Nairobi (HAN) March 29,  2005- The African continent has been racked with war in the years since desalinization. In the aftermath of violent conflict, peace is often fragile. With Durable Peace, Taisier M. Ali and Robert O. Matthews have brought together leading scholars to discuss the experiences of ten African countries – Angola, Ethiopia, Liberia, Mozambique, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Uganda, and Zimbabwe – in recovering from violent civil war.

In this series of remarkable and thought-provoking essays, the contributors shed light on the process of peacebuilding. Collectively, they demonstrate that if efforts to restore peace in war-torn societies are to be successful, such efforts must be wide in scope, involving security and political issues, as well as economic development and socio-psychological reconciliation. Additionally, they must be extended over long periods of time and, above all else, anchored in the local community.

Peacebuilding is a difficult process, subject to frequent setbacks, and sometimes outright failure. Durable Peace concludes that any peacebuilding effort must include at least four building blocks: a secure environment, new political institutions that are broadly representative, a healthy economy, and a mechanism for dealing with injustices of the past and future. How these blocks are put together will vary, but if they are arranged to fit the specific local circumstances, the outcome will likely be self-sustaining peace.

In public statements and letters to concerned heads of state, governments and intergovernmental organisations, International Crisis Group had consistently argued that this issue must be handled with great sensitivity if it is not to destabilise Somalia's transitional institutions and threaten the peace process. We are particularly concerned that any decisions concerning peacekeeping forces and the related issue of an interim seat of government, be reached through thorough, transparent consultation with the parties concerned and receive the unambiguous approval of the Somali Transitional Federal Parliament. The IGAD governments are aware that Crisis Group's concerns in this regard are shared by the members of the IGAD Partners Forum. A statement from the President of the United Nations Security Council on 7 March also affirmed that such a mission "would require the support of the Somali people".

The ICG welcomes the commitment of IGAD and its members to peace in Somalia and congratulates them on having guided the peace process so far. We urge them to give due attention to the concerns we have raised in order that this opportunity to restore peace and positive governance to Somalia not be missed, and that they continue in their efforts to assist the Somali people and their leaders to find consensus on the best way forward. We look forward to the opportunity to exchange views with the IGAD member states on this and other issues.
In addition to our highly valued commentaries and news analysis about Somalia and the IGAD zone, HAN follows news analysis, views, commentaries, reports and parties press releases by interest groups throughout the IGAD zone. We pay special attention today to the Allputland.com reporting views and SHASNA affailiate in general, and latest on IGAD sponsored and Africa supported Somali Federal Government in general, and the promotion for Peace and Reconciliation in Somalia, in particular. We will reveal the artistes, who is supporting whom, and who is reporting the truth, and who is not; by "Allputland.com".

The GOOD … - New York, USA & Nairobi, Kenya
9 March 2005 - The Security Council Committee and the Report of the Monitoring Group on Somalia Pursuant to Security Council resolution 1558 (2004) – “Fundamentalists, such as al-Ittihad, the shariah courts and al-Islah, aim at ultimate control of the people and territory of Somalia. The position of al-Ittihad versus the Transitional Federal Government is one of non-negotiation. It intends to fight…”

“Al-Itthad and its allies have been receiving and stockpiling weapons and conducting military training. The Monitoring Group has obtained information and pictures of some of their training activities and weapons in storage at the facilities. Seventeen camps have been identified and are under the overall control of the principal al-Ittihad leader, Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys.”

Summary (for the record, read our previous SHASNA reports and compare notes): The Somali nation consists of clans and sub-clans. During UNISOM era, for a price, certain sub-clan leaders and sub-clan financiers became al-Ittihad recruits and subsequently alliance members providing sub-clan militias for the cause. Certain sub-clan members with their al-Ittihad alliance partners have invaded the territories of certain other Somali sub-clans. They have confiscated their homes, farms and have looted all of their family properties. The invaders have grown illegal drugs throughout the Somali farm belt. And where they couldn’t grow, they have uprooted thousands-year-old trees and cut down whole forests turning them into charcoal for export to Gulf countries. Hence, rampant deforestation in large swaths of southern Somalia forestland is visible for all.

