West London Somaliland Community

Looking Forward: Somaliland Diaspora Meets in Lyon

2010-05-12T14:09:00.012+01:00

Wednesday, 21 April 2010

Delegates from across Europe battled travel chaos to meet in Lyon and discuss ways forward in support of Somaliland as presidential elections edge closer this summer.

Below is an article published by UNPO:

Over two days, representatives of the Somaliland diaspora in Europe met in Lyon, France at the annual Somaliland Societies in Europe (SSE) conference. Discussions focussed on the long awaited presidential elections. Topics also included new ways in which to promote the achievements of Somaliland and to set the agenda for the coming year - which would mark the twentieth anniversary of Somaliland’s declaration of independence and the beginning of its remarkable transformation from the imposed dictatorship of Siad Barre to a nascent democracy.

Dr. Charles Tannock MEP expressed in opening remarks his ongoing support for Somaliland and commended the diaspora on their work in supporting Somalilanders at home and in Europe. There was an ongoing need to raise the profile of the Somaliland but organisations such as the Somaliland Societies in Europe (SSE) were take a proactive lead in this role. For his part, Dr. Tannock reassured all those present of his support and determination to raise the profile of Somaliland in the European Parliament and with the European institutions.

UNPO, represented by Andrew Swan, echoed the calls made by Dr. Tannock and paid tribute the tremendous effort that had “made Somaliland a refuge, inspiration, and opportunity for all Somalis.” The Somaliland diaspora was supporting the democratic development taking place in Somaliland but widely held conclusion was that “the international community needs to give greater recognition to what Somalilanders have achieved.” UNPO’s role in supporting elections in Iraq and Zanzibar proved what could be done and the hope was that this could be extended to Somaliland.

Presentations from representatives of the eleven constituent organisations of the SSE illustrated the hard work conducted to date and the support being given to Somalilanders in Europe. The establishment of reading groups was one major step in support of education throughout Somaliland that was highlighted. The conference was also used to publicise the publication of Geedka Weerane (‘The Mourning Tree’) that tells the story of prisoner of conscience, Mohamed Barud Ali and his years of imprisonment under the regime of Siad Barre. The conference concluded with discussions on the annual activities of the year to date and brought new focus on the forthcoming year, priorities for each Somaliland association, and the planning of activities to follow the presidential elections scheduled for summer 2010.

Conference Documents

Programme (PDF Format, 288kb)

Presentations (To be released)

Conference Report (To be released)

Note:

For more information on Somaliland Societies in Europe, click here.

For more information on the Association Somalilandaise de France, click here.

For more information on ‘The Mourning Tree’, please click here.

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Photos from WSLSomaliland Community:

18th Anniversary of Somaliland - May 18th 2009

2009-05-20T13:03:00.051+01:00

British Somaliland Children performing a play

Dr Charles Tannock MEP, Steve Pound MP (Ealing North), Virander Sharma MP ( Ealing Southall), Cllr. Julian Bell (Greenford ),Mr. Simon Jones (Director of Triton International Ltd),Mr. Tobias Masterton (UK Academy ), Mr Len Tiahlo Businessman (Director of Enex Energy Resources)

Artist Farxan performing on the 18th May 2009

Dr Charles Tannock MEP celebrating Somaliland 18th Anniversay Cultural Event

18th May Somaliland T-Shirts

Cllr. Julian Bell (Greenford ) celebrating Somaliland 18th Anniversay Cultural Event

Mr Richard Sills from Darlington Foundation

Mudane Mohamed Ahmed Silanyo - Gudoomiyaha xisbiga Kulmiye

Md. Abdinaasir - Afhayeenka xagga Saxaafadda Xisbiga UCID

Mr. Simon Jones - Director of Triton International Ltd

Iid Xasan - Xidhiidhiyaha Ururka West London Somalilanders

Eid Alisalan Ahmed - Deputy Director Welsh Refugee Council

Artists peforming a play

18th Anniversary Somaliland Art Awards

18th Anniversary Somaliland Art Awards

18th Anniversary Somaliland Art Awards

Advertising New Airline of Somaliland Xoriyo Airways

Mudane Mohamed Ahmed Silanyo celebrating with British Somalilanders

Mr. Tobias Masterton, Mr Len Tiahlo Businessman and Iid Ali Ahmed and hon. guests

Mohamed OmarChair of SSUK with Somaliland Honourable Guests

Somaliland Artist awards

For More Pictures Click Below:

http://picasaweb.google.com/wlondonsomalilanders/18thAnniversaryOfSomalilandMay18th2009WestLondonSomalilandCommunity

Sahra Ahmed - Qabiil Baa La Aasayaa

2009-05-15T14:48:00.001+01:00

Lovely Listening- Dhegeysi fiican

2009-04-30T10:33:00.001+01:00

Taniya from Norway Singing with Himilo in Somali Language - Bravo

18th May Somaliland Anniversary Toronto

18th May Somaliland Anniversary UK

How to get to Greenford Assembly Room - 18th Anniversary of Somaliland Independence Day - West London Somaliland Community

2009-04-28T10:52:00.000+01:00

Greenford Assembly Room

Address: Ruislip Road, junction with Oldfield Lane South, Greenford, Middlesex, UB6 9QN

Rail: Central line underground and South Greenford BR (15 min walk).

Bus: Within five minute walk: 95, 105, 282, E1, E2, E3, E6, E7, E9, E10, N23

Car: nearest major roads: A406, M4, M40, M25

Parking: 25 free car parking spaces available adjacent to the hall and reserved for hirers' exclusive use. Large car park opposite available for use all day on Sunday and after 6pm Mon-Sat.

Click Here to see the Map

Riix Halkan si aad khariidada u gasho

London Under Ground Map

For More Info. call: 0208 848 1180 / 07957758340 / 07931892659

The Celebration of Somaliland 18th Anniversary by West London Somaliland Community

2009-04-27T17:32:00.001+01:00

For More Info. call: 0208 848 1180 / 07957758340 / 07931892659

Greenford Assembly Room

Address: Ruislip Road, junction with Oldfield Lane South, Greenford, Middlesex, UB6 9QN

Click below - Riix hoos:

How to get to Greenford Assembly Room - 18th Anniversary of Somaliland Independence Day - West London Somaliland Community

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2009-04-27T17:25:00.000+01:00

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West London Somaliland Community Blog Team