We'll Need Peacekeepers, Somali Mediators Say

EDITORIAL

Rayale’s Worst Enemy Is Rayale

When President Rayale announced on July 3 the names of his last batch of appointees to the cabinet, Somalilanders across the political spectrum were disappointed by two things. First, the size of the cabinet which was unnecessarily too large. For sure the president came under immense pressure to enlarge the cabinet. But by whom? Of course, by members of Rayale’s own previous cabinet and UDUB insiders who want a piece of the cake. Were the president interested enough in the opinion of the vast majority of the public, he would have found out that most Somalilanders want a small and good government.

Second, the majority of members of the previous cabinet were retained. People thought at least Rayale wouldn’t reward the many individuals in his previous cabinet, who were associated with long years of mismanagement and corruption, with positions in the new government.

Third, Somalilanders hoped that Rayale as a young elected President would introduce positive changes in the way Somaliland is
governed. Unfortunately, it seems that the hopes of Somalilanders were misplaced. Though in office only since last June, President Rayale’s Administration suffers from incompetence and corruption.

As if the problems facing his Administration were not enough, President Rayale has embarked on a dangerous road of undermining the country’s constitution by keeping in office, and possibly re-appointing, ministers whose confirmation was rejected by the parliament. Two of these ministers (Duale and Qasim) who could not win confirmation, have been members of various cabintes for a decade, during which time they were known for their incompetence. Even if President Rayale succeeds in shoving them down the throats of the House of Representatives, there is no real possibility that either Duale or Qasim would perform any different than they have done for a decade.

After their disgrace in the House of Representatives, one would have expected Duale and Qasim to disappear quietly into retirement. But even more surprising than the desperate attempts by Duale and Qasim to cling to office, is the president's behavior. Many people want to know: why is the president trying so hard to keep them in his cabinet, when it is in his interest not to be seen anywhere near them; why is the president willing to risk confrontation with Parliament over such individuals; why does the president want to get bogged down on a fight over his nominees at such a critical time when his attention should be focused on critical internal and external issues.

President Rayale needs to re-focus his attention on the urgent matters awaiting him. He has already lost a lot of precious political capital and time on useless issues, such as keeping and re-nominating inept ministers. If he continues on his present course, he will have no one to blame but himself, and it would be fair to say that Rayale's worst enemy is Rayale.

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