In today’s Somalia, no matter what Nairobi-based ‘analysts’ estimate, it is certain sub-clan members, their al-Ittihad partners, their sub-clan militias, their telecommunications companies, their sophisticated local and overseas financial networks, and their financiers that never had, will not have, and currently don’t have any desire for the successful establishment and functioning of a legitimate Somali government. They have no interest in entering and respecting any bilateral or multilateral agreement with anyone or any nation. They have broken every written and unwritten Somali norm; they have broken every Somali peace agreement they have entered into and signed; they have and will break every Security Council resolution. For the sub-clan leaders in Mogadishu, Marka, Kismayo and currently in Baydhabo, and their al-Ittihad alliance: reconciliation is surrender; and peace is defeat.

At last count, the sub-clan leaders consisted of three well-known warlords and three al-Ittihad partners in charge of the family organization. They are in control of heavily armed sub-clan militias in southern Mogadishu, Balli-Doogle (near Baydhabo), Marka, and Kismayo, and parts of the Galgadud region in central Somalia. For these warlords and al-Ittihad leaders: it is always “their way or no way.” And since their way has endangered the existence of Somali women and children, has made peace and reconciliation in Somalia untenable, and currently their way is a threat and a clear and present danger to the infant Somali government, they should no longer be allowed to hold Somalia hostage. It is time they should surrender or face defeat.

The UN’s Somalia offices in Nairobi – With all their prior weaknesses, the United Nations political and developmental offices have learned from prior mistakes and have tremendously improved. No longer are the UN’s political offices in the dark days of siding with one Somali group against another. In that regard all credit goes to the outgoing Mr. Winston Tubman. We wish him well, and hope future appointees will follow his footsteps of trying to improve their dealings with Somalia.

UN improvements are not only limited to the political office, but so did other programs, and most importantly the UNDP under the tutelage of Mr. Maxwell Gaylard. Here is a man who doesn’t take no for an answer, and who is never concerned about what any disgruntled analyst writes about a Somali region or a Somali political leader. Mr. Gaylard always finds it out on a first hand basis. The UNDP and Mr. Maxwell Gaylard deserve credit; and needless to say, the needy Somali people have recognized your organization’s efforts and attempts to improve their livelihoods. Tire not, for your efforts will be rewarded. But at the same time, don’t be tired of keeping your house clean!

The BAD … – International Crisis Group (ICG)
18 March 2005 - Statement by the IGAD Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs – “The activities of some parties within the International Community to drive a wedge between IGAD Member States and the People of Somalia were a source of concern to the Council of Ministers during the session. Moreover, the activities of some NGOs conducting research and advocacy work in our sub-region have also contributed to creating confusion and unhealthy state of mind. In this respect, the position and advice that the International Crisis Group (ICG) has been giving has resulted in damages to the region and to the peace process in Somalia. While condemning the activities of the groups, council called upon the Somali people to be vigilant.”

And vigilant we are! Key words: “Wedge, advocacy, creating confusion, damages, and vigilance!”

ICG & Mr. Matt Bryden – In the old days of the Somali civil war, from 1991 through 2000, there used to be foreign reporters and analysts who attempted to understand the history of the Somali civil war, but nevertheless, they tried, made mistakes, and learned from their mistakes. They had no agendas, no hatred to speak of, and no Somali family and or relatives to be concerned of, and mostly they were of European origin. They often came and went along their merry ways, in and out of Africa.

At the same time during the conflict ridden periods of Somali history, there was another group of young white contenders who arrived in Nairobi in pursuit of African opportunity and excitement (a continuation of an old colonial legacy). Often they were undergraduates, and often with English literature degrees. Some other drop-ins in Nairobi were straight out dropouts, and had no worldly or work experience to speak of. Of these young men, some stayed behind as their African dream appeared to be coming true. And still some others stayed behind to create and be part of their new Somali family.

One such young man from Canada was Mr. Matt Bryden. After some difficulties, Matt with his lack of working experience found his ways through the offices of the numerous Nairobi-based international agencies. During 1991-1993, with most of his time dedicated to navigating through Nairobi’s fun alleys and the gypsy restaurant at Westlands, Matt learned to chew Mira or Khat and spent sometime hanging around and helping out the Canadian High Commission office in Nairobi. In 1991, still young and inexperienced, Matt found himself in Berbera and met his current Somali wife and future mentor. From there on, he found a quick employment opportunity with the United Nation’s Emergency Relief Unit for Somalia and Ethiopia.

