May 19, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

UN Guard Unit begins work in Mogadishu

18 May – Source: UNSOM – 283 words

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia (SRSG), Nicholas Kay, on Sunday presided over the formal inauguration of the United Nations Guard Unit, a defensive military entity mandated to protect UN staff and installations in Mogadishu. The UNGU is made up of 410 troops provided by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). The Guard Unit, led by a Ugandan Commander, falls under the responsibility of the UN designated official in Somalia, SRSG Kay. The Unit is a static force and will be based at Mogadishu International Airport.

“The deployment of the UN Guard Unit is an important step as we continue to expand our operations in support of the Somali people,” Mr. Kay said at the event. “We are deeply grateful to Uganda for its continued contribution to peace- and state-building in Somalia. “We also thank our hosts, the Federal Government and people of Somalia, and our partners, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), for their support for the Guard Unit and for the protection they provide to the UN,” he added.

This Guard Unit, which officially began its duties on 15 May 2014, marks the UPDF’s first ever contribution to a UN field mission. “The Ugandan Government is committed to supporting our Somali brothers and sisters in their efforts to attain lasting peace,” said Lt. Gen. Charles Angina, Deputy Commander of the UPDF’s Land Forces. “We are proud to join the UN family, and will do our utmost to ensure the UN is able to continue its work in Mogadishu under safe and secure conditions.”

The formation of the UN Guard Unit was approved by the UN Security Council following a recommendation for its deployment by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Key Headlines

AMISOM commences training for Senior Civil Servants in Somalia (AMISOM)
Presentation on the Population Estimation Survey for Somalia (Office of the Prime Minister)
UN Guard Unit begins work in Mogadishu (Radio Mogadishu/Bar-kulan)
Somali Govt lauds Ethiopia’s peacekeeping role in the country (Hiiraan Online)
SRSG Kay visits Jowhar meets Governor community elders and civil society (Al Shahid)
Interior minister survives confidence motion (Radio Goobjoog)
Warplanes strike al Shabaab stronghold (AFP)
Suspects in custody after 10 dead 70 wounded in Nairobi blasts (Sabahi Online)
AMISOM urges end to harassment of Somali refugees (Somali Current)
Terror threats: US signals staff cut at Nairobi embassy (New Vision)
Somalis in Kenyan jails go on hunger strike (Hiiraan Online)
Kenya to open diplomatic office in Somaliland (Daily Nation)
Somaliland president makes speech outside the presidential palace (Somaliland Informer)
UN troops deploy in Somali capital to defend staff (AFP)
Suspected al Shabaab attack Mandera police station deputy governor’s home (Standard Media)
Parliament rejects Turkish-owned company contract (RBC)

PRESS STATEMENT

UN Guard Unit begins work in Mogadishu

18 May – Source: UNSOM – 283 words

The UNGU is made up of 410 troops provided by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). The Guard Unit, led by a Ugandan Commander, falls under the responsibility of the UN designated official in Somalia, SRSG Kay. The Unit is a static force and will be based at Mogadishu International Airport.

“We also thank our hosts, the Federal Government and people of Somalia, and our partners, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), for their support for the Guard Unit and for the protection they provide to the UN,” he added. This Guard Unit, which officially began its duties on 15 May 2014, marks the UPDF’s first ever contribution to a UN field mission.

“The Ugandan Government is committed to supporting our Somali brothers and sisters in their efforts to attain lasting peace,” said Lt. Gen. Charles Angina, Deputy Commander of the UPDF’s Land Forces. “We are proud to join the UN family, and will do our utmost to ensure the UN is able to continue its work in Mogadishu under safe and secure conditions.”

The formation of the UN Guard Unit was approved by the UN Security Council following a recommendation for its deployment by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

AMISOM commences training for Senior Civil Servants in Somalia

18 May – Source: AMISOM – 368 words

The Political Unit of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) embarked on a ten-day Executive Leadership and Management Course for 80 senior civil servants in Mogadishu. The course brings together a cross-section of Director Generals and Heads of Departments and Sections of the Somali Federal Government.

