Masterful Performance

By Ahmed Sh. Farah

President Dahir Rayale Kahin’s first live conference call with Somalilanders in and outside of the country received widespread critical acclaim from both friends and foes. Employing the magic of modern communications, president Rayale was able to reach out to Somalilanders and others in the most far-flung regions of the world. The more than an hour call in show was hosted by the BBC’s Yusuf Grad who ran it with the study hand of a professional, occasionally rephrasing the caller’s questions for the benefit of both callers and the president. President Rayale’s solo performance is racking up rave reviews across the political spectrum in and outside of Somaliland . Even his most ardent critics gave it thumbs up and conceded it could be a turning point for a president not known for his oratorical skills. Most politicians usually ramble to impress audiences with how much they know about allot of things mixing the important with the inane, but Mr. Rayale just goes straight to the point, tying it up altogether in one-piece. His answers to the audience’s questions were succinct and straight to the point.

Mr. Rayale’s command of the facts on almost every issues raised by the people is also impressive. His compelling and concise manner sometimes infuriates political pundits but it is increasingly proving to be far more popular with the lay people who are the majority. The audience on their part was polite and differential to the president, an unusual expectation considering the bruising parliamentary campaign just held in Somaliland . This shows how far Somaliland society has come along in its social and political development. The president reciprocated the audience’s appreciation by carrying himself in a dignified modest manner refraining from making outlandish claims or attacking his opponents. The give and take between the president and the audience continued smoothly until the end of show.

Throughout the show President Rayale came across as an avuncular, tolerant likable guy who is far removed from the brooding monster painted by his detractors. Without the filter of opposition media and tribal websites the president was able to take his message straight to the people, addressing their concerns, rallying their support to move the country towards a path of progress. The format gave Mr. Rayale an opportunity to showcase his own attention to and knowledge of the important issues on the ground.

The president must avail himself at every opportunity to directly interact with the public. Obviously President Rayale has been getting bad advice from his trusted aides who tried to shield him from the prying eyes of the public. The result of this unnecessary caution is a situation where every little Dick, Tom and Harry with a soapbox started to have a field day to impugn president Rayale’s most precious asset, his personal reputation.

From here on, the only thing president Rayale has to fear is fear itself, he should trust more his own gut instructs rather than his ever more cautious aids. By hunkering down and not engaging his critics the president and his associates look like they have something to hide. In politics being on the offensive is far better than being on the receiving end of unfounded opposition charges.

The presidency is a bully pulpit. It provides its occupant with a terrific platform to address issues of particular importance to the public at any given time. The office of the president is more than just an elected political person exercising executive power. Its roles includes among other things the use of moral suasion to inspire the public to social change, appealing to business people to work for the common good and generally prodding the nation into volunteerism and conservation of natural resources. President Rayale must unleash his energy, considerable talents and his affection for the people to transform Somaliland society into a more progressive caring nation.

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