Ethiopia didn’t suit up well for Matt and his ambitious personal plans. He moved on, and in late 1996 as a WSP-International (formerly War-torn Societies Project) “future programme Coordinator” (and not a ‘Director’ as he claims on his ICG Resume), Matt toured the Puntland State of Somalia (formerly Northeast Regions of Somalia) with WSP officers.

Beginning in early 1997, Matt became a Programme Coordinator for WSP in Puntland. In May 1997, a young and well-intentioned Matt Bryden of the War-torn Societies Project produced a paper commissioned by the Sectoral Steering Committee of the SACB. Matt ( The humanitarian) wrote the following lines: “Somalis and their international partners have spent the last few years breaking new ground in social and political reconstruction: most of the country is at peace; local administrations are beginning to emerge in many areas; and much of the Somali population now feeds itself. Somalia’s days of crisis seem to be over, but the daunting challenge of nation-building still lies ahead.”

As usual for Mr. Bryden and often is the case for some westerners in Africa, Matt learned quickly, and started practicing to dictate to his Somali partners and WSP project Somali beneficiaries. Needless to say, his stay in Puntland didn’t last long, and it left bitter memories for all.

Enter Matt, the politician!

Matt packed his bags, and joined his wife and family in Hargeysa. Another post with WSP was again secured for Mr. Matt Bryden. However, now Matt, the politician and his newly acquired bitter memories didn’t go away. Revenge was in full swing. But why revenge? Wasn’t Matt in Somalia to help the helpless Somalis? Or was Matt really mad that such ‘helpless and weary’ Somalis could question his motives? Of course Somalis are leery of foreigners, and we very well remember the dreadful actions of certain Canadian Marines preceding Mr. Matt Bryden to Somalia, who in 16 March 1993, with no reason at all, severely tortured and killed using a baseball bat one Mr. Abuukar Shidane Caroone in Baladweyne.

But then again, Matt may not be privy to that arsenal, but he could mingle and make up stories! And mingled he did with his Somali wife of the northern Dir/Isaaq/Sa’ad Muse sub-clan from Berbera (now with three children). At last, he thought he had an alibi for his actions. And revenge was still ringing in his head. Convinced now he was, that with his Somali children and Somali wife, nobody could ever accuse him of harming the interests of the helpless Somalis, and most importantly of being a racist. And Matt kept on moving along.

Already having had relations with ICG, in early 2004 with the suggestions of Mr. John Prendergast of the same organization, Matt joined the ICG Somalia team. No questions were raised; no prior publications were examined; and no background check was ever undertaken. In a lighting speed, Mr. Matt Bryden was a specialist on Somalia and Somali politics, and he immediately started firing off and preparing own views as “analytical reports on sources of conflict and violence in the region.” By late 2004, at ICG he was the man to talk to about Somalia and about Somali politics.

At ICG, no longer did Matt see himself as the young man who came to Africa to find opportunity, to learn, to get excited, and to help the poor and the downtrodden, but now he thought he was it: the Kingmaker. The signs were all around him, and he was encouraged by the advice of friends who made it in Africa, and told him that he too could also make it in the Dark Continent. At the Somali Desk, there was Mr. David Bell of the British Embassy. A rank and file diplomat who inconceivably also owns and runs his own Salama Hotel & Restaurant (go figure!). For Matt Bryden, it was time to grasp the Somali opportunity all around him.

Prior to his officially joining the ICG team, Matt was already a member of the Somalia team bent on the clan-based politics of “divide and rule!” At ICG, in July 2003, he helped co-author and produce a favorable report advocating for the recognition of Somaliland, or at least having the UN grant them an observer status. He failed miserably. But then again, he was encouraged by his friend at the Somali Desk of the British Embassy in Nairobi, Mr. David Bell, not to give up the fight.

With a legal residence in Berbera, three kids, a wife from the northern Dir clan, and as an advocate for the secession of Somaliland, and with bitter memories of Garoowe, Mr. Matt Bryden was traumatized as Somalia’s newly established Somali Transitional Federal Government was inaugurated in October 2004.

And a wiser Matt with simulated familiarity in the Somali politics and a source of data at close proximity saw his opening and figured out the profiteering model in bad news.

