Chapter Fourteen: The Road Ahead

  Bosaso, where Li Lan is heading, can be said to be Somali territory, but it can also be said to be the territory of the Republic of Puntland.

  The location of the base is between another self-declared independent Somaliland Republic and Puntland Republic.

  Puntland is located in northeastern Somalia, a de facto independent but unrecognized state. The local clans declared autonomy in July 1998 and established an autonomous government in the Nugaal region of Galowe, while Puntland refers to the area under the jurisdiction of that government.

  Puntland is the second case of secession in Somalia after Somaliland. Unlike Somaliland, however, Puntland has expressed a willingness to rejoin Somalia under a federal system. Additionally, Puntland and Somaliland have border disputes.

  The first Somaliland, which declared independence in Africa, is a de facto independent but unrecognized republic like Puntland. It was under British colonial rule. In May 1991, the clans of Isaaq in northern Somalia declared independence and formed the Republic of Somaliland, while Somaliland refers to the government's jurisdiction over the region. The country currently occupies five of the eighteen provinces of the former Somalia, but has not been recognized by any other country or international organization so far.

  The country is bordered by Ethiopia to the west and north, Djibouti to the northwest, and Yemen across the Gulf of Aden to the north. It covers an area of 137,600 square kilometers. The capital is Hargeisa.

  Somaliland has developed a hybrid system of governance that combines traditional clan-based systems with modern Western institutions. Following a series of inter-clan conferences, an agreement was reached at the "Borama Conference" in 1993 to establish a system called "qabil", which includes an executive branch consisting of a president, vice-president and a cabinet of ministers, a bicameral legislature and an independent judiciary.

  The traditional Somali clan elders' council was merged into this administrative system to form the upper house, responsible for selecting the president and resolving internal conflicts. The government effectively became a "power-sharing entity of the main clans of Somaliland", similarly, seats in both the upper and lower houses were allocated among the clans according to pre-agreed proportions.

  With the several expansions of this Transitional Government, Somaliland finally completed its transition to multiparty democracy in 2002, resulting in a situation where six parties competed for district council elections.

  In the southwest of Somalia, there is also a country called Southwestern Somalia, which declared independence in 2002. The local clan established an autonomous government with de facto independent state status, but it has not been recognized by any country.

  In addition to the formal government formed in Somalia in 2012, Somalia is actually composed of three countries that have declared independence and a recognized government, plus anti-government forces, as well as numerous local armed groups. The situation is extremely chaotic.

  The situation was chaotic to the point that for nearly a month, Li Lan had only been active around the base, although he knew but hadn't actually seen. But on this road, he had already seen many, many things.

  Less than two hundred kilometers away, they had already encountered 20 armed checkpoints. If Muhanmudi wasn't there, Li Ran would have to make a trip to Bosaso and take out all the checkpoints first. The soldiers at those checkpoints didn't dare to act rashly due to Muhanmudi's presence and also because Li Ran and his group looked like they weren't easy to mess with.

  However, every time they passed a sentry post, Li Lan would order to leave a box of bullets, as if giving the soldiers at the sentry post some pocket money. And after each delivery, the atmosphere would suddenly become very friendly. The mobilized soldiers under Li Lan's command would also greet each other.

  However, on this road, Li Lan saw not only armed sentry posts but also many shocking scenes.

  Along the way, it is basically a vast expanse of African desert with sparse population. Somalia's dry climate brings large areas of barren land, and local residents mainly rely on raising camels and goats to make a living. About every few dozen kilometers, you can see a village, with small ones having less than 10 households, and larger ones not exceeding 100 households.

  The place of residence is also very dilapidated and can barely keep out the wind and rain.

  "Why didn't those sentries just now stop us?" Li Lan asked about the situation of the sentries, suppressing the thoughts that were churning in her mind.

  "I told you that they are not the Somaliland army. Since they are very familiar with me, there won't be any extreme actions," said Mohamud with a faint smile.

  Ahmed in the co-pilot's seat also nodded slightly after Muhanmudi's voice fell, reminding Li Lan that Muhanmudi was not deceiving him.

  "Are relations between Puntland and Somaliland bad?"

  "Yes, there are often some armed conflicts." Muhanmadi answered Li Ran and seemed to have thought of something, continuing: "My friend, Somalis are actually very friendly, but the environment is forced, the former Somali enthusiasm for hospitality, it's just that they had no choice but to take up arms."

  "I understand your difficulties, and perhaps this situation will change in the near future." Li Lan nodded thoughtfully, but only he himself knew that he was setting a goal for himself.

  Water can carry a boat, and it can also capsize it. As long as we can get the support of the Somali people, use military means to complete our own cause, this is the right way. Otherwise, using military means to force the achievement of goals will inevitably face a surging wave of resistance.

  Muhammad didn't know what Li Lan was thinking, he took Li Lan's words as a comfort to him and said with a heavy heart: "Every Somali loves his country, we all hope that our country can truly unite, restore the economy and gain recognition from the international community. In Somalia, weapons are not offensive tools in our hands, owning them just makes us feel safe. Deep down, we don't like to use this method to get a sense of security, we want the sense of security provided by a strong unified government. My friend, I really envy you because you have a powerful country standing behind you, when you go out on the street, you don't have to worry about sudden bullets flying or cars suddenly exploding. You can shop and trade with peace of mind, enjoy a safe living environment."

  Looking at Muhanmudi, whose eyes were getting red, Li Lan's mood became increasingly heavy. He patted his shoulder and said: "Muhanmudi, my friend, believe me, everything will get better, it really will."

  "Thank you for your comfort, as a Somali, please don't mind my weak appearance, I'm just an ordinary person with limited power, wanting to change something but having no ability. My brothers and younger brother have all run abroad, they also advised me, only I was determined not to leave. I am in great pain, I believe in Allah, hoping that Allah can alleviate my pain." said Muhanmudi.

  "Don't blame yourself, loving your own country is not wrong, in my eyes, you are a very brave Somali. Believe me, my friend, as long as you work hard, there will be hope, God will one day hear your sincere prayers." Li Lan said.

  "I will." Muhanmu nodded, Li Lan's words were very comforting to him, and his emotions slowly adjusted. He said, "Actually, I've always wanted to say that Somalia has a great demand for weapons, but the demand for goods is even greater."

  Muhammad, who seemed to have recovered, smiled slightly and asked, "What goods?"

  "There are many, many things lacking in Somalia, except for bananas, spices, camels and goats. I also hope that you, my friend, can bring more goods." said Muhanmadi.

  "It will, there will definitely be later." In the Red Alert base, he didn't see any units like daily necessities, but there was no way to introduce them. Even if it's from scratch, he's not afraid. Having already decided to thoroughly change Somalia, Li Ran has already prepared himself for all sorts of difficulties on the road ahead.

  Foreign businessmen are unwilling to invest in Somalia, mainly because they are afraid of the insecurity. But Li Lan doesn't have this problem, as security can be guaranteed by his own troops. As long as safety is guaranteed, Somalia is still a pretty good place.