IRMAAN Magazine 1 May - June 2015

IRMAAN Magazine 2 May - June 2015

 C o n t e n t s
SOCIAL
Editorial

4 Making the Leap

Policy and Governance

6 Talking to Yusuf Budle

Travel and Tourism 22 TEDxHargeisa: 1 Year,

1 Month and 1 Day
B u s i n e s s a n d E c o n o my

10 Breathtaking Somaliland :
A Traveler's Perspective
18 SOMALILAND: The First
Somali Business Incubator
launched
Histor y, Culture and Ar t
Fe a t u r e d A r t i c l e s

14 Where Every Drop Counts

26 The Art that Binds

16
Prison life for Somali
pirates: sewing, gardening
and a little basketball

IRMAAN Magazine 3
26 HIBF2015 Press Release
May - June 2015
 Editorial
Making the Leap

G
reetings and a warm welcome to our
sixth issue of Irmaan Magazine!

I begin this brief note by wishing all of

our readers happy Eid.

Being the only English magazine published in So-

maliland has always been both challenging and
beautiful experience as well. We have learned to
bring ends meet many a times, however.

But this time round, we celebrate with our read-

ers to welcome you with a new dedicated editorial
team and graphic designers who made our magazine such a magnificent one, a
unique layout that we have never used before. My pleasure is also let to you know
that, from today onwards, you can be able to access our website that will be lively
E d i to r
and entertaining (Please kindly visit our website irmaanmagazine.com)
M u b a ra k M a a l
We couldnt be more excited to have made it to this point. Please take some time
E d i t i n g Sta f f to get to know the layout of our magazine. You will notice the more interesting
categories of articles: Policy and governance, Social, Travel and Tourism, History
Abdikadir Askar arts and Culture. Within each category, there are two to three articles for you to
Omer Miigane enjoy.

You can look at one category at a time, or just peruse the articles on the content
C o nt r i b u to rs page to choose which to read first. Just as with a paper magazine, you may want
Ste f a n W i l l i a m s to sit and read the whole thing at once, or come back to this issue several times to
A d r i a n Leve rs by digest the articles more slowly.

When we set out to create a print magazine that would promote healthy and delib-
A r t D i r e cto r erate living, one thing we agreed on right away was to steer-away from the glossy
Abdikadir Askar images of the too-perfect, product-driven magazines that we all sometimes read.
What you will find in the pages of Irmaan Magazine is a collection of inspired and
instructive articles written by real, honest, down-to-earth folks who work hard to
P h oto g ra p h y live deliberately, but who are not afraid to admit the struggles we sometimes face.
A d r i a n Leve rs by
Let me wrap up and say Thank You for being our reader over the months. We
A d ve r t i s m e nt appreciate your support and are so happy to have you as a reader of Irmaan Mag-
[email protected] azine.
Te l l : + 2 5 2 6 3 4 2 4 2 4 0 2
With warmest thanks,
IRMAAN Magazine is a Mubarak Maal, Editor
q u a r te rl y i n d ep e n d e nt
magazine.
IRMAAN Magazine 4 May - June 2015
IRMAAN Magazine 5 May - June 2015
Policy and Governance

Talking
IRMAAN MAGAZINE: Somalil-
to
anders out there, who may not
know you, may wonder who really
Yusuf Budle is?

Yusuf Budle: Well, I AM A PROUD

SOMALILANDER. I was born in
the city of Arabsio but I was raised
in Hargeisa. I am the fifth child of
family of seven, four boys and three
girls.

I attended the first two years of my

high school at the famous Farah
Omar Secondary school and the
last two years I spent at 26 June
Secondary School. I left the country
just after the 1988 war to pursue my
education. Of course, my family
could not send me to study abroad,
since my family lost all of its assets.
I also lost my oldest brother in the
war (Aden Budle). always having some businesses model was and still is my mother.
on the side. But at the end of 2006 You asked me about a leader, but
So, I went to Holland as a refugee, I decided to focus on getting in to honestly, I cannot think of a better
where I spent two years, then I left the business world. After a long leader than a good Mom. Every
for Belgium, where I stayed for six struggle, I succeeded to stablish failure I ever had is because of ME,
years. I got my higher education two successful companies. Now, I I dont believe in blaming others: If
(MA in political Science) from do own two companies, which one I fail, it is on me, BUT if I succeed, it
Brussels, Belgium. After getting my of them I am the president, with the is always because of help I got from
degree, I realized that the best place combined workforce of over 200 someone, my parents who raised
to go and make my mark, financial- (two hundred) employees, with $3.8 me the right way, my teachers, my
ly is North America. So I spent two Million annual gross sales. Yes, I former employers/bosses, and for
years in Canada to find employment/ am happily married with 6 kids. now my employees.
business opportunities which I was
unsuccessful. Then, at the end of IM: Can you name a person who But, to come back to your actual
1998 I moved to the United States has had a tremendous impact on question: The former US Secretary
with $ 80 in my pocket and a brain you as a leader? May be someone of Defense (2001 till 2006) Donald
full of dreams. who has been a mentor to you? Henry Rumsfeld is the sole man
Why and how did this person im- who really shaped my world po-
Between 2000 and 2006 I worked pact your life? litical views. I am not at liberty of
for multiple US governmental and getting into details, but there is no
nongovernmental agencies, with YB: Yes, my best teacher and role other one who really had as much of

