User:Hawdka/Garaad Jama Garaad Ali

Laascaanood: A ray of hope Ubah Abdikarim May 30, 2006 By UBAH ABDIKARIIM Dad siyaasi wada sheegtiyo suxufiyiin miidhaan Sarkaalnimana wada doonayiyo sado in loo dhiibo Sagaal taliye, madaxweynayaal saami kela yeesha Sandulena kuwada doonayaan seeja lagu dooran Oo suruc qabiiliyo watiyo damac ku seesaaban Marna dhaqanka soomaaliyeed kuma saleysneyne Waxaa sidey sabaan akhirkoo waad la socotaane.' By Jamac Kadiye Cilmi

Royal Coronation Ceremony of Garaad Jama Garad Ali offered a ray of hope. Kugu maaley, kugu maaley Kugu maaley! was the talk of the town.The flags of the Somalis everywhere have one thing in common, the five pointed star. On May 22 in Laascaanood, the city of the milky lakes and the home of the braves resembled that Somali star as representatives of all five Somali regions, five Somali clans and Somali dignitaries from five continents united under the trees of Geedo-Qarsey, Laascaanood, in a peaceful celebration of the coronation of a new Somali traditional leader. A century of dark colonial division, and over decade of bloody civil war seems to wash away in the Lakes of Milk, Laascaanood, as the Somalis gather to celebrate the coronation of 19th Garaad of the Dhulbahante Kingdom, Garaad Jamaac Garaad Cali Garaad Jamac who filled one of the oldest Somali traditional ruling seats. The picture that greeted one in Laascaanood was an image only a Pan- Somalist could dream and appreciate, a ray of hope shone over the city of Laascaanood, a promise perhaps that one day soon Somali-weyn might sit under similar trees to discuss our future, peace and reconciliation without foreigners' interferences. Many say it is a good omen when all five Somali regions/countries, all five clans, representatives of contending and opposing politicians sit under acacia trees as tradition dictates. Nostalgia of our roots filled the air, importance of the dignity of our traditional Leaders was on everyone's mind, and it seemed as though the Somali star on our flags was the guiding light that guides us to our origins, one nation. Let us hope, this noble gathering was the first step towards the right path of Somali nation and the gathering of the five points is a return to that one nation, especially in this climate, which mimics a repeat of the last century... The New Garaad and the traditional leaders from all Somali nation were on the same page. They seem to understand the most valuable commodity a nation can own is its people. They seem to remember what makes a nation strong is its united front approach to building the nation, patience, determination, and the diligent work of its citizens towards that greatness. Is it any wonder why they were chosen and elected to the positions! The sincerity of their voices was refreshing, their genuine caring of the welfare of their people shone through. The message that came out of the gathering was one of peace and unity for the Somali people, which is stark contrast of the messages sent by the forever feuding politicians that congest and pollute the airwaves with their invective rhetoric of war, destruction and division. Over three thousand people and Somali dignitaries arrived in Laascaanood, to joint the celebration of the coronation of the 20th Garaad of Dhulbahante Kingdom, Garaad Jaamac Garaad Cali Garaad Jaamac. The guest list read who is who in lands of Somali; Former Prime Minister of Somalia, Cali Khaliif Galaydh, deligates from Djibouti, NFD, Somali regions in Ethiopia, Jubaland, Bay and bakool, Mogadishu, the President and the VP of Puntland regions, members of the TF parliament, members of Puntland Parliament, Members of Somaliland Parliament, Independent Politicians,  National Poets, Scholars, Historians, Imaams,  Somali Traditional leaders from all Somali areas and  clans( Sultans, Garaads, Malaaqs,  wabars, Islaans, Maqaams, Beeldaaje, Guurti, Cugaal, Nabadoono, Boqoro), Singers, Dancers, Military  Generals, women groups, and tho us ands of well-wishers Somalis gathered for the celebration. Absent were the warmongering criminals who work for the division of the Somalis and keep the nation into feuding pockets. Miraculo us ly, the city of Milky lakes had calming affect on the Somali politicians, it seems it appeased and quitted the constant struggle of the politicians. It was the first time that representative of Transitional Federal Somali government, Puntland regional government, and the separatist Somaliland administration sat side by side without incident, the _expression of their faces was one of conciliatory, all were smiling, greeting each other warmly, Peace and tranquility was the order of the day. The gathering for the coronation of the 20th Garaad of Dhulbahante kingdom, Garaad Jamac Garaad Ali is a reflection of the need of the majority of Somalis, to coexist peacefully without division or animosity. Kudos goes out to the people of Sool, Sanaag and Cayn for achieving such a historical event in such a short time. They showed the world that they are brave patriots, traditionalists, who understand the word Somali to mean to welcome and please ones guests. It was not a small feat to host such a historical event in such a short notice. All the attending dignitaries pay their respect to Laascaanood because the people of SSC had always stood for peace, the love of the nation and unity. That resolve paid off. Let me take this opportunity to address the Garaad of Dhulbahante Kingdom, whose celebration created such a historical event, I am sending him my warmest regards and congratulations to the New Garaad, Garaad Jaamac Garaad Cali Garaad Jaamac,  May Allah bless the new Garaad with wisdom, kindness, just rule, peace and prosperity as Allah had blessed the Garaads before him. May Allah guide our traditional leaders to the right path which leads us away from the dark times, and lead the nation to unity, peace and prosperity, may their task be one of ease, may Allah guide them a way to restore the dignity of the Somali people! My Somalia I wish an everlasting peace. Nabad iyo Caano. On May 22nd, 2006 over 75,000 people of Las-anod, the capital of Sool region, along with a delegation of 2500 people represent varies factions and different clans and politicians have attended the coronation ceremony of the 20th Garaad of the Dhulbahante Kingdom Garaad Jama Garad Ali to fill one of the oldest Somali traditional ruling seat. Traditional leaders have been known for their resilience and resourcefulness in overcoming the hardships of their harsh environment. Through the history they have ruled the diverse Somali clans and kept the peace. They have developed the proper laws that regulate territories, land, water, and path rights. They often sat under the trees to share dreams and discuss future, peace, and reconciliation when disputes rise. They are very well understood the most valuable commodity a nation can own; is its people. Traditional leaders have even played a greater role in preserving the nation when the government collapsed. Areas where traditional leaders are functioning and well connected, those areas have proved to be the most peaceful. Traditional leaders have refused to support warlords and they were able to regulate the economic activities and apply sufficient laws to keep peace among their communities. Garaad Jama Garad Ali is a very unique and resourceful leader. He is unanimously elected, despite his young age, to be the 19th Garaad. He has always known for his passion to build bridges and create peace. He is an American educated who often talked about unity and mutual respect. He is a true Pan-Somalist. His vision for his inauguration has become a historical event. His guest attendance list included former Prime Minister of Somalia, Ali Khalif Galaydh, deligates from Djibouti, NFD, Somali regions in Ethiopia, Jubaland, Bay and bakool, Mogadishu, the President and the VP of Puntland regions, members of the TF parliament, members of Puntland Parliament, Members of Somaliland Parliament, Members of Somaliland Cabinet, Independent Politicians,  National Poets, Scholars, Historians, Imaams,  Somali Traditional leaders from all Somali areas and  clans( Sultans, Garaads, Malaaqs,  wabars, Islaans, Maqaams, Beeldaaje, Guurti, Cugaal, Nabadoono, Boqoro), Singers, Dancers, Military  Generals, women groups, and thousands of well-wishers Somalis gathered for the celebration. It was the first time that representative of transitional Federal Somali government, Puntland regional government, and the separatist Somaliland administration sat side by side without incident; the expression of their faces was one of conciliatory. They are all smiling and greeting each other warmly. The gathering for the coronation of Garaad Jama is a reflection of the need of the majority of Somalis, to coexist peacefully without division or animosity. The message that comes out of the gathering was indeed one of peace and unity for the Somali people.

