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My personal sacrificefor peaceAmbad movie coming toa screen near youLayabaak LondonIssue 20 | August 2010Inside...5 years of Somali Eye MagazineThe last 10 days of RamadanMo Farah 5,000 and 10,000m European championMan of the MomentSomali Eye | 1

AchievementsWhat are your plans for the future?One day I’d like to start up my owncompany and work for myself, do myown thing really. I would love to do morecelebrity make up. This year I mightbe doing The X Factor with two of mycolleagues. I would love to work onlywith celebrities one day.Any recommendations?Never think you can’t do something,have strong will power and be focused.If it’s something you’re very passionateabout, you can always do it. If youwant it so bad, approach counters, ordo a course. Put up your own work onFacebook, Twitter.I remember my mum said to me once:“Nas, if there’s something you want inlife, you don’t just sit around and talkabout it, you go for it and if you don’tget it then it wasn’t meant to be. Butdon’t let that stop you, just continue youalways learn, whatever you’ve done.”“ Never think you can’tdo something, have strongwill power and be focused.If it’s something you’re verypassionate about, you canalways do it.”professionalcircumcisionservice....leading the way in safecircumcision practice- Procedures carried out by practicingNHS surgeons- Procedures carried out underlocal anaesthetic- Both plastibell ring and traditionalmethods available- Full sterility and safety adhered to- Full aftercare instructions given- Post-operative care and supportavailable with follow-up checks- Full clinic facilities provided- Affordable prices compared toPrivate HospitalsDr Kamrul HasanBSc (Hons), MB BS (Hons), MRCS (Eng)Lead Surgeon & Clinical DirectorThe Rainbow Clinic324 Cann Hall RoadLeytonstone, E11 3NW020 7043 974707947 46 45 30surgery@circumcision-clinic.comwww.circumcision-clinic.comProcedures carried out in all age groups by practising NHS SurgeonsSomali Eye | 5

More than just ashopping Centre• Restaurant • Offices •• Business Centre • Cafeteria •www. Ssbc.comMAXAADSIINAYSAARAMADAANTAN?SAKO DUCOWAQTI SADAQOGABARATANMuslim Aid waxay siisaa 100% Sakadaada dadka aanu u gargaarno.Nebi Muhammad (nabadi korkiisa ha ahaatee) wuxu yiri: “Maalinta Qiyaamaha Muuminka waxaa hareeyasadaqadiisa” (Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 604) muddada Ramadaanta lagu jiro, ilaahay wuxuu noogu naxariistayinuu 700 oo mar inuu labanlaabo wanaag kasta oo aynu qabanno.Ma jirtaa sadaqo ka fiican midda Ramadaan? Fadlan si deeqsinimo leh wax ula bax.Muslim Aid is a registered charity in the UK (No.295224). Muslim Aid, PO Box 3, London E1 1WP. Image: James Oatway / Panos picturesALAMA BUSSINES CENTRE421-411 Coventry Rd, Small Heath, Birmingham B10 0THTelephone NumberTel: 0121 772 1481Mob: 0796 186 5643Mob: 0798 885 0815Mob: 0798 883 7854E-Mail: Informations:ereg@ssbcentre.com6 | Somali Eye

Kayd Somali Arts and Culture, in collaboration withRedsea-online, Ocean Somali Community and other Somaliand Somaliland Communities, are proud to present the annualSomali Week Festival at Oxford House.Advertorialsomali weekfestival 2010The festival is part of BlackHistory Month and will runfrom Saturday 23rd to Sunday31st of October. The festivaloffers the best of Somali artsand culture, both old and new,presenting a mix of eventsincluding poetry, literature,drama and panels looking atspecific issues.The theme of Somali Week Festival 2010 is‘Tradition and Modernity’The 2010 festival will be examining the themeof ‘tradition and modernity’, again using arange of artistic events to examine complexand important ideas around those two words. Anumber of highly esteemed international guestswill take part, including poets, writers and aplaywright. Participants will include both thoseperceived to be working with more ‘traditional’forms and those employing more ‘modern’approaches.We will be encouraging all those who take partto examine their own relationship to modernityand tradition as well as the poetic forms theyprefer as we will be seeking to examine bothartistic and personal approaches. There willalso be performances and discussions withinternational and local artists working in otherdisciplines exploring similar themes.The 2010 festival will provide a great opportunityto meet with Mahamed Ibrahim Warsame‘Hadraawi’, Hasan Haji Abdillahi ‘Hasan Ganey’,Amina Abdilahi and Ali Banfaz at one event. Weare also so proud to have two remarkable Somalifemale fiction writers showcasing their work.Yasmen Mahamud from the USA, and London’sNadifa Mohamed will both be present andwill discuss their recent books, Black MambaBoy (Nadifa Mohamed), and Nomad Diaries(Yasmeen Mahamud).Musical theatre: Utub Jacayl (‘Child of Love’)Is a play written by London-based playwright,Ali Seenyo. He will be expanding on the ideasof the ‘traditional’ and the ‘modern’ in termsof migration, love, clan revenge and familydisputes. This will be a hugely entertainingevent, including a musical performance, with acast including Nimco Yasiin, Jookhle, Faynuus,Ceerigaabo, Xananteeye, Bacado, AbdikariimRaas and more.Focus on the Culture and Arts of Djibouti:We are delighted to have guest authors includingAbdallah Haaji from Djibouti to present andenlighten the audience on Djiboutian heritage.Celebrated Guests in 2010:Our main guests this year will be celebratedpoet Mahamed Ibrahim Warsame ‘Hadraawi’,Hasan Abdilahi ‘Hasan Ganey’, the poet AliBanfaz, beloved singer and performer AminaAbdilahi, author Rashid ‘Gadhwayne’, OrangePrize-nominated Nadifa Mohamed (BlackMamba Boy), Yasmeen Mahamud (NomadDiaries), Martin Orwin, Said Jama Hussein,Sheikh Mahamoud Sheikh Dalmar, Martin Hill,Ahmed Ibrahim Awale (Qaylo-dhaan Deegaan/Environmental Crises), and Prof Iqbal Jhazbhay(Somaliland: An African Struggle for Nationhoodand international recognition).Somali Eye | 7