The training, taking place at the General Kaahiye Police Academy was attended by H.E Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, Somalia’s Minister of Labour, Luqman Sheikh Ismail, Police Commissioner Brig. Gen. Abdihakin Dahir and representatives of AMISOM.

Somalia’s civil service has borne the brunt of more than two decades of statelessness that decimated the service’s ranks and technical capacity. The training is aimed at building the foundation of the country’s nascent civil service as the government turns around to public service delivery for the first time since 1991.

“This training lays the foundation for a new Somali civil service built on the principles of hard work, intellect and progress,” said Prime Minister Abdiweli while urging the participants to take up a culture of prudent management and accountability. The training is in line with key objectives of of the Somalia Development and Reconstruction Facility (SDRF) and the Somali Compact’s Peace and State-building Goals (PSGs).

Mr. Ssebirumbi Kisinziggo, AMISOM’s Senior Political Affairs Officer, says the training is aimed at equipping the civil service with the necessary skills to effectively discharge their duties. “The civil service is the nerve of any given state. They implement the policies created by governments and take them to the grassroot levels. Hence, it is crucial to extend knowledge to this group of people to act as a liberating tool for them to serve their country more efficiently,” said Mr. Kisinziggo.

The course will cover modules such as Public Finance Management, Project Planning and Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, Strategic Planning, Policy Development and Human Resource Management.

This particular training is especially a milestone in Somalia’s recovery journey as it is the first of its kind to be conducted within the country. Previous sessions have taken place since 2010 in Uganda, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Rwanda. As part of its mandate, AMISOM supports capacity building of Somalia’s federal institutions on key areas including security, governance and human rights.

Presentation on the Population Estimation Survey for Somalia

18 May -Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 365 words

His Excellency Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed attended a meeting for the Presentation on the Population Estimation Survey for Somalia (PESS). They discussed the benefits for the Population Estimation Survey in all the 18 regions to bring forth accurate and reliable population estimates for people residing in urban, rural, IDP’s and nomadic areas through the water points and related data to support evidence-based decisions and policy.

Information and technology were stressed as valuable assets and powerful tools in the planning and decision making process. In an age of technology the benefits of using every single resource available is imperative to information gathering of all regions of Somalia down to the lower administrative levels. The Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation made this remarkable event come to life by gathering raw data of the sampled enumeration areas for local communities. This displays Somalia willingness to move forward and to gain better achievements.

PESS was conducted by the Federal Government of Somalia with support from donors in conjunction with the local communities from districts throughout the country, from June 12th, 2013 and is still in continuation. UNFPA led the role in resource mobilization, coordinating and providing technical support to the Somali Authorities to carry and complete the PESS for the entire country.

This was conducted in two phases, with the first phase covering IDP’s and rural settlements in all 18 regions. The second phase covered the nomads at the water point during the pick of the drought season. Efforts were redoubled to improve coverage and the 1st and 2nd phase of the survey proved that few selected Enumeration Areas were not covered due to insecurity, floods, landmines and inaccessible roads. The goal of PESS is to further connect and build strong relationships with all 18 regions across the country to meet developmental goals.

The goal of PESS is to provide, design and implement inclusive pro-poor policies and programmes. It will also enable development and humanitarian actors to plan, implement and monitor activities to direct aid to areas with the greatest need. H.E Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed also visited several Ministries including Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Social Affairs and Ministry of Labor.

Weekly briefing on the current situation in Somalia

17 May – Source; Ministry of Information – 440 words

H.E. Mustaf Duhulow, the Minister of Information, held press conference in Mogadishu. The Minister spoke the progress of the government as well as the current situation in Somalia and said that the government is committed to action and delivery in order to hold fair and free elections by 2016.

The Minister during the press conference said “for the last 4 months the Somali National Army with the support of AMISOM liberated over 10 towns from Al-Shabaab and now people in these areas enjoy peace. Our forces deserve our support and recognition so that they can accomplish their mission with confidence. Also, the government and the EU have successfully reduced pirate activities by 95%.”

“The government has also implemented the stabilization process in Mogadishu and other regions. We have provided humanitarian assistance to newly recovered areas, and we are planning to reconcile communities in those areas, so that people will be able to take part the nation building process. We have also established security institutions in those areas, such as police stations and courts. We want to provide an environment that is conducive for people to discuss and decide their future, as we want to hold elections by 2016.”