IRMAAN Magazine 6 May - June 2015

Yusuf
an impact on me as Donald.
Budle
but you frequently come home at risk of fragmentation. The result
(Somaliland), what is your take of of bad and unwise policies created
On the other hand, there are leaders Somaliland development over the SSC and then later Khaatumo, Aw-
that I admire their political views last 5 year? Is the country heading dal State, Maakhir State and now on
and/or courage, such as Nelson towards the right direction and the pipe is BeelahaXuduudaha.
Mandela of south Africa, Julius what role is diaspora community
Nyerere of Tanzania, Dahir Riyale playing? To answer to your second question:
of Somaliland, Aden Abdulle Os- The diaspora issue is a new phe-
man (Adan Ade) of Somalia; In oth- YB: I do really believe that this nomenon: IT IS A DOUBLE EDGE
er words; those who could stay in administration had done a lot SWORD. When it comes to finan-
power much longer, but decided to when it comes to developments, cial and economic developments
give it up for the sake of democracy such as roads, airports, seaports, for the country, the diaspora is one
and their beloved country. water wells. Building nice two or of the biggest contributors. BUT,
three floor buildings for almost all when it comes to political in-stabil-
governmental entities creates an un- ity, tribalism, financial corruption,
IM: If you would have been given precedented image. Giving grades moral corruption etc. the diaspora is
the chance to shape your political to the armed forces is also a huge by far the biggest force.
aspirations, which politician in step forward.
Somaliland or elsewhere do you IM: If I am right, you are no lon-
feel is your role model? But, underneath everything it is ger neither the secretary of foreign
hallow. For example when you go to affairs nor member of UCID party,
YB: [Laughter]...Dont even any Somaliland public institutions, what is your political affiliation
think about Somaliland politicians, you will immediately realize that now?
because there is no such thing as a there is no human capital/investment
Somaliland Politician. Their politics in these big buildings. Uneducated/ YB: You are right, I am no longer
are really narrow and self-serving. undisciplined employees with no associated with UCID and/or any
A politician is the person who gets apparent job duties are wondering other Somaliland political party.
in to politics to make a change that around in these hollow halls.
he/she I am the chairman of the newly
really Having crowned political party NURP (Na-
believes said that, tional Unity and Reform Party).
in and I would
willing argue Our belief is that we do not need
to sacri- that the three major parties owned by
fice his/ county is subclans. We do need real politi-
her comfort and sometimes his/her heading on the wrong direction and cal parties, own by the people of
life. The closest leader I would it is because of the tribal vibe that Somaliland, regardless of their re-
like to copy or mimic would be the this administration created in our gional/tribal affiliations. We do not
Melez Zenawi of Ethiopia. A unique society. I have never seen a worse need dirty local politics, we do need
way of leadership with big dreams time in Somalilnd since 1993/1994 new VISION for Somaliland for our
for his country. when it comes to tribes and tribal- youth and for our future.
ism. The temperature is at the boil-
IM: You are based in the USA ing point and Somaliland is really UCID constitution was written in

IRMAAN Magazine 7 May - June 2015

Policy and Governance
2003 and it has never been revised; cheetah, ti-
Wadani Party does not even have a gers, etc.
constitution at all, let alone policy Spending
agenda. Kulmiye is even worse and time with
you see the blocks it has within its my family
ranks. So, we do not want to choose is priceless
between three devils (the devil that for me
we know and failed us,Kulmiye, the too. To be
devil that we do not want to know honest, I
because we choose not to elect two love to live
times/UCID, and the devil that we do in a very
not know and does not even want to simple and
share with us their agenda,Wadani. humble
life.
IM: In an interview with local
media, commenting on the political IM: Your
landscape in Somalilanders you f i n a l
have characterised the country message
as one in which every citizen is to Somalil-
dissatisfied with current affairs but anders.
also one in which existing political
parties are unpopular among the YB: So-
locals. Does this mean that democ- maliland
racy has failed in Somaliland and has come
apathy is the rule rather than the very long
exception? What is the key cause way and
of these paradoxical phenomena there is no
youve depicted? Is there a way out point of re-
of this situation? turn. I am
very hope-
YB: No, democracy has not failed ful that
in Somaliland. The so called So- Somalil-
maliland politicians failed Somalil- and current
and. Of course, the civilian popula- administration will understand that find and partner with the new lead-
tion cannot be fully innocent, since this is a unique time in Somiland ers of Somalia after Hassan Shiekh
they are part of the problem. There history. The war in Yemen, the administrations is dismantled in
are two major issues in Somaliland change of heart of the Gulf coun- 2016. It is also the time to befriend
politics: lack of leadership/lack of tries, such as Saudi Arebia and UAE the incoming leaders of Djibouti
vision. and lack of clarity in our toward Djibouti administration, The after the end Ismael Omar Gelles
Constitution. Therefore we need a American distrust toward Ismael rule in April 2017 or even before.
major constitutional reform. Omar Gelle, The Ethiopian need of What we need in Somaliland is to
diversified sea-ports, the failure of plant the seeds for the fruits that we
IM: What do you like doing in your the 2016 Somali new deal and many will feed on the next 200 years, we
leisure time? more are golden opportunities that do not need cheap politics with few
Siilaanyo administration can take weeks of life span. If Somaliland
YB: My favourite hobby is reading advantage of and benefit from. The does not take advantage of the cur-
next to a waterfall or a lake/sea, end of Ismael Omar Gelle influence rent situation, the chances are that it
but I also like watching documen- can be the beginning of Somaliland will never recover from the oppor-
taries, especially anything that has influence towards the horn of Africa tunities that it wasted. Blessings to
something to do with nature: lions, and the middle-east. It is the time to you all.
IRMAAN Magazine 8 May - June 2015
IRMAAN Magazine 9 May - June 2015
I
T r a v e l a n d To u r i s m
have had the pleasure

