocate the reunification of Somaliland with the rest of Somalia.

Somaliland unilaterally declared independence from the rest of Somalia in 1991 after the fall of former President Muhammad Siyad Barre. It has remained relatively free from the chaos and war still ravaging other parts of Somalia, but has failed to gain recognition as an independent country.

Isma'il said Boqor Usman "is like any other person who breaks the law. He will not be treated differently. The law will take its course."

The Boqor is also accused of trying to damage Somaliland's relationship with Djibouti and Ethiopia. "We have documentary evidence against him," said the minister, adding that he would be brought to court "as soon as police complete their investigations".

Boqor Usman is a senior traditional leader of the Habar Ja'lo sub-clan, numerically one of the three largest subclans of the Isaq, the dominant clan in northwestern Somalia.

VISITING UK MPS, SOMALILAND OFFICIALS DISCUSS CO-OPERATION

PUNTLAND ACCUSES DJIBOUTI OF ARMING SOMALILAND

Abdullahi Yusuf, the president of Puntland, told a news conference in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, that Djibouti was not only arming Somaliland but also encouraging it to attack Puntland to create instability in the region.

Djibouti, along with Ethiopia and Kenya, is a member of the regional Inter-Governmental Authority on Development facilitation committee, which is steering the Somali peace talks being held in Nairobi.

The Djibouti government, however, dismissed the charges "as baseless and utter nonsense".

Foreign Minister Ali Abdi Farah, who is also in Nairobi for the peace talks, told IRIN: "Djibouti has always supported efforts to resolve Somali disputes peacefully. We will never be involved in any action that will lead to the shedding of Somali blood, and to accuse it of instigating conflict is nonsense." Farah instead urged Yusuf to withdraw his forces from Laas Caanood, the capital of Sool Region. "We want him to return to the status quo there."

Before last month's occupation of the town by Puntland forces, representatives of both Somaliland and Puntland were present in Laas Caanood. Tension between the two sides has risen ever since.

Officials from Somaliland have denied receiving support from Djibouti. Abdillahi Muhammad Du'ale, the information minister, told IRIN that it was "regrettable and unfair to involve our neighbours in this. Djibouti has always supported the stability of the region," he said.

Sool and Sanaag regions fall within the borders of pre-independence British Somaliland, but most of the clans there are associated with Puntland. These include the Warsangeli and the Dhulbahante, which, along with the Majerteen - the main clan in Puntland - form the Harti sub-clan of the Darood.

Meanwhile, a local journalist in Hargeysa, the Somaliland capital, told IRIN that heavily armed Somaliland troops had been moving towards the disputed area of Laas Caanood to reinforce forces already there. "Unless an outside force intervenes, it is just a matter of time before the two forces (Somaliland and Puntland) clash," he said.

Annan Expresses Concern Over Mounting Tension in the North

A statement read by the Secretary-General's spokesman, Fred Eckhard, said: "The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the increased tension between the administrations of 'Puntland' and 'Somaliland' over Las Anod in Sool Region, which threatens the outbreak of hostilities at a critical time in the Somali peace process."

The statement went to say that Annan was calling on the two sides "to exercise utmost restraint and to refrain from the use of force", and urging them to seek solutions through dialogue.

Tension has been rising between the two sides ever since Puntland forces took control of the Sool regional capital, Las Anod, late last month.

Sool and Sanaag fall geographically within the borders of pre-independence British Somaliland, but most of the clans there are associated with clans in Puntland.

Awad Ahmad Ashara, Puntland's spokesman, told IRIN that armed conflict seemed imminent.

Annan called on the parties to protect civilians and ensure unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance.

According to the statement, the secretary-general called on all the "Somali parties to reach agreement on national reconciliation that would put an end to all the fighting and bloodshed in the country."

Talks sponsored by the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development with a view to bringing peace to Somalia have been going on in Kenya for over a year. However, the talks have been dogged by wrangles over issues such as an interim charter, the number of participants in the negotiations and the selection and number of future parliamentarians.

UN Secretary-General concerned by increased tension threatening outbreak of hostilities in Sool region

SOMALILAND "RUNNING OUT OF PATIENCE" WITH PUNTLAND LEADER COL YUSUF

We advise Mr Abdullahi not to take Somaliland's love for peace for granted. We tell him that Somaliland is running out of patience and that if he fails to withdraws from Somaliland he will be responsible for the consequences of his actions. It is amazing that Abdullahi would send his forces to Laas Caanood, which is part of Somaliland and accuse Somaliland of waging war. We believe his intentions are the following: (1) To start conflict in Somaliland and create the crisis that has affected Somalia. (2) To scuttle the Somali peace talks in Nairobi. (3) To create tribal discord.

His claims that Djibouti is providing support to Somaliland are baseless and malicious.The warlords in Nairobi who are claiming to be pacifists, and have released a statement, have now and in the past violated the Eldoret peace agreement and are not in a position to claim they are working for peace because they have violated the territorial integrity of other states. Hence, we advise them - your country and people need peace from you. We are displeased by the fact that although the Kenyan foreign minister (Kalonzo Musyoka) is aware of the perpetrators of the war and aggression he has not admonished the aggressor and addresses the matter as if there is a conflict between two Somali factions. Regarding the talks, we say, it is not applicable to Somaliland and they should not to involve us in this imbroglio. The government of Somaliland once again informs IGAD (Inter-Governmental Authority on Development) AU (African Union), The Arab League, EU, the UN and all parties that value peace and security in Africa that Somaliland will take appropriate measures against Abdullahi Yusuf's provocations if he does not quickly move out of Somaliland's international boundaries and he would bear the consequences.

UN's Annan urges calm in Somalia dispute

Relations between Somaliland in the northwest and Puntland in the northeast have deteriorated in recent weeks with both sides claiming the Sool and Sanaag regions, which straddle their border. Senior politicians and faction leaders have been meeting in Nairobi since January 9 but have apparently failed to reach consensus on how to revitalise the country's stagnant peace process. Many consider the Transitional National Government, which controls pockets of the capital Mogadishu but little else, to be just one of the many armed groups vying for power across the country.

REGIONAL BODY IGAD INTERVENES TO STOP TENSION BETWEEN SOMALILAND, PUNTLAND

IGAD, and prominent traditional leaders from Somaliland and Puntland have launched extensive efforts to minimize the hostile tension which is feared to bring the two administrations into war. Somaliland and Puntland are both claiming ownership of Sool and Sanaag regions.

A letter from the Ugandan president, who is the current IGAD chairman, was handed over to the leader of the Somaliland, Dahir Riyale Kahin, yesterday. In his letter, the IGAD chairman urged the Somaliland president to stop the deployment of soldiers and refrain from waging any war. He also said that IGAD member states would mediate between the Somaliland and Puntland administrations. It is not yet known whether he accepted the call or not.

On the other hand, a reliable report says that Ethiopia has sent a letter to the Puntland leader (Col Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmad) asking him to withdraw his soldiers from Sool Region and not to wage any war against the Somaliland administration. The Puntland leader has not yet responded, although some other reports have indicated that Col Abdullahi Yusuf is reluctant to follow the Ethiopian suggestion. (Passage omitted).

Monthly Nutrition Update for Somalia Dec 2003

SOOL PLATEAU - nutritional status of population deteriorating

FSAU continues to closely monitor the situation in Sool plateau through sentinel based surveillance system (described below). Between 27th November and 5th December 2003, the first round of data collection from the sentinel sites was carried out. Using weight for height measurements for nutritional status assessment, a total of 391 children were randomly assessed in the sentinel sites. Preliminary results showed a global acute malnutrition rate of 18.9% (weight for height <-2 z-score/oedema) and a severe acute malnutrition rate of 3.8% (weight for height <-3 z score/oedema). Malnutrition rates among the adult women (15 -49 years) was 17.3% (MUAC <21 cm), an observation that confirms all the household members are affected by the current drought. Although not directly comparable with previous reports, there is evidence to suggest a deterioration in the nutritional status of the population. This observation is confirmed by reports of collapsing social support system and worsening drought situation after the failure of Deyr rains. Malnutrition rates appeared significantly higher among children from pure pastoral households than those in major villages. Detailed analysis is on-going and results will presented in FSAU January publications.

SENTINEL SITE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM

FSAU has now began a sentinel-based nutrition and food security surveillance system at 10 sentinel sites in Sool plateau aimed at monitoring trends in key nutrition and food security indicators (both adult and child nutritional status, dietary diversity issues, livestock deaths and migrations, market price changes, social support systems, coping mechanisms, humanitarian assistance etc) at household and focus group level. Training of FSAU field personnel on the sentinel based surveillance was conducted between 18th and 22nd November that was followed by the first round (piloting phase of the tools) of data collection started immediately after Ramadhan. FSAU is currently working on a data base and analysis of data from this first round. Preliminary findings and experiences from the first round indicate a great potential for the system. Consequently on 16th December 2003, FSAU together with interested partners1 undertook the first step in reflecting on system by critically reviewing the instruments and to discuss the implementation plan.

Somaliland: fighting poverty together

The Republic of Somaliland was formed in 1991 after separating from southern Somalia, which had collapsed into chaos. Civil war (1988-91) had resulted in the deaths of nearly 60,000 people, massive population displacement and a near total destruction of infrastructure, communications and public services. Following a period of internal conflict, the people of Somaliland have made progress in rebuilding the country. A stable administration has been formed, with a smooth transition of leadership following the death of President Egal in May 2002.

However, despite having its own president, legislature, currency and constitution, Somaliland is not recognised as a separate state by the UN or any other government. Somaliland is desperately poor. The majority of the Somali people are pastoral nomads, raising camels, sheep, goats and some cattle for subsistence and trade. An estimated 60% of the population depends on livestock and livestock products for its livelihood and there is very little farming and no mineral resources.

ActionAid began working in Somalia in 1980 with refugees from the Ethiopia-Somalia war. In 1989 it was forced to close its programme after the government collapsed and the country descended into chaos. We returned to work with poor communities in Somaliland in 1993, first in the area of Sanaag and later also in Togdheer.

