Oromos Are Organizing and Uniting At A Rapid Rate. The REAL Danger for ALL SOMALIS

[Awd]

Thank you yourself, for making me rethink in many regards (and my own biases). Life is continuous journey, where we do get enlighten in many ways. I have to say that, from my part, it may have appeared as bashing in retrospect for outsiders. We are this way by nature, in which we try to make ourselves righteous in all circumstances. In the end, from the beginning I said, it won't make any difference (for me personally) which side any one takes, even from Somalis. Just please read/look things up, even if it seems doubtful. Because our own prejudice can stand in the way of seeing things happening right before our eyes. I may also be wrong at times, so I have to educate myself, on events that I may not be familiarized with. Even things wrongly done on the behalf of my community/clan too. And sorry if I have come at you in a non-respectful way, but I appreciated interacting with you, walaal. Mahadsanid for your time and patience with me.

Yes indeed do we live together, Jarsos live west of us and Samaroon east of us. We've mostly had nothing but great friendly relations with you guys. You've given us refuge and mediated countless times. Which we will foreever be grateful fore. I've also got family members from your clan, not just in DDS side, but also on the SL side of the border, as I've mentioned before. I hope our relation never gets as bad as it has been with Jarso (not in a bad way). It's very hearbreaking to speak about Jarso as "others", as we lived together for hundres of years, mostly peaceful co-existence and now seeing these conflicts split even families apart...

The reason why I felt like this recent event was different, was because it affects all of us, besides the local issues between Geri vs. Jarso. As Oromia is building a massive dam in Marar, in Tuli Guleed, right outside Jigjiga as soon as you leave the city northwards. That's where the source of the water that feeds 3/4 of DDS residents. Cagjar/DDS admin has quickly signed it off to Oromia to build it, without an agreement on how it will be used by them and how we (as DDS) will get our share. Which he has admitted in his latest interview, of Oromia starting it beforehand, not in accordance with their agreement. It was hard to get this message out, as people now on social media and everywhere, view it nothing more than clan disputes.

I also thought that you knew that the "official" Oromo state border was within Samaroon territory where there are little to none Jarso and therefore not have been possible for them to choose to be part of Oromia in the 2004 referendum, as you guys were clearly not in favor. Which is what I tried to inform you. Regardless, as long as these border areas get solved permanently, with good intentions from DDS and Oromia, much of these issues will disappear.

Garad, it would be good to ask you. Why do you think that the Somali regional leaders have been so quick to sign off on all of these projects that have allowed thisbto happen? Why is someone like Cagjar very involved, isn't that self suicide?

It's very strange seeing some of these new and updated maps. The transfer of Jinacsani to Oromia means now that the Awbarre district and parts of Dembel which were traditional Gadabursi territory are now directly on the border with Oromia. Lafaciise, Jaare and Xeregel which prior all bordered the Jinacsani district, have now post referendum and transfer of Jinacsani become regional border towns with Oromia.

Ethiopia: Somali Region - February 2017 - Ethiopia

Map in English on Ethiopia about Logistics and Telecommunications; published on 17 Feb 2017 by Logistics Cluster and WFP

reliefweb.int

It is worth pointing out that the Oromos have never attacked any of these border towns that are inhabited by us. Is there a reason why some people in the region especially in Tuli Guleed feel they are being targeted? Also what do you feel would be the most viable solution to this issue now that we've lost Jinacsani? Do you think it would be possible to have another referendum where the Jarso could be reintegrated back or is it too late in your opinion? By the way the Gadabursi have always considered Geri as a very close clan. The first Ugaas' of the Gadabursi reer abti were Geri Aba Yonis, a lady named Khadija. Our hope is that the conflict is resolved for good and that it doesn't ever ignite again.

 

[six]

The real danger to Somalis is themselves. Kulaha oromos are a threat to Somalia.

 

[GaradShabeel]

Garad, it would be good to ask you. Why do you think that the Somali regional leaders have been so quick to sign off on all of these projects that have allowed thisbto happen?

We, ourselves are also baffled and also wondered why it has gone so quick too, something we haven't figured out yet. One theory could be unlike the former DDS president who could be described as "protectionist" on these issues and thereby had strained relations with the Afar/Oromo state (even willing to use state force to solve things). While Cagjar now has good working relations with Shemelis Abdisa, as they also belong to the same party, share (partly) same visions, even meet often. I also think that he wants more integration of the states, and doesn't believe having Oromia working in DDS territory is a threat, like locals would, but rather an opportunity. Such as, this dam would benefit us all, whether it's DDS or Oromia constructing/managing it. That's how I think he reasonates.