AdvertorialArtists enjoying Somali WeekFusion night, Music, fusion and filmdocumentary:At this fusion event we will present new Somalifashion ideas with the theme ‘how to be a proudSomali and look modern!’ We will also showseveral short Somali documentaries and thenconclude with a very special live music feature;a collaboration between the London-basedmusic collective The Grand Union Orchestraand a range of Somali musicians and vocalists,including Abdifataah Yare and Kaltuun Bacado.Share your talent!:As one of the climaxes of the festival, we willbring all the artists together in a showcase oftheir work, offering audiences and performers achance to relive many of the highlights ofSWF 2010.We will conclude Somali Week Festival withmusic performences from Aar Maanta and thegreat Somali female vocalist, Amina Abdilaahi.Somali Week Festival will be attended by international and local writers,vocalists, poets and artists to celebrate Somali Arts and Culture.Please, come and join us in London to celebrate the biggest SomaliDiaspora cultural festival.For events updates and/or changes to our programme visit our websites:www.kayd.org | www.redsea-online.comIf you require any information about the programme, to book a stall space,enquire about tickets and register your interest, please contact:ayan_mahamoud@kayd.orgor call 07903712949.8 | Somali Eye

CultureLayaabakLondonWaa maqaal aan ugu magac daray layaabka London,waxandoonayaa in aan ku qoro waxayaabihii iigu layaabka badnaa ee aanLondon ku arko; waxan arkay wiil yar oo surwaalkii xaga danbe ka siidhacayo,badalayna socodkiisii,aniga oo kii la yaaban ayaa hadanawaxa igaga sii darnaa markii aan arkay macalin arday dhan wax udhagaya oo isna surwaalkii ka sii lusha,waxa intaa igaga sii darnadmarkii aan arkay hooyo iyana surwaalkii ka soo dhacayo,waxa intaaigaga sii layaab badnaa markii aan arkay qaar kale oo surwalkiiba kadhacay,waxan is waydiyey dadkan miyey waalan yihiin mise way soowataan ,markii aan is idhi raadi dhaqtarka walida ee ay ka soo baxeensa waxaaba la yidhi maxad ka taqaana waa moodad hada socoto,waxan soo xasuustay mahmahdii soomaliga ahayd ee odhan jirtay kamadaxa ku socdaa waxa uu la yaabaa ka cagaha ku socda.Waxa kaloo la yaabay dad joogay London 10 ama 15 sano oo aanluqada ku hadalayn,waxa kaa iga sii darnaa markii aan arkay kuwoku dhashay landon oo warqada si fican u kicinayaan,waa yaab! waxaka loo layaab badnaa waxan arkay guur shaki ku binaysan,wiilkaiyo gabadhuba way kala shakisan yihiin marka doonyaan in ay guridhistaan.waxa ka sii layaab badnaa hooyo amraysa aabaha taas oodoonaysa in aabahu hooyadu ay hogaamiso.Waxan arkay kuwo hurdada ka jecel cilmiga in ay bartaan,waxa kuwaaigaga sii darnaa markii aan arkay arday iskuulkii dhiganaysa oo lalabaryayo in ay waxa akhriyaan,.Waxa aan aad ula yaabay hooyo ku odhanaysa maanta caruurtii ayaanka imi oo waan yar keefayaa,waxa ka sii daran kuwa sida ay telfoonkaugu hadlayaan ogan in ilmahan yar ee ay masuulka ka tahay ,tabawaxa ka sii daran hooyada aan iyadu tukan,ciday dhasahana maxaadu malayn,waxa ka sii daran aabaha aan ogan goor waa baryey iyo inqoraxdii soo baxday malintiina wuu hordaa habeenkiin jaad ayuu lafadhiyaa ilaaway aduun iyo akhraba.Intaa waxa ka sii layaab badan kuwo ku bartamaya intee guri ayaa ladhisay hadana ilmahoodii waxa uu lagu xidhayaa moobeel uu meelka xaday,waxa ka sii layaab badan kuwa waqtigoodii ku dhameeyeyhadal, waxa ka sii daran kuwa siday siyaasad u hadal hayaan gawdaaiska guray.waxa kale oo iga yaabiyey wiil hooyadii loo waydinyo in uu waxa udiro,amaba wax hasiiyo,waxa kale layaab badan aabo sigaar cabayaoo wiilkiisa ku dilaya in aanu sigaarka cabin,waxa ka sii daran gabadhhooyadeed cunada u soo karinayso,. waxan kaloo la yaabay dadmarkay suuqa marayaan isla hadalayaa,cunadan socodka ku cunaya.Layaabka ugu daran hooyoa caruurteeda abahood tuugo u haysata.waxa ka sii layaab badan hooyo uur leh oo aan caloosha waxbasaarnayn macnah uurkii qaawan