ActionAid Somaliland supports the basic needs and rights of poor people. To ensure that change is long lasting, we work closely with traditional leaders, local organisations and the government, focusing on peace building and collaboration. The communities of Sanaag and Togdheer have each set up community organisations to design and manage community projects. A willingness to listen has helped us to develop an understanding of the causes of conflict and the relationships between clans, a very strong part of Somali tradition.

Key areas of work: Water

In a pastoral society the two most valued resources are water and grazing for livestock. As seasons change herders need to move their livestock to make best use of the available resources. Although they are in common ownership, these resources are generally understood to be under the jurisdiction of particular clans. During the dry season, when water and grazing are in short supply, this may lead to conflict. We have supported communities in their efforts to work together to resolve such conflicts and effectively manage water supplies.

Water shortages occur each dry season. In the past, short-term relief has been provided by transporting water to particularly dry areas by truck. This is an expensive recurrent cost to be borne by people at their weakest and poorest time of the year. A more long-term investment is to build a small reservoir, or berked. ActionAid has been involved in the rehabilitation and improvement of springs and wells and the construction of berkeds in Sanaag and Toghdeer. Local committees manage the berkeds and collect water fees to invest in additional water storage facilities.

To date, a total of 83 berkeds have been constructed, 61 for Sanaag and 22 for Togdheer, benefitting a total of 2,460 people.

Factfile

(1) 1 in 4 children die before their fifth birthday. (2) Over 97% of women have some kind of female genital mutilation. (3) Life expectancy is 47 years. (4) Somali women are 22 times more likely to die in child birth than European women. (5) 78% of people have no access to healthcare.

Monthly Food Security Report for Somalia Nov 2003

Poor Deyr Rainfall Performance in Northern and Central Regions will have further detrimental impact on Pastoral Conditions: By sharply reducing the availability of water and pasture, the poor or failed Deyr rains have adversely affected pastoralists in 1) the Hawd (incorporating the Hawd Togdheer, Hawd of Hargeisa, Hawd of Mudug and the Hawd running along the Ethiopia/Somalia border), 2) the North East of Somalia (Sool Plateau, Gebi Valley, Nugal Valley and Kakaar-Dharoor Valley) and 3) the Addun pastoral area in the central regions of Galgadud, Mudug and parts of Nugal. Conditions in these pastoral areas will require close monitoring in the coming weeks.

SOMALIA: PUNTLAND OFFICIALS DENY "BASELESS" CLAIMS BY DJIBOUTI FOREIGN MINISTER

Tension in north Somalia could derail peace talks: Kenya

Relations between Somaliland in northwestern Somalia and Puntland, another self-declared autonomous region in northeastern Somalia, have deteriorated in recent weeks with both sides claiming the Sool and Sanaag regions, which straddle their border. "The tension is raising deep concerns within IGAD (the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, an east African body trying to broker peace in Somalia), the international community and particularly within the peace process," said Musyoka. "I would like to call upon both parties to exercise maximum restraint and shun plunging the region into a conflict that is clearly avoidable," he added.

The "president" of Puntland Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, meanwhile, accused Djibouti of supporting Somaliland in its "aggression" against his territory. "Djibouti provided logistical support, military assistance and political backing for Somaliland, which has declared war against Puntland," claimed Abdullahi Yusuf. "Our intelligence units have confirmed all these activities," he told AFP in Nairobi.

Djibouti has in the past denied involvement in Somalia's internal affairs. Somaliland's Finance Minister Hussein Ali Duale denied Abdullahi Yusuf's charges. "Somaliland did not enter Puntland and it has no intetion to do so. Puntland is the aggressor and it has invaded parts of Somaliland," he told AFP by telephone from Hargeisa, Somaliland's capital.

DJIBOUTI DENIES INVOLVEMENT IN DISPUTE BETWEEN SOMALILAND, PUNTLAND

Col Ahmad also accused Djibouti of being involved in the current dispute between Puntland and Somaliland in Laas Caanood. Djibouti however, has denied the accusations describing them as false and baseless. The Foreign Ministry spokesman, Muhammad Ziyad Du'ale, said that his government is making efforts to restore Somalia's sovereignty.

KENYAN FOREIGN MINISTER CONCERNED OVER GROWING SOMALILAND, PUNTLAND TENSIONS

(Reporter, in progress) The press at a hotel in Nairobi, Kalonzo was optimistic the Somali peace process would soon yield positive results.

(Kalonzo) These talks are going on very well and we expect in the next two days, maximum, we will be calling for a press conference to report progress.

(Reporter) The results may, however, not be there if the mounting tensions between some two parties in the conflict is not solved in time.

(Kalonzo) The emerging tension between these two administrations has a potential of degenerating the region into an eminent conflict, as well as undermining the positive conclusion of the ongoing Somali consultative meetings. This tension is raising deep concerns both within the IGAD (Inter-Governmental Authority on Development) subregion, the continent, the international community, and particularly within the peace process.

(Reporter) The Safari Park (Hotel, venue of the Somali peace) talks have been going on for the last one week and so far things appear headed for the better. This may now pave way for Phase Three of the peace talks.

(Kalonzo) The leaders are properly engaged. President (Mwai) Kibaki is fully briefed about what is going on, as well as President (Yoweri) Museveni. Both leaders say that as soon as everybody is ready to go back to Mbagathi (main venue of the consultative peace talks) they will be there to launch the final phase.

SOMALILAND: PRESIDENT INVITES OPPOSITION PARTIES FOR TALKS

KENYAN MINISTER DEPLORES NEW TENSION IN SOMALIA

Speaking on behalf of the IGAD Ministerial Committee in the wake of heightened tension between the two unrecognised self-proclaimed states, Kalonzo asked parties to the Somali peace talks to "exercise maximum restraint and shun from plunging the region into a conflict that is clearly avoidable". However, the Kenyan minister expressed optimism a major breakthrough would emerge in the Somali peace talks within the next two days. "I will call you here within the next two days to make an announcement of a major breakthrough," Kalonzo told journalists in the Kenyan capital.

He appealed to the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union and the League of Arab States to "use their good offices and prevail upon the leaders of the two areas to refrain from any acts which would escalate into a full-fledged war". Meanwhile, in a signed statement also issued in Nairobi Monday, Somali National Reconciliation Conference delegates described the growing tension in the Horn of Africa region as poisonous to the relationship among the neighbouring countries, which had the potential of spilling over in all directions. "No one can under-estimate the effect of such a catastrophic new situation as it would be used by international terrorists to destabilise the region further and get a strong foothold in Somalia," said one of the faction leaders attending the conference, Hussein Aidid. At the same time, the Puntland government has condemned what it called the declaration of war and military build up against her by the rival Somaliland, terming it ill-timed. In another statement issued during a meeting to break the deadlock in the Somali peace conference chaired by the Kenyan foreign minister, Puntland said that it would exercise tremendous restraint despite what it termed as continued provocation and threats to avert a possible war.

Humanitarian crisis in Sool Plateau

Drought in Hawd of Todgheer: An inter-agency rapid assessment led by the FSAU found that the poor and lower strata of the middle wealth pastoral group are facing a high risk of food shortage, largely as a result of poor Gu 2003 and failed Deyr 2003 rains. Affected households will need to be closely monitored during the harsh, dry Jilaal season. For more information on the drought stricken region, see page 2 of this report.

Civil Insecurity: Civil Insecurity continues to present a challenge to the people of Somalia and humanitarian organizations attempting to strengthen the livelihoods of the Somali people. As reported by IRIN at the end of December, militia from Puntland occupied Las Anod and other parts of Sanag region. The government of Somaliland has deployed troops to positions outside Aynabo. Also various incidents in Kismayo and Lower Juba suggest a worsening of civil insecurity, as does militia activity in El Wak town, Gedo Region, during December.

Somaliland Gu/Karan 2003 Crop Production: The total Gu/Karan 2003 crop production is very good and the highest recorded figure in post-war years. The Gu/Karan season produced 24,915 Mt of sorghum and 3,289 Mt of maize. Some of the reasons for this good production are very good Karan rains, improved and dressed seeds provided by CINS, land preparation on time which was enhanced by IFAD providing tractors on credit. For a copy of this report please contact the FSAU Field Team Manager: Yusuf@fsau.or.ke.

A series of FSAU field workshops in Galkayo and Garowe from January 13-16, 2004 are being held to assess the severity of reported pastoral stress in the areas of Western Mudug and south of Sool and implications on food security. The results will be presented at the HRG meeting on North Somalia (20 Jan) and the SACB FSRDC meeting.

GU AND KARAN 2003 CEREAL PRODUCTION IN SOMALILAND

The average cereal production of Somaliland amounts to about 17,000 MT per year (roughly 6% of the annual cereal production of Somalia). The total Gu/Karan 2003 crop production was very good and the highest recorded figure in post-war years. The season produced 24,915 Mt of sorghum (88%) and 3,289 Mt of maize (12%). Gabiley made a significant contribution to this total figure. An estimated 20,100 MT (71%). For in depth technical analysis on the successful harvest. Please contact: Yusuf@fsau.or.ke for the his Gu/Karan 2003 Somaliland Cereal Production Report.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM FSAU NUTRITION PROJECT

Results from the first round of Sool Plateau surveillance are now available. These statistics will be compared with statistics from the second round of surveillance, due to take place in January (security permitting). Trend monitoring and in depth analysis will be provided by the FSAU in February. For information on results from the first round of surveillance, please contact charles@fsau.or.ke.

SUMMARY OF INTER AGENCY RAPID ASSESSEMENT FINDINGS TO THE DROUGHT STRICKEN REGION OF THE HAWD OF TODGHEER PASTORAL ZONE

During November, Somaliland authorities and relief agencies working in the Hawd of Toghdeer appealed for assistance for the Togdheer drought stricken pastoral area. This area had suffered poor Gu 2003 rains and failed Deyr 2003 rains. Subsequently, the SACB FSRDC and an HRG called on the FSAU to take the technical lead in an inter-agency assessment to determine how serious the situation was likely to become. As a result, the FSAU, SC-UK, FEWS-Net, Oxfam, COOPI, VETAID and relevant Somaliland Ministries participated in a rapid field assessment to the Hawd of Toghdeer pastoral zone from 24-28 December.