Breathtaking Somaliland :
of traveling throughout
much of East Africa and
the Middle East. Given my
familiarity with this vast
and differentiated region
with its wealth of cultures, climates
By: Stefan
and food, I must say that one of my
favorite places to visit is Somaliland.
While Somaliland is still off the
beaten path for most travelers on
account its southerly neighbors
dangerous reputation, traveling
to Somaliland is a safe and simple
matter these days and provides the
traveler with some memorable expe-
riences. I generally catch a flight to
Somaliland from other parts of the
region, Europe or North America
on Ethiopian Airlines, with a short
connection in Addis Ababa. Arrival
in Hargeisa, the bustling and bur-
geoning capital city of Somaliland
is straightforward, though travelers
hailing from countries outside East
Africa should get a visa prior to
arrival. The road from the airport
into town offers spectacular views
of Hargeisa and its famous natural
landmark: the twin hills of Naasa makes the trip to Somaliland worth visitors from China, Kenya, the UK,
Hablood, sometimes referred to as it. But it is just one of many sights Ethiopia, Turkey and the Gulf may
the Virgins Breast Mountains on that mystify and enchant visitors to share tables at various restaurants
account of their distinctive shape this beautiful land. and hotels with local Somalilanders.
side-by-side. I enjoy sampling delicious Somali
Hargeisa is the capital of the self-de- tea brewed with milk and spices
More famous than Naasa Hablood clared Republic of Somaliland. Its or strong, black coffee often made
is Laas Geel, a series of caves in growth over the past decade is a with beans from the Harar region of
Somaliland covered in ancient testament to the stability and peace Ethiopia, three hours to the east by
Neolithic paintings and located that characterizes Somaliland and car.
conveniently within easy reach of puts it at odds with its neighbor to
Hargeisa. The rock art in these caves the south, Somalia. Hargeisa is now For a taste of Italy in Hargeisa, made
is stunning. They rival the great a thriving metropolis of over 1 mil- possible by an imported, state-of-
cave paintings found at Lascaux, in lion inhabitants. Competitive, local the-art Italian espresso machine,
France, and are arguably some of businesses vie for a growing market head to Cup of Art Italian Coffee
the best-preserved anywhere in the share and the sense of security House. Cup of Art offers Italian
world. They are also very old and es- fostered by successive governments espresso, cappuccino, and lattes
timated to date back anywhere from has translated into the presence of made with fair-trade Ethiopian
3000 to 9000 BCE. The paintings multiple international organizations beans from the Dumerso region.
are so vivid it baffles the mind to and businesses. Hargeisa is a vibrant Order one of their tasty cakes or
consider their age. Laas Geel alone and rather cosmopolitan city where sweet pastries to accompany your
IRMAAN Magazine 10 May - June 2015
 the world. The pristine sand beaches

A Travelers Perspective
are like a thin string of beautiful
pearls bordering the turquoise
waters of the Gulf of Aden and Red

