Mr. SIGURD ILLING: AN EMPROR IN SEARCH OF AN AFRICAN COLONY.
“AN INDEPTH AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF EUROPEAN COMMUNITY’S POLICY TOWARDS SOMALI AND THE ROLE ITS SPECIAL ENVOY PLAYS”
PREPARED BY:
- BISCHARA ALI EGAL
THE SOMALI MONITORING GROUP (SMG)
NAIROBI-KENYA
P.O. BOX 168
NAIROBI, KENYA
DECEMBER 1996
THE SOMALI MONITORING GROUP (SMG)
MOGADISHU, SOMALIA.
May 3, 1997
Dear Friend;
You will find attached a special in depth and critical report on “European Commission Policy Towards Somalia and he Role its special Envoy to Somalia – Sigurd Illing Plays”.
The report addresses the political, economic and diplomatic policies of the European Union and in particularly, the activities of its special envoy to Somalia – Sigurd Illing as they impact the future of SOMALIA as a Nation – State.
We are sharing this “CONFIDENTIAL” and Important Documents with you in the hope that it will shed light to the dangers of De-stabilization of SOMALIA by Foreign forces via Political, Soci-economic and Diplomatic Intervention. We also hope that you will take an effective contribution/ role in bringing to HALT this shameful, deceitful and Dangerous Activities and Policies by the European Union in Somalia as they impact upon the Horn of Africa region.
For More Information about this Report, and The Somali Monitoring Group (SMG), please contact us:
Tel: + (252-1) 658 – 115
Fax: + (252-1) 657 – 600
Mogadishu, Somalia.
INTRODUCTION:
“Suffering which falls to our lot in the course of nature, or by chance, or fate, does not seem so painful as suffering which is inflicted on us, by the arbitrary will of another.” Schopenhauer
Recently there was an EU sponsored conference or shall we call it a “Get Together” of so-called Somali intellectuals, politicians, and foreign consultants who were hired as “Somali Experts” ($36,000 each for a two month services) at posh resort in L. Nakuru, Kenya between 16-18 November, 1996. This grandiose, all expenses paid Holiday was the second of its kind organized by the European Commission and particularly, The EC special Envoy to Somalia Mr. Sigurd Illing.
The total expense to this two day free excursion to the European Community’s Tax-Payers was over $230,000 which thousands of poor, diseased, starving Somali children and women could have better used. Most of the participants were people with out any academic, professional or technical experience with the current political, social, and military situation in Somalia, except being apologist to the current Western (European) policies and designs of domination and Division of Somalia. The participants were chosen on the basis of their political and economic (Affiliation) interest with the European Union’s over all political agenda in Somalia.
What are the political, socio-economic, and legal policies of the EC’s towards Somalia since the start of the Civil War 1991? What role does the EC special Envoy to Somalia, Mr. Illing plays since his appointment 1993? What are the acvtivities of the Western (Intl) NGO’s and Governments in To days Somalia? Who is accountable to the European Development Funds (EDF) to Somalia? How and Who decides the EC rehabilitation and development programs towards Somalia? All these ciritical questions needs answers, and Mr. Illing in person ought to be both morally and legally responsible to the Somali people and to the world Community.
EU’s Strategic Goals towards Somalia.
When one seas or hears Mr. Illing’s plans and policies towards Somalia one marvels at how a European, Christian man, particularly a German who must carry in his own personal history and culture the long memory of imperialism, Racism, conquest colonialism and Nazism could preach the Gospel of Democratic, De-Centralized Somalia where regions will govern themselves like “Switzerland’s Cantons” or a Balkanized version of Modern Somalia.
The European Union, as a political and economic organization is committed to the economic and political exploitation of CAP countries through the Uruguay Round Table and Lome Convention trade agreements, the EU will dominate the agricultural/industrial and financial markets of these countries: In sense, the European Union is a double winner, gaining both on market access and the reduction burden of European Agricultural and Industrial subsidies to their Economies. Developing countries and Somalia in particularly are the “Unequivocal Losers”.
Currently, the EU and Illing, through their policies towards Somalia can determine which regions, factions, clans, or interest parties they will fund. They can create famines, political instability and economic chaos, even Major Wars. They virtually determine what, which and kind of Government and leaders Somali people will have in the future (Nkauru Conference).