The map below (Figure 5) shows the most affected area of Toghdeer region. It is estimated that up to 10,000 households in this area, mainly the pastoral poor group and lower levels of the middle pastoral wealth group, will experience food shortages. Two consecutive seasons of poor rainfall have led to a deterioration in livestock body condition, in turn undermining livestock production (milk and meat) and access to income options (declining livestock prices). The middle and better off groups had already migrated out of the drought area to areas where grazing is better and have managed to preserve their livestock, but the poorer pastoralists were unable to pay transport costs to move their animals. During Jilaal these families are likely to face a food deficit and the situation will require close monitoring. For further details of the three stages of suggested interventions and a copy of the inter-agency rapid assessment report (to be released at the HRG meeting on 20 Jan), please contact Abdinasir.sobe@fsau.or.ke.

Terms of Trade in Burao Market in Togdheer Region

Maintaining good terms of trade between milk and/or livestock and cereals is critical for the survival of pastoral households, particularly in drought years and during the harsh, dry Jilaal season. As mentioned above, the drought over the past two seasons has adversely affected animal body condition in Togdheer, lowering livestock prices. Low prices have a direct impact on a household's income, particularly amongst poor groups who rely heavily on the sale of livestock and milk. Declining terms of trade for pastoralists are evident in Figure 6, which shows that it takes two or three goats to obtain a sack of rice now, whereas only one goat is required in a non-drought year.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM FSAU NUTRITION PROJECT

In Sool Plateau, the ongoing sentinel nutritional surveillance indicates a worrying nutrition situation with an acute malnutrition rate of 18.9% (W/H <-2 z-score/oedema) (Dec 2003 Nutrition Update). See also the Highlights on Page 1. In the insecure region of Benadir, (districts around Mogadishu) malnutrition is particularly evident among displaced persons and the poor. In one month, 30% of children attending health facilities in the area were identified as malnourished.

Recent nutrition surveys in IDP (Internally Displaced People) settings indicate a poor nutrition situation. Nutrition surveys amongst IDP'S conducted in Hargeisa, Bossaso and Burao between June 2001 and Oct. 2003 found global acute malnutrition rates ranging between 15.3% and 18.7%. An analysis of the various studies on IDP's in Somalia indicate that they are disadvantaged by a combination of factors including : poor shelter, poor sanitation, limited access to sources of income, weak coping strategies, limited access to remittances and social support.

It is estimated that 50,000 people, mainly pastoralists from Northern Somalia, have crossed into the Somali Region of Ethiopia (Region V) due to the delay and poor performance of the 2003 Deyr rains. However these areas are not much better off as parts of Gode, Warder, Afder and Degahabour zones have also been affected by drought. Recent nutritional surveys indicate that the situation continues to deteriorate in these zones.

There was no significant increase in the total number of livestock exported during December. In parts of the north and central areas, livestock body condition has become so poor that when rain fell in the first dekad, pastoralists kept back their animals for fattening up. An increased demand for animals is expected before the Haj and fattened animals will fetch more money. The Somaliland authorities continue to visit Saudia Arabia to discuss the lifting of the Somali livestock importation ban. Rumours continue to circulate that Yemeni authorities are also considering whether or not to lift the ban.

AWDAL & NORTH WEST REGION

Good rains fell in the agro pastoral areas and both livestock and crop conditions were good during December. In the highland pastoral zone rains were also good and the area continued to host animals from Hawd pastoral zone and Ethiopia's zone V. Both the coastal and sub-coastal belts received rains during December. Heavy rains and low temperatures caused hundreds of deaths (according to elders) particularly of shoats. Many of these animals had been in a weakened state after long migrations. The area is currently hosting animals from Hawd of Hargeisa, Ethiopia and the Highlands. Like last year, many animals from Shinnile district in Ethiopia are expected to arrive in this area following a poor Karan season in Ethiopia's region V. Good amounts of rainfall fell in the Hawd Pastoral zone except in districts south east of Hargeisa.

SOOL REGION

The severe drought in Sool Region continues and the latest nutritional situation (see page 1) reflects a deteriorating situation. On 4 and 5 December, the western fringe of Sool Plateau received showers which moved westwards to the Upper Nugal Valley. These rains triggered significant migratory movements. Prior to the December showers, a large proportion of Sool of Sanag pastoralists (45-55%) had made the longest-ever out migration to Sool of Bari and coastal grazing areas using trucks. The remaining Sool of Sanag pastoralists opted to move to the areas where it had recently rained mainly in the Sool plateau of Sool region. Pastoralists from Lower Nugal also moved to these areas. Given the low rainfall intensity and limited spatial coverage the huge in migration has exceeded the rangeland carrying capacity and pasture regeneration has been stunted. These rains have had little or no impact on the humanitarian crisis and the food security situation is not expected to show any substantial improvement in the near future. Infact rather than improving the situation, it appears that the incidence of disease and animal mortality is rising dramatically given the huge concentration of livestock, combined with the fact that large numbers of weakened livestock have assembled together in one place. In the lower Nugal of Taleh district the situation continues to remain serious with reports of destitute households collecting in main urban centres such Taleh and Halin. Upper Nugal valley has benefited from sporadic rains, however, the majority of camel herders have already migrated to the Hawd in search of better pasture. In the Hawd, South of Las Caanood, received localised rains which replenished berkads. Buhoodle town however did not benefit from these rains and the price of water has soared from 7,000-10,000 Ssh per drum to 35,000 Ssh per drum.

DJIBOUTI VILLE URBAN BASELINE STUDY: An Assessment of Food and Livelihood Security in Djibouti Ville http://www.fews.net/centers/current/special/gcontent.cfm'gc_id=1000372&f=so&d=0

SOMALILAND'S HEAVILY ARMED FORCES REPORTEDLY MOVING TOWARDS PUNTLAND

However, reliable reports say heavily armed forces from Somaliland have crossed through Ceel Afweeyn town in Sanaag Region (also disputed but under Somaliland's control ). Reports from Ceel Afweeyn say the forces are heading towards Sanaag Region, adding that they were in battle wagons and other big vehicles numbering to 45. The forces, now moving towards Sanaag Region, are headed by minister by the name of Mahmud Sa'id and Abdiqadir Abdullahi Artan, a senior military official. Both officials hail from Sanaag Region. It is believed that the forces want to attack some areas within Puntland in order to reduce concentration of heavily mobilized Puntland forces in Sool Region (recently capture by Puntland). (Passage omitted).

SOMALILAND PAPER ATTACKS STATE'S MOVES TO PASS "HIGHLY RESTRICTIVE PRESS LAW"

The freedoms now enjoyed by Somalilanders, including freedom of the press, have not come as a gift from Mr Riyale or his two late predecessors. It is something won as a result of great sacrifices. A free press is the public's first line of defence against dictatorship and abuse of power. The free press has become an essential element of life in this country. Thanks to the local independent media, Somalilanders today are better informed not only about what is going in their country, but also of the pros and cons of many vital issues. Because of the free flow of information and debate that the independent media provides, it is possible for Somalilanders now to distinguish the precise points of an argument before making conclusions. And since everybody has a fair chance for presenting his/her views through the free press, the proponents of ideas rejected by the public are unlikely to find support for using unlawful means to impose them. The media has played an instrumental role in the realization and consolidation of peace. Without the independent media, it is highly unlikely that Somaliland would have held the successful presidential election of April 2003.

Press freedom can also be justified on the ground of the important role that the independent press has been playing in enlightening the public about the responsibilities and obligations of the government on the one hand, and those of the citizenry on the other. It is this last role that has earned the independent press the wrath of Mr Riyale and some of the other high government officials. But public figures like President Riyale and House Speaker Qeybe are really mistaken to think that they can have it both ways: keeping their positions while at the same time wanting to be spared the scrutiny of the press. If they can't stand critical comments, they should leave office and thereby avoid the attention of the press.

Mr Riyale cannot expect the press not to report wrongdoing by his ministers, and yet refuse to clean his government of corruption. He cannot insist on surrounding himself with incompetent people, and then complain of press criticism of the poor performance of his government. Instead of trying to silence the struggling independent media, Mr Riyale should either free the government-owned media from control so that it could compete with the three privately-owned media organizations operating in the country, or stop wasting taxpayers' money by dismantling the highly ineffective ministry of information. One wonders why the president is not interested in fixing the problems of the Ministry of Information, which now almost exists only in name, instead of expending so much political capital on trying to gag the independent media' Why is the president trying to get confirmation for the already rejected minister of information, Mr Du'ale, the same minister under whose watch the ministry of information has descended into its current pitiful state'

There is no need for the Somaliland government to "regulate" the press. What is actually needed is protection of the right of people to establish their own media organizations, including radio stations, accessibility to the media and receiving or imparting information without any restrictions. Somaliland's media and journalists have already established their own code of conduct with the aim of improving journalistic standards and addressing any complaints from the public. The aggrieved can still go to court to demand redress through civil lawsuits.

At this dangerous moment in Somaliland's history, the country cannot afford to get distracted or get bogged down in divisive and intractable issues like "regulating" the press. Instead, President Riyale should unite the country behind him, focus the country's attention on the attacks by Abdullahi Yusuf's militia and secure Somaliland's eastern borders. That's the kind of leadership Somalilanders want from him.

UNICEF Somalia Review Nov/Dec 2003: Drought interventions ongoing in Northern Somalia

In December, teams comprising UNICEF and WHO personnel treated about 660 patients suffering from acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea, malaria, anaemia and skin diseases.

Creating concern among humanitarian agencies, however, is the growing tension between the local administrations in Northwest Somalia ('Somaliland') and Northeast Somalia ('Puntland'), both of whom claim the drought-affected areas as their territory. Ongoing interventions could be jeopardized or even halted if the situation escalates into violent conflict.

