You have commented 339 times on Rantburg.

Your Name
Your e-mail (optional)
Website (optional)
My Original Nic        Pic-a-Nic        Sorry. Comments have been closed on this article.
Bold Italic Underline Strike Bullet Blockquote Small Big Link Squish Foto Photo
Submit your comments on this article
Africa: Horn
Somali Premier Names New Army Chief, Mogadishu Governor
2005-04-15
Somali's transitional Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi has named a new army chief and a new governor for the anarchic country's bullet-scarred capital of Mogadishu, officials said yesterday.
Oh, yeah. That's the job I'd like to have: head of the Somali army.
The appointments, however, are largely symbolic as while the lawless Horn of Africa nation has plenty of men under arms, it has no army and Mogadishu is controlled by various unruly warlords many of whom are foes of Gedi.
I mean, I'd have a desk, and a coffee cup, a salary, maybe even a comely secretary, but I wouldn't have to be bothered by the details of actually doing anything.
Despite questions about the effectiveness of the new officials, their naming comes as Gedi's government, which is still in exile in Kenya for security reasons, continues with long-delayed plans to relocate home.
"So! When do you guys plan on moving to Mogadishu?"
"Can't do it yet. Our new uniforms haven't come back from the tailor's!"
He named General Ismail Kassim Naji, a former military officer, as the new chief of staff of the yet-to-be-created army and Mohamud Hassan Ali, a former Somali Olympic official, as the governor of Mogadishu, officials said. In addition, Abdullahi Dahi Barre was appointed as attorney general and Bashir Issa Ali named head of the central bank.
"Hoboy! I'm gonna be head of the central bank! How much money we got?"
"$2.23."
"That's it?"
"Don't worry. Once those uniforms come back from the tailor's and we go back to Mogadishu, the aid money'll come rollin' in!"
"Oh. We gotta go to Mogadishu to get it?"
"Yeah."
"You sure?"
Posted by:Fred

#5  Chief Department of Spembles, Taken.
Posted by: Spemble, Chief   2005-04-15 10:27:06 PM  

#4  Who gets the best sash?
Posted by: Shipman   2005-04-15 1:47:11 PM  

#3  I'd like to submit my candidacy for King of All Shambly Somali's! With my marksmanship and extensive experience training animals and caring for unruly children I feel I could make a significant contribution.
Posted by: Tkat   2005-04-15 10:28:03 AM  

#2  I'd go for Foreign Aid administrator.
Posted by: Jackal   2005-04-15 10:18:43 AM  

#1  If it's still up for grabs, I'll take Minister of Qat Distribution...
Posted by: tu3031   2005-04-15 8:30:29 AM  

00:00