By Mohamed Awaleh

Simply put matters in the broader prospect and explore the question of whether the deficit of Somaliland’s infant democracy is half-full or … Perhaps it could go either way depending whom you pose to the question and according to various school of thoughts. More often than not, articles analyzing her achievements write themselves. Pundits mention an unprecedented tranquility and peaceful co-existence that swept in the communities throughout the region, which per se exemplifies antithesis of everything that terribly went wrong in the South. Tout growth of healthy private and public institutions. Cite number of national election events that were openly contested and carried out without major incidents. Note some tremendous progress of freedom expression and habeas corpus related issues. If you have room, add to an ever-inching status toward of global recognition as a nation, which is gathering momentum of late. True, Somaliland has achieved all of the above without exaggeration. Such progresses have even surpassed expectations of its erstwhile staunchest allies and harshest critics alike. On the flip side, though, and with a dose of logic or style – not out of malicious intent, I bet to differ the beat of the crowd.

I am of the view that foundations of this struggling but inspiring nascent democracy as being susceptible to unsuspecting socio-political constraints. As matter of fact, too susceptible without addressing a host of lurking environs, territorial and socio-political factors. At minimum, with or without recognition, S/land should tackle number of sticking issues: Taming troubled eastern front, averting looming environs catastrophes and reforming electoral reps fiasco are all but few things that come into the mind. Dealing with such formidable issues and embarking on some holistic, rightful solutions will not only strength the roots of the newfound democratic values but it will foster a healthy, progressive communal and regional cohesion in the long range. First segment of this mildly opinionated commentary is about to cover the first issue.

Taming Troubled Front

Admittedly, there isn’t magic bullet for this perennial standoff so to speak. So far, Somaliland authority has done commendable job as far the three-dimensional ( 3Ds) of the containment policy- defense, diplomacy and development - of this bloodless conflict concerned. All it needed now is bolstering those pre-established policy facets by intermitting their priorities as the need arises. Never mind compulsive tribal hyperbolic-cum-fanatics who complain everything and about anything ad nauseam. They would have us believe again that this mission as being complete failing grade too. Alas, this is tough, violent-prone neighborhood where the valor of nomadism, shadows of perceived enemies and intricacy of tribal mystic elements run deep. Added to that with an omnipresent Majertenia’s menace and Col. Youf’s infantile endeavors for power hunger further complicates the matter. Whether claims are based on de facto kinship, rhetoric of sham nationalism or illusions of defunct territorial integrity, Mr. and his cohorts will never cease stocking after the troubled loyalty of the region’s inhabitants. Slights faux pas of policy measure on the part of Somaliland would trigger of some dramatic and serious political repercussions while, on the other hand, a simple laissez affair status might lead to questionable or even undesirable results. It doesn’t take battle hardened Gen. To reach in such conclusion. Heeding for the wisdom of the erratic emotional outbursts of few tribal lunatics wouldn’t deliver either, but rather it is just common sense approach given complexity of the cultural and socio-political landscape of the dispute.

Arguably, in full- blown skirmishes scenario, Somaliland might get the upper hand in the battlefield only to lose the bigger war- the hearts and minds of the affected residents. Thus, aside from ethical grounds, the fight for public relation’s campaigns of the inflicted region and the wider world will be fierce and decisive one that Somaliland cannot afford to lose or ignore in anyway. Also, a costly, large-scale scenario of fratricidal conflict would hit hard on S/land’s meager resources and economic sector, not mentioning the negative impact on the social fabric. Bear in mind also the reliability of the regional strategic friends (pseudo-friends, not necessarily genuine ones) who might switch sides like a seasonal winds.

Indulging in groupie bash isn’t my genres, especially when it comes to the folks of Sool and Sanag regions, but I thought we were all bonded and principled not so much by empty rhetoric of de facto kinship and tribal narcissism but rather by sense of history, resilience, pragmatism and realism. In addition, the whole notion of sweeping nationalism mantra in the east is nonsensical too, if not outright hypocrisy. Weren’t the Colonel & Co. the one who unlocked Pandora’s box of Abyssinian’s meddling in Somali affairs decades ago? No doubt an out of ignorance, opportunism and deep felt tribal fascism were the sole motives behind his past and present blunders. He should be the last person whose anyone of his right mind should entrust in nationalism bandwagon.

Further, the idea of one-size-fits-all for political spectrum of our eastern compatriots is misleading. It appears that majority of the decent and peace-loving folks were caught in the crossfire. Given some equitable democratic culture and rule of law, they wouldn’t hesitate about opting-in with a prosperous and stable Somaliland side instead of remaining majertenia’s political pawns.

Again, I couldn’t think of any immediate panacea of policy prescription for this protracted belligerence situation but still there are some rooms left for improvement regarding to the diplomacy and developmental policy areas. Somaliland should upgrade its containment strategy status into new level. Stepping up an effective and positive PR’s campaign along with regional development package commitment and refined communication channels is imperative, for instance, health, education sector or potable water improvement incentives are excellent, legitimate target issues. Traditional leaders, not the egocentric politician, are often trustworthy and close to the heartbeat of the masses and therefore disregarding their role can be counter-productive or even disastrous political move at worst. Consolidating the support of the allies, moderates and non-polarized forces in terms of ideological, moral, intellectual support or otherwise are vital. Overall, the Roman emperor’s notion of “ an Injustice Peace is better than Justice War” should remain the core of Somaliland’s policy motto in the region, which means walking between the fines lines of diplomacy, development and daggery situation. In the meantime, no matter what, let the hardliner pockets keep batting on the up-coming ignoble dark horses of Col. Youf till the day break of the dry white season arrives.

PS: Remaining two issues will be covered in the up-coming second part of the commentary.

Moe-awale@hotmail.com