yahay.waxa ka sii layaab badan aaboxanuusanaya oo caruurtiisi kaga tageen dhaqtarkii midina aanu uoglayn in uu gurigiisa ku hayo!ka waxa ka sii daran kaaan ogalayn in uu hooyadii xitaatilfoonka kala hadlo,ta waxa ka siidaran gabarta ka cararaysahooyadeed ee racaysa dad aanla garanynin.waxa igaga sii layaabbadnaa marka aan arkay ayeeyoaan fahmaynin carruurtii ay ayeydau ahyd oo loo kalo turjumayo,ta waxa ka sii darnaa markii wiilyar oo soomali ahi uu fahmi wayeyhooyadii oo turjumaan loo doonayo,miyaanay waxa lala yaabo ahayan.Sado dirir.Doorashada Adayska Leh;Dahabshiil dedaal faran!Toban wakiil oo ka mid ah in ka badan 200 oowakiil oo Dahabshiil uga adeega UK.Magaalooyinka ugu yar yar ayay kugu soodhowaynayaan.Tel Mob CityDahabshiil Nottingham(2) 01159249444 07825669094 NottinghamDahabshiil Bolton 01204370465 07903589398 BOLTONDahabshiil Wolverhampton 01902870795 07828768674 WolverhamptonDahabshiil Glasgow 0141-2489831 07971361417 GlasgowDahabshiil Hull 01482211823 07882005325 HullDahabshiil Slough-Jambo net 01753554154 07983104140 SloughDahabshiil Luton 01582-721565 07984937239 LutonDahabshiil Milton Keynes 01908660023 07878553353 MiltonkeynesDahabshiil Newport 07505542350 07992555269 NewportDahabshiil Scunthope 01724282152 07973675758 ScunthopeInta aannu macmiil ka barannaa; caawisamacmiil kale!Discover more at:www.dahabshiil.comTel: 020 7375 1110Somali Eye | 9

Current IssuesSomali EyeMagazinebyAbdiYassinWhoa! Whoa! Has it really been 5years? Our magazine is now 5 yearsold! We began in summer 2005 withlimited funds and resources, fuelledonly by dreams and inspiration. Iremember the first issue of SomaliEye Magazine (then called SomaliVoice) as if it was yesterday. It took6 months to put together and westruggled to fill the pages. After wefinished, Adam Dirir and I were soexhausted we doubted we couldwrite another issue and we had nomoney for it either! Adam received asocial entrepreneurial bursary andso we used £1000 from that for thesecond issue.Kaltun Bacado readingSomali Eye MagazineOver the years our readership has grownconsiderably. The constant stream ofwonderful people we meet allows us tocontinue celebrating the amazing developmentof our community. Now more than ever,our community hungers for a magazinewhich advocates our needs, experiences,achievements and goals. We hope that SomaliEye Magazine continues to showcase thegenuine thinking and feeling of our community.Recently I met a young Somali lady at an eventin west London. She said she was inspired bythe magazine and felt that Somali Eye played anever increasing role in the daily lives of Somalis,even influencing the study material at herchildren’s school. Many schools and educationdepartments subscribe to our magazine.Adam Dirir explains, “The reason wepublish this magazine is to show that we areachievers. Initially we had no experience ofwriting or editing, but over the years, we havebecome both. Somali Eye Magazine teachesour community that we have thousands ofachievers, role models and talented Somalis.Over the last 5 years, we’ve grown alongside themagazine and it’s been a wonderful ride.”Naturally I am very happy with our progress, butI am also aware, especially in these tough times,that the need to innovate never goes away.5 years is an impressive landmark. We expectRageh Omaar reading Somali Eye Magazinenew developments next year and we depend onthe continual hard work of everyone at SomaliEye Media and especially the contribution fromour readers.We have met and worked with some excellentSomali and non-Somali writers, who haveprovided exuberant and daring articles. We paytribute to all our contributors by saying thankyou to every single one of our readers, members,volunteers, stakeholders and employees whohave made Somali Eye Magazine successfulover the past 5 years. We could not haveachieved this landmark without you. Here’s tothe next 5 years of Somali Eye Magazine leadingthe Somali community forward!10 | Somali Eye