Mercury Media Also wrote:

Somalian leader offers hope in troubled times By Deborah Lohse Mercury News Posted: 12/31/2006 08:38:33 AM PST Updated: 12/31/2006 08:38:35 AM PST

One of Somalia's newest and most influential tribal chiefs issued a message of hope and encouragement to more than 200 Somali-Americans on Saturday. Speaking in Somali to Somali-American men, most of them Muslim, 34-year-old Garaad Jamaac said that the long-revered culture of tribal chief rule is their country's best hope for peace now, after the fall of the ultra-strict Islamic Courts in recent weeks, which had followed years of civil war, a 22-year dictatorship and warlords battling for power. Bay Area Somalis arranged the afternoon lunch at Kobe Restaurant in Santa Clara to show their respect for the new chief, who has been touring the United States. Jamaac, who wore a Western suit with a traditional Somalian koofiyad hat, will be in the area for a few days. "My message is not a political one," the chief said to the crowd, which came from many different tribes in So The East African country of more than 8 million people is enjoying a brief respite from political upheaval as the country waits to see whether a shaky transitional parliamentary government will take hold. Taking advantage of the current optimism, Jamaac plans in the spring to convene a historic meeting of all of Somalia's tribal chiefs in his home city of Lasanod in the north. They will discuss ways to exert their historic influence, he said, to bring about peace and stability there. "I have been trying to unite the chiefs together," Jamaac said in a brief interview. He was elected May 22. Historically, his country was led by tribal chiefs who were the ultimate arbiters of disputes and ruled with respect, Jamaac said. He added, "Going back to that culture may help" bring peace and unity to Somalia. The event's organizers said Jamaac has been in the United States several months and will soon be traveling to New Zealand and the United Kingdom. He encouraged San Jose's Somalis to stay here, learn skills and earn money that could ultimately lead to the betterment of their home country. Doing so, he added, might help them reach a point where they can influence U.S. policy in Somalia. He cited examples of other immigrant cultures like Chinese and Italians that formed strong American communities. "We have a need to assimilate," Jamaac said to the group, "but we should not forget our culture." Those attending said Jamaac has the respect of the other tribal chiefs despite his youth because he is the 19th leader of his clan, which some said was the longest bloodline in the country. His father was also well-respected when he was tribal chief, many speakers said, because he helped Somalis in their battle against British rule, which ended in 1960. Jamaac is also perhaps the country's best-educated and well-traveled chief. Still, he acknowledged the challenge of being a young chief in a culture that usually honors older leaders. "It depends on me how I earn their respect." Already he's challenged some old ways, as when he tried to discuss sexually transmitted diseases with a group of chiefs who said that was not his role. "I said it is my responsibility," Jamaac said. "It is for the safety of the whole community." Some of those at the lunch arrived driving taxicabs and others came from the tech industry. "He's not a politician," Mohamoud Jama, a laser specialist from San Jose, said. "People from all over Somalia - the north and south - are here," he said. The half-dozen or so speakers who thanked Jamaac for coming were careful to stick to a message of unity, with all except one refraining from identifying themselves by their tribal affiliation back in Somalia. When speaker Ali Mohammed could not resist and mentioned his tribe - which was not Jamaac's - the group laughed and clapped.