Williams Sea. It is hard to say which of these

beaches is the most stunning, but
the seaside near Berbera in the Sahil
brew of choice. Opened recently pleasant surroundings of a bunga- region of Somaliland may take the
by Saara, a Somalilander by way of low house, complete with airy bal- cake. The beaches here boast the
the UK, Cup of Arts funky yellow conies, gardens and fountains. It is softest sand and warm, turquoise
and purple walls and steaming jolts the perfect way to beat Somalilands waters. They are unspoiled by mass
of caffeine will satisfy your urge in daytime heat or enjoy its cool eve- tourism and overdevelopment.
Hargeisa for a world-class coffee nings. The owner, Mr. Adbi Kinsi, is Luckily there are comfortable plac-
shop and the accompanying, friend- always there and warmly welcomes es to stay so the traveler can take
ly coffee klatsch. Cup or Art is locat- you to his establishment in either advantage of the regions fantastic
ed on the main road heading west Somali or French, thus displaying scuba diving, fishing, snorkeling,
from downtown Hargeisa. If you his Djiboutian roots. Order pasta and surfing. For divers such as my-
pass Gollis University a private alfredo, burgers and soup or Somali self, the waters of Somaliland offer
university rated as the best higher specialties such as haniid (stewed some of the worlds most beautiful
education institution in Somaliland goat) or suqaar (diced, spicy beef coral reefs. They are a continuation
- you have gone too far. cubes) along with fresh juice and, of the famous Red Sea reefs to the
of course, spicy shigni. But it is north without the crowds, hype and
Somalis love their camels, to include not just local fare that is on offer expense of Hurghada or Sharm el-
drinking camel milk and feasting in Hargeisa. Given the amount Sheikh in Egypt.
on stewed camel meat. However, of foreigners doing business and
it is the lowly goat that is most coming as tourists, both locals and Approximately 60 km east of Berbera
often served. You can immediately the casual visitor have the option is Dhambalin, another stunning
see why. Hargeisa is full of goats of sampling Ethiopian, Turkish or cave site covered in Neolithic rock
and they have the run of the place Arabian specialties in Hargeisa. art. Located in the northwestern
similar to cows in India, minus any To gain an understanding of the Togdheer province of Somaliland,
sacredness attached to them. When history of Somaliland and the events Dhambalin boasts rock art depict-
eating goat meat, be sure to order that forged a strong Somaliland ing cattle, goats and giraffes. It was
shigni, a spicy sauce often referred identity, be sure to visit the Hargeisa discovered in 2007 by the famous
to as Somali chutney or Somali Provincial Museum (currently Somaliland archeologist Sada Mire,
salsa. Shigni is most often made in housed within the Ministry of and the freshness and vivid colors
Somaliland from a combination of Culture). The museum opened in of the ancient art work rivals that
fresh green chilies, potatoes, onions, 1977 when Somaliland was still part of Laas Geel. The remoteness of
tomatoes, garlic and cilantro and of a unified Somalia It chronicles the Dhambalin makes the experience
is delectable accompaniment with ethnographic and cultural history of visiting all the more unique and
any meat dish, be that goat, fish, unique to this part of the Horn of reminds one of our shared ancestry
chicken, camel or beef. Though Africa and the development of the with these ancient, now nameless
there are many regional variations Somali people, identity, culture and beings who left behind such depic-
- to include shigni made with language paying particular em- tions of beauty and the world as they
tamarind - the Somaliland version phasis to the people and clans who knew it.
on offer at Lake Assal Restaurant inhabit what is now the Republic of
in Hargeisa is superb. Every time I Somaliland. While the beaches of Berbera are
travel to Hargeisa I am sure to dine exquisite, equally impressive and
at Lake Assal. Named after a lake in The Horn of Africa is renowned for further to the west are the un-
Djibouti, Lake Assal offers classic having one of the longest, best pre- spoiled, undeveloped beaches of
local and continental cuisine in the served and unspoiled coastlines in Ceel Sheikh (El Sheikh). Here the
IRMAAN Magazine 11 May - June 2015
T r a v e l a n d To u r i s m
sand is glistening white, the water is perfection with herbs and spices hassle-free, and arranged for a
crystal clear, and the coral reefs are and sloughed off the bone, melting rental car and driver throughout
untouched, impressive and healthy. in our mouths. No need for a knife my stay. Almis Real Estate & Travel
Snorkeling is a pleasure in the to slice this tasty meat. Agency arranged my travel to and
bathtub temperature water and the from Laas Geel as well as Berbera,
now sand-covered city of Bulhaar I encourage my friends, family Dhambalin and all other locations
is nearby beckoning the traveler to and colleagues to visit Somaliland, in Somaliland and ensured quality,
explore. this wonder of nature and culture safety and comfort of transportation
situated at the crossroads of East and accommodations throughout
For adventurous types and those Africa, Asia and the Middle East. my stay. They are truly the first of
who love hiking, Somaliland of- While this may appear daunting to their kind in this region and I highly
fers some world-class mountain outsiders, I have a recommenda- recommend them.
climbing that offers breathtaking tion that will facilitate your travel
vistas without the headache of a and ease your mind: Almis Real Given the ease of making travel
more technical climb no ropes Estate & Travel Agency. Located in arrangements and traveling to
and harnesses are needed. Gacan Hargeisa, they offer convenience, a Somaliland, it is amazing more
Libaax (Gaan Libaah) is an approx- wealth of information and consis- people have not taken the time to
imately 1,999 metre mountain peak tently demonstrate international discover this gem. You may feel like
near Oodweyne, and is the highest standards of customer service. an intrepid traveler, but the reality is
mountain in the Togdheer moun- Their staff are fluent in English and that travel to and within Somaliland
tain range in Somaliland. While take the time necessary to provide is safe, convenient and spectacularly
strenuous at times, summiting the would-be tourists and visitors with memorable. More than the natural
mountain provides unparalleled the information, accommodations beauty and food on offer however, it
views across Somaliland. If you and travel needs they may require is the people of Somaliland and their
go after it has recently rained, the in Somaliland. They booked my hospitality and welcoming nature
greenery is magnificent. An added airline tickets to and from Europe who make a visit to Somaliland feel
bonus to any travel to the Gacan to Somaliland via Addis Ababa. like the trip of a lifetime. Once you
Libaax region is the chance to see They also booked my hotel rooms, have been you will come back.
native Somali horses (equus afri- procured my Somaliland visa
canus somalicus). These horses are
found only in the Somali territories
and eastern Ethiopia.

One of my favorite events during a

recent stay in Somaliland was a day
trip that lasted into the late evening.
I traveled with a small tour group to
one of the local farms and orchards
- known as bustans in Somali - in
the vicinity of Abaarso and Gabilay,
towns about 20 minutes to the west
of Hargeisa. The weather was sub-
lime and quickly cooled off as the
sun sank in the west over Ethiopia.
We sat under the mango trees
sampling the locally grown, organic
fruits and vegetables. But the piece
de resistance was the roasted, young
goat provided as part of our tour
and meal. It was cooked to succulent
IRMAAN Magazine 12 May - June 2015
IRMAAN Magazine 13 May - June 2015
Fe a t u r e d A r t i c l e
Where Every Drop Counts
opia says, The water pump was not functional and could not
easily pump out water. Most of its materials needed replace-
ment especially the metallic water pipes that were extensively
damaged by rust. In addition, The borehole had no cover at
all so the anxiety was that even the little water available was
neither clean nor safe for consumption.

