Ali Gulaid, San Jose, USA
Sadly, the fallen heroes are already out of mind and the veterans are marginalized. Worse, Somaliland has handsomely rewarded the ("faqash"), by design, those who resisted the Somali National Movement (SNM). It is sad. For over a decade, the brutal dictator of Siyad Barre with one of the largest army in Sub-Saharan Africa under his command has bombarded and shelled the cities and innocent civilians of Somaliland without mercy. As if that wasn’t cruel enough, he hired mercenaries from South Africa to finish the job; but it was not meant to be. The SNM Mujahidiin have fought to the last drop and defeated the despot. Like any other war, the victory was achieved with blood and lots of it. Mujahid Lixli, Axmed Dhagaq, Koodboor, maxamed Cali, Cali Jowher, ina koosar are only few of the fallen heroes. Out of respect one would think Somaliland would at least assign a day for the remembrance of the fallen Mujahidin and the veterans. Rather, the Mujahidin are endangered species and that is a shame. Fortunately, it appears the days of the "faqash" are numbered and that Somaliland would soon pay tribute to their heroes and heroines. The Kulmiye Party central Committee has recently elected Cabdirahman Aw Cali, a veteran, as its candidate for the vice-presidency. I find this a fitting occasion to remind us who Cabdirahman Aw Cali is?
The SNM veterans have endured isolation, hunger, thirst, bodily harm and injuries and loss of comrades but Mujahid Cabdirahmaan Aw Cali has endured more. The Mujahid was shunned, excommunicated, stigmatized and ostracized for breaking ranks with his primary social base, the clan (even though a good number of the Mujahid’s clan supported the Movement, he was the only one in the SNM military wing; I stand corrected). Moreover, the Mujahid has endured the derogatory remarks directed at him whenever tempers flared.
The Somaliland familial and clan structure is deep rooted and those who break away from the tentacles of that octopus and sever that bond are few who have attained a state of mind and inner peace within themselves. The Mujahid has trusted his moral judgment and for health and for sickness, remained a staunch Mujahid. The SNM Mujahidiin as a group was selfless brave men/women with determination and Cabdirahman Aw Cali typifies and embodies that spirit and more. Mujahid Cabdirahman is independent minded leader and not a follower. His character and integrity is beyond reproach and his loyalty to Somaliland is beyond doubt. His conscience is clear and he has no chip on his shoulder.
Many believe that Cabdirahman Aw Cali would have been the President of Somaliland today if he kowtowed to Egal. Mujahid Cabdirahman isn’t a man easily intimidated. His classmates found that out early in life at the hockey-play ground in Sheikh Secondary School; Siyad Barre and his formidable evil forces found that out when the Mujahid met them at the battle ground; some of his clan found that out when he challenged their conscience; and Egal found that out the hard way. For the record, it is worth mentioning that Egal was forced to pick SNM Mujahid as his running mate by the SNM Mujahidiin who called him from exile and later nominated him for the candidacy of the presidency. Among the SNM group, Cabdirahman was the candidate chosen by consensus and hence Egal had no other option. This time Egal was a man in need and his tendency to pick the weak was thwarted. The Mujahid who defeated the well-armed Siyad forces wasn’t about to pander to Egal’s dominance and prominence. He firmly stood on his ground and Egal made no secret of his plan to drop Cabdirahman off the ticket next time around. In spite of that threat, Cabdirahman refused to flinch. As a man of principle, he continued tabling the proper course of action to resolve the issues without fear and reservations. Once again, Mujahid Cabdirahman Aw Cali listened to his heart and not his head. Indeed, he is a man of conviction. That is Cabdirahman Aw Cali but who is Ahmed Yassin?
True to his political dogma of picking the least qualified as his subordinate, Egal choose Rayaale as his running mate, a close relative of Abdirahman, after finding out that Cabdirahman Aw Cali wasn’t a YES man. As usual, the Gurti rubber-stamped Egal’s choice and the rest is history.
Today, as a result of Egal’s choice, Somaliland is breaking at the seams. The hope for recognition is fading, the ban of livestock export is standing, the Ethiopian border is still closed, owners of the goods and other property Ethiopia confiscated aren’t being compensated, the border skirmishes are alarmingly getting more frequent, Sool is off limit to elections, corruption is being legitimized and criminal activities are increasing by the day. Additionally, the term of the two Houses is coming to an end on May and the election laws haven’t been commissioned yet much less earmarking resources for the upcoming milestone. And guess what? The fear is another extension is inevitable. There is slew of other issues including the budget hemorrhaging in red and the besieged President, which illustrates that the President of the Nation is incapable of governing. Obviously, the President is weak and by extension Somaliland is weak. The result: Peace and stability, the hallmark of Somaliland is in danger.
But hope is on the way, in light of this paralyses and fear, Mujahid Mohamed Ahmed Mohamoud (Silanyo) and Mujahid Cabdirahman Aw Cali as a team are determined to resuscitate and rescue the country once again. Compare this team with Rayaale and Ahmed Yassin. No chance.
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