The Minister has also stated that the government has established a sound public finance management that can give confidence to the people and donors. We now have have Governor, Deputy Governor and Board of Directors in our Central Bank and they all came as a result of competitive process with the support of World Bank.

Minister Duhulow speaking on recent terrorist attack in Baidoa said “First and foremost our condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. We pray for god so that all injured people will recover speedy. The government has sent plane to evacuate injured ones from Baidoa to Mogadishu in order for them to receive medical assistance.”

Minister also talked on the issue of the drought in parts of Somalia and said “ I repeat the call that our Prime Minister made recently and call to Somalis and to our allies and friends for the urgent humanitarian assistance in those effected areas.”

Finally the Minister congratulated young people on the occasion of the 71st inauguration of the establishment of Somali Youth League (SYL), and said that the young people were the lead to end colonialism and led us to be independent country. The minister said this is a historic event that we all need to celebrate and teach to our young generation, as we need to be proud of our heros. The government is committed to providing jobs and alternative livelihood opportunities to our young people.”

SOMALI MEDIA

UN Guard Unit begins work in Mogadishu

18 May – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Bar-kulan – 129 words

The United Nations Envoy to Somalia Nicholas Kay, today presided over the formal inauguration of the United Nations Guard Unit, a defensive military entity mandated to protect UN staff and installations in Mogadishu.The UNGU is made up of 410 troops provided by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces.The Guard Unit, led by a Ugandan Commander, falls under the responsibility of the UN designated official in Somalia, SRSG Kay. The Unit is a static force and will be based at Mogadishu International Airport. “The deployment of the UN Guard Unit is an important step as we continue to expand our operations in support of the Somali people,” Mr. Kay said at the event.“We are deeply grateful to Uganda for its continued contribution to peace- and state-building in Somalia.

Somali Govt lauds Ethiopia’s peacekeeping role in the country

18 May – Source: Hiiraan Online – 109 words

The federal government of Somalia praised the role that Ethiopian forces are playing in the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and demanded Ethiopian troops to help safeguard the International aid agencies and foreign diplomatic missions in the country. The demand was made by the state minister for foreign affairs Buri’ Mohamed Hamza in a lengthy meeting with Ethiopian ambassador to Somalia Mr. Wondimu Asaminew. During the meeting which took place at the Ethiopian embassy in Mogadishu on Saturday both sides raised important issues including the strengthening of the already bilateral relations between the two countries and as well as regional security and the fight against terrorism.

Interior minister survives confidence motion

18 May – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 148 words

The Minister for Interior and federalism Abdullah Godah Bare survived a motion asking review of his powers submitted by 65 members who said they were not satisfied with the response of the minister when he appeared before the federal parliament recently.The speaker of the federal parliament who was chairing the meeting today gave chance to 10 MPs among the ones who listed themselves to question the minister. Prof. Jawari announcing the results of the votes stated that out of 144 members present 118 MPs voted in favour of the minister, 15 rejected while 11 declined, therefore the interior minister survived the call of the members for the PM and president Hassan to review his powers. The minister of interior, Mr Godah promised that he will put more efforts to solve the complains of the members and make prior consultations before establishing for local administrations in the country.

AMISOM urges end to harassment of Somali refugees

17 May – Source: Somali Current – 104 words

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has called upon Kenya and Saudi Arabia authorities to stop harassing as well as deporting of Somali refugees who sought refuge in their respective countries. Colonel Ali Aden Hamud who is the AMISOM spokesman told the media that the AU mission sent complaints to Kenya and Saudi Arabia respectively over the mass arrests and the continued deportations of Somali refugees. AMISOM’s call comes as Saudi Arabia deported more than 10,000 Somalis for the past several months, while Kenya deported nearly 500 Somalis mainly women and children since the security operation started more than six weeks ago.