Oxfam in partnership with HAVOYOCO reached out to the

people in Aleybeday. The team carried out a Needs Assess-
ment to address the water situation and chose to rehabilitate
the well due to its strategic location. Aleybeday water bore-
hole is the only one of its kind in the area and serves the
huge pastoral and agro pastoral communities that are living
around the border areas of Ethiopia and Somaliland.

Kebede Tesema an Engineer of Molla Taye Construction

Company in charge of the rehabilitation of the borehole ex-
plains the extensive process of rehabilitation: The materials
you are seeing here now are brought from as far as Harta
Sheikh and it took us about twenty days to complete rehabil-

A
itation. So far three new water troughs for cattle camels and
sheep are in place and all the rusty old pipes and pumps have
leybeday is a uniquely beautiful remote village been replaced with new modern ones.
that lies on the Somaliland-Ethiopia border.
The village is semi-arid with a short rainy sea- Abdishakur Aar is hopeful about the rehabilitated borehole
son, receiving about 650 millimetres of rain and believes it will go a long way in improving the water
per year. It is an area bordered by sandy land situation, making a great impact in improving lives for the
and highly susceptible to drought conditions in as much as people of Aleybeday. We all know that in pastoralists com-
it has a vast land covered with small trees that attract camels munities, the saying that goes Water is life really means that
from faraway villages. if we are able to conserve even a litttle drop of water that we
have, it goes a long way to securing the future for our familes
The people in Aleybeday village were expe- and livestock, he explains.
riencing water problems over a long period
of time. A local resident recalls, We used The borehole now provides water to the
to go to places as far as Jigjiga and Arabsio large communities in Fafan and Jarar
across the border to fetch water. The situ- particularly Daroor, Rabaso and Abokor in
ation was really severe that people had to Ethiopia and Farawayne, Baligubadle, Bali-
walk for kilometres to these water points of cabane and Wajale in Somaliland. Modern
about 50 kilometers or more. animal troughs have been put up in addition to a number of
community water points that are serving about six thousand
The fact is that water in the area is scarce, camel herders have livestock and eleven thousand households.
to cover long distances to secure water for their families and
livestock. But luckily in Aleybeday village, there is a borehole This source of water has restored hope for the future back to
which was firstly constructed by Somali Region Water Devel- the Aleybeday people. As you can see in the peoples faces,
opment Bureau in 2005. they are so relieved that this spring of life will be sustainable
and sufficient to supply clean water especially in the dry
The borehole was poorly constructed and lacked basic seasons, Aar concludes.
materials. It was installed with rusted pipes, water taps were
clogged and the troughs too short so the animals could easily Abdikadir D. Askar is the Communications Manager at Horizon
fall in. As a result, the people in the area could not get a reg- Institute but prior to this, he worked with Oxfam International
ular supply of water for their domestic use and for livestock. as the Communications Lead in Somaliland and Ethiopia Cross
border Project.
Abdishakur Ali Aar, HAVOYOCO Project Manager in Ethi-
IRMAAN Magazine 14 May - June 2015
IRMAAN Magazine 15 May - June 2015
Fe a t u re d A r t i c l e

Prison life for Somali pirates: sewing,

gardening and a little basketball
T
his is how it ends for a Somali pirate: not with plain about the shortage of prison food and the absence
the bang of a rifle, but with a quiet fadeout of promised phone calls to their families in Mogadishu,
into a sewing class, a vegetable garden and a although both appeared well-fed and healthy. They also
basketball court. say that they were never allowed to appeal their trial
verdicts.
At least 34 convicted pirates are locked away in the re-
mote city of Hargeisa, capital of the self-declared nation Life in this prison is not good, Mr. Abtidon said. We
of Somaliland, where the United Nations is trying to are requesting you to convey the message that our rights
teach them useful trades: tailoring, welding, brick-mak- were neglected.
ing, computer skills and gardening. In their leisure time,
the pirates play basketball in the dusty prison yard. Most of the 34 pirates here, who are serving prison
terms of up to 25 years, were previously held in the
Somalias pirates were once the scourge of the seas, Seychelles, close to where they were captured in 2009
holding more than 1,200 hostages in 2011 and inflicting and 2010. Several other pirates are being held in other
$18-billion in damage to the world economy. But over Somaliland prisons. The breakaway region in northern
the past year, a massive European-led naval operation, Somalia agreed to accept the pirates as a gesture of in-
combined with armed guards on cargo ships, has foiled ternational co-operation and unofficially in hopes of
almost every hijacking attempt by Somali pirates. winning diplomatic recognition for its independence.

