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Somaliland's Interests Best Served By Promoting Peace In Mogadishu
By Yassin M. Ismail, London
I cannot believe how an entire national legislative assembly like that of Somaliland House of Elders, could be so hasty and uncreative in responding to the statement of the local Sultans, in which they adverted their willingness to accept the desperate pleas of the Somali Imam asking them to spearhead a new mediation process to reconcile the warring Somali factions of the south. In principle, peace-making is an act of religious obligation. It is also a common humane practice and traditional duty that is very much embedded in our culture.
In his statement on Monday, the leader of the House, Sheikh Ibrahim Sh. Madar vowed to outlaw any attempts by Somaliland sultans to take part in the proposed mediation to reconcile the belligerent sides of the Hawiye clan and stop the fratricidal hostilities in Mogadishu. This statement is contrary to the fundamental principles of Islamic teaching, and the Sheikh, being a descendant of a long list of religious figures, was not expected to take such a radical stance. It is equally inexcusable also that the House of Elders or the Guurti, being the highest and the most respected legislative chamber in Somaliland, have acted in such erratic manner, when issuing a decision like that of Monday.
The statement, which was broadcasted on the BBC, illustrated how uncreative, infertile and transparent these guys are. Mind you, we have trusted them with the bigger responsibility of considering what is best for both the country and the nation, and making life-changing decisions on our behalf.
However, it turned out that they lack strategic vision in their leadership, and I hope I will be forgiven for questioning their competence and aptitude to run the country. In fact, I wonder what they would do if they were confronted by a more complex and brain-teasing scenario than whether or not to help make peace in Somalia. For this is relatively ‘simple’.
My opinion is that, first of all, we must accept and have faith that Somaliland can neither be shaken, nor be forced to compromise on the very cause that forms the basis of its existence. Somaliland is a separate and independent entity and possesses relatively strong legal attributes for sovereign statehood. So, come what may, Somaliland is here to stay. Hence, no one can convince me that a few traditional sultans would be able to undermine its existence, simply because they wish to help others to mend fences.
This argument is not only cheap scare-mongering, it is blended with absurd mysticism. Secondly, I suggest that promoting peace and rationality in Mogadishu would serve Somaliland’s interests.
In addition, we must play an active role in any
peace process aimed at reviving Somalia and maintain influence on the
shakers and movers of the game. Working proactively towards achieving this
goal would certainly improve our chances of becoming a credible member state
of the region. I also believe that, by contributing to peace-building
efforts in Somalia, we are making a significant political investment in shaping the future of that
country, and paving the way for good relations with the people there. This
approach will create a friendly atmosphere, in which, we can better advocate
our cause for secession and a mutually amicable divorce, to mark the end of
the 1960’s union. Anyone who entertains dogmatic skepticism that suggests
otherwise, or adheres to the primitive view that helping the south end
hostilities, would, in theory, entail detrimental effects on Somaliland’s
prospects of gaining international recognition, certainly, is wrong. As a
matter of fact, under the present political circumstance of Somalia, it
would be foolish to contemplate that this bunch of infamous warlords would
be in a position to say, Okay, we recognize Somaliland. The world will never
believe them.
Somaliland's demand of ‘recognition’ as a precondition for engaging in talks
with Somalia, is mindless. We are facing a political stalemate, and I
strongly believe that neither skepticism, isolationism, or rhetoric, will
break the cycle of political stagnation that surrounds Somaliland now. The
question remains: how can we possibly pull through this? In my opinion, I
don’t think we will, unless, we change our attitude.
I urge the authorities in Somaliland and the legislative chambers, to review
the current strategies, and explore other options, using creativity as the
key to breaking the impasse. In pursuing that goal, the Sultans must work
closely with the other institutions and relevant political apparatuses of
the government, in order to establish a common strategy for the issues.
Finally, I would like to say to Sh. Ibrahim, and his devoted cheerleaders of
the Guurti, ‘Sorry folks!...the Sultans seem to know better this time.’ Just
wise up!
May I remind them of a few lines from M.I. Hadraawi’s historic poem,
Daalalay:
Dalka waan aqaanaa
Bahal iga da waynoo
Dad cun ahi ma joogee,
Madidee hargooloow
Ha ii tumin durbaanada
Iyo daasadaa madhan.
Roughly translated:
I know how the land lays there
No bigger predator exists than I
Tell NOT to whoever bluffs to be thee
That beats leather drums
And empty vessels
Hoping I’d be scared off.
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