I interviewed an amazing Somali woman called Amina Weheliewho had decided to wear a “white veil” (Hangasha / GamboCad) for peace in Somalia. She was born in 1966, in Martine inMogadishu, the eldest of ten children. Her father was a successfulbusinessman and cinema manager.NewsMy personalsacrifice forpeacebyABDIYASSINAmina and her husbandCabdicasiis AhmedAmina is a proud nationalist. She told me thather parents did not tolerate clanism and hateddiscrimination. She said: “I believe in everythingSomali and I am a proud Nationalist. I rememberwhen anyone could go anywhere in Somalia.”At exactly 4.20am on Sunday 1st August 2010,Amina will take the white veil. She said: “The‘Hangasha’, white veil, will be my sign to showfrom that day onward that I had enough of thedestruction of Somalia. I will wear it until thereis peace in Somalia or till my death, whichever,comes first. I am also calling all peace-lovingSomalis everywhere, men and women, to joinme in this worthwhile journey.” She added that itis a small sacrifice if it will stop the killing, if it willencourage nationalism, if it will encourage otherto say enough is enough, if it will bring backpeace. “This is my personal sacrifice,” she said,“I could not any more just stand by, seeing themayhem in my country and not doing anything.I am not blaming anyone. My personal missionis non-political, has nothing to do with tribalism;this is just one Somali national standing up forpeace in Somalia.”Her profile among the Somalis is particularlyhigh. She has been with the BBC SomaliSection since 2000 and plays a crucial role in itssuccess. In 1992, during the onset of civil warin Mogadishu, Amina joined an organisationcalled Ururka Dumarka Somaliyeed. At the timethis organisation was run by a very hard-workingwoman, Saynab Haaji Baraaka. Needing apresenter to present a crucial programme forthe organisation on Radio Mogadishu, Aminawas given her first break in radio. From there onher reputation spread and she played a big rolein Radio Rajo from 1992 to 1994. She movedto print media, successfully launching of twoweekly papers called Hooyo for the ArimahaHaweenka, and Laacib, a sport newspaper. Shethen worked for Unesco in Nairobi where shebecame an editor and actor in theatre; this issomething she’d done previously, as in 1982 shetoured the whole of Somalia with the Banaadirigroup.I was most impressed by her humility in theface of the great sacrifice she is making for hercountry. What she is undertaking usually comeswith great cost to the individual and their family.She said: “Insha Allah, I hope that my sacrificewill not only serve the people of Somalia, butmy own family. My children have not seen theircountry, my father had sadly died in a foreigncountry and my mother cannot return to herhome. Finally I would like to thank my husbandand children for their personal sacrifice with meand for their support and understanding.”Her personal sacrifice to serve humanity shouldbe celebrated and supported.For further info on Amina Wehelie’s missionplease contact her at:ololahahangasha@gmail.com,asahra2012@googlemail.com,aminawehelie@yahoo.co.ukFacebook www.facebook/AminaWehelie“ The ‘Hangasha’, white veil,will be my sign to show fromthat day onward that I had enoughof the destruction of Somalia.I will wear it until there is peacein Somalia or till my death,whichever, comes first.”Amina WehelieSomali Eye | 11