Today the number of pirate attacks is down sharply Although it is an oasis of peace and democracy in the
but the dilemma now is what to do with the convicted Horn of Africa, the enclave of Somaliland has failed to
pirates, who have become a diplomatic bargaining chip gain any international diplomatic recognition so far. To
and a source of government wrangling. bolster its cause, Somaliland has agreed to accept up to
60 pirate prisoners a valuable offer to the UN, since
The pirate prisoners who continue to deny their most countries are unwilling to accept the pirates, and
guilt, insisting they were just fishing when they were the prisons in southern and central Somalia are not
captured near the Seychelles agreed to be transferred considered secure enough to hold the pirates safely.
to Hargeisas prison because it has Somali guards and
a familiar language and culture. But now they say the Two agencies of the United Nations spent a reported
prison conditions are much worse than in the Seychelles. $1.5-million to complete the construction of the Har-
Somaliland prison officials complain bitterly about a geisa prison in 2011 so that it could house the pirates.
lack of financial support from the UN Office of Drugs But now the UN is accused of breaking its promises to
and Crime (UNODC), which had promised to help support the pirates.
provide food, medicine and other basic support for the
convicted pirates. The budget shortfall is as much as When I hear the word UNODC, it makes me angry,
$72,000 annually, the prison officials say. said Abdullah Dahir, a senior official in Somalilands
prisons agency. The UNODC is failing to provide
Two of the pirates, 25-year-old Mawlid Ahmed Abtidon basic needs for those who were transferred from the
and 29-year-old Abdi Fatah Ahmed Abdullah, lounge Seychelles and those who were captured here.
casually in the office of the prison commander as they
field questions from The Globe and Mail. They com- Current spending by the Somaliland government is only

IRMAAN Magazine 16 May - June 2015

$1.20 a day for food and medicine for each prisoner, the While officials squabble over their food and medicine,
UN acknowledges, but it insists it is working on a plan the pirates say they should be transferred to a prison in
to provide more of these supplies to the prison. The Mogadishu, close to their families. They say they havent
process is under way to deliver these items in the near talked to their families since they were transferred to
future, one UN official said in an e-mail. Somaliland.

He said the UNODC is encountering difficulty in the In the meantime, the pirates are kept busy with the UNs
delivery and storage of sheep, beans and oil to supple- vocational job programs at the prison. They weld chairs
ment the prison food. for an orphanage. They make bricks for the construction
of a government ministry. And they build bunk beds for
The UN also acknowledges that most of the pirates the next group of arriving pirates from the Seychelles
have not been allowed any phone calls to their families, who convicted Somali pirates, Mawlid Ahmed Abtidon,
although it blames the Somaliland government for this 25, right, and Abdi Fatah Ahmed Abdullah, 29, com-
decision. plained about a shortage of prison food and the absence
of promised phone calls.
The pirates are among 409 inmates at the Hargeisa
prison. The prison commander refused to allow photos This article was written by Geoffrey York at first pub-
of the conditions in the cells, but he allowed a brief lished at The Globe and Mail.
visit, showing that the cells are crowded, although each
prisoner has a bunk bed.
IRMAAN Magazine 17 May - June 2015
Business and Economy
SOMALILAND: The First Somali
Business Incubator launched

Press Release

T
entrepreneurship amongst Somali Diaspora migrants in
he First Somali Business Incubator launched Spark the Netherlands and EU, facilitating them to set up their
and its partners officially launched, Africa House, business in their country of origin, thereby creating jobs
the first Business Incubator and Entrepreneurship and contributing to economic growth.
Development Center in the Somali Regions. The business
Incubator and entrepreneurship development aims to SPARK launched the Africa House in cooperation with
develop entrepreneurship, through a range of activities its partners the Cheetah Group, SMART, Collert Con-
which include; training, coaching and mentoring, access sultancy, the Fayo Foundation and the Horn Resource
to a range of in-house services including secretarial, Center in an opening ceremony which took place on the
administrative and office-based space. Africa-House also 6th of April 2015.
provides a business Incubation service which helps lower
the operating cost of businesses in the start-up phase. This ceremony drew speakers from within the com-
munity, government and the education sector, with the
April 7, 2015 Somaliland Minister of Industries ShucaibMohamed
Muse called the initaitve the first of its kind. Other
SPARK is Dutch NGO founded in the early 90s to em- notable speakers at this opening ceremony include
power young ambitious people to lead their post-conflict Professor Saeed from Golis University, Abdi-Qadir
societies into prosperity. The Africa House initiative is Jirde former chair of the parliament and the DG of the
part of the Migrant Diaspora Entrepreneurship pro- Ministry of Commerce.
gram, the overall aim of this programme is to support
IRMAAN Magazine 18 May - June 2015
IRMAAN Magazine 19 May - June 2015
IRMAAN Magazine 20 May - June 2015
IRMAAN Magazine 21 May - June 2015
SOCIAL

TEDxHargeisa: 1 Year, 1 Month and 1 Day

A
By: Khadija Abdillahi Sheikh
TEDx event is a local gathering where live dividuals who could get the job done. And weve as-
TED-like talks and videos previously re- sembled the most creative and resourceful group of
corded at TED conferences are shared with volunteers. We met regularly and we had many brain-
the community. TEDx events are fully storming sessions to define the theme and to choose
planned and coordinated independently, on a com- the speakers, the TEDx Manual was of great help to us
munity-by-community basis. TEDx Hargeisa is an in- in the planning process, we studied it and memorized
dependent TEDx event operating under license from parts of it. We have used our expertise and skills in our
TED. respective fields in planning TEDx Hargeisa. Whether
one was a graphic designer, IT specialist, photographer,
Its been almost 1 Year, 1 Month & 1 Day since we had or social media expert, everyone added something to
the first conversation about TEDx Hargeisa. We won- the process. Eventually, we assigned each organizer with
dered if we could bring the TEDx experience to our city. a specific role and each had tasks to be completed by a
We planned it, applied & successfully obtained the li- deadline, these tasks were assigned by the team leader
cense. and followed up by coordinators.

