Yasin Mohammed Yasin

Summery
Like in many parts of Africa, the colonial map-making has left its deepseated mark on the political features of present-day states in the Horn of Africa. As the making of the boundaries was entirely based on the vested interest of European expansionists that absolutely ignored the ethnic make-up of societies, similar ethno-linguistic groups were cut up to two or more adjacent states. These divisions, that gravely challenged the traditional administrative as well as socio-economic systems further fuelled conflicts in the Horn region.

Among many cases of such tragic partitions, the land of the homogenous omadic nation of Afar was divided among three states in the African Horn, namely Ethiopia, Eritrea and Djibouti. Subsequent to their anticolonial esistance, the Afar have faced further intrastate divisions and arginalization enforced by the central powers in the respective states. Their half-a-century old quest of and struggle for self-determination was degarded as paving the way to an independent state. Is creating a nation alled Afarria or else the Afar Triangle the ultimate goal of the Afar political movements? What does unity and self-determination mean for the Afar? This paper will discuss the inception of the modern political orientation of the Afar and their struggle from the era of European colonialism to the time of domestic domination. Read further the full article.

In the Name of Allah the Merciful, the Compassionate

Statement of Condolence 

It is with great shock that I learnt about the sudden death of the renowned Professor of Ethiopian History, the late Professor Hussein Ahmed. On behalf of the Network of Ethiopian Muslims in Europe (NEME), I would like to express my grief on the loss our indispensible brother, Prof. Hussein, and my deepest sympathy and sincere condolence to his wife, children and member of his whole family, friends and the nation at large.

Professor Hussein was an acknowledged expert in the history of Ethiopia, and of Islam in northeast Africa. He was a distinguished teacher, researcher and prolific writer who successfully published research works on various subjects and the precious heroes of Ethiopian Muslims. He distinguished himself from amongst his colleagues in his field with his loyalty to the truth, consistency, determination and continued high-quality performance amidst challenges of various degree and nature.

The contribution of the late Professor to his country in general and the Muslims community in particular will never go away from our memories. He was a valued and a leading member of the team that strives to preserve Ethiopian Islamic History. His works have been my inspirations and that of the Network I lead as we strive to promote the true image of Ethiopia and the history of the community that has long been neglected and left out from the intellectual forums.

Professor Hussein will be missed very much but shall never be forgotten. The Network of Ethiopian Muslims in Europe commits itself to uphold the cause for which the late Professor spent his whole life and further the mission he began with. To that end, the Network, along with other Diaspora Muslim community organizations, honors him and keep his work alive by establishing a Foundation in his name.

May Allah, the creator of universe and to Whom we all return, bless the late Professor Hussein Ahmed and rest his sole in peace. May Allah give patience to his family and the country and community he worked so hard for.

Mohammed Hassen Mohammed
President
Network of Ethiopian Muslims in Europe
June 10, 2009