"GEDO NET" AND THE MARIXAAN PROPAGANDA October 08, 2005 by Garyaqan

After reviewing  reports made by  "Gedo net"  in regard to Elwaaq conflicts between the Garre and the Marixaan,  I noticed some disturbing trends- that the "Gedo net" administrators are suffering from predilection for partial truth, selective memory and omission of factual events. One learns after a while to expect this things from Siyaad Barre's regime, the apparatus of propaganda of the remnants of Barre regime is well and working and managing information to present Marixaan officials position in the best possible light (Propaganda of Kacaanka). When what seems to be a free media participates in the management and filtering process.  

It raises serious concerns, when the spokesmen of a whole respected Somali clan involves in designing lies and rumors then that takes a way a value out of culture of the said people, to have a meaning and value, information must be accurate, objective and reasonably complete. This principal is vital if the Somalis ever desire to have freedom of expression. this principal is a cornerstone of democracy and free society. Freedom of expression comes with responsibility and challenge, that enhances freedom. News out lets are managed by people who invariably must struggle to remain balance and objective, despite their personal views and often in the face of the most horrible aspect of human condition. Faced with the tragedies of conflict, it's difficult to remain detached observer, especial if it involves your clan, through this one is expected to do well under pressure to deliver compelling and captivating reports, it's difficult to resist the temptation to sensationalize, and to maintain access.

Gedo net is an exception to above sentiment; that they have engaged in outright lies, labeling and demonizing the opposing clan that is at war with Marixaan. They have done this with the intention of minimizing the injuries and consequences of their occupation. Desperately trying to legitimize the wrongs of their people by using sanitized words such as "Dulka dadku Malaha ee ilahey aya iskale", while we all agree with that assertion where is it written "dulka odhan marixan aya loo sameye ee dadka kale waxaba kumalaha"'. 

They have succeeded in carefully publicizing a fictitious peace meeting that Gedo net reports on daily. The lack of context of these meeting and a lack of recognizable Garre names among the meeting participants gives you a strange feeling. After hearing or reading an intense level of coverage by the same persons either using Shabelle net or Gedo net, one might conclude that both sides have implemented the fictitious peace process. 

They use of the repetitious words and cliche and reciting carefully selected words such as ("Goaano wax kuola ah oo laga garey") and key words to produce sensation of imminent success. They will also use labeling words to describe opponent instead of saying for example Garre they will use term like '"Garraha ka so dulley Moyale". Good journalism is accurate, objective, impartial, fair and seeks the truth- a task that is not always simply used in Gedo net reporting. "Laba beelood ee walalah ah ee wada dega degmada celwaaq."

That term is used to illegitimate the claims of opposing clan to the land or to minimize their claim or in this case the victimized clan. The marixaan have used sophisticated tactics inherited from the previous Barre regime in trying to convince the opposing clan to accept unfair deal by threatening, intimidating, bribing and kidnapping Garre elders in Elwaaq Kenya. They bribed the District commissioner in Mandera and used as a conduit and to force non-suspecting Garre elders from Kenya who have no clue about the ramification of the conflict in Somalia to talk peace. 

Gedo net is part and parcel of this past regime propaganda tool that is reawakened, sharpened to propagate the lies that are spreading like wild fire. Almost every conflict involves a battle for public opinion, as various adversaries exchange charges and counter charges, seeking to demonize their opponents and build support for their views, position and actions- the proverbial war of words. words and images are powerful weapons. When the smoke clears and guns fall silent, the time comes for a political settlement, but rarely does the propaganda battle end, as opponents continue to maneuver for the best possible outcomes. 

The current reports by Gedo net on the outcome of fictitious peace process in Elwaq, Kenya shows, that the Marixaan has been awarded about half of the powerful leadership position and resource sharing with Garres and also to  keep their well-armed militia in town. However, there is no peace treaties that exist between the Garre and the Marixaan, or Sade. EL Waq was captured by force and it will recaptured by force again, until then, there will be no peace treaty of that sort, as long as the Garre citizens from EL Waq are languishing in refugee camps while the Marixaan thugs that have looted their homes and belonging are still in there.  

The Garre were promised half of what ever is left from marixaan but since the Marixaan militia who pillaged, raped, slaughtered and maimed innocent Garre are still enjoying themselves in the city. How do you expect the Garre to ever  go back? The Garre Ugas from the Boru Ache has fled to Ethiopia. Garre have to look at other option if ever they want to go back to elwaaq Somalia.