Within two months of inauguration, and the TFG still in Nairobi-based, Matt immediately fired off an ICG report (Somalia: Continuation of War by Other Means?) deploring the Elected President and the Appointed Prime Minister. On his ICG report, Matt wrote: “The archetypal Somali warlord, Yusuf's … advocacy of a federal structure for Somalia and his close ties with neighbouring Ethiopia, together place him firmly in one camp in Somalia's long-running conflict. His choice for prime minister and the composition of the first TFG cabinet confirmed his pursuit of a narrow political agenda...”

It was the beginning of an ICG sponsored war of media against the fragile Somali government and against Africa’s IGAD plans.

On 22 December 2004, a day after his ICG report, Matt Bryden was on the media rounds. On al-Jazeerah, seemingly full of ‘repressed anger and revenge’ Matt called the President-elect a “divisive figure” who “…will likely return to an all-out violence.”

But then again, except when he is chewing ‘Khat’, a natural leaf stimulant from Catha Edulis plant, Matt was never known for consistency. But on 31 January 2005, he was wearing a different hat, and probably for a different reason. On the Daily Star, Matt Bryden together with John Prendengast wrote a close to the truth commentary (The Perilous Chaos of Forgotten Somalia), but then again that was the Lebanon Daily Star and not an ICG report. The commentary was about the threat of al-Ittihad and about Islamic fundamentalism in Somalia. Where as previously the ICG team used to put the burden of proof on the infant Somali government, this time they were advocating for the existence and support of this new Somali institution. Amazingly they concluded: “If Somalia is left to fester, Islamist insurgents and terrorist groups will threaten not only the new government, but Western and neighboring African interests as well.” And since being in the Middle East meant to them standing up for Somali unity and against mini-states and secession, they wrote: “If it doesn’t get a minimally functioning state today, Somalia will end up tomorrow as a patchwork of mini-states, some of which increasingly resemble areas of Taleban-controlled Afghanistan or insurgent-patrolled Iraq.”

It was not the usual Matt, and we really don’t know what to make of it! But don’t hold your breath!

ICG, the “Influential Brussels-based” conflict prevention group, and Mr. Matt Bryden have sponsored an all-out war against the Somali peace process and against IGAD stabilization plans for the much suffering people of Somalia. However, why the all out war? Is it because of some selfish reasons peculiar to those who set foot in Nairobi? Is it because of our own Somali stupidity? Could it be because of the statements by President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda that peacekeeping troops will be deployed with or without the permission of Mogadishu warlords and their al-Ittihad alliance? Or is it Mr. Matt Bryden’s way of saying “listen up, let me tell you Somalis and black Africans, no matter how, when and what you try, unless WE sign-off and approve your plans, at the end of the day you are liable to fall on all four?”

On such occasion on the VOA, speaking against the deployment of front-line states, Matt alluded that some Somalis are against the deployment. Being an ‘analyst’ did he tell us why, where and who they are? Did he tell us that it is only certain parts of south Mogadishu that is against peace and troop deployment? Did he remotely mention that south Mogadishu warlords and al-Ittihad alliance were the same ones who dragged mutilated bodies of American soldiers in the dusty streets of Mogadishu? Does Matt know that he entertains same warlords at Mr. David Bell’s ‘uniquely financed’ Salama Hotel and Restaurant in Nairobi? On his analytical reports, does Matt ever mention anything about the Italian cemetery in Mogadishu and the al-Ittihad Militia led by the Afghanistan veteran, Aden Ayroow, on orders from Col. Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys to desecrate and destroy the Italian cemetery? Did he ever analyze about the land and farm seizures in south Mogadishu and the southern farm belt in particular? What about human rights violations, and the torture and rape allegations against the leaders of Somaliland? What about young 16 years old Zamzam Ahmed Du’aale, who almost perished and in endless months suffered rape and torture in Hargeysa in the hands of the personal bodyguards of the Somaliland Vice President, Mr. Ahmed Yassin? Apparently Matt and his ICG team don’t pay much attention to Amnesty International or Africa Rights Watch reports! Or we wonder: is it just about selected memories?