The European Commission’s Policy and strategic goals in Somalia is to “Decentralize” Somali political, Economic and Social Institutions so as, to weaken any chance of forming a Strong, Central power-based Nationalist Government in Somalia. A puppet Government which will not be able/or want to stand against European design, interest and plans for Somalia and the entire Horn of Africa region.
Somalia is a signatory of Lome convention of 1975, a comprehensive co-operation agreement between the European Economic Commission, European Union and 69 African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries. It is a political, Economic, Social, and Cultural partnership based on equal, well-established and long-held mutual co-operation between free nations.
Since the Civil War of 1991, Somalia has accumulated over $300 Millino based on the annual savings of $50 Million per year. Because of lack of internationally recognized central Government in Somalia since 1991, the European Commission and its Special Envoy to Somalia embarked a Policy of Division, Domination, and Out-right Robbery of Somali Aid Funds thus, countervening the long-held bilateral Economic and Political cooperation and relations between the EU and Somali Nation.
Since his appointment as the special envoy to Somalia, Sigurd Illing personally and through his Somali surrogates, vehemently took the unprecedented action of “Interfering the Internal Affairs” of Somalia, This, interrupting and disrupting Somali Reconciliation and Peace process in the Country.
Through their office in Nairobi, Kenya, the Commission (EC) funneled special Political funds under the guise of “Humanitarian Assistance” thus fueling and even perpetuating Clan warfare and internal strife against the new Transitional Government of Gen. Mohamed Aideed. Intensification of Clan wars, Dislocation of Refugees and Internally Displaced population. What was supposed to be a. Humanitarian assistance turned into political and Military funding for the Warring factions in Somalia. Hence, tipping the scale in favor of those opposed to a Unified, Central Administration in the country.
The EU decision to fund (Finance) Somali warlords and Militia groups who are against Gen. Aideed’s Peace and Political Reconciliation Process was Immoral, Illegal and Politically dangerous. Intl assistance to Somalia should be impartial and based upon the principles of neutrality, impartiality and fairness towards the principles of neutrality, impartiality and fairness towards the internal affairs of Somalia. It is expected, therefore, that the EU activities and that of its Envoy will follow International Laws and protocols of respect for Somali Sovereignty and Nationhood.
At the ACP/EU Joint Assembly plenary session Luxembourg, Lucian Vecchi (PDS, Italy), Assembly Vice-President, railed and protested against the tactics and policies of the Commission’s and its Special Envoy Mr. Illing in dismantling and weakening any chances for a Central Somali Government. There is, therefore, an element of ambivalence in European Union’s policy towards Somalia: It is driven by Racist exmploitation in one hand, and Political/Idoe-logical domination on the other. Furthermore, there is un-written agreement among the western nations led by US via Ethiopia and Egypt to completely neutralize and destroy Aideed’s Administration militarily and politicially, the recent Wars in Mogadishu and the North West (Somaliland) are planned, financed and Coordinated by the same group.
Euro – Mismanagement…
On January 1994, the European Commission approved a Relief and Rehabilitation programme for Somalia worth $50 Million. The programme was intended to assist the rehabilitation and reconstruction of major health, agriculture, veterinary services, water and sanitation and other infrastructure activities in the country. Instead, the programme was to fulfill European political and economic interests in Somalia.
Politically, the funds was supposed to be channeled to the regions “Where peace and security prevailed, and where there are responsible Somali authorities to ensure the necessary conditions for the effective implementation of aid activities.” In another words, where EU political/economic interest prevail and were Europeans continue to play a hegemonic role and power. Economically contracts which were meant for the Local (indigenous) NGO’s and Somali authorities. The overall management of the rehabilitation and reconstruction (phase I & II) programme for Somalia was entrusted under the control and responsibility of the man-Sigurd Iling, EC special envoy to Somalia. No one,. Official and unofficial knows exactly how and where these funds/projects are spent except Illing. There is no Somali authority or/ and individuals who si aware wehre this huge sum of EC money goes.
And, in accordance with EC policy, no monetary figures (Auditing) has ever been released to the Somali authorities and concerned local and international NGO’s – only Illing and surrogates know for sure how much and to whom these funds are given? What is then 10% went to real and actual rehabilitation and reconstruction activities in Somalia. Majority of it was spent for political (factional funding), technical expertise (European/ western) and consulting assistance. By contrast 75% of USAID/CARE Umbrella Grant were delivered and implemented through Somali NGO’s and local authorities between 1993 – 97.