The Jinacsani district is also involved in the Dam process, as this area in Tuli Guleed (T) directly provides water for us on both sides of the border, and continues too despite the incorporation of Jinacsani (J) into Oromia, without problems. Theoretically, we are not against the dam, just adress the urgent issues, sharing-agreement, displacements, exploitations, how this will affect the borders as they aren't demarced, even why our entire district/woreda was wrongly placed in Oromia to begin with before building anything etc. But Cagjar hasn't taken much consideration to this, at least are we not aware of any of it. Here's where the clan issues came about. The Jarsos are (largely) in favour and Geris (largely) against it (i.e. J vs. T), so it created tensions. As Cagjar was doing little, Geri were forced into (clan) negotiations, on our own, (as it would go on, regardless of our objections). So a few rounds of meetings happened, the last of whom right before the new year, in Harar (there are videos of the meeting on social media, if you look up). And they unfortunately all broke down, and the building went away too, and that's where the recent clashes started.

Why is someone like Cagjar very involved in for example, the Amharization of Jigjiga where recently there was a news report that the Commercial Bank is only allowing Amhara applicants. Isn't that self suicide?

Suicide for the disadvantaged Somalis? Yes. Suicide for Cagjar? No. As we are literary powerless, and can't do much regardless of what he decides. Having majority non-Somalis isn't a problem for him, as his party are working towards a non-ethnic centered Ethiopia. So it's part of the process, to mix people and areas, and diminish the power pro-ethnic federalist may have in a future scenario if they take over power. Then these areas are already too mixed to even have ethnic federalism. It sounds crazy thinking about it in retrospect, but these are the thoughts Abiy/PP & Co. espouses.

The recent news of the interview list is hilarious, given it's a long running joke among local Jigjigans. The sad truth is that most *gov't/federal* jobs are employed by non-Somalis, mostly Oromos/Amharas, on a disproportionate level. One reasoning I've heard before, is that Somalis on average speak little to none amharic, which isn't inaccurate as few speaks it in DDS, at least formally. Much higher amongst Tigrayans/Oromos/other non-Amharas. I've seen heard and seen personal footages of high influx of (mostly) Amharas recently, allegedly through state coordinated effort by DDS admins and even changes in curriculum into more "amharization" etc. Can't confirm these with open sources yet, though we'll definitely hear more about it in the near future. On both these points, the FEP party chairman of DDS Ibrahim Dheere called Cagjar out, in a recorded twitter space recently. (They appear to have close working relationship with ONLF & CCS - DDS opposition parties - and agree in many regards)

 

[GaradShabeel]

It's very strange seeing some of these new and updated maps. The transfer of Jinacsani to Oromia means now that the Awbarre district and parts of Dembel which were traditional Gadabursi territory are now directly on the border with Oromia. Lafaciise, Jaare and Xeregel which prior all bordered the Jinacsani district, have now post referendum and transfer of Jinacsani become regional border towns with Oromia.

View attachment 252120

Ethiopia: Somali Region - February 2017 - Ethiopia

Map in English on Ethiopia about Logistics and Telecommunications; published on 17 Feb 2017 by Logistics Cluster and WFP

reliefweb.int

It is worth pointing out that the Oromos have never attacked any of these border towns that are inhabited by us. Is there a reason why some people in the region especially in Tuli Guleed feel they are being targeted?

It hard to give an explanation for these events, as we don't really get the full picture either. But as far as not attacking you guys, the simple reason would be that your territory isn't included in Oromia, while our territory is (wrongly) included into Oromia. But they don't control it. So the logical reasoning would be to first get hold of territories "in" "their" state, before engaging in areas outside out it. Tough, I don't think that they have much interest (from my POV) of your areas to be honest.

Secondly, your territory are more "homogeneous" than ours, as we lives together with Jarsos is basically majority of towns we inhabit. From Harar to Jigjiga, although we don't really have much presence in Harar adjacent areas today. Even though Jinacsani left, a significant part of it has Geri residents. While Tuli Guleed has Jarso residents too, which complicates things further, when we now are being split into two states. As Jarsos relations with DDS deteriorated under Abdi Iley, they expressed the wish of wanting the few area they live in (Tuli Guleed) to be part of Oromia, (if not all of it). Which is why mostly these conflicts happens in Tuli Guleed rather than Jinacsani. From our POV is the least we can do is accept these results and hopefully they do too. But there have been incidents contrary to this from both sides. But that's how we see it, they may have differing stances. In any case, the reality is that they are minority in Tuli Guleed, so it wouldn't work. Just like Geri are minority in Jinacsani. Unless they want gerrymandering of individual towns, which is practically impossible.