On a final note on the troop deployment, does Matt know that as far as the sub-clan militia leaders, their al-Ittihad alliance, and warlord turned parliamentarians are concerned, it is not at all about reconciliation and about ‘front line troops deployment’, but it is about ‘troops deployment’ from anywhere in the world? Matt might be in doubt, but for ICG assuming they are interested in facts, we refer you to Col. Sheikh Dahir Aweys’s 25 March 2005 press conference in Mogadishu. In that press conference, Col. Aweys vehemently opposed any troops deployment anywhere in Somalia. Calling for JIHAD against African troop deployment, Col. Aweys, the most wanted terrorist in Somalia, vowed to “fight fiercely” against the IGAD forces expected to deploy as early as next month. A day later, on the orders of Col. Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys, heavily armed al-Ittihad militia led by his lieutenant, Sheikh Yusuf Indhacadde, departed from Marka to Baydhabo. Same night, some 19 technicals from Col. Aweys’s bases in Mogadishu and Balli-Doogle were too on their way to Baydhabo. By Sunday Morning, Baydhabo has fallen to Col. Sheikh Hassan Dahir Awey’s al-Ittihad and sub-clan militia (any memories of Gen. Aydid, his sub-clan militia, Baydhabo and the city of death!) On that same Friday night, al-Ittihad leadership and alliance issued strict warnings to Mohamed Omar Habeeb (a/k/a Mohamed Dheere) of Jowhar not to cooperate with the newly born TFG. Expect a Jowhar showdown and a rendezvous of the alliance militia against the only stable and self-sustaining Administration in the Benadir region.

In short, just like certain Mogadishu warlords and opposition parliamentarians who often meet with Matt at David Bell’s Salama Restaurant, Col. Sheikh Aweys and alliance were at first against ‘front line’ troop deployment, but have no doubt, they are all against any form of troop deployment, no matter from where in the world. But then again, the city is Nairobi and after all, at the end of the day Matt might not be interested in facts, in peace, in Somali unity, and in justice! Matt’s interests might lie somewhere else, and indeed different from our interests and that of poor and war weary Somali mothers and children.

On 15 March 2002, President Museveni had with ICG and Matt’s on and off partnership with Mogadishu warlords and their al-Ittihad alliance. Speaking at an IGAD workshop aimed at drawing deployment plans for the peace support mission, Museveni blasted those against troop deployment by saying: “we have to deploy whether they agree or not.” He admired the much suffering people of Somalia and how they are held hostage by few warlords. As black Africans, he vowed that we will not allow this to continue. He concluded by saying “this must stop.”

On 18 March 2005, IGAD nations could no longer tolerate Mr. Matt Bryden and ICG sowing the seeds of confusion and hostility in the region, and hence an alert to the world and to the Somali people in particular to remain “vigilant” against Matt Bryden and against his team of advocates was subsequently released.

Indeed alerted we so far remain!

Regrettably, on our part, SHASNA editors never took Mr. Matt Bryden and his reports seriously. As a matter of fact we saw it as mere nuisance by a young man with such a known track record in both Nairobi and in Somalia. And we never thought that anybody in their right frame of mind would either employ him as a ‘Somali expert’ or take his often off the mark reports very serious. But we forgot we were in Africa - Africa my friends, and we were all Africans. Indeed we regret neglecting about Mr. Matt Bryden’s prediction that we Somalis will sooner or later “fall on all four!”

… And The UGLY – London, UK
BBC Somali Section – We again write what we have so often written about the Somali section: here is where all that is rotten in Somalia grows its thousand highly venomous tongues. It is always the BBC Somali Section, supporters of Mogadishu's merchants of death and destruction that feeds Her Majesty's World Service and its Somali audiences with lies, innuendoes, and sub-clan wishes. Thank God for the free and independent local FM radios throughout Somalia!

And about the Security Council report, take a guess if the BBC Somali Section, headed by Mr. Yusuf Garaad Omar, has reported one paragraph of the Security Council issued report on Somalia? Guess again? It was never mentioned on air, but instead the Section’s Somali listeners were spoon-fed with daily doses of the al-Ittihad sponsored demonstrations in South Mogadishu. No surprises there!

And Now, the Absurd!
World Bank & IMF (Reuters) – “Impoverished Somalia must clear $430 million of debt arrears to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund before the bank can start lending to the new government, a bank official said on Thursday.”

Well, have the World Bank and the IMF at first repossess or help the TFG repossess the arsenal and heavy guns in Somalia!

We are quite sure the World Bank and the IMF will remedy the situation, and a mutually acceptable ‘clearance program’ will soon be implemented!

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