EntertainmentMovie comingto a screennear youbyAli AliInterview with Abdisalam Ahmed AatoFilm: AmbadIn recent times, the perception of Somalis in the media has beentarnished by tales of gang violence, piracy and terrorism. OneSomali-American director has now decided that through film, theSomali voice can be heard globally.Abdisalam Ahmed AatoSomali Eye caught up with Abdisalam AhmedAato, director of new film Gabar Halo Doonoduring the London premier of the film.Can you tell us a little bit about the film?The film is about a Somali boy who has beenculturally westernised. His mother wants toemphasise his culture and religion so she giveshim an ultimatum, to find a wife for himself orshe will. The film first premiered on 23rd Julyand we are embarking on a world tour, stoppingat Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Dubai, Kenyaand finally Somaliland.What are you influences when it comes tofilmmaking?I love any film that has a solid storyline. I havea passion for Iranian films, especially those ofdirector Abbas Kiarostami. French film noir,Asian and Korean new wave have especiallyinfluenced me because I love the fact that thereare no rules. Their filmmaking is versatile.Can you tell us a little bit about yourbackground and what made you want tobecome a film director?I was born in Nairobi, Kenya, where my familyoften went on outings to the local cinema. Thisis where I got the drive to become a film director.I then moved with my family to Atlanta, USA, in1996.This is when I knew that my passion lies infilmmaking. I first began making home videosand then got a job at a public access televisionstation. A Somali producer that I met therehelped me out by making me sharpen myediting skills. As a fellow Somali, he understoodthat this was where I wanted my career to go.I began attending weekend directing courses.I also started volunteer work experience at aproduction house and gained skills in usingAdobe.Tell us about your first filmMy first film was called Rajo. I made it inColumbus, Ohio, in 2003. It was a 10-minutelongshort film that I wrote and directed. Havingno budget for it, I used friends to play thecharacters in the movie.Do you have any messages that you want tosend to the Somali community in the UK?Somalis are everywhere. We should not bescared to express who we are. Our culture isbeing discussed in the media, so we cannot relyon Nigerian films to represent African cinema.We need to support our films, arts and music soit can be seen on a global scale.Film is a pastime to enjoy. We need to start a newindustry for Somalis. Don’t be scared to do whatyou got to do, we need to all support each other.What are your plans for the future?My plans are to have my films on aninternational scale, such as having themscreened at the Cannes and Berlin film festivals.It is all about getting it on a global platform.I also plan on changing the perceptions of theSomali community, and I don’t care if this makespeople angry.What about your next film?I aim to make my next film in Somaliland. It is abeautiful place and I have not yet been there, soit would be great if many people could benefitfrom this project. I would love it if all of myprojects could be made in Somaliland.What platforms can young Somalis use in themedia?The internet is definitely the best platform toget media out to people. In 2006, I startedBartamaha, a Somali news and video forum.Through Youtube, I got videos across to thepublic. I now have 700 videos on our Youtubechannel and they have given me specialprivileges, such as having videos that last upto half an hour. My biggest goal is to show theworld what Somalia is, we have a beautifulculture and ancient history, everything you hearis not Black Hawk Down.12 | Somali Eye

“I never thought divorce would come to me, because of the life I had. Idid everything to save my family because it’s the kids who lose out inthe end. The mother is lonely, the father is without his kids, but no onecares about the kids.”(Hassan, aged 31, divorced 2009)Current IssuesbyGiuliaLiberatoreDivorce:what Is going on?In the past 10 years, divorce rates in the UK have risen exponentially. AmongSomalis, family breakdown is all too familiar. While the cause of thesebreakdowns has been well researched, the consequent impact on singleparents and on future generations of Somalis is perhaps less understood. HawaMohamed’s (2006) report explores the pressure on marital relationships in UK’sSomali communities. A complex transformation emerges: young Somalis appearto lack an identifiable and widely shared model of a marital relationship.As Hassan and many others reiterate, “the religion(Islam) is clear about duties and responsibilitiesfor husband and wife.” Yet problems ariseeither because this model is not embraced, orthe context does not allow for implementationin the same way as it was in Somalia. YoungSomalis in the UK experience different and oftenconflicting notions of marriage, care, love andfamily. Confusion stems from the roles playedby husband and wife within the household. Thereligious model suggests men should be thebreadwinners of the family, although this has notbarred Somali women from pursuing educationand employment alongside their husbands.Men have typically contributed very little tohousehold and childcare duties. An extendednetwork of family support made this possible inSomalia but it is no longer available in the UK.Despite their qualifications, Somali men havestruggled to find suitable and stable employmentin the UK. However, with access to employmentand child benefits, women have been able toprovide for themselves, reversing the role offamily breadwinner. As a consequence manywomen have expected practical and emotionalsupport with household duties and childcare,causing tension and adding to problems leadingto divorce.Unfortunately, the consequences of anambiguous and contested idea of marriage haveinevitably produced single parent households.Families led by single mothers are commonplacein Somali communities. Women struggle with thisrole and the lack of support they receive. Ayandescribes her daily routine and complains, “Inever have time for myself. My friends and sistersare too busy with their own lives!” Not only doesshe lack time to develop her skills and continueher education, but relaxation time is also scarce,as are opportunities to meet a potential husband.Lacking support from a father has made it difficultfor her to control her sons, who compete for therole of head of the house as they grow older.Furthermore, caring for several children anddisciplining them in line with Somali traditionsplaces a physical and mental strain on Ayan.Whilst men rarely take responsibility for thechildren after a divorce, they too suffer as singlefathers. Ahmed is seldom allowed to see hischildren and Hassan has been to the Old Baileyin his fight to bring his children back to the UK,so that they could live close to their father. “Ilove my kids so much; sometimes if I don’t seethem, I cry,” he confesses. Ahmed keeps himselfbusy in order to cope and avoid dwelling on hissituation, and intrepidly awaits Sundays when hecan treat his children to a nice Somali restaurant.Alternatively, some men look elsewhere forcontentment. Many return to Somalia in hopeof either starting a new family, or searching for amore satisfactory employment situation.And the children? Most are raised in a householdwith an absent father. In Hassan’s opinion, this isone of the reasons for Somali youth involvementin crime, gangs and drugs. “The father bringssecurity to the family and the kids fear the father.”A single mother often struggles to educate andcontrol all her children in the same way, openingthe door to disciplinary problems at school andon the streets. How will the next generation ofSomalis in the UK cope with this rapidly evolvingmulticultural environment? Will their ownattempts at finding stability in marriage sufferthe same fate as their parents? Or will they learnfrom the mistakes of the past, overcoming theaforementioned problems which plague Somalicouples today? There is an emerging trend forsuccessful and educated Somali youth to marryoutside the community. Converts, north Africans,Arabs and even non-Muslims are increasinglysought in the hope that they will provide theanswer to a lasting marriage. Only time will tell.Somali Eye | 13

