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| Maakhir State of Somalia ولاية ماخر الصومال |
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| Anthem: Somalia Tosow |
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| Capital (and largest city) |
Badhan | |||||
| Official languages | Somali and Arabic | |||||
| Government | Federal State within Somalia | |||||
| - | President | Jibrell Ali Salad | ||||
| - | Vice-President | Ahmed Guure Adan | ||||
| Autonomy | from Somaliland, Puntland and Somalia | |||||
| - | Proclaimed | July 1, 2007 | ||||
| - | Recognition | Unrecognised | ||||
| Area | ||||||
| - | Total | 35,000 km² 13,514 sq mi |
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| Population | ||||||
| - | estimate | 700,000 | ||||
| Currency | Somali shilling (SOS) |
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| Time zone | EAT (UTC+3) | |||||
| - | Summer (DST) | not observed (UTC+3) | ||||
| Internet TLD | .so | |||||
| Calling code | +252 (Somalia) | |||||
Maakhir (Somali: Gobolka Maakhir; Arabic: ماخر transliteration: Maakhir), officially the Maakhir State of Somalia (Somali: Maamul Goboleedka Maakhir, Arabic: ولاية ماخر الصومال transliteration: Wilaayatu Maakhir aṣ-Ṣūmāl) is a self-proclaimed autonomous state within Somalia on an area disputed by Somaliland and Puntland. Declared in July 1, 2007, it remains unrecognized by the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia.
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Autonomy
Maakhir is mainly inhabited by the Warsangali clan, a member of the Harti confederation of clans (along with the Dhulbahante and Majeerteen) and a clan of the Darod tribe. The Warsangali were originally one of the principal actors in the creation of the Puntland State as a successor to the Harti Sultanates after the collapse of the central government in Somalia in 1991, but since the proclamation of the autonomous Puntland in 1998, the Warsangali have been increasingly sidelined as the Majeerteen clan has assumed a hegemonic role in the state. [1]
Maakhir State proclaimed autonomy at a 1 July 2007 ceremony in Badhan in response to overlapping claims of both Somaliland and Puntland over the western Sanaag, which has led to several conflicts over control of the territory between Somaliland and Puntland.[2] Puntland and Somaliland have both signed oil concessions in this part of Sanaag,[3] without the consent of the local leadership,[4] which also contributed to the desire of the local Warsangali to administer their own affairs, as well as resolve disputes with Mohamud Muse Hersi, the current President of Puntland.[5] In addition to most of Sanaag, Maakhir is also claiming western parts of the Bari region from Puntland.
Maakhir's template of self-governance like Puntland rests on the building block system endorsed by the International community as a way of reconstituting the collapsed state of Somalia. This system which authorizes a local level government in Somalia is seen as a workable long-term strategy in Somalia in resolving inter-clan conflicts and building institutions such as police, court system and a local military base that protects and safeguards the humanitarian aid and the proper operation of International NGOs as well as the provisions of United Nations Development Program. Maakhir's other agenda is to provide the much-needed public services by implementing a taxation system, and to ensure governance structures for the safety and security of the port and private local enterprises whose fiscal management and ownership follow a non-intervention practice.[6] A third one is to manage through conflict in delivering essential social and economic services; seek to structure consensus around peace, internal security, stability, cooperation and unity of purpose; and build bridges of trust and social harmony across dividing political lines and between opposing interests and groupings.
Neither Somaliland or Puntland has recognised the new state. Despite rumored talks with Ali Mohammed Ghedi, the former Prime Minister of Somalia, the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia has declined to comment the status of Maakhir and seems to regard Puntland as the official authority on the region.[7]
History
Maakhir State of Somalia claims to be the descendant of the Sultanate of Mohamoud Ali Shire (Warsangali Sultanate) which is the oldest sultanate in Somalia with a rich history and heritage. The old capital of the Warsangali sultanate was Las Khorey.