Kenya warplanes bomb two al Shabaab military bases near Jilib

18 May – Source: Bar-kulan – 105 words

Kenyan warplanes have on early Sunday bombed two al Shabaab military bases in the outskirts of Jilib town in Middle Jubba region. Eyewitnesses who talked to Bar-kulan said that two Kenyan warplanes bombed two al Shabaab military bases in Maanyo village 15 KM west of Jilib district. The eyewitnesses added that two al Shabaab military vehicles were destroyed in the attack. Reports from the area indicate that some of al Shabaab commanders were at the scene when the Kenyan planes bombed the two bases. There have been reports of casualties including death and injuries; however, the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed.

Somalis in Kenyan jails go on hunger strike

18 May – Source: Hiiraan Online – 107 words

With countless number of Somalis still experiencing extremely bad living conditions at different detention centres in Kenya, there has been an alarming call from over hundred Somali nationals who are held at the Jomo Kenyatta airport custody saying they need to be urgently returned to their homeland. These inmates were part of thousands of Somalis who were arrested since Kenya started the anti Somali swoop in the country nearly two months ago. One of the detainees who demanded anonymity for security reasons told the local media via phone from his detention that they started hunger strike to show how eagerly they want to be sent back home.

Somaliland president makes speech outside the presidential palace

18 May – Source: Somaliland Informer – 111 words

Somaliland president H.E Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud Silanyo has on Sunday morning delivered lengthy speech outside the presidential palace to the country men and women on the occasion of marking the 23rd anniversary of country’s Independence Day. He sent cables of congratulations to the men and women in uniform who tirelessly defend the state day and night. He reminded patriotic citizens that Somaliland people have endured hardships were many loved ones shed their blood to emancipate the country from the dictatorial regime of Siad Bare. He further stated that the struggle will never cease until Somaliland achieves its destiny and get an international recognition in order to be part of world.

Parliament rejects Turkish-owned company contract

17 May – Source: RBC – 114 words

Members Somalia’s Federal Parliament today rejected a eight-months-old contract with the Turkish-owned company Favori following a weeks of tough debate on the effectiveness of the contract, RBC Radio reports. The company manages the Mogadishu’s Aden Adulle International Airport providing handling and management services. In a voting session attended by 139 Members of the Parliament, 120 opposed the agreement and called for review while 13 abstained. Two others rejected the contract as total. Speaker Mohamed Osman Jawari has said the contract will be returned to the ministry of transportation to review it. “By this voting session, the contract between Favori company and the ministry of transportation is invalid and must be reviewed.” the Speaker added.

Somaliland parliament delegation visits Kenya

17 May – Source: Somaliland Informer – 123 words

The Second Deputy speaker of Somaliland House of Assembly Mr. Ali Yusuf accompanied by the secretary generals of the upper and lower houses of parliament are in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya following having received an official invitation from the Kenyan government. The delegation from the parliament of Somaliland which left from Hargeisa on Friday has been received by Kenyan Members of parliament. Mr. Abdirisak Said Ayanle, secretary general of Somaliland house of assembly who spoke to the press said that they received the invitation from Kenyan counterpart who paid visit to Somaliland. He added that they will celebrate Somaliland community in Kenya on marking the 23rd anniversary of Independence Day which is due to take place many parts of the world.

REGIONAL MEDIA

SRSG Kay visits Jowhar meets Governor, community elders and civil society

18 May -Source: Al Shahid – 155 words

The UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), Nicholas Kay on Saturday made his first visit to the town of Jowhar, in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region. Mr. Kay is the highest-ranking UN official to visit the town for the in more than two decades. Accompanied by officials from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), SRSG Kay met with women, youth, elders and the local administration in a visit aimed at introducing the mandate of UNSOM, taking stock of the progress made in the development of Jowhar and identifying the residents’ needs. While welcoming the dignitaries, the Governor of the Middle Shabelle region, Abdi Jiinow Alasow, recognized the founding principle of the United Nations as a testament of the world’s collective concern for the welfare of its citizens. “Countries in the world come to each other’s aid. The world came together to create the United Nations, which represents humanity wherever there is a crisis.