SportbyADAMdirirMo Farah in Barcelona with his 5,000m and 10,000 gold medal. Photo by Mark Shearman.Mo Farah:British - Somali’sAthletic HeroMo completed a journey fromwar-torn Somalia to the heightof sporting excellence; abright light from a country atwar with itself.14 | Somali EyeOn Tuesday night 27th of July2010, like every other UK Somali,I sat in my living room screaming atthe television as Mo Farah sprintedhome in 28 minutes and 24.99seconds to win Britain’s first everEuropean gold medal in 10,000m.Simultaneously becomingEuropean champion.The dynamic talent of Britishdistance running was back inthe Montjuic Olympic arena inBarcelona, Spain, where he waspresented with his gold medaland fellow British runner ChrisThompson received his silver.Continues on next page >

SportFarah told Eurosport, “I’ve spenta long time away from my familybecause of training, includinghigh altitude training in Kenya,just trying to improve and stayinjury free so I could do this. Itmeans so much to finally win thatgold medal. It’s great to do thisfor Britain.”Farah also won the 5,000m final,turning the table on SpaniardJesus Espana, who beat him togold four years ago. By winningthe 5,000 and 10,000m, Farahbecame the first runner to do theEuro distance double for 20years. Farah stated that losing toEspana by half a second fouryears ago motivated him to winthis time round.Currently topping British rankingsat 1 500m, 3,000m, 5,000mand 10k road distance, Farah is asuperb distance runner and one towatch in future.Somalieye_Ad-AW.eps 1 10/08/2010 15:28“ Mo Farah sprintedhome in 28 minutesand 24.99 seconds towin Britain’s first everEuropean gold medalin 10,000m.”We’re hereto supportyou to stopsmoking.Call theNewhamStop SmokingServiceon 0800 013 1673 or 020 7059 6630or text ‘QUIT’ to 60155Somali Eye | 15