The Sultanate of Mohamoud Ali Shire was considered by colonial authorities as having largely hegemonic authority over the other Harti sultanates, and the Warsangali played a large role in 19th century administration of Italian and British Somaliland. As the 20th century began however, the British and Italians ended the independence of the semi-independent Sultanates, and the Harti Confederation was dissolved in the midst of Italian and British rule, ending the traditional role of the Warsangali. The illustrious Sultan Mohamoud Ali Shireh was exiled to the Seychelles – the islands to which many prominent anti-colonial leaders used to be exiled. [8], After independence, the Majeerteen emerged as the leaders of the Harti group. The Warsangali have however maintained their preeminent position as the traditional leaders of the Harti. This has challenged Puntland's attempts to assert its authority in Sanaag.[9]
Disputes with Puntland
The disputes between Maakhir and Puntland have centered around Puntland's refusal to recognize Maakhir's declaration of autonomy and insistence that the territory is still part of Puntland, and also Puntland's attempts to carry on business as usual, when such business is exactly what caused the declaration of autonomy in the first place.
Conflicts with Puntland over Charcoal
Maakhir banned charcoal production due to the desertification it causes to the fragile Somali environment. Puntland has ignored the ban and sent several expeditions into Maakhir, with Puntland militia protecting the charcoal traders.. Clashes between Puntland militias escorting charcoal traders and Maakhir militias attempting to stop charcoal production have occurred numerous times since the ban, in Mijayahan[10], Wa'iye and Sarmanyo.[11]
Puntland has publicly stated it does not recognize Maakhir, and still considers Sanaag and western Bari as their territory.[12] The demand for charcoal from Arab states of the Persian Gulf, sometimes referred to as the "Black Gem" due to its profitability, has fueled the clashes.
In order to contain the charcoal expeditions, most of which are heavily armed and backed by big business interests, the Maakhir authority created a volunteer patrol force, the "Environmental Protection Corps". [13]
Blockade of Bosaso
A dispute with Puntland over the arrest of prominent Warsangeli businessmen from Bosaso prompted the Maakhir government to blockade the highway to Bosaso until the men were released.[14]
Somaliland Military Incursions
On February 25th-26th 2008, a Somaliland-aligned, well armed force laid siege to Hadaftimo and Badhan, causing a brief state of emergency before the force withdrew back to Erigavo. Maakhir responded with a military buildup in the Maakhir-controlled part of Erigavo. The situation remains tense.
Administrative Divisions
Maakhir claims the following administrative divisions currently regarded under its control:
- Madar
- Badhan - Capital of Maakhir
- Hadaaftimo
- Hingalol
- Las Khorey
- Yube
- Ceelbuh
- Sanaag
- Ceerigaabo - Regional Capital
- Damala Xagare
- Carmale
- Geilwiete
- Darasalaam
- Shimbiraale
- Ceelaqoday
- Boharo
- Dhahar - Regional Capital
- Ceelaayo
- Bali-Busle
- Baragaha Qol
- Buraan - Maakhir Authority is planning to open a University in this city.
Cities and towns
The biggest cities in the area claimed by Maakhir are Badhan, Las Khorey, Dhahar, Buraan, Hadaftimo, Hingalol, Damalla-Hagare, Eilbuh and Erigavo.
Politics and government
Parliamentary Seats |
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| As Somali are a largely nomadic people, parliamentary seats are designated by lineage and clan, this being their constituency.[15] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Warsangeli Seats | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Other Seats | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The disputed status between Puntland and Somaliland has also meant that Sanaag as a whole may not have received all the available and apportioned aid from non-governmental organizations (NGO)s and aid agencies. The newly established Maakhir government has made this issue one of their first priorities, and appealed to the Warsangali Diaspora for assistance.[16]
Government
Due to drought conditions, administrative problems and threats of invasion from Somaliland, the government of Maakhir was dissolved on the 6th of April 2008 by governmental and presidential decree. A new government will be declared by June 1st 2008. The previous government was as follows:
The two branches of government in Maakhir (the Parliament and the Executive) are led by:
- President Jibrell Ali Salad - President of Maakhir
- Eng. Ahmed Guure Aadan - The House of Representative Speaker
State Secretaries
Maakhir State of Somalia has 17 State secretaries.
