1) Information about the origins and publication of the Somali Manifesto I. 2) A copy of the Manifesto 3) Any information about the identity and fate of its signatories. [SOM7609]

1 & 3)

According to an article published in the Indian Ocean Newsletter (14 July 1990), the Somali Manifesto I was reportedly issued by the Council for National Reconciliation and Salvation (CNRS). The signatories allegedly included "lawyers, businessmen, sheikhs and elders, and former ministers, diplomats and members of parliament" (Africa Confidential, Vol. 31 No. 12, 15 June 1990). The Manifesto, bearing 114 signatures, reportedly blamed the government for the civil unrest in the country, human rights violations, mismanagement, and ethnic rivalry (Ibid.).

In response to the Manifesto, 46 of its signatories [this is at variance with other newspapers/newsreleases which report 45] were arrested and "charged with crimes that carry the mandatory death sentence" (The Independent, 14 July 1990). On 15 July 1990, 45 signatories were found "not guilty" and released for lack of sufficient evidence (The Xinhua General Overseas News Service, 15 July 1990). For detailed information please refer to the attached documents.
The attached documents are:
Somalia: Manifesto Number Two", Indian Ocean Newsletter, 14 July 1990, p. 6.
"Somalia: Dissent", Africa Confidential, Vol. 31 No. 12, 15 June 1990.
"Somalis Risk Death Sentence", The Independent, 14 July 1990. p.34.
"Somali Capital Calming Down", The Xinhua General Overseas News Service, 15 July 1990).
A copy of the Manifesto.

Bibliography


"Somalia: Manifesto Number Two", Indian Ocean Newsletter, 14 July 1990, p. 6.
"Somalia: Dissent", Africa Confidential, Vol. 31 No. 12, 15 June 1990.
"Somalis Risk Death Sentence", The Independent, 14 July 1990. p.34.
"Somali Capital Calming Down", The Xinhua General Overseas News Service, 15 July 1990).