Security throughout Somalia

In Hargeisa, Somaliland, the traffic police commander was killed on 9 December in front of his house. A suspect was identified but has not yet been arrested.

Health programme highlights

Malaria: In November, UNICEF and WHO responded to malaria outbreaks in Baki, Balligubadle and Hargeisa districts of Somaliland by distributing some 400 insecticide treated nets in addition to providing treatment to the sick. Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI): During the reporting period, UNICEF trained staff of health facilities in Somaliland in record keeping. The training took place in Hargeisa, Burao and Berbera towns of Galbeed and Togdheer and Sahil regions respectively. In addition, some 1250 children were immunized.

Water and Environmental Sanitation highlights

Water management: The Awdal Utility Company, created to run the Boroma Water Supply System in Somaliland, began operations in November. Seven new water kiosks and 10 household connections were made to the town supply system and the company is already providing water connections to private residences in Boroma. In November, UNICEF provided 2.2 km of pipes for the water supply system.

Geed Ballaadh Project: In Somaliland, construction work for the Geed Ballaadh Water Project continued. Installation of a generator and pump took place. The system must now be connected to tanks and water kiosks remains and some kiosks need rehabilitation.

UNICEF sponsored the local water authorities from Somaliland in attending the Pan-African Conference on Water in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 8-13 to December. During the conference key challenges faced in rural water supply, environmental sanitation and hygiene were discussed.

Education programme highlights

Training: The second phase of training for 95 primary school Community Education Committees (CEC) was held between mid-November and end-December in both Somaliland and Puntland. The aim of the training was to help the CECs to take a more active part in the management and financing of schools.

School Improvement: UNICEF organized a school improvement workshop for teachers in Somaliland. The workshop participants were trained in improvement of classroom interiors, verandahs, and school compounds; construction of low cost, locally produced teaching aids; arts and crafts projects; and games and recreational activities for the schools. The trained teachers are expected to organize school-based workshops on school improvement.

School mentoring: Mentoring activities were carried out in 52 primary schools in Somaliland and a similar number in Puntland during November and December. The mentors are expected to visit schools at least once every two months and work with teachers in enhancing the quality of teaching and learning in the schools. They also monitor the utilization of school records and assist teachers in organizing the distribution of learning materials.

Rehabilitation of schools: Rehabilitation of four classrooms, a basketball court and latrines for the Sheikh Ali Ibrahim Primary School, one of the largest schools in Hargeisa, continued in December. The school has more than 2000 children who learn in morning and afternoon shifts with about 60 students per class.

In Dami Primary School, construction of a fence and latrine facilities for girls has started. Dami is one of the poorest settlements in Hargeisa. In Lafa Rug, about 100 km northeast of Hargeisa, rehabilitation of two classrooms, latrine facilities and a playground was completed. The rehabilitation of one office and a storeroom is nearing completion.

Computer training: UNICEF is sponsoring training in computer literacy for all six regional education officers in Somaliland, their assistants, and two key local education authorities. The skills are meant to enhance their capacity in data entry, analysis and record keeping and to make it easier for them to use the Education Management Information System (EMIS). The EMIS is software that UNICEF developed to ensure easy retrieval and efficient utilization of data on primary education by local communities, education authorities and international partners. In 1998 UNICEF developed EMIS tools (class register, school register and pupil cards). Currently data is analyzed in Nairobi, Kenya.

Youth participation highlights

UNICEF, in collaboration with two youth organizations in Somaliland, held a two-day meeting to discuss ways in which youth groups and other community-based organizations could be better supported. Another meeting organized in collaboration with the Puntland administration was held for 52 youth organizations. The meeting reviewed their plans and activities and shared experiences.

Youth broadcasting: The Somaliland-based Horn of Africa Voluntary Youth Organization Committee (HAVOYOCO) produced two radio programmes during the reporting period. Some seven other youth groups from Somaliland are in the process of finalizing their programmes. The scripts are shared with UNICEF for quality assurance. Radio Hargeisa produced an introductory programme for the youth broadcasting initiative and interviewed members from Somaliland Culture and Sports Association (SOCSA) and HAVOYOCO groups.

Mentoring: The second round of mentoring for youth and other organizations continued in December in Hargeisa, Berbera and Borama in Somaliland. The mentors sensitized the youth on the harmful effects of chewing khat (an amphetamine leaf akin to the coca leaf of South America). The mentoring occurred in Gebiley, Borama, Burao, Las Anod and Hargeisa.

HIV/AIDS prevention and control highlights

UNICEF, in collaboration with local administrations and partners, organized activities to raise HIV/AIDS awareness on World AIDS Day in various locations throughout Somalia. The theme for this year's activities was ''Live and Let Live" - with focus on fighting stigma and discrimination. Unlike previous years when commemorative activities were limited to major towns, this year's activites were more widespread and took place outside the main urban centres and regional capitals. The activities highlighted the important role that families, communities and individuals could take in the prevention and control of the epidemic and the requirements of support and care for people living with AIDS. The activities included sports competitions.

UNICEF supported the commemoration of the day through the provision of publicity and information materials such as T-shirts and caps with messages in Somali on HIV/AIDS. Copies of audio cassettes containing songs specially composed for HIV/AIDS communication were distributed. The activities in Garowe, Puntland, were attended by UNICEF Somalia Representative, Jesper Morch..

Training: UNICEF organized a life skills training for 50 youth peer counsellors from Northwest, Northeast, Central and Southern Somalia and Djibouti. Training for 20 participants, including religious and community leaders in community-based counselling was also carried out.

HIV KABP study: Field work for a Knowledge Attitude Behaviour and Practices (KABP) study in Northeast and Central and Southern Somalia was completed during the reporting period. Work on the study in the Northwest should be complete in January 2004.

Monthly Food Security Report for Somalia Dec 2003

Drought in Hawd of Todgheer : An inter-agency rapid assessment led by the FSAU found that the poor and lower levles of the middle wealth pastoral group are facing a high risk of food shortage, largely as a result of poor Gu 2003 and failed Deyr 2003 rains. Affected households will need to be closely monitored during the harsh, dry Jilaal season. For more information on the drought stricken region, see page 2.

Civil Insecurity : Civil Insecurity continues to present a challenge to the people of Somalia and humanitarian organizations attempting to strengthen the livelihoods of the Somali people. As reported by IRIN at the end of December, militia from Puntland occupied Las Anod and other parts of Sanag region. The government of Somaliland has deployed troops to positions outside Aynabo. Also various incidents in Kismayo and Lower Juba suggest a worsening of civil insecurity, as does militia activity in El Wak town, Gedo Region, during December.

Somaliland Gu/Karan 2003 Crop Production : The total Gu/Karan 2003 crop production is very good and the highest recorded figure in post-war years. The Gu/Karan season produced 24,915 Mt of sorghum and 3,289 Mt of maize. Some of the reasons for this good production are very good Karan rains, improved and dressed seeds provided by CINS, land preparation on time which was enhanced by IFAD providing tractors on credit. For a copy of this report please contact the FSAU Field Team Manager : Yusuf@fsau.or.ke

A series of FSAU field workshops in Galkayo and Garowe from January 13 -- 16 2004 are being held to assess the severity of reported pastoral stress in the areas of Western Mudug and south of Sool and implications on food security. The results will be presented at the HRG meeting on North Somalia (20 Jan) and the SACB FSRDC meeting (21 Jan).

GU AND KARAN 2003 CEREAL PRODUCTION IN SOMALILAND

The average cereal production of Somaliland amounts to about 17,000 MT per year (roughly 6% of the annual cereal production of Somalia). The total Gu/Karan 2003 crop production was very good and the highest recorded figure in post-war years. The season produced 24,915 Mt of sorghum (88%) and 3,289 Mt of maize (12%).

Gabiley made a significant contribution to this total figure. An estimated 20,100 MT (71%). For in depth technical analysis on the successful harvest. Please contact : Yusuf@fsau.or.ke for the his Gu/Karan 2003 Somaliland Cereal Production Report. RESULTS FROM FIRST ROUND OF SOOL PLATEAU SURVEILLANCE

Results from the first round of Sool Plateau surveillance are now available. These statistics will be compared with statistics from the second round of surveillance, due to take place in January (security permitting). Trend monitoring and in depth analysis will be provided by the FSAU in February. For information on results from the first round of surveillance, please contact charles@fsau.or.ke

NUTRITION UPDATE

In Sool Plateau, the ongoing sentinel nutritional surveillance indicates a worrying nutrition situation with an acute malnutrition rate of 18.9% (W/H <-2 z-score/oedema) (Dec 2003 Nutrition Update). See also the Highlights on Page 1. In the insecure region of Benadir, (districts around Mogadishu) malnutrition is particularly evident among displaced persons and the poor. In one month, 30% of children attending health facilities in the area were identified as malnourished. Recent nutrition surveys in IDP (Internally Displaced People) settings indicate a poor nutrition situation. Nutrition surveys amongst IDP'S conducted in Hargeisa, Bossaso and Burao between June 2001 and Oct. 2003 found global acute malnutrition rates ranging between 15.3% and 18.7%. An analysis of the various studies on IDP's in Somalia indicate that they are disadvantaged by a combination of factors including : poor shelter, poor sanitation, limited access to sources of income, weak coping strategies, limited access to remittances and social support. It is estimated that 50,000 people, mainly pastoralists from Northern Somalia, have crossed into the Somali Region of Ethiopia (Region V) due to the delay and poor performance of the 2003 Deyr rains. However these areas are not much better off as parts of Gode, Warder, Afder and Degahabour zones have also been affected by drought. Recent nutritional surveys indicate that the situation continues to deteriorate in these zones.

For further information on FSAU nutrition surveys and related nutritional information : please contact : noreen.prendiville@fsau.or.ke

SOMALILAND MINISTER REPORTEDLY IN DJIBOUTI TO DISCUSS BORDER ZONE, COASTLINE

Other reports say that the most important issue behind the visit by Somaliland Interior Minister Isma'il Adan Usman was to complete unsigned agreement on the separation of two controls on the Somali side and in the Djibouti side between the Lawya Cade zone along the common border to create a wide open space that would ensure control of movement of contraband goods. The distance between the two controls is less than 100 meters.

