The leader of Jamahirta Awdal, Mukhtar Ali Adan Yabe, said he is determined to liberate the Awdal region from the rule of Somaliland by any means necessary. The leader criticised the lack of freedom of expression and the inability of the oppressed people to have a voice in determining their own future.
Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA.
In an interview with Daljir Media, the leader emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating that the oppressed people of Awdal and Salal are suffering under the administration of “SNM”. SNM refers to the Somali National Movement, a guerilla group that opposed the Siad Barre regime in the 1980s and 1990s. Salal is a region that the self-proclaimed state of Somaliland established in mid-2009. Before that, the region was part of the Awdal region. The port of Zeila (Saylac) is the seat of the region’s government.
Leader Yabe highlighted the occurrence of violent incidents, including a case from 15 September, when a man was brutally killed near Goryo Awl (Goryocawl). The leader reiterated the unchanged agenda and plan to liberate the region. The primary goal is to remove the separatist administration of Somaliland and establish Awdal State under the leadership of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS). Once liberated, the region will welcome investments from countries like Ethiopia or Russia that align with their interests.
Inviting Russia and Ethiopia?
Mr Yabe did not specify how Russia could positively contribute to the region’s development. Moscow is famous for rather destructive activities in Africa. It uses the shadowy Wagner group to protect its malicious activities in various African countries, often at the expense of local people.
Moreover, regarding Ethiopia, the region’s leaders already made remarks that raised the eyebrows of many. A week ago, the Canada-based Awdal State Movement (ASM) invited Ethiopia to establish access to a Red Sea port in Zeila. ASM’s press release expressed its support for the Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who specifically mentioned the port of Zeila as an example for consideration.
The press release has drawn criticism for the lack of consultation with the people of Awdal, the region in question. Some argued that the ASM leader’s willingness to offer Zeila port indicates a desperate position rather than a genuine concern for the welfare of their people. Critics argued that this decision undermined the efforts to establish an administration governing the region as part of Somalia.
Garad Jama expressed support for Awdal
Calling upon the people of Awdal within the country and abroad, the Jamahirta (lit. republicans, in this context: unionists) leader, Mukhtar Ali Adan Yabe, urged unity and collective action. He emphasised that now is the time for every individual from Awdal, regardless of age, gender, profession, or political affiliation, to join the liberation struggle. Unity among the Awdal people, both at home and abroad, is seen as vital for the existence of the Somali nation and the realisation of a free Awdal.
The leader’s statements follow a recent meeting between Garad Jama Garad Ali and Ugas Abdirashid Ugas Roble in Addis Ababa. Garad Jama expressed support for the oppressed people of Awdal during the meeting. The activities against Somaliland’s rule in northern Somali regions have been increasing in recent months. The recognition of the transitional administration of SSC-Khaatumo by the FGS has further emboldened the Awdal movement in its quest for self-determination and unity of Somalia.
The struggle for liberating Awdal remains a significant development with potential implications for the political landscape of Somalia. The determination and unity of the Awdal people will play a crucial role in shaping their future and aspirations to have their own Federal Member State and to solidify unity in Somalia.