Also whenever attack happens by "Oromos", it's rarely state forces or directly in any type of way. But more informally. Though once these areas gets captures by militias - localy known as "Fatnow" in our areas - (if it does happens), it slowly gets integrated into the Oromia state and they resume control soon after. That's how it happens and the likelihood of getting it back is slim, and can only happen in a new conflict in the future. Otherwise Oromo state (or Afar state for that matter in Sitti) would get more backlash with direct support and it would frankly backfire. So the recently captured area in Sitti are almost entirely by Afar miltias. And soon Afar state will take over it, if we don't get in back somehow. People gets displaced or flee voluntary due to fear of repercussions, so these militias can in practice do as they please.

FYI, before the referendum there were only Jinacsani district/woreda, which included Tuli Guleed. But since the main "city" of Jinacsan (& surrounding towns) left and the main "city" of Tuli Guleed (& surrounding towns) remained. A new district was created, the Tuli Guleed Woreda, for the areas that was going to be remaining in DDS, as there were no Jinacsani here anymore. Hence, you mentioning bordering Jinacsani.

 

[GaradShabeel]

Also what do you feel would be the most viable solution to this issue now that we've lost Jinacsani? Do you think it would be possible to have another referendum where the Jarso could be reintegrated back or is it too late in your opinion?

If intervention would've happened earlier, before these clashes had turned nasty, concrete actions would've been made to prevent, the built up of disdain/contempt against each other over the years. I'm not sure what reconcile steps, that can be taken at this point to reverse these event and move forward. We do have to make peace though in one way or another, but I have a hard time seeing us being as close as before, against my disappointment. However, IF all our issues (most of whom occurred as a result of the border changes) are solved, with genuine support from DDS/Oromia authorities, of NOT interference, but to create space for permanent peace, it can be achieved. And cool things down. We've tried clan agreements, but once one break, the agreement is gone in its entirety. That's why we need supervision of state actors, equally balanced on both side. And to finalize the remaining border issues, including demarcation. So there no longer will be any "disputed" area. But still integrate these areas, to not feel like a foreigner when you visit family or a property you own on the other side.

I'm afraid it's irrevocable of trying new referendums in the future, without causing even more unwanted problems. Basically, opening a new pandoras box. The best we can do is work with what we have now, as bad as they seem. The unfortunate consequence of our issues, is Jarsos getting more closer to Oromos and feeling some sort of "alienation" from Somalis. Since they had both identities, but always claimed and felt totally Somali. That they now are turning to the other side, to my despair. For example, we all speak Somali as native language, though most of us speak Afaan Oromo too, through informal means as we live close to Hararghe. But a lot of them are opting for Oromo speaking school (which is unusual), partly initiated by the Oromo state. More of them are being built in Jinacsani. Part of the dam "agreement" with DDS, was that Oromo school will be built in Marar, Tuli Guleed. This doesn't point to a good direction either, which I forgot to mention earlier as point of contention. Since it's completely foreign to the area and being pushed by Oromia. Nor likely on the initiative of Jarsos, who are as much Somali as you and I. But whatever.

By the way the Gadabursi have always considered Geri as a very close clan. The first Ugaas' of the Gadabursi reer abti were Geri Aba Yonis, a lady named Khadija. Our hope is that the conflict is resolved for good and that it doesn't ever ignite again.

Interesting, I didn't knew about that. But we do have close bond, and it's evident when you visit there, as you practically can't tell our us apart. I do wish we find solutions once and for all, to avoid animosity created, by people of no interest of our co-existence. May it never happen to other communities, what we've been through. Reconciliation must be initiated ASAP, with goodwill.

Also sorry for my long posts, I usually talk too much irl too, maybe it's time to stop at this point, kkkkk.

 

[Djokovic]

The biggest threat to Somali existence, no matter where you are. They are in every city in Somalia too, they are also very smart, they practice Iskukaris tactics on Somalis by pretending to be other clans on social media.

There is no danger from then they work hard and provide cheap labour for us no need to vilify them

 

[Garaad diinle]

We, ourselves are also baffled and also wondered why it has gone so quick too, something we haven't figured out yet. One theory could be unlike the former DDS president who could be described as "protectionist" on these issues and thereby had strained relations with the Afar/Oromo state (even willing to use state force to solve things). While Cagjar now has good working relations with Shemelis Abdisa, as they also belong to the same party, share (partly) same visions, even meet often. I also think that he wants more integration of the states, and doesn't believe having Oromia working in DDS territory is a threat, like locals would, but rather an opportunity. Such as, this dam would benefit us all, whether it's DDS or Oromia constructing/managing it. That's how I think he reasonates.

