Secret Document Reveals Existence Of A Somaliland ‎Chapter Of Al-I’tisaam Fundamentalist Group

Hargeysa, Somaliland , December 31, 2005 (SL Times) – The existence of a Somaliland chapter of Al-I’tisaam, an extremist religious organization, has now been confirmed.

The Somaliland chapter of Al-I’tisaam is cited in a secret report that had been circulated among the group’s Shura Council or top policy-making body.

The report, an authentic copy of which was obtained by the Somaliland Times, refers to a conference held by the organization in Mogadishu on 10-18 May, 2005.

According to this report, a new structure adopted at the May conference allocates 4 of the 44 member-strong Shura Council to the northern regions, meaning Somaliland .

Though most participants of the conference were from Somalia including some members of the two factions of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, however a number of Somalilanders had also attended the gathering. Delegates also included Somalis from Ethiopian Zone 5 and the diasporra.

Al-I’tisam was formed in 1997 by former members of Al-Itihaad Al-Islaami, an armed terrorist group that in theory sought the establishment of an Islamic state from Somali inhabited territories in the Horn of Africa. Led by mostly former military officers from the Siyad Barre era such as Col. Hassan Aweys, Al-Itihaad forces only emerged after the downfall of Siyad Barre’s regime in 1991.

However by mid 1990s and following heavy losses sustained in military confrontations against some of Somalia’s clan militia and the Ethiopian army, Al-Itihaad members either went underground or plotted to re-launch themselves as Al-I’tisaam.

According to the report obtained by the Somaliland Times, delegates to Al-I’tisam’s May conference had adopted policies on a range of issues that included “Jihad”, “foreign troops”, “joining Somali parliaments” and “elimination of spies”.

The conference cautioned against launching of Jihaad before ensuring that all the necessary preparations have been taken. It however sanctioned fighting against the “Ethiopian forces” and the elimination of “spies” only if proven guilty and no other deterrent measures were available.

On joining of parliaments, members of the organization were to be directed that there was no absolute position on the issue. Whether to join or not to join will have to be considered on a case by case basis and in accordance with prevalent conditions. A decision to join must be ratified by member religious clerks.

The conference was concluded with the election of a new Amir of the Jamaa’ (group) and members of the Shura Council which runs Al-I’tisaam’s worldwide network.