According to reports from Lawya Cade, attemps at separating the two controls further during the Somaliland interior minister's trip to Lawya Cade, met adamant refusal by the local people. The trip by Somaliland Interior Minister Isma'il Adan Usman and the secret visit by Somaliland Foreign Minister Edna Adan Isma'il during which she stayed in Djibouti (for several days) were not covered by the Djibouti local media. Edna Adan's trip was also reportedly to discuss the deployment of foreign soldiers along Somalia's northern coastline, which is a part of Somaliland's efforts to gain obtain funds and gain recognition.

SOMALILAND MINISTER SAYS CLAN LEADERS IN DISPUTED TOWN OPPOSED TO PUNTLAND

The Jamhuuriya reporter in Toghdeer Region, Kayse Ahmad Digale, yesterday interviewed the minister on the current situation and tension in Laas Caanood and Sool Region. The following is the interview:

(Jamhuuriya) Mr minister give us a detailed description of the situation in Sool Region, especially Laas Caanood town.

(Ade) Laas Caanood is in their hands; there is nothing to hide from you. I have been on the outskirts of Laas Caanood in the last few days, however, we were informed this morning that some Majerteenian (Puntland's main clan) forces have withdrawn from the town and are currently in Adhi-Cadeeye where they want to set up a base. The Somaliland forces are in Yagoori. The truth is that they want fighting in civilian-populated areas, while Somaliland wants fighting on the border.

(Jamhuuriya) If the Majeertenian (forces) are Adhi Caddeeye where are the (Somaliland) national forces'

(Ade) Our forces reached Jidda yesterday and they are now beyond Yagoori. I and Faratoon, the minister of Resettlement, were there and we deterred them from moving on to Laas Caanood, however, they are now prepared.

(Jamhuuriya) Clan leaders and members of public in Sool Region have not expressed dissatisfaction towards the Majeertenian forces who are deployed in Laas Caanood. Somaliland forces have meanwhile withdrawn from the town, is it wrong to say they are supporting them'

(Ade) There are eight clan leaders in Laas Caanood, seven of which are opposed to the Majeertenian forces. They were opposed to them from the onset and they are opposed to the arrogance which is being exhibited. Yesterday, Garad Mahmud Mashqare came to Yagoori to see me to convey condolences to me. He had an awful letter from the Puntland governor and had begged soldiers manning a road block for two hours to leave town. There is a man there who is very loyal (to Puntland), very powerful and one you would think is a president. He gives orders. If he orders the arrest of someone, the person is arrested at times he (just) looks like an ordinary soldier. The truth of the matter is that most of them are not loyal but are just scared.

(Jamhuuriya) Mr minister it is reported that the Majeertenian administration has sent troops to Sanaag Region. The troops are now in the eastern region, how true is this'

(Ade) I'm sure Buuhoodle is the place where they are passionate about and have renamed Cayn Region. They are eager to see fighting between brothers in the area. I'm not sure about eastern Sanaag but they are interested and passionate about Buuhoodle.

(Jamhuuriya) Mr minister what is the number of dead and wounded on your side?

(Ade) Two young men have died and four were injured. They have arrested two young men who were detached - that is Aqil Husayn Adan Ade, a son of mine and a cousin who was driving and whose car they took away. They took the people they arrested directly to Garoowe (Puntland administrative HQ, about 150km away) and the injured to Laas Canood hospital. On their side, they lost four men who were buried the same night in Garoowe. They also sent away patients in Garoowe hospital and admitted seven of their men who were injured.

(Jamhuuriya) What is your mission here in Burco'

(Ade) I'm here to thank the people and government of Somaliland, to brief the people on the real situation on the ground and to inform the people that their country is being occupied and they should deliver it. I will return this evening or tomorrow.

(Jamhuuriya) Have you ever asked the clan leaders and educated people in Sool about the need for these (Puntland) forces to withdraw from Laas Caanood'

(Ade) They have been asked. It is only the brave who can say that. The truth of the matter is that the people have not done what was expected of them. It is just a question of fear. These (Puntland forces) are not men who are related to the people there or with clan affiliation to Somaliland. They did not even believe they could get to Laas Caanood. They are puzzled and wondering about this place.

War of Continues Between Puntland And Somaliland

Tension has been rising between the two sides ever since forces of the self-declared autonomous region of Puntland took total control of the Sool regional capital, Las Anod, late last month.

Abdillahi Muhammad Du'ale, the Somaliland information minister, told IRIN on Tuesday that Somaliland had been patient and had ignored numerous provocations from Puntland with a view to averting destabilising confrontations, but the situation had now "reached a point at which we can no longer ignore their actions". "The Majerteenia [Puntland] must remove their forces at once or take full responsibility for the consequences of their action," he warned.

However, the Puntland spokesman, Awad Ahmad Ashara, told IRIN that "Puntland forces are within our borders, since Las Anod is an integral part of Puntland". He accused the Somaliland authorities of instigating the conflict, adding that the people of the area "do not consider themselves part of Somaliland".

Sool and Sanaag regions fall geographically within the borders of pre-independence British Somaliland, but most of the clans there are associated with Puntland. These are the Warsangeli and the Dhulbahante, which, along with Majerteen - the main clan in Puntland - form the Harti sub-group of the Darood.

Du'ale said Somaliland had been working since 1991 towards the achievement of a lasting peace "within the borders of the former British Protectorate" and had "been successful in reconciling the various clans." He charged that "continuous provocations" by Col Abdullahi Yusuf, Puntland's president, were meant to derail the "stability and the democratisation process and thwart the success story of Somaliland".

SOMALILAND: FOREIGN MINISTER WARNS PUNTLAND STATE OVER "PROVOCATIONS"

Discussing the US-Somaliland relations, Mrs Edna said she had met officials from the US State Department on four occasions and discussed how to strengthen the relations between the two countries and how to safeguard Somaliland's territorial waters.

Mr Edna said the provocations by Majertenia (Puntland administration) in Sool Region would be met by stern action. Finally, she urged the people of Somaliland to be wary of anyone who tries to provokes them and interferes with their territorial boundaries.

DJIBOUTI: PRESIDENT GUELLEH RECEIVES VISITING SOMALILAND MINISTER

SOMALILAND DESERVES A CLOSER LOOK

Order is supposed to be the defining characteristic of a state, but Somaliland is recognized by no country in the world as a sovereign entity. Instead, the world insists on clinging to the fiction that Somalia has a government that rules over a united territory. Understanding why the world pretends that Somaliland does not exist tells us much about the foibles of the international politics of recognition.

Somaliland was a British protectorate during the colonial period. In 1960, during the rush to decolonization, Somaliland was independent for five days before joining with former Italian Somaliland to create the Somali Republic. In 1989 the government of thug-President Mohamed Siad Barre declared war on Somaliland because of fears that the Somalilanders wanted to go it alone. Government fighters, taking off from the Hargeysa airport, systematically bombed the city, destroying just about every building. In an event all but unnoticed by the international community, 50,000 people were killed and approximately 500,000 of the population of 2 million became refugees in neighboring Ethiopia.

For several years, strife and conflict continued, but Somaliland persevered. Order was gradually restored and a government formed; the refugees returned and embarked on a long process of rebuilding. In 2001, 98 percent of voters opted in a free and fair election for a new constitution that boldly proclaimed the case for independence.

Somaliland then had successful, internationally monitored, local council elections in 2002 and a free and fair presidential election in April 2003. The presidential election was most notable because the ruling UDUB party, led by President Dahir Rayale Kahin, won by only 217 votes out of almost 500,000 cast. The opposition party KULMIYE challenged the tally but, in a moment of extraordinary responsibility given Somalia's history of having weapons resolve almost every conflict, eventually accepted the results. Somaliland is planning parliamentary elections this year (the legislature is currently appointed). At that point, it will have a far more impressive democracy than most African countries.

One would think that the natural response of the outside world to the extraordinary accomplishments of the Somalilanders would be respect and recognition, especially because Somalia still does not have a government and is still in absolute ruins a decade after one of the most expensive humanitarian interventions in history. That is not the logic of the Horn of Africa. About the only thing that the southern Somalis can agree on is that they do not want Somaliland to secede.

The rest of Africa has not been of any more help. One of the decisions that African leaders took at independence was to retain the irrational boundaries they had received from colonialists, because they could not think of anything better and because they thought that any credence given to self-determination would cause the continent to descend into chaos. The permanence of boundaries has become a major asset for African leaders who do not have to prove that they control their territories or even that they are a legitimate government in order to be granted international recognition and sovereign equality.

The Somalilanders made their own peace without the benefit of international mediators and conflict resolution experts. Of course, they still face extraordinary problems. Literacy may only be 30 percent; education for girls is left to Koranic schools; significant parts of the government are corrupt; just about all men have weapons at home and a good many of them spend much of their income and afternoons chewing kat leaves, an addictive stimulant imported from Ethiopia. In addition, the recent killing of an Italian nurse and a British couple raised concerns across Somaliland that it is still vulnerable to terrorist attacks from those who are determined not to let secession go forward.

Nevertheless, recognizing Somaliland would be a strong signal to the rest of Africa that performance matters and that sovereignty granted in the 1960s will not be an excuse to fail forever. Few regions of any African country actually want to secede; thus the world could recognize the achievements and legal idiosyncrasies of Somaliland without experiencing massive disruptions of Africa's map. The Somalilanders, almost unanimously, ask what more they can do when the international community continues to recognize Liberia, Sierra Leone, Democratic Republic of the Congo and other anarchic, violent places as sovereign units. It is time to give them an answer.

Jeffrey Herbst is chairman of the department of politics at Princeton University. This commentary was first published in the Washington Post on January 2, 2004.