Terror threats: US signals staff cut at Nairobi embassy

17 May – Source: News Vision – 151 words

The United States signalled Saturday that it could cut staff levels at its Nairobi embassy because of the mounting threat of attacks in Kenya by Islamist militants. A statement from the US ambassador to Kenya, Robert F. Godec, said the embassy was “continuously reviewing and updating its security measures, and expects to take additional steps in coming days, to include on US staffing.” “Unfortunately, the US government continues to receive information about potential terrorist threats aimed at both Kenyans and the international community,” Godec said. “The most important responsibility of every US ambassador and embassy is to protect American citizens and to keep them informed.” The statement comes amid a wave of bomb attacks in Kenya’s capital Nairobi and port city of Mombasa that authorities have blamed on militants connected to Somalia’s al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab rebels. On Friday a double bomb attack in a Nairobi market left 10 dead and scores wounded.

Kenya to open diplomatic office in Somaliland

17 May – Source: Daily Nation – 180 words

Kenya is set to open a diplomatic liaison office in Hargeisa, the capital of the breakaway Somaliland State. The move comes as the peaceful former state in the troubled Federal Republic of Somalia celebrates the 23rd anniversary since it established itself as an autonomy. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr Kibicho Karanja, while confirming that Nairobi has authorised the opening of a liaison office for Somaliland State in Kenya, saidon Saturday that Kenya would also open a liaison office in Hargeisa. “It is true that we are opening a liaison office in Hargeisa and we have allowed Somaliland to open theirs in Nairobi. This however does not amount to a diplomatic consulate,” Dr Kibicho said. He said that the opening of the liaison offices is meant to bring services closer to the people.

Suspected al Shabaab attack Mandera police station, deputy governor’s home

17 May – Source: Standard Media – 98 words

Gunmen believed to be al Shabaab militia attacked Mandera police stations and one of the homes of the local county boss Friday night but no injury was reported. The gang is said to have fired several times at three police stations in the area forcing police to take cover before they escaped. They also attacked one of the homes of the deputy county governor. Police say they are yet to know who the attackers were and no casualties were reported. The suspects also hurled a Rocket Propelled Grenade (R.P.G) but no one was injured, police said.

Suspects in custody after 10 dead, 70 wounded in Nairobi blasts

16 May – Source: Sabahi Online – 129 words

Ten people have been killed and about 70 wounded in twin explosions at a busy market area in Nairobi, Kenya’s National Disaster Operation Centre (NDOC) said Friday The blasts were caused by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) thrown at their targets, and two suspects have been arrested, police said. “Two IEDS were detonated simultaneously,” Nairobi police chief Benson Kibue told reporters at the scene. “Don’t panic,” he added. “We are on top of things.” The NDOC said the first blast occurred on a 14-seater matatu and the second was inside Gikomba Market, situated to the east of Nairobi’s central business district. The injured have been taken to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Guru Nanak Hospital, and the Kenya Red Cross Society is setting up a blood donation centre at KNH.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Warplanes strike al Shabaab stronghold

18 May – Source: AFP – 160 words

Fighter jets pounded a key base of Somalia’s al Qaeda linked al Shabaab Sunday, in the latest push by African Union troops against the insurgents, the group and witnesses said Sunday. The air strikes on the town of Jilib are understood to be part of the offensive by the 22,000-strong UN-backed AU force, who launched in March a fresh bid to wrest remaining towns from the al Shabaab. “I heard two heavy explosions, military jets were flying over the city,” said Osman Mohamed, a resident of Jilib. The impoverished town is a key al Shabaab hub in southern Somalia’s Middle Juba region, some 320 kilometres southwest of Mogadishu. Senior al Shabaab commander Sheikh Ibrahim Abu Hamze said war planes had struck the town, but denied any casualties. “The mujahedeen fighters have managed to repel the enemy with anti-aircraft weaponry, they have fled,” claimed Abu Hamze in a telephone interview with AFP. It was not immediately clear where the jets were from, but Kenya is part of the AU force and has used its air planes to strike al Shabaab bases before.

