Issue 317

London, 16 February 2008 (SL Times) - The world's oldest existing Somali society, The Anglo-Somali Society, founded in 1962, discussed on 15 February, Somaliland and the current regional situation. Guest speakers included Professor Iqbal Jhazbhay of the University of South Africa and University of London lecturer, Michael Walls.

Below is the detailed programme, which was held at Oxford House, London. In attendance, were prominent Somali studies academics, veteran UK citizens and diplomats who served in Somaliland and Somalia, a number of Somali studies graduate students, as well as Council members of the Anglo-Somali Society.

Anglo-Somali Society Meeting, Friday 15 February 2008
5.30pm for 6pm at Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, Bethnal Green, London E2 6HG
(Council Meeting in Classroom 1 : 4.30pm – 5.30pm)
The venue is about 5/10 mins walk from Bethnal Green station,
on the Central Line, one stop from Liverpool Street.

5.30 - 6.00 p.m. Arrival in Studio 2
6.00 – 6.15 p.m. AGM Chaired by the President, DR.YUSUF OMAR ALI
Agenda 1. Chairman's Report.
2. Treasurer's Report.
3. Council elections and re-elections.
Proposals for new members (with their prior agreement) should reach the Hon. Sec. Nadifa Mohamed by 1 Feb. 2008.
4. Any other business. 5. Date of next AGM: Wednesday 18 February 2009.

6.15-6.55 p.m. Dr Iqbal Jhazbhay, Associate Professor in Islamic Studies at the University of South Africa and specialist on the Horn of Africa, has long taken an interest in Somali affairs. He maintains a specific interest in the contemporary politics of Somaliland, and will talk on this subject with reference to Somaliland's international relations.

6.55-7.25 p.m. Michael Walls , Chairman of the Anglo-Somali Society, will give an update on, and invite discussion of, current events in the Somali Horn, including Puntland, Somaliland, and the Ogaden. He will draw on his recent lengthy visit to the Horn.

7.30 pm Supper (curried halaal chicken or vegetables, with rice. Tea.)

Future Meetings: House of Commons Tea Party, 4pm Wednesday 2 July 2008,
6pm Friday 10 October 2008 6pm (AGM) Wednesday 25 February 2009.

Cost per head (towards supper and hire of hall) will be £7.50 (£5.50 for students/unwaged).

PLEASE RETURN THIS SLIP with cheque or postal order by Monday 11 February 2008 to David Brooks, 67 Mill End Road, Cambridge CB1 9JW

Tickets will not be issued but the number of suppers has to be ordered in advance.

I enclose £…. for myself and …. other guest(s).

Name(s) (as for label on chest)…………………………………(please print)

……………………………………………………………………………. .................................................

Address……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Cheque/postal order payable to: Anglo-Somali Society.

and indicate here whether you would prefer (a) curried halaal chicken with rice: or (b) curried vegetables with rice :

Source: Somaliland Times