HEAVY FIGHTING REPORTED BETWEEN SOMLILAND, PUNTLAND

The fighting is reportedly continuing. The number of casualties is not yet clear, however, three wounded people were brought to Laas Caanood hospital and it is not yet clear which side they belonged to. A Puntland police spokesman said two people were killed on their side. There are no reports yet regarding the casualties of the Somaliland side.

Two members of Fuad Adan Ade forces, who are said to be important persons, have been taken captive by Puntland forces and are currently being held by Puntland forces at the presidential palace of the Puntland regional administration in Laas Caanood. Reports add that the fighting was sparked off by the action of some members of Puntland forces who moved to the west of Laas Caanood following reports of the presence of Somaliland forces led by Fuad Adan Ade. Laas Caanood town residents are streaming to the western sector of the town and to the main general hospital to find out the real situation on the ground. The fighting was unexpected and most residents feel that the renewed fighting would only be limited to the western sector of the town.

Somalia;Concern Over Tension in North

The statement went to say that the timing of these moves was regrettable given the fact that the local people were suffering a "debilitating drought". "International assistance to the area, including the humanitarian drought-relief operation currently under way, would inevitably be one of the first casualties of an outbreak of armed conflict and hostilities, and the people of the region the first to suffer," the statement warned. It urged the Somaliland and Puntland authorities to resolve their differences peacefully and called on them "to exercise the greatest restraint, and to do all in their power to defuse the mounting tensions".

The Universal Address System Is Adopted in Somaliland

The Universal Address System and the Natural Area Coding System are a revolutionary technology developed by NAC Geographic Products Inc. to unify addresses, postal codes, area codes, geographic coordinates and map grids in the world. The Natural Area Coding System generates standardized and highly efficient codes called Natural Area Codes (NAC) for all locations and areas in the world that can be used as geographic coordinates, Universal Addresses, Global Postal Codes, Universal Area Codes and the coordinates of Universal Map Grids in the world. A two-character NAC represents an area about 1000x700 km (like a province) anywhere in the world; a four-character NAC represents an area about 33x23 km (like a city); a six-character NAC represents an area about one square kilometer (like a street block); an eight-character NAC represents an area about 35x25 meters (like a building or house), and a ten-character NAC can specify any one square meter area in the world. An Eight or ten character NAC is called a Universal Address that can uniquely specify any building, house, door, gate, fire hydrant, tree, parking meter, electric wire pole, street light, bus stop, sewage exit, camping site, or any other fixed object in the world.

Because Universal Addresses are very short, people can easily remember and communicate Universal Addresses for their daily activities. Universal Addresses can perfectly fit the small spaces of business cards, GPS watches, GPS cellphones, parking tickets, yellow page listings, advertisements, etc. A Universal Address can be directly pinpointed on all maps with Universal Map Grids and navigated with GPS receivers. If all street signs are marked with local Universal Addresses, people can immediately figure out the distance and direction from the current street sign to any destination through the comparison of the Universal Addresses of the street sign and the destination. Universal Addresses can be used as Global Postal Codes to sort all domestic and international mail automatically and optimize its delivery routes. When Universal Addresses are used to specify locations and areas on location based services can reduce 80% of input keys, avoid difficulties in inputting addresses with foreign characters, eliminate errors from address databases, extend services to all locations no matter whether there are addresses or not.

These advantages have been demonstrated by the world most efficient and comprehensive location based services: Mobile Location Based Services Network (http://mlbs.net/) for wireless devices, and TravelGIS Driving Directions Service (http://www.travelgis.com/directions/) for desktop and notebook computers.

Most importantly, the Natural Area Coding System can make all the geographic information (all addresses in the world as shown on business cards, mail, advertisements, yellow pages, etc, all kinds of maps in different scales and projections, all GPS watches, GPS cellphones, handheld GPS receivers, etc, all wired and wireless driving directions services, map services, location based searching service, etc, all postal, courier, delivery and taxi services, all emergency services, all kinds of geographic information systems such as management systems of public works, natural resources, agriculture, environment protection, etc, and all other location related technologies, products and services) directly related and highly efficient. It will remove all the gaps between all these technologies, products and services as currently shown everywhere in the world. "This (the Universal Address System) is an elegant solution that seems to supply something that is becoming necessary as the world becomes more globalized." - Matt Ball, editor of GeoWorld magazine. For more information about the Universal Address System and the Natural Area Coding System, please check http://www.nacgeo.com/nacsite/.

Tasks where the Universal Address System is being successfully practiced include a unique method of bringing farmers, warring over privately-owned territorial rights, to peaceful coexistence. That country is in the Horn of Africa, known as Somaliland (south of the Gulf of Aden). "UNDP (United Nations Development Program) is supporting a land survey (cadastral) that seeks to meet the need for land and collateral, and employs a process that is conflict resolving in character. The process is transparent and participatory and based on the resolution of existing and potential claim disputes. It has traditional, local level, consensus building and mediation techniques to ensure a fair process of land tenure and titling, involving demarcation, on maps and on the ground, of the boundaries of private farms." - United Nations Secretary-General's Report to the Security Council on the situation in Somalia, June 27, 2002 (No. 5/2002/709).

Cadastral Surveys, an officially registered Non Government Organization in Somaliland and the United Kingdom, is establishing farm boundaries which are mutually agreed by neighboring farmers. Universal Addresses at each of the farms' polygon turning points and polygon center in the District of Gabiley are included on Farmers' ID cards thanks to the short strings of Universal Addresses. The Universal Addresses are also marked on the ground by embedded concrete blocks, and repeated in databases.

Farmers now have legal title deeds from Somaliland's Ministry of Agriculture. Outbreaks of violence over territorial rights have ceased in surveyed areas. 2,600 farms, averaging 12 acres each, have been surveyed and mapped. Each farm owner is in possession of a technical laminated ID card.

Farmers in that country are now enjoying peace because of security of tenure where they had none before, even in colonial times. This was because their rain-fed farms, between 8 and 50 acres each, growing maize and sorghum, had no boundaries for generations and therefore no title deeds. "When I was growing up, there were many land problems. No one knew the boundaries before these surveys. It was dangerous - some people were killed. I plan to pass my farm on to my children's children," said Mohamed Hassan Obsiye, a 66-year-old sorghum farmer. Somaliland now wisely gives farmers land ownership in perpetuity (freehold) after surveying, when maps and databases have been completed to the satisfaction of the Ministry of Agriculture.

"This project involves farmers, their neighbors, as well as local and municipal authorities, all of whom agree on this process. You can see that what the United Nations Development Program is doing here is helping to build peace, one farm at a time" - Maxwell Gaylard, UNDP Resident Representative for Somalia. "When we were in need, farmers coming back from refugee camps, UNDP helped. By securing their property and farming again, farmers can improve their livelihoods." - Hassan Yusuf Roble, Mayor of Gabiley.

Cadastral Surveys also maps, with databases and ID cards, urban, privately-owned properties in Somaliland. Streets are given NAC coding; likewise buildings with eight alphanumeric characters representing universal postal addresses. House-owners in Somaliland have not before had postal addresses. These can be superimposed electronically with NAC coding on satellite images of urban properties. The codes, identifying any object, large or small, on the ground, are there forever. They cannot be changed.

The automation in generating Universal Addresses has saved huge amounts of work, time and money normally required in manually assigning addresses, postal codes and property identifiers in this kind of projects. Universal Addresses used as property identifiers have given the government the most efficient and low-cost approach to establish computerized management systems for recording major financial processes such as revenue collections and records of all land transfers. These greatly accelerate the property registration process and avoided many conflicts arising from the land disputes.

The automatically generated digital addresses are short, accurate, universal and of multiple uses. They are always well aligned and systematic no matter when and where they are generated, and will never be used up no matter how dense the population will be, which guarantees long term consistency and efficiency in assigning addresses, unlike the postal codes in other countries that have faced serious shortages and chaos due to continuous redevelopment, and become more and more expensive and difficult to maintain. "This (the Universal Address System) is very impressive," said Henrik Jespersen, Counselor of Royal Danish Embassy at Nairobi, Republic of Kenya.

The timely implementation of the Universal Address System has also made Somaliland the world's first country with universal digital addresses. People in Somaliland will soon enjoy the great benefits brought by the Universal Address System. They will be able to directly pinpoint all addresses on maps without the need to waste time in looking up street indexes. They will be able to use street signs to figure out the distance and direction to any destination. They will be able to directly navigate to any locations with GPS watches, GPS cellphones or other GPS receivers. They will be able to use wireless or wired location based services more efficiently and reliably than in any other country in the world. They will get the fastest and most reliable emergency services. The will have their mail sorted automatically from world level to the final mailboxes. They will be able to use Universal Addresses to identify, manage and navigate to all buildings, houses, gates, doors, fire hydrants, sewage exits, electric wire poles, street lights, trees, parking meters, bus stops, camping sites, fishing spots, rescue points, etc. They will be able to use the most efficient universal area codes - Natural Area Codes to retrieve maps and manage lands, natural resources, environment, transportation, etc in all geographic information systems. They will be able to use Universal Addresses to record accurate locations of accidents, crimes, discoveries and events to eliminate legal disputes arising from ambiguous location descriptions. Tourists will never get lost in Somaliland. Somaliland will become the world most advanced country in location technologies, thanks to the implementation of the Natural Area Coding System that makes all the geographic information connected, exchangeable and highly efficient.

"This pioneer project has first rooted and deployed the Universal Address System in the real world," said Dr. Xinhang Shen, President of NAC Geographic Products Inc., "and we are very grateful to Mr. Jim Karygiannis, Member of Parliament of Canada, for his initiation of this historical project."

Somaliland to get a GSM network

"By meeting the specific cost, coverage and capacity needs in the first phase of Telsom Mobile's deployment, Tecore was able to rapidly deliver a high-capacity MSC to serve more subscribers than any other operator in Mogadishu," said Jay Salkini, Tecore's chairman and CEO. "Telsom Mobile has placed this order with us to expand their system coverage and open up lucrative roaming opportunities." "We are delighted with the success of the first wireless network deployment from Tecore and AirNet," said M. A. Jama, CEO of Telsom Mobile. "We awarded them the expansion of our system because we knew they could quickly provide an integrated software-based, feature rich solution. With its all-in-one MSC and broadband base stations, Tecore was an obvious choice to dramatically reduce our total cost of ownership and maximize our return-on-investment."