NewsExperiences of afree and fair electionin SomalilandOne Saturday evening in May, I was inShepherd Bush, West London, witha friend who is also the secretary ofthe Peace, Unity and DevelopmentParty (“Kulmiye Nabad, Midnimoiyo horumar”), Mr Ahmed Adare.He asked me if I wanted to do somework for the party, that they neededsome videos produced to spread theword about their new policies - themessage of change that was neededin Somaliland, he said.Election Poster , President of Somali land Ahmed M SilanyobyAdamdirirMy first instinct was not to answer rightaway, but to think about it and get backto him. While I was returning home thatevening in a hot and packed Undergroundtrain, thoughts of my motherlandcame to me: of beautiful scenery, anddelicious food. As soon as I was out of theUnderground I texted Mr Adare to accepthis offer, and to travel to Somaliland.On 14 July I was on a flight from Heathrowairport to Dubai, and the next day flewfrom Dubai to Egal International Harges.My older brother came to pick me up atthe airport, and said that it had been amajor campaigning day. When we reachedthe town centre I saw big posters fromall parties on the campaign trail, withmessages like“Xisbiga UDUB waa horseedkamustaqbalka dhalinyaradda”with the Kulmiye one stating“UDUB waa tagatsaaye ha tahriibinwalaale.”There was a party atmosphere in the town,cars were full of people, and loud musicwas everywhere.I arrived at the Grand Crown Hotel andmet its owner, Abdillahi Muse, whoordered a dish of camel which he saidwas as soft as a lamb. When I heardthose words I suddenly remembered howhungry I was.Next day I met up with Ahmed Adare at5.30am. He told me that we were going toTog Wajaale (also known as Wajaale) in theWest of Somaliland, to start campaigningfor Mr Mohmed Abdilahi, who was incharge of foreign affairs for the party.On the way we passed a beautiful farmamid the rolling countryside. Our firststop was Arabsiyo, which is known as amajor farming area. It is also a resort townpopular for special occasions such asweddings and Eid celebrations.There was a big gathering and a warmwelcome waiting for us, with peoplelined up on the street. You could see fromtheir faces and hear from what they weresaying that they wanted change. Oursecond stop was Tog Wajaale, a majorhub city situated on the border betweenEthiopia and Somaliland. It is now thebusiest city linking the two countries. Allcargo destined for Ethiopia from the portof Berbera goes through this strategicborder city.Ms Marayan Mohmed, a local residentwho attended the election campaign rally,told me that she waited for more than sixhours for the delegation to arrive. Then aflock dance began.Next on the itinerary was Erigavo orErigabo (Somali: Ceerigaabo), a longjourney to a high mountainous areawhich the local road conditions made anightmare. We crossed many towns andcities before reaching the Daallo andSurad mountains.Both are popular as tourist destinations,offering scenic views, as does MountShimbiris, the highest peak in Somalia at2,450 meters above sea level, and part ofthe Surud mountain range. A frequently16 | Somali Eye

Newsquoted height of 2,416m is wrong – andit offers one of the greatest views you canever witness.At Erigavo the roads were full of peoplewaiting for our delegation to arrive. AndI had thought Somaliland was a smallcountry!The day after, on 26 June, we arrived atSomaliland’s second city, Burco, wherewe were offered fresh camel milk. Burcois famous for its animal market, whichexports to the Middle East.On the day of the election people startedqueuing outside polling stations from 7am. I asked a young man who was waitingwhy he had to come so early. He saidthat it was a day he had been waitingeight years for, to see change, and thathe wanted to express his wishes throughvoting.I went in to almost all of the local pollingstations, and saw long queues, with mostof the people there being women who hadeven left their children at home to be ableto come and cast their vote.Most of the polling stations were openedon time. People in the queues discussedany and all topics under the sun - apartfrom who they were going to vote for, ofcourse.The day after the election day I leftBurco for Hargeisa, passing throughBerbera on the way for a few hours toenjoy the splendid beach, seeing as thetemperature was 35 degrees.In Hargeisa, the capital city, everyonewas talking about who was going to winthe election. The counting had started,but we would have to wait two weeks toknow the final result. It was the longestfortnight I can remember.Four days after the election I received anemail stating that international observershad declared the elections in Somalilandto be free and fair and congratulatedvoters and election organisers in theautonomous state, which split frommainland Somalia in 1991. Progressio, aUK-based organisation with experiencein international observer missions, saidin a statement: “The elections seem tohave met conditions for a free and fairexpression of the popular will of thepeople of Somaliland.”Voters also went to the polls to elect a newpresident, with incumbent Dahir Rayalerunning against three other candidates.That the vote count and tally would satisfyall the political parties involved was a keyconcern for the international observers.The big day was on 1 July. It was 7.30pmand everybody in Somaliland was awaitingthe results.The Electoral Commission prepared tomake the announcement. The main hallof the Monsur Hotel was full. The headof the Electoral Commission, Cise Yusuf“Xamari”, announced that the winner of2010 presidential election in Somalilandwas Mr Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo, of the“Kulmiya” political party. His supporterserupted in celebration.Few states on the African mainland –Benin, Senegal and Zambia – haveseen incumbent presidents standdown after being defeated in elections.Unrecognised internationally as aseparate state, Somaliland has developedits own democratic traditions withoutoutside pressure.The next morning, Somaliland woke upto a new government and a new leadingpolitical party. Ahmed Mohamed Silanyohad been a long-serving leader of theformer Somali National Movement, andan active opposition leader in Somalilandfor the last eight years. His journey to thepresidency is considered to be a new pathto freedom.Adam Dirir editor Somali Eyeand President Ahmed M “Silanyo”Somali Eye | 17