Immediately, we started searching for like-minded in- We had to overcome many obstacles; the biggest was
IRMAAN Magazine 22 May - June 2015
sponsorship and funding; no one knew what TEDx in organizing and if it werent for our families support,
Hargeisa was and we had to brief each potential spon- patience and guidance it would not had been possible.
sor about it every time. We had our printed sponsor- Thank you to them. There were moments where we felt
ship kit in hand and The What is TED and TEDx vid- stressed but thankfully we found dedicated sponsors
eos on our laptops, it took a lot of our time, we needed and volunteers who were willing to believe in us.
perseverance, we kept reminding each other that what
we have is something undeniably productive and that Our theme: New Will New Way reflect the spirit of our
someone will help us bring this event to light. people today. When you look back, you should not be
held prisoner to your past,
Before we found our spon- look forward, look for hope,
sors we had to contribute to look for a new will and cre-
the process from our own ate a new way. We wanted
money. The TEDx Hargei- to start a conversation, to
sa props that brought the create a platform where our
stage to life was built and people can exchange ideas
designed by one of the or- and knowledge.
ganizers, an extremely tal- Its been almost 1 Year, 1
ented organizer. The TEDx Month and 1 Day and we
Hargeisa Promo Video was were streaming live on the
developed, shot, funded and produced by the organiz- event day to hundreds of thousands around the world.
ers. There were many sleepless nights, and sometimes The event was a big success! and we have received over-
a lot of walking; to avoid traffic delays or from the lack whelming reviews from followers from around the
of transportation, the Event Day Manager and our two world. The support that we received from our commu-
coordinators did MOST of the walking. There was also nity was heartwarming. Organizing this event was a
time away from our families; since we are all employed transformative and fulfilling experience for all of us.
we had to spend our free time and weekends work-
ing on the event. Weve put a lot of time and energy Would we do it all over again? Yes!

IRMAAN Magazine 23 May - June 2015

History, Culture and Art

The Art th
A
rtists have restless minds. For many of What is special about what film can express?
us, its not enough for us to know what
goes on behind the scenes of a film, but I find film special because of how enchanted I become
also what it arouses in the audience. The when I watch an amazing film and I would love to be
fear of not having our vision received able to have the same effect on others. I appreciate
the way wed like stops many of us from continuing, or the way film transports viewers into another time and
worse, even beginning our creative projects. Yet, when place. I love that film can educate, entertain, inform and
you know that your creative vision serves a larger pur- potentially change the way people interact with reality.
poseperhaps, to heal, to unite, to educateits easier All art forms are powerful tools of expression with the
to move past that doubt. I think Idil Ibrahims commit- capacity to connect and reach others.
ment to telling stories with these intentions has been
key to her success as a filmmaker. Idil Ibrahim, Dadaab Kenya, photo by Brenda Phillips
Would you say your heritage inspires your work and what
A member of New Yorks tight-knit independent film you hope your viewers will take away?
community, Idil followed her passion to start her own
production company, Zeila Films. The daughter of The name of our production company comes from Zeila
Somali Parents, raised in the United States, and hav- (Saylac), a city of antiquity, is surrounded by the sea on
ing known many communities across the country and three sides and served as a center for trade, intercultural
abroad, it became important for her to, as she says: exchange and the sharing of ideas for many civilizations.
bridge cultures, communities and perspectives through My parents are Somali and I grew up in the States in in-
art. As executive of her own company and a contribu- credibly diverse areas so I had a multicultural upbring-
tor toDouble 7 Images, while still working on local and ing. I have wanderlust and love meeting new people and
international creative projects, Idil shows me that if connecting with otherswhich is always expanding and
your problem is too many creative ideas, you dont have reshaping my personal views and life outlook. I value
a problem, you have a gift; and it really is worth sharing difference but try to find points of connection between
with the world. Here, Idil discusses what makes film so people and places, so I approach my work as such, with
powerful, contemporary challenges facing Somalia and an international approach focusing on personal stories,
how art and the Diaspora can help. fiction and narrative, that resonates with others.

What drew you to film-making? What do you think are the greatest challenges facing So-
malia? What are the mis-perceptions?
I was always interested in film and television as a means
of communication by sharing things like ideas, infor- I think many people want to write Somalia off as a
mation and experience. However, I fell in love with film failed state, full of conflict, humanitarian disasters and
while I was an undergraduate student at the University disease. Somalia and Somalis worldwide have immense
of California, Berkeley. I was inspired to be a filmmaker obstacles to overcome, but I believe that Somalia has
after taking a class with my professor, the late Loni Ding, potential. There are so many individuals within the
who was an amazing Chinese-American documentary country and abroad working day and night to change
filmmaker based in the Bay Area. Loni taught us pro- their current reality for the better.
duction but also analysis and I devoted all my time to There are many pressing issues in addition to the fam-
the creative process. Soon, I realized that I was spending ine, such as the ongoing conflict and political instability,
more hours working on my film classes than the rest of the threat of extremism, and so on, but I believe in our
my academic coursework. It didnt take long for me to global society we must remain as engaged and emotion-
realize that this is what I wanted to do in life. ally invested in Somalia as we are in other places. My
vision for a healed Somalia would be a place free from