The future doesn’t look promising either, under the EC’s Second Phase of rehabilitation and reconstruction programme Somalia was supposed to receive over $ 60 millino for such activities in the country, which is currently under going one of the worst Droughts of the 90’s.
Arrogance and Paternalism…
History is already a witness to the European Union’s treachery, deceit and interference into Somali Affairs which has consted thousands of Somalia lives and properties.
European Union policy towards Somalia is based on Eurocentric ideology; an ideology of mass exploitation of Somali resources both human and natural. It creates deceptions about it’s truth as a policy which contributes to the deterioration not the easing of the internal conflicts and peace – making in Somalia. This policy is in line with the overall European political, economic, military and diplomatic vital interests in the Region. This Political/ Economic framework is totally and completely detrimental to Somalia and its sovergnity as a free and independent NATION.
It is very sad and ironic that while Europe of the ‘90s fosters European Unity and Union among its member countries, it is encouraging and perpetuating Somali Dis-integration, disunity, and de-stabilization. This Dischotomy between European thinking and ideology towards 3rd world is Racist and Contradictory.
European Union and its special envoy are guilty of violating international laws with regards to their persistent and criminal acts towards Somali people and their leadership. It should review its policy and relationship with the Somali people and cease its destructive activities in Somalia.
Subjugation, Subservience and Servility
Who is Sigurd Illing? What are the ramifications of this individuals actions to the future of Somali Nation/State?
As German who grew up in conflict ridden era of East-west tensions, Mr. Illing has been both politically and psychologically affected by the Cold War tactics of the 50’s and 60’s. He waged a political and psychological warfare against Gen. Aideed and his attempt to bring a unified, national government which represented all the political and economic interests of Somalis.
Illing is so preoccupied with his rhetoric and blinded by his ambition and power to create a new Somalia according to his own social/political engineering (Plans). His actions/plans towards Somalia has been very Divisive, paternalistic and Out-right Racist. Because of his personality which is a stark contrast to any previous EU delegate to Somalia his policy of “Helping Somalia”, nonetheless, retain the bluntness of a Foreign Dictator who rules with “Indirect Rule” –bearing the label MADE IN EUROPE.
In the world of Illing Africans and Somalis in particularly, do not really exist. For him, the world is a racial hierarchy were the Colored and “Third” world are at the bottom, while Europeans and their protector (USA) are on the top. This is a very sick mind indeed. As a soldier of European and German Neo-colonialism and a faithful disciple of the late Frans – Josef Strauss of BAVARIA A Die-hard Nazi and Fascist.
He believes in the Old Imperial Dictatum: DIVIDE & CONQUER.
Therefore, his current behavior is an indication and constinuation of EU’s past involvement in Somali political process. It has not changed nor shed its Ugly, brutal and some what Racist Historical Past. In no other period have there been such a market and far-reaching implications with disasters consequences in the interference of Somali internal affairs by a FOREIGN POWER in the entire Somali History. What we are witnessing for the first time since the departure of UNOSOM, the struggle between the forces of Pease and War, Good and Evil, and between Somali Nationalist and Foreign Stooges (Collaborators).
The most important and most obvious political cost of EU’s war against Gen. Aideed, is Somali Pease and Reconciliation process. This sacrifice of peace and reconciliation, however, has several dimensions, not all of which has received the attention they merit. Perhaps the most significant one is the general insecurity and lawlessness in the country due to the heightened clan wars and the effective denial of all Relief, Rehabilitation and Development Assistance to Aideed’s Administration by the Western and specially European countries.
The European Union financed clan wars in Mogadishu, Hiran, North West, Bay and Bakol regions of Somali during April/May 96, which has seriously and effectively weakened Aideed and his SNM supporters in the North.
Sigurd Illing, personally advocated the isolation and neutralization of Aideed through political, diplomatic and financial means. During his meeting with Ehtiopian and OAU leaders in Addis Ababa on May 7 and 8, and the Arab League, he strongly tried to convince the EU policy of “Isolation and Containment” of Aidee. Thus, it is quite clear un-ashamedly, EU’s Diplomatic, Political and Psychological warfare against General Aideed and his supports.
European Policies and Illing’s intransigence into the internal Somali affairs has dashed all the peace “dividend” Somalis had hoped from their Peace and Reconciliation process which started in May 1993. The EU and its special envoy perverted, diverted, and subverted the benefits & outcome of the broad-based government of National Unity formed by Aideed in Mogadishu on June 1995.