Somaliland foreign minister reportedly on secret visit to Djibouti

Somaliland Tells Puntland to Pull Out of Disputed Region

Tension has been rising between the two sides ever since forces of the self-declared autonomous region of Puntland took total control of the Sool regional capital, Las Anod, late last month.

Puntland's spokesman Awad Ahmad Ashara told IRIN at the time that it was normal for the Puntland authorities to send police forces to the Sool and Sanaag area "since both regions are part and parcel of Puntland". However, Fu'ad Adan Ade, the Somaliland housing and rural development minister, who is in charge of his government's operations in Las Anod, told IRIN that Sool and Sanaag were within the internationally recognised boundaries of Somaliland. "The presence of Majerteenia [Puntland] forces is illegal and illegitimate," he stated. "They should leave before things get out of hand."

"These people [Puntland] are arguing in terms of clan, and we [Somaliland] are talking about a nation," he added. "Clannism is what destroyed Somalia."

Sool and Sanaag fall geographically within the borders of pre-independence British Somaliland, but most of the clans there are associated with Puntland. These are the Warsangeli and the Dhulbahante, which, along with Majerteen - the main clan in Puntland - form the Harti sub-group of the Darood.

Ade, who spoke to IRIN by satellite phone from the town of Hudun, 82 km northeast of Las Anod, said his forces were on their way to Las Anod. "I will urge the Puntland forces to leave peacefully. We have been patient long enough." He said the tension created by the arrival of the Puntland forces was hampering humanitarian assistance to the people of the area affected by drought. Thousands of nomads in the Sool Plateau, which is within the disputed regions, have been affected by a four-year drought. "If fighting breaks out, it will not be confined to this area but we will take it to Garowe [the Puntland regional capital]," Ade warned.

Somalia;UN Agencies Set to Start New Phase of Aid for Drought-Stricken Northern Somalia

With no rains anticipated before April in parts of the Sool and Sanaag regions, further losses to livestock and other assets are expected, according to the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), which is calling for prompt intervention to stem the problem. "The situation is fragile," UNICEF Somalia Emergency Officer Robert McCarthy said. "Our planning is based on the assumption that children will be increasingly vulnerable to malnutrition and disease in the coming weeks." He added that nomadic communities which have lost significant numbers of their livestock will require outside food and supplies to survive.

Growing tension between the local administrations in Northwest Somalia ('Somaliland') and Northeast Somalia ('Puntland'), both claiming the affected areas as their territory, is creating some concern among humanitarian agencies. UNICEF said operations could be jeopardized or even halted if the situation escalates into violent conflict.

In the past, efforts to reach the affected communities - often in remote areas - were possible thanks to cooperation between the two administrations. UNICEF Somalia Senior Programme Officer Leila Pakkala urged that this continue. "We appeal to them to maintain a stable environment and ensure the continuity and effectiveness of response activities," she said.

Failed rains over the past four years have caused large-scale food insecurity among pastoral people in parts of northern Somalia. A joint mission in October, led by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), found the population hard hit by loss of livestock and purchasing power.

In two recent missions, the last ending on 2 January, 10 teams supported by UNICEF and the UN World Health Organization (WHO) visited 72 villages, providing vaccination, clinical and antenatal care, and dry supplementary rations to complement UN World Food Programme (WFP) distributions. Later this week, UNICEF and WFP are set to begin the second phase of food, medical and nutritional interventions.

Somalia;Drought Increasing Risk of Malnutrition in the North -UNICEF

UNICEF noted that the Sool Plateau - covering parts of Sool and Sanaag regions within the borders of the Somaliland in northwestern Somalia - had suffered four consecutive years of drought, resulting "in large-scale food insecurity among pastoral populations".

Recently, a combined "UNICEF- and WHO-supported" team visited 72 villages in the area and "provided vaccination services, clinical and antenatal care, together with nutritional screening and dry supplementary rations intended to complement WFP food distributions", said the statement. "The situation is fragile," it quoted UNICEF Somalia Emergency Officer Robert McCarthy as saying. "Our planning is based on the assumption that children will be increasingly vulnerable to malnutrition and disease in the coming weeks. In particular, nomadic communities who have lost significant numbers of their livestock will require continued food and non-food assistance."

The statement noted that humanitarian agencies were also concerned about the growing tension between the Somaliland and the neighbouring self-declared autonomous region of Puntland in northeastern Somalia, both of which lay claim to Sool and Sanaag. "Ongoing [humanitarian] interventions could be jeopardised or even halted if the situation escalates into violent conflict," it warned. Although the Sool Plateau falls geographically within Somaliland, most of its resident clans are associated with Puntland. "Efforts to reach affected communities, often in remote areas, have been possible because of the cooperation and assistance of the concerned authorities in Somaliland and Puntland. We appeal to them to maintain a stable environment and ensure the continuity and effectiveness of response activities," the statement quoted UNICEF Somalia Senior Programme Officer Leila Pakkala as saying.

SOMALILAND REPORTEDLY CAPTURES FOUR PUNTLAND SOLDIERS IN DISPUTED REGION

Private Competition Drives Down Telephone and Internet Costs in Somalia: But chaotic situation highlights need for self regulation

Over the past five years, Somalis have outpaced their neighbours in East African countries in developing their information and communications technology. With a steadily increasing number of mobile phone, fixed-line and Internet service providers, Somalis have turned to technology to fill an infrastructure vacuum in this nation struggling to rebuild itself after a decade of civil war. While there is no official banking system or postal service, and while many Somalis don't have regular running water or electricity, most do have access to fixed phone lines. Many others own mobile phones while colourful Internet caf?s are springing up along Hargeisa's bustling downtown streets.

"In traditional African societies, it's sometimes difficult for government officials to embrace technology, but here, it is the people who decide," says Abdi Karim Mohamed Eid, manager of Telesom, a private telecommunications company.

A decade ago, Somaliland had a single phone company providing fixed lines only. There are now four private telecommunications companies-with a fifth scheduled to have entered the market by the end of 2003-and a growing number of Internet users.

"We started with a few hundred subscribers and now we have about 3,000," says Mr. Eid. "If you add up the other companies, there may be around 20,000 Internet subscribers in Somaliland. That's much more than we anticipated initially and it's a remarkable achievement given that there is no backing from the international community. This is solely done by the Somali business community. We are really proud of that."

In all of Somalia, there are nine companies providing service today through over 105,000 fixed lines and almost 39,000 mobile lines. In 1993, 33 years after independence, there were only 17,000 telephone lines, 14,000 of which were in the capital Mogadishu. Almost 87 percent of the country now has telephone service.

Fierce competition keeps cost down

In Somaliland, fierce competition between the private companies has driven consumer costs down, despite the fact that companies must rely on expensive satellite technology rather than fibre-optic cables. International calls on mobile phones cost US$1 per minute or less, five or six times lower than in most African countries. The lack of a government has also helped keep costs down-there is no tax on telephones.

But the lack of regulation has also created a chaotic situation, where callers subscribing to one company are often unable to talk to people who subscribe to another system. As a result, UNDP, which had been working to promote private enterprise in the region, together with the International Telecommunications Union, invited the leaders of the private companies to a series of meetings in Dubai, where the companies formed the Somali Telecom Association in late 1998.

"It was like a game without a referee," says Abdilghani Jama, Secretary General of the Somali Telecom Association. "Then UNDP and ITU brought all the operators together in Dubai and said, `we would like to help you but you have to have one office.' "

Since its formation, the Association has been headquartered in Dubai, to allay any fears of favouritism to any region or operator. It is a voluntary organization, and has emerged as the main telecommunications focal point, representing Somali interests at global conferences.

The lack of connections between the various companies grew out of a lack of trust, according to Mr. Jama. In a pilot project to unify the telephone system in Mogadishu, the Telecom Association brought the local operators together to meet with international experts on the costs and benefits of interconnectivity. As a result, the companies contributed to the purchase of new equipment and the formation of a jointly owned company, and now telephone users in Mogadishu can talk to each other.

"Rebuilding trust wasn't easy," says Mr. Jama. "But now we are trying to replicate the Mogadishu model in other areas."

Somaliland is still waiting for the private companies to connect with one another. "Every company runs its own business, we're not connected to each other. If you want to call someone with another company, you have to subscribe to that network," says Abdul Aziz, a network administrator for Telesom. "But we're trying to work that out so it's all one unified system."

In the meantime, approximately three million people living in Somaliland, about 500,000 of them in Hargeisa, will have to make do with what they've got. "There's still a lot of work to be done, but what we've already done is quite an achievement," says Telesom's Mr. Eid. "The benefits that the Internet has brought are tremendous."

Service improvements in Hargeisa

Telesom is aiming to introduce a roaming mobile phone system by early 2004 to allow mobile phone owners from other countries to use their GSM phones-phones that operate according to a global wireless communications standard-while in Somaliland.

By the end of 2003, Telesom also expects to have introduced text and voicemail systems to their network.

Pre-paid cards allow companies to collect money in places where steady incomes, fixed addresses, credit checks, reliable banking and postal systems don't exist. Somaliland still needs fixed lines for families who cannot afford more than the monthly $10 fixed line fee. As a result, the city is wreathed in coils of chaotic telephone cables snaking along roadsides and tangling in overhead spaces.

Hargeisa's private telecommunications companies say they can usually install fixed lines within two days of receiving an application and Internet accounts can be up and running within 24 hours.

Various businesses, especially shipping agencies, have benefited from having Internet access, while money transfer companies are creating their own software packages. A small number of students have also been using the Internet for e-learning through universities overseas.