The Jinacsani district is also involved in the Dam process, as this area in Tuli Guleed (T) directly provides water for us on both sides of the border, and continues too despite the incorporation of Jinacsani (J) into Oromia, without problems. Theoretically, we are not against the dam, just adress the urgent issues, sharing-agreement, displacements, exploitations, how this will affect the borders as they aren't demarced, even why our entire district/woreda was wrongly placed in Oromia to begin with before building anything etc. But Cagjar hasn't taken much consideration to this, at least are we not aware of any of it. Here's where the clan issues came about. The Jarsos are (largely) in favour and Geris (largely) against it (i.e. J vs. T), so it created tensions. As Cagjar was doing little, Geri were forced into (clan) negotiations, on our own, (as it would go on, regardless of our objections). So a few rounds of meetings happened, the last of whom right before the new year, in Harar (there are videos of the meeting on social media, if you look up). And they unfortunately all broke down, and the building went away too, and that's where the recent clashes started.



Suicide for the disadvantaged Somalis? Yes. Suicide for Cagjar? No. As we are literary powerless, and can't do much regardless of what he decides. Having majority non-Somalis isn't a problem for him, as his party are working towards a non-ethnic centered Ethiopia. So it's part of the process, to mix people and areas, and diminish the power pro-ethnic federalist may have in a future scenario if they take over power. Then these areas are already too mixed to even have ethnic federalism. It sounds crazy thinking about it in retrospect, but these are the thoughts Abiy/PP & Co. espouses.

The recent news of the interview list is hilarious, given it's a long running joke among local Jigjigans. The sad truth is that most *gov't/federal* jobs are employed by non-Somalis, mostly Oromos/Amharas, on a disproportionate level. One reasoning I've heard before, is that Somalis on average speak little to none amharic, which isn't inaccurate as few speaks it in DDS, at least formally. Much higher amongst Tigrayans/Oromos/other non-Amharas. I've seen heard and seen personal footages of high influx of (mostly) Amharas recently, allegedly through state coordinated effort by DDS admins and even changes in curriculum into more "amharization" etc. Can't confirm these with open sources yet, though we'll definitely hear more about it in the near future. On both these points, the FEP party chairman of DDS Ibrahim Dheere called Cagjar out, in a recorded twitter space recently. (They appear to have close working relationship with ONLF & CCS - DDS opposition parties - and agree in many regards)

The presentation was really great. Great job walaal.

 

[GaradShabeel]

The presentation was really great. Great job walaal.

Thank you yourself, for reading my posts. Much appreciated. Feels like I'm having a tedx talks sometimes kkkk, However people do often get tired of my long posts, likewise do I get those same complaints irl too...

Though, I need to work on writing better, as I make plenty of typos and have to edit x1000, to make it readable. While still not correcting all of my errors. My computer/keyboard is in a foreign language, and for some reason it doesn't activate the auto-correct feature.

 

[Garaad diinle]

Thank you yourself, for reading my posts. Much appreciated. Feels like I'm having a tedx talks sometimes kkkk, However people do often get tired of my long posts, likewise do I get those same complaints irl too...

Though, I need to work on writing better, as I make plenty of typos and have to edit x1000, to make it readable. While still not correcting all of my errors. My computed/keyboard is in a foreign language, and for some reason it doesn't activate the auto-correct feature.

Don't sweat it i myself often times have to summarize what would otherwise be a wall of text in order to maintain the interest of the reader.

Reading what you write is delightful and a breath of fresh new air on a dusted neglected topic often time shoved to the side, ignored or minimized. It's great to see a perspective of these on the ground or have deep connection to it.

As our somali ancestor would say aqoon la'aani waa iftiin ia'aan so it's good to have someone shedding some light on the subject. Keep up the good fight and inform us and the naysayers about the situation on the ground. By the way let me tell you autocorrect is a blessing, saves you lots of work get on the train bro.