UN troops deploy in Somali capital to defend staff

12 May – Source: AFP – 193 words

A special UN military force to protect aid workers deployed for the first time in the war-ravaged Somali capitalSunday, amid a wave of attacks blamed on al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab insurgents. The 400-strong “defensive” guard force of Ugandan troops, based at the heavily fortified Mogadishu airport, is “mandated to protect UN staff and installations” in the capital. Despite the government’s insistence that it has improved security, the al Shabaab continue to carry out bombings — including targeting aid workers — in their bid to overthrow Somalia’s internationally backed but fragile leadership. Al Shabaab suicide commandos last June blasted their way into a fortified UN base in central Mogadishu, killing 16 people. “The deployment of the UN Guard Unit is an important step as we continue to expand our operations in support of the Somali people,” UN envoy to Somalia Nicholas Kay said at a ceremony Sunday to mark the start of operations. Ugandan troops are already in Somalia as a key part of the UN-mandated African Union force AMISOM, which is fighting the al Shabaab. The insurgents have been driven out of fixed positions in Somalia’s major towns by AMISOM troops, but still regularly launch guerrilla raids.

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS

“We should remind ourselves that today Somalia’s Shilling floats freely in currency exchange markets like the dollar and the euro, although the Shilling belongs to under-developed country that’s just recovering from three decades of economic and political regression, and has nothing much to export to the rest of the world unlike the U.S. dollar and the euro countries.”

The Future of Somalia’s currency

16 May – Source: Hiiraan – 2000 Words

The Shilling, a former unit of United Kingdom’s currency, was introduced into Northern Somalia in the early 1900s by the British colonizers. In 1962, the Shilling became the official name of Somalia’s currency. Today, many Somalis take the word “shilling” as a Somali word because it sounds Somali and has been part of Somalia’s history since independence. Moreover, when the central government of Somalia collapsed in the early 1990s, the Shilling remained as a functioning currency. However, over the years it has lost more than sixty percent of its pre-civil war value due to inflation, counterfeiting and lack of a backing government. But since the election of President Hassan Sheikh, there has been a renewed discussion about how to appreciate the purchasing power (value) of the currency to stabilize it. The debate has divided Somali intellectuals into two opposing camps. One group contests that it’s better to keep the Shilling as a currency and do some structural changes in country’s monetary. The other camp argues that Somalia should adopt a new currency with a native Somali name. Whatever the outcome maybe, money facilitates the business transactions that we do every day, and without that common currency it would be impossible to buy or sell things in today’s markets. Every business transaction has a value, and that value is directly linked to the purchasing power of the currency. For example, if someone exchanges $1.00 to Somalia Shilling today, he would get about S20, 000 Somalia Shillings (SOS) in exchange for the $1.00. That means the purchasing power of the U.S. dollar is much stronger than the Somalia Shilling, although both of them are fiat money.

“Somalia’s Federalism looks very messy at the moment. It could get even messier as more and more regions come online on federalism. There is even a potential, if things are not handled correctly, for violence among would be contesting clans in any given region. But these are perhaps unavoidable and necessary growing pains. Do not be afraid of Federalism. Let the clans begin learning the alphabet of coexistence, collaboration, local, regional and national citizenship.”

Why Federalism is the Best System for Clan-based Somalis?

16 May – Source: Hiiraan Online – 1680 Words

Theere is much apprehension in the minds of many Somalis, who could imagine a Somalia beyond its current troubles, about federalism. Partly, it is the fear of the unknown or change which is not easy. But it is also what federalism requires: that Somali clans must participate in governing themselves in regions and also having full representation in a national government. The fact is there are multiple clans, some big and some small in numbers, in any given region. To put the ball of regional governing in the court of these clans in their regions is a new test for cooperation and forging a new type of a gradual, harmonious community, post traditional individual clan setup. Inversely, it is a gamble on whether these clans will further be polarized into new inter-clan conflicts. Whatever the governance system for any people, if such system is to endure generation after generation, they must buy into it; people must feel ownership of it, for it works for them; and for it to be embraced and cherished, it must be fair and uniformly and equally applied. If not, obviously it will not last. Human communities, throughout mankind history, had to develop their own rules–usually and necessarily very much tailored to their life situations dictated in part by their habitat. Somalis’ ancestors were no exception in this regard. As a nomadic people, divided along clan differences, our forefathers and mothers invented clan rules, which gradually culminated into Xeer Qabbiil (Clan Constitution).