UNDP, with technical assistance from the Centre for Tele-Information, Technical University of Denmark, is also supporting efforts to bring broadband access to universities and government installations in Somaliland. In 2002, a Very Small Aperture Terminal, or VSAT system, was installed in the UNDP compound in Hargeisa, with nodes of connection to the Ministries of Planning, Finance, Foreign Affairs, the Vice Presidency and the University of Hargeisa. The project aims to provide Internet access to educational institutions and government ministries to supplement initiatives already undertaken by the private sector.

"The benefits of ICT are endless," UNDP Somalia Resident Representative Max Gaylard says. "ICT gives the citizens of a nation access to the world and vice versa. The flow of information and ideas allows Somalis to communicate with each other and with people around the world, but more importantly, it is key to informed decision-making in matters which affect them."

At Micro Computer Services, an Internet and computer training school, there is a month-long waiting list for 50 spaces. "The computer has become the most important tool for employment these days, especially with e-mail. Everybody needs to use a computer and everyone wants to learn how to use it," says the school's manager, adding that the ICT explosion in Somaliland has created job opportunities for those skilled enough to install and repair networks or work in Internet cafes.

"The development of our country relies on information technology, whether it's for health or education. The government is fully aware of that," says Abdullah Duale, Information Minister for Somaliland's de facto government. "The more we inform our people and the more access they have to information, the better off we will be." n

-Finbarr O'Reilly is a Canadian journalist who reports extensively from Africa.

SOMALILAND: PUNTLAND FORCES GIVEN UP TO 6 JANUARY TO LEAVE DISPUTED TOWN

Mr Fuad Adan Ade who was interviewed on phone from Laas Canood, spoke about the current situation in Laas Caanood and the strategy being adopted by (Somaliland) troops in Laas Caanood. The minister expressed little hope about the possibility of the militia from Garoowe leaving Laas Caanood and other areas in Sool Region. The following is the interview:

(Jamhuuriya) You are in Laas Caanood and no Somaliland forces have entered the town and Puntland militia are increasing in number. What is your strategy'

(Ade) If they do not leave the town we will attack them. Afguduud (leader of Puntland forces) is from Laas Caanood and some of his maternal relatives there are on his side. Any bullets fired will only harm the Dhulbahante (main clan in Laas Caanood). (Local clan leader) Garad Saleban Garad is also involved in the matter. I do not want to attack the town. The Majerteen want fighting to start in the town and deaths of civilians. Somaliland on its part does not want any fighting in civilian populated areas but inside its own borders.

(Jamhuuriya) What is your mission and that of Somaliland forces considering that Puntland forces are already holding the town'

(Ade) The (Somaliland) forces are in Xargaga, seven kilometres from Laas Caanood. The Majerteen militia cannot dare to go a kilometre out of the town. I have massed up to 500 (Somaliland) Dhulbahante soldiers and they cannot dare to face us. We are sufficient enough to neutralize his (Afguduud) supporters. We have given them up to Tuesday to leave the town. Somaliland which has been using diplomacy and peaceful means for the last seven years will now move to secure its borders.

(Jamhuuriya) It is also being reported that Majerteen forces armed with new battle wagons have arrived in Laas Caanood from Garoowe. Is that true'

(Ade) This has been reported in an area 30km out of Laas Caanood. However, if these forces enter the town, Somaliland will send in four regiments which are ready.

(Jamhuuriya) Is it true that your forces attacked an FM station in Laas Caanood and caused damage on Saturday (3 January)'

(Ade) I can't boast I was not involved at all. When I arrived in Laas Caanood I called the young man in charge of the radio station and warned him about reports he was disseminating to the BBC on the studio. We hope that he has taken heed.

(Jamhuuriya) When do you expect to complete your mission'

(Ade) The deadline in next Tuesday. If these Majerteen men do not leave, do not heed people's the peoples' desires, we will subject them to some stern action. You know what will follow and what our response will be.

SOMALILAND LEADER VOWS "TO RESPOND TO PUNTLAND LEADER'S INTERVENTION"

president Dahir Riyale Kahin, has said his government will respond to (Puntland leader) Abdullahi Yusuf's interventions in Somaliland with appropriate measures.

The president, who was speaking at a Thursday morning (1 January) press conference held in his office, declined to specify the type of measures that he intended to take or fix a date for their implementation. He however said, "our security forces are on alert and we will do our utmost to defend the country".

Commenting for the first time on a widely publicized story in which Finance Minister Husayn Ali Du'ale "Awil" charged that former SNM (Somali National Movement) leader and the current chairman of the Kulmiye (Solidarity) opposition party, Ahmed Silanyo, was behind the assassination of Abdul-Kader Kosar and Adan Shine in Ethiopia in 1987, President Riyale said Minister Awil had only expressed his personal views.

On 6 December (2003), while Ahmed Silanyo was addressing party supporters among the Somaliland Bristol community in the UK, he made a passing remark to the effect that people with past human rights violation records should not be assigned to key government positions.

The statement was published in the Somaliland local press. Few days later, the finance minister shocked the nation by saying that he had evidence connecting Silanyo with the murder of Kosar and Shine, both former military leaders in the SNM's Liberation Army. Awil's accusations made headlines in the press for several days and continued to elicit a lot of negative commentary from Somalilanders inside and outside the country.

At the press conference, President Riyale denied that the government had anything to do with Mr Awil's charges against Silanyo. He said he was displeased with the accusations and counter-accusations exchanged by Silanyo and Awil via the media. "I believe this kind of behaviour doesn't serve the interests of the nation well, and it only works against the unity and progress of Somaliland," the president added.

Mr Riyale revealed that he gave instructions to members of his cabinet requiring them not to respond in the event the opposition made offensive statements about the government. The president appealed to Somalilanders to preserve their spirit of national reconciliation and forgiveness. "At the series of Somaliland clans conferences held in Burco (1991), Sheikh (1992), Boorama (1993) and Hargeysa (October 1996 - March 1997), it has been agreed that we should let bygones be bygones." He however said issues that fall beyond this framework would be dealt with by the Genocide Commission in collaboration with the UN Commissioner for Human Rights.

Mr Riyale urged Somalilanders to refrain from using the following three statements: He wants to take us to Mogadishu, he was with the Faqash (ousted Siyad Barre's government), he took part in the genocide. "Those who use the above expressions for scoring political advantages are undermining our national unity," he said.

The Somaliland president addressed a wide range of issues. He said he gave orders to speed up investigations into the Boorama and Sheikh killings of Annalena Tonelli and Richard and Enid Eyeington (Italian and British aid workers) respectively. "As I mentioned before, this action would have only been committed by Somaliland's enemies, and once the perpetrators have been brought to justice and convicted, we will have no mercy for them."

President Riyale said his government's biggest achievements so far were holding the December 2002 municipal councils elections and the April 2003 presidential elections. He also hailed his recent trip to Djibouti as a significant foreign policy achievement. He said as a result of his visit, Djibouti agreed that each of the two countries would establish representative offices in the other; that Djibouti would accept Somaliland's passports; and that Djibouti would provide two electric generating machines for Hargeysa's power plant

The president described the criticism that his trip to Djibouti received from the opposition and the press as unjustified and unpatriotic. He also criticized the local press for lacking a sense of patriotism while reporting on issues. "The press was supposed to nurture harmony in society but on many instances they only sow discord within the communities," he said. Mr Riyale added that although the freedom of the press is guaranteed, it is important that the media refrain from sensationalism, and that journalists pay more sensitivity to their obligations as citizens.

In Africa, What Does It Take to Be a Country'

At least a small part of the future of Africa is being played out in Somaliland, the northwest portion of Somalia that declared its independence in 1991. In its bustling but impoverished capital of Hargeysa, the most striking contrast with most African cities is the sense of order. Police -- who, given their salaries, are almost volunteers -- stand in the hot sun and direct obedient drivers. Money-changers sit on the side of the street with huge piles of cash visible, waiting for customers.

Order is supposed to be the defining characteristic of a state, but Somaliland is recognized by no country in the world as a sovereign entity. Instead, the world insists on clinging to the fiction that Somalia has a government that rules over a united territory. Understanding why the world pretends that Somaliland does not exist tells us much about the foibles of the international politics of recognition.

Somaliland was a British protectorate during the colonial period. In 1960, during the rush to decolonization, Somaliland was independent for five days before joining with former Italian Somaliland to create the Somali Republic. In 1989 the government of thug-President Mohamed Siad Barre declared war on Somaliland because of fears that the Somalilanders wanted to go it alone. Government fighters, taking off from the Hargeysa airport, systematically bombed the city, destroying just about every building. In an event all but unnoticed by the international community, 50,000 people were killed and approximately 500,000 of the population of 2 million became refugees in neighboring Ethiopia.

For several years, strife and conflict continued, but Somaliland persevered. Order was gradually restored and a government formed; the refugees returned and embarked on a long process of rebuilding. In 2001, 98 percent of voters opted in a free and fair election for a new constitution that boldly proclaimed the case for independence. Somaliland then had successful, internationally monitored, local council elections in 2002 and a free and fair presidential election in April 2003. The presidential election was most notable because the ruling UDUB party, led by President Dahir Rayale Kahin, won by only 217 votes out of almost 500,000 cast. The opposition party KULMIYE challenged the tally but, in a moment of extraordinary responsibility given Somalia's history of having weapons resolve almost every conflict, eventually accepted the results. Somaliland is planning parliamentary elections this year (the legislature is currently appointed). At that point, it will have a far more impressive democracy than most African countries.

One would think that the natural response of the outside world to the extraordinary accomplishments of the Somalilanders would be respect and recognition, especially because Somalia still does not have a government and is still in absolute ruins a decade after one of the most expensive humanitarian interventions in history. That is not the logic of the Horn of Africa. About the only thing that the southern Somalis can agree on is that they do not want Somaliland to secede. The rest of Africa has not been of any more help. One of the decisions that African leaders took at independence was to retain the irrational boundaries they had received from colonialists, because they could not think of anything better and because they thought that any credence given to self-determination would cause the continent to descend into chaos. The permanence of boundaries has become a major asset for African leaders who do not have to prove that they control their territories or even that they are a legitimate government in order to be granted international recognition and so