The European Union’s search for a Somali solution has been nothing but a political deceit and it lacks historical meaning. It waged a “Low Intensity warfare” under the guise of ‘Somali Peace’. Demo-gogie has replaced real development. Today in Somalia, what is urgently and despretly needed is political and social reform agendas that could change the daily lives of Somalis – Policies/ Agendas that have broader popular participation and greater social justice.
Thus, EU/ Illing’s low intensity conflict and warfare against Somalia and its political leadership is part of their overall political agenda in dismembering, de-establishing, destroying the nation into small fiefdom’s and so-called “Independent Regions” i.e. Somaliland. With this in mind, we believe that Sigurd Illing is not worthy of his representation and that his actions in Somalia totally disqualifies him from being an envoy to Somalia.
Conclusions:
The EU perverted the International community’s and their own precious Institutions, in order to cover their plundering and corrupting goals in Somalia. The United Nations and its specialized agencies in Somalia plus the International NGOs are also perverted. Millions of Humanitarian and Development Funds are diverted to secret and private Europeans Accounts for personal deposit, both by EU officials such as, Illing and by Somali collaborators (Warlords). Somali peoples wishes, hopes, and dreams are subverted, by keeping the internal civil strife, clan wars, drought and lawlessness on.
It hardly needs mentioning that European Union funds and financial contributions to some of the Somali Factions in the South and to Egal’s Administration in the North-West contributed the internal conflict in the country. EU funds disguised as “Humanitarian Aid” were given in huge amount, usually through European or/ and Somali middle men. In the wake of this adventurous and enterprising European policy, the political situation in Somalia and the Horn of Africa turned polarized and corrupt.
According to European Union and Illing, Somali history is being re-written in a very big way and as a result of that we are now living ina world were our past is being denied, where our political, social, cultural and historical developments in the past has been reduced to a minor footnote, thus designing and creating a new Somalia according to their wishes (Western).
These days Somalia and many African and Developing nations which are experiencing internal Civil strife/ wars are turned into a political and economic “Feifdoms” run and operated by Western NGO’s who are an extension of their nations foreign departments and policies. They propagate western political ideology and economic/ social dependency in these countries at time of great social and political CRISIS.
Through EU funding many International (European) NGO’s such as the Swedish “Life and Peace” are funded in order to assist Illing’s policy plane of disseminating and propagating the idea of many small, independent tribe/ethnics in Somalia with their own tribal Regions/Homelands with ethnic exclusiveness that will be composed in the whole map of the country. And through “Life and Peace NGO,” European Union is trying to socially, politically, ethnically (tribal) engineer a New Somalia according to their Liking.
The truth of the matter is, that European Union Funds and Policy towards Somalia is politically motivated and is Eurocentric. It is generally not permanent nor can they fulfill wholly, or even substantially, the great needs (Infra-structure and sustainability) of Somalia, since this type of Aid and Assistance does not essentially reverse the Socio – Economic and Political circumstances that created current conditions of need and despair in the country.
In Conclusion, Sigurd Illing and the European Union can disturb Somali peace peace and reconstruction, fuel clan wars and tribal discourses through their “Humanitarian Aid Funds”, destroy precious Somali lives and properties, but they will never succeed in realizing their GOALS. They will never DESTROY Somali nationalism, Somali Dignity and History of fighting against oppression and neo-colonialism but can only disturb it, and damage it. And if Somalis yield to this harmful policy of European intervention they would be surrendering their independence and sovereignty to them which will continue to perpetuate their dominance over them ad Infinitum – it will then be a matter of time before re-colonization of Somalia becomes a total REALITY.
European Union Development funds and their political system has impacted Somalia negatively, for what is emerging is an unjust and corrupt society and system. A system which allows a privileged foreigners (EC/US) plus their Somalia collaborators to dominate the political and social life of Somalia; A system which leaves vast majority of Somalis poor, diseased and powerless. A system which allows greed by the few (Expatriates) to grow and authoritarian rule to spread as a thread to the Nationhood.
In sum, the impact of continued western (EU/US) interference into Somalia has resulted the destruction and blunder of the country’s national infrastructure and its wealth – assets that were built over 3 decades with national and international expertise and help. The future outlook for Somalia is indeed bleak as long as this external intervention continues.
At the moment, the best slogan for Somalia and its people may be found in the words of the Jamaican reggae Poet/Singer Bob Marley:
- Get up! Stan up!
- Stand up for your rights
- Get up! Stand up!
- Don’t give up the fight