Religionmessage boardThe Last 10 daysof RamadanAlhamdulillah we arebenefiting from anotherRamadan. How many ofour relatives or friends werefasting with us last year, andyet now they are buried intheir graves, depending ontheir good deeds?But what is Ramadan, other thannumbered days of fasting, which havealmost passed? Ramadan is a time forAllah’s servants to gain forgiveness, Hiscontentment and blessings. The last10 days are a great time to competewith each other in good deeds, includingobedience, reading Qur’an, prayer,repentance, character improvement andmore. Muslims fast to develop taqwa,and taqwa involves pious commitmentto and fearful awareness of Allah, beingcareful not to break His rules.Allah’s Messenger (saws) said, “In everyday and every night during the monthof Ramadan, there are people whomAllah frees from the Fire, and forevery Muslim there is a du’a (supplication)which he can make and it will begranted,” (Ahmad and Ibn Majah) andthis is the du’a said at the time of iftar.So in these last 10 days, we must try to:Do good deeds, as many as possible.Read Qur’an, seek forgiveness (istighfar),supplicate (du’a), send salutationson the Prophet (saws) and read booksof tafsir, hadith, fiqh or seerah.Pray more than we normally do, especiallyduring each of the last 10 nights.Concentrate on the meaning of whatwe recite. Try to pray the fard on timeand in congregation.Perform i’tikaf (seclusion in themosque) so that we can focus on Allah.The Prophet (saws) used to performi’tikaf for the last 10 days of Ramadan(Bukhari). This seclusion cuts out everydaydistractions of socialising, sleeping,eating, drinking and talking too much.Empty our hearts of worldly desiresand try to get closer to Allah.Recite Qur’an as much as possibleduring Ramadan, especially during eachof the last 10 nights, and act upon itsteachings. Jibreel used to meet with theProphet (saws) every night of Ramadanand they would study the Qur’antogether.The Prophet (saws) said, “The fast andthe Qur’an will intercede for the servanton the Day of Judgement. The fastwill say, ‘My Lord, I restricted him fromfood and drink, so allow me to intercedefor him.’ And the Qur’an will say, ‘Iprevented him from sleeping at night, soallow me to intercede for him.’ So theywill be allowed to intercede,” (Muslim).Seek Laylatul-Qadr on the odd numberednights during the last 10 days,not just 27th. The Prophet (saws) said,“To Allah belongs a night in [Ramadan]which is better than a thousandmonths. Whoever is prevented fromits good, then he has been deprived,”(Ahmad and An-Nasa’i). So we shouldworship Allah and seek our rewardand forgiveness of sins on this night ofdecree, which is better than 83 years(1000 months). And which of us canguarantee we’ll be around for 83 yearsof worship?The best du’a for this time is, “O Allah!You are the One Who pardons greatly,and loves to pardon, so pardon me.”Allaahummainnaka ‘affuwwun, tuhibbul ‘afwa,fa’fu’annee, (Tirmithi and Ibn Majah).And for the last 10 days, we must try torevive our iman and enthusiasm forworship.Ask Allah to help us achieve this byavoiding actions which are haramand habits which are a waste of time.Remember that missing suhoor,overeating, unhealthy food, lack of waterand excessive cooking or cleaning for‘Eid will make us tired and lazy to pray orread Qur’an at night. May Allah give us thestrength to complete our fast, seek Laylatul-Qadr and do many good deeds, so that thisRamadan is a shield for us from Hellfire.Ameen18 | Somali Eye

An enjoyable weekend for the whole family, with inspirational speakers,Nasheed Concert, seminars, workshops, Hajj & Islamic Tourism Exhibition,a rich diversity of stalls, awards ceremonies and much more…A day out for the whole family, featuringinspirational speakers, nasheed concert, theNational Qiraat Competition Final, ModelMosque Final, Life Time Achievement and Friendsof Islam Awards, Adventure & Sports Zone, agrand Exhibition with a variety of stands, SeminarsT I C K E T B O O K I N G S& Workshops And Much More…Until 30 th September 2010Standard Adult £13.00 Child £5.00 Senior Citizen/Disabled £7.50VIP Adult £25.00 Child £10.50 Senior Citizen/Disabled £13.00From 1 st October 2010Standard Adult £15.00 Child £6.00 Senior Citizen/Disabled £8.50VIP Adult £30.00 Child £12.50 Senior Citizen/Disabled £15.00SpeakersFor tickets call 0844 847 1742 or book online at www.theglobalunity.comSomali Eye | 19

£30WILL PROVIDE FOODFOR THE WHOLEMONTHTHIS RAMADHAN...WHO WILL LOAN TO ALLAH ABEAUTIFUL LOAN?Who is he that will loan to Allah a beautiful loan, which Allah willdouble unto his credit and multiply many times? [Qur’aan 2:245]DONATE TODAY020 7354 3355Charity No. 1122911www.africandt.org – info@africandt.org8 Rock Street, London N4 2DN