 

[Shk_ljh”630]

I’m getting “Bantu genocide of Somalis” vibes from these posts lol, if you really cared for the Somalis in oromia like my family ask most Somalis there who they have real issues with and we know it’s gonna be other Somali clans, most Somali groups in oromia ran away from and are beefing with OTHER Somali clans but yeah idk what I’m t talking about because some skirmishes between peoples = genocide, it’s not to say oromos are miskeen, I don’t believe in miskeen but y’all clearly got a misleading and false narrative cooking so it’s all good lol

 

[Shk_ljh”630]

Some of you sound like white supremacist who fear "white replacement", I support helping somali who have to endur agressions on the border like the geri kombe and others, but I doubt poor oromo refugees are a fifth column tryring to take over somalia, this is just a far fetched conspiracy theory.

These were the same guys talking about “we need to depart all Bantus off the Tanzania before they all kill us”
As if Bantus aren’t some the most hardworking and one of the lesser problematic clans in Somalia but imma lets this narrative cook on here

 

[Shk_ljh”630]

Garad, I appreciate your posts, they're very enlightening. However, some of your explanations surrounding some of these topics are extremely simplistic. It builds a premise surrounding a specific narrative and then predicates the entire argument around that unproven premise. Case example, you've already framed the conflict as 'Somali' vs 'Oromo' or 'Somali' vs 'Afar'. For you this is already a given and a non negotiable view of a complex history of the region. Simplistic non nuanced conspiratorial slogans that are easily eaten up by the masses only exists as a rallying cry for something heinous. Just read history dude, it never ends well. How about a more sensible, less catastrophic, more sober assessment? There is no such thing as Somali vs Oromo, but Geri vs Jarso just like there is no Somali vs Afar but Ciise vs a subclan of Afar. Are there elements where Ethiopian state actors at the regional level are involved? Maybe so, but are we not guilty of the same thing? History proves me correct but unfortunately that doesn't go well with racist ideologues who wish to paint a picture in their own image essentially. Do you even acknowledge that the Jarso were massacred mercilessly at the hands of the Somali regional security forces which precipitated much of the violence we see today? Or is it an inconvenience to mention that? Or worse, did they deserve it? An almost divine self righteous view of the world makes life a lot easier. No accountability. But then again why complicate things? Just say its all Oromos that are attacking us. It'll be eaten up by the fools much quicker. You get my point. There are quite a few problematic untruths spread around this forum that often goes unchecked. Maybe explore the idea that your entire take could be wrong. It's a possibility.

I, for one, am not surprised we don't along with other ethnicities in the Horn. We don't even get along with one another and vehemently despise each other based on clan lineage. How can I expect to have any consideration for my neighbours when I haven't even acknowledged you as a fellow Somali? Somalis are not all of the same persuasion and concepts such as Somalinimo is only a politically convenient cop out to be used on the rare occasion where we're not killing one another over camels, farmlands and watering wells. Explore the possibility that you may be wrong and be open to the idea that maybe just maybe, those who you hate might actually have very legitimate grievances. It's always wiser to err on the side of caution.

Talk that talk mane

 

[issa606023]

These were the same guys talking about “we need to depart all Bantus off the Tanzania before they all kill us”
As if Bantus aren’t some the most hardworking and one of the lesser problematic clans in Somalia but imma lets this narrative cook on here

Bantus are not ethnic Somalis. In the battle for land amongst Somali clans there’s no space fir them

 

[issa606023]

Garad, it would be good to ask you. Why do you think that the Somali regional leaders have been so quick to sign off on all of these projects that have allowed thisbto happen? Why is someone like Cagjar very involved, isn't that self suicide?

It's very strange seeing some of these new and updated maps. The transfer of Jinacsani to Oromia means now that the Awbarre district and parts of Dembel which were traditional Gadabursi territory are now directly on the border with Oromia. Lafaciise, Jaare and Xeregel which prior all bordered the Jinacsani district, have now post referendum and transfer of Jinacsani become regional border towns with Oromia.

View attachment 252120

Ethiopia: Somali Region - February 2017 - Ethiopia

Map in English on Ethiopia about Logistics and Telecommunications; published on 17 Feb 2017 by Logistics Cluster and WFP

reliefweb.int

It is worth pointing out that the Oromos have never attacked any of these border towns that are inhabited by us. Is there a reason why some people in the region especially in Tuli Guleed feel they are being targeted? Also what do you feel would be the most viable solution to this issue now that we've lost Jinacsani? Do you think it would be possible to have another referendum where the Jarso could be reintegrated back or is it too late in your opinion? By the way the Gadabursi have always considered Geri as a very close clan. The first Ugaas' of the Gadabursi reer abti were Geri Aba Yonis, a lady named Khadija. Our hope is that the conflict is resolved for good and that it doesn't ever ignite again.

That’s not the only border that fights are happening. It’s all the way down by moyale