IRMAAN Magazine 24 May - June 2015

hat Binds

conflict and oppression and an end to the cycle of vio- to engage, but any step made as an attempt to ease hu-
lence that persists in many parts of the country. man suffering is crucial. Somalis are resilient and de-
spite the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis there
How do you think art helps? are numerous individuals forging forward with life and
working towards the betterment of society.
Art is a form of expression and it is quite subjective
and personal. Applying art to conflict and post conflict Finally, what does living unchained mean to you?
settings can help serve as a tool for dialogue, expres-
sion, awareness building and hopefully healing and The term living unchained symbolizes my personal
peace-building. effort to live freefree from social expectations and
conditioning. It reminds me to embrace similarities
As you know, our organization aims to unite women among people as opposed to focusing on difference, and
across Africa and the African Diaspora. How do you encourages me to be true to myself, living with integrity
think people from across the Diaspora can get involved and remaining passionate about life and work.
in helping Somalia?
I love Mahatma Gandhis quote Be the change you wish
I believe it is always important for individuals to foster to see in the world. I know that may come across as
ties with others regardless of background or location. really clich, but I honestly strive to live my life as the
There are many ways people from all backgrounds, So- quote suggests.
malis within Somalia, and members of the Diaspora can
get involved. The situation in Somalia is complex, so its
important to understand the context and then find ways
IRMAAN Magazine 25 May - June 2015
History, Culture and Art

Press Release
| Re dsea Cultural Foundation |
Hargeysa, S omaliland - July 11, 2015

R
edsea Cultural Foundation and its partners ni, Ciku Kimeria, Dzekashu MacViban and Yusuf K.
are proud to present the 8th Hargeysa Serunkuma.
International Book Fair, starting Saturday
the 1st of August till the 6th August 2015, HIBF is honoured to host and present the works of So-
Hargeysa, Somaliland. maliland diaspora writers, scholars, activists and those
from wider Somali regions, including literary critics
This largest celebration of book in East Africa is also de- and writers such as Faarax Cali Gamuute, Rashiid
signed to showcase all other forms of artistic expression Sh Cabdillaahi Gadhwayne, Said Jama Hussein, the
such as poetry, drama, documentaries and exhibitions, highly-esteemed playwright Said Salah Ahmed, writer
with the books being the central of all. Rashid Mahamed Shabelleh, renowned Islamic scholar
and seasoned journalist Shiekh Mahamoud H Dal-
For this years festival we are delighted to have Nigeria mar, and celebrated young novelist Nadifa Mahamed,
as our guest country, represented by such prominent humanitarian worker, and activists Hibo Jamal and
scholars, artists, and leading literary figures whose Quman Akli, photographer Samira Al Baroud, writers
renown extend far beyond their home country such as Sayid-Ahmed M Yuusuf, Abdalle Haji, Cabdillahi
as Okey Ndibe, Niyi Osundare, and Chuma Nwokolo. Cawed Cige, Idris Yousouf Elmi, Abdikarim Ahmed,
Other international guests include Jude Kelley, Ales- Maxamed Xirsi Guuleed, film-maker Abdirahman
sandro Gori, Kate Stanworth, Michele Petrone, Joe Cadani, musician Da'ud Ali Masahaf. They will be
Addo, Jonny Steinberg, Maimouna Jallow, Mpalive sharing platform with Somaliland based artists and
Msiska, Mary Harper, Michael Walls, Phyllis Mutho- writers, among the others, Maxamed Ibraahim War-
IRMAAN Magazine 26 May - June 2015
same Hadraawi, Xasan Cabdillahi Ganey, Muuse HIBF central theme of SPACE. The concept of space
Cali Faruur, Cabdiraxmaan C. Barwaaqo, Axmed helps us to examine a traditional Somali society as a
Ibraahim Cawaale, Axmed Abdillahi Cawaale, Axmed nomadic community living in a vast almost infinite
Aw Geeddi, and many other writers, journalists and physical space, defined by an ultimate feeling of free-
other professionals. dom and a lack of physical constraints with regard to
mobility. But when this community suddenly moves
We are equal proud to announce that HIBF is hosting into an urban environment, it finds that traditional
the first WOW Women Of the World Hargeysa, and notions of space take on new meanings and raise new
will be attended by Jude Kelly, The founder of the WOW questions. How does this new urban experience impact
- Women of the World global movement of festivals and on traditional ways of expression and communication?
Hannah Pool, the WOW Southbank Centre, London, How can we as a society adjust to these new urban spac-
curator as well as photographer Alison Baskerville, who es? Does moving from rural into urban spaces constrict
will be joined by leading Somaliland women in politics, our sense of spiritual well-being? It is our hope that
activism, literature personalities such as activist and participants of the HIBF 2015 will be provoked to think
researcher Amino-Milgo Mohamed, social activist and about the nature of space and all its various implications
award winning Dr. Edna Adan, for Somaliland society.

This year we are pleased to have again attracted highly We hope to welcome you to another year of stimulating
steamed artists, writers and scholar from scores of and inspiring Hargeysa International Book Fair, and to
countries South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Cameron, Gha- Somaliland.
na, Uganda, Turkey, Australia, Sweden, Denmark, Italy,
UK, and USA. For more information and the full program please
visit www.hargeysabookfair.com and download the
Our distinguished guests will interact with colleagues magazine of the HIBF2015. Send an email to info@
from Somaliland and wider Somali region within the hargeysabookfair.com and follow @HIBF #HIBF215.

IRMAAN Magazine 27 May - June 2015

IRMAAN Magazine 28 May - June 2015