President Salad appointed 7 people to his cabinet on the 4 August 2007[17], Mr. Ahmed Sheikh Salah resigned from cabinet due to health reasons, and 4 more secretaries were added on September 8, 2007, then another 7 on September 8, 2007[18] establishing the following State Secretaries (called Xoghayaashan in Somali):
- Mr. Ahmed Hussein Yuusuf - Secretary of State for Interior and Security Department
- Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Omar - Secretary of State for Housing.
- Mr. Ahmed Faarah Ali - Secretary State for Finance and Commerce.
- Mr. Iimaan Haji Warsame Faarah - Secretary of State for Environment.
- Mr. Mohamud Mohamed Iise - Secretary of State for Social and Labor & Employers affairs.
- Mr. Sa'iid Du'aale Mohamed - Secretary of State for Transports.
- Mr. Sadik Abdi Misan - Secretary of State for Natural Resources
- Mr. Ali Sa'iid Osmaan Qodah - Secretary of State for Trade and Manufacturing
- Mr. Abdurrahman Sa'iid Ahmed - Secretary of State for International Relations
- Prof. Ali Abdurrahman Hirsi - Secretary of State for Federal relations
- Prof. Mohamed Ali Mohamed - Secretary of State for reconciliation and peace affairs.
- Mr. Omar Liibaan Arab - Secretary of State for justice and Religious affairs.
- Ms. Zainab Ismaa'iil Mohamed - Secretary of State for Family welfare.
- Dr. Ahmed Ali Mire - Secretary of State for Agricultures and Livestock
- Mr. Abdulkadir Mohamed Sa'iid - Secretary of State for Fishing and marine resources.
- Eng. Abdirizak Ali Mohamed (Black) - Secretary of State for Media and Culture.
- Mr. Ali Mohamud Nuur (Ali Sanaag) - Commander of Maakhir Police Forces.
The parliament of Maakhir currently has 38 members.[19]
Recognition
Maakhir has received support from Asha Abdalla, who represents Sanaag in the Transitional Federal Parliament.[20] As of November 2007, the TFP itself has not indicated whether it will recognize the new state.
Image Gallery
 Badhan celebrations |
 Badhan celebrations |
 Badhan celebrations |
 Badhan celebrations |
See also
References
- ^ The Formation of Maakhir State of Somalia
- ^ Somaliland Warns Puntland Either To Withdraw Militia Forces Or Face Immediate Consequences
- ^ Puntland Oil & Mining Deal: The Offspring of an affair between greed and incompetence (Part I)
- ^ Puntland Oil and Mining Deal: (Part II)
- ^ The rise of Maakhir State and the fall of Puntland.
- ^ Laas Qorey port Operation.
- ^ Maakhir State of Somalia faces challenges and obstacles. Article in Markacadeey online in August 23, 2007.
- ^ A Touching Glimpse of History and the Reunion of a Somali Royalty
- ^ Somalia: Breaking into even smaller bits -by the Economist
- ^ Fighting Erupts As Invading Militia From Puntland Are Beaten Back By Somalilanders
- ^ Gun battle between Puntland Supported Militia and Maakhiri Forces in Southern Sanaag
- ^ Puntland Opposes `Makhir State'
- ^ Environmental Protection Corps in Maakhir State of Somalia
- ^ Tensions build up in Northeastern Somalia « maakhir.com
- ^ Raz Shirwa razshirwa@gmail.com (Journalist)
- ^ Jibrell has called the Diaspora to reach out to increasing IDPs in Sanaag and establish Civil Society Organisations
- ^ Maakhir State of Somalia names State Secretaries
- ^ Maakhir State of Somalia names 7 new State Secretaries
- ^ Maakhir State of Somalia increases its Parliament members
- ^ "Maakhir State gains support in Somalia parliament" (HTML), Laasqoray.net, Garowe Online, 2007-09-05. Retrieved on 2007-11-21. (English)
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