Audiance listening to Keysa Geedi speech at NW Somaliland Society meeting in Seattle

By Jamal Gabobe

On Saturday April 15, 2006 the Somaliland community in the Pacific Northwest had the honor of being visited by Kayse Ali Geedi, Chairman of UCID Party branch in USA and UCID Party campaign manager for parliamentary elections in Somaliland. Mr. Geedi met with Somalilanders in the meetings hall of the NW Somaliland Society.

The program schedule was as follows:

- Verses from the holy Quran recited by Abdirizaq A. Yasin

- Introduction by Jamal Gabobe (Chairman of NW Somaliland Society)

- Brief update about the activities and programs of the NW Somaliland Society by Abdirahim Koofiyad dheere

- Speech by Keynote Speaker Mr. Kayse Geedi.

- Break

- Poetry by Cabdi Gaas

- Questions and Answers

Mr. Geedi’s speech covered a lot of ground, but it was mostly focused on the political and economic situation in Somaliland. He emphasized the dire situation under Somaliland’s current administration, the urgent need for change, and UCID party’s commitment to making a change and improving the life of the average Somalilander.

During the break I had suggested to Mr. Geedi that may be he should take only a few questions, but he said he came all the way to answer questions that people may have about UCID and was ready to answer as many questions as possible. Then a lively questions and answers session ensued. Mr. Geedi went to great lengths in answering questions from the audience.

Mr. Abdi Gaas, a Somalilander who recently arrived in Seattle via Kenya recited some memorable poems about the oppression and humiliation that Somaliland was subjected to by people who we thought were our brothers and the tremendous sacrifices and struggle that Somalilanders had to go through in order to get their freedom back.

It was a worthy, informative and joyful evening.

Source: Somaliland Times