The Camel Meat And The Real Situation Somaliland

By Ibrahim Adam Ghalib Borama.

Before I start my topic today, I wish to take this opportunity to thank and praise the community elders of Somaliland who made possible the reconciliation possible .These men were the custodians to mend the differences and put the corner stone for the peace we are living in today. They have provided with ideas, inspiration and pressed us to think beyond what we have gone through in the past. Searching always for new and more effective ways to work toward our country’s goals. We have to follow their foot steps and guide the country down the road successfully. Success does not come easily and there is nothing impossible if we have the will and honestly work together depending on our resources and careful planning. Having said this I have to report the reality on the ground that there are few people who enriched themselves and eating camel meat and heaps of kat everyday while the majority of the people are starving. The vehicles of those privileged run on government fuel. To wake up in the morning and get 20 or more liters of gasoline for your car from a government is the order of the day. Nobody can deny that you have to pay for any services you need from any local county or central government office. Tribal hatred is on the increase these days and the last one in Togwajaleh is an example and this happens here and there every day. The mission of our community elders who made the reconciliation in the difficult times should be fulfilled and put forward quick remedies otherwise even peace can be derailed which we cannot afford.

The parliament is on the test and yet to be seen. The public is watching closely and the budget for next year will be the 1st test. They should begin 4 months earlier and get themselves equipped with the necessary information from the Accountant general’s office. The last years budget should be available, the warrants sent to the regions is also required and if need be the accounts of the six regions is to be checked. This will be the first remedy. We need here political, economical and social reforms.

The political parties should also make reforms of their parties otherwise they will loose momentum. Central committee meeting should be called for to discuss all issues including the structure of the parties from top to bottom.

The most important is to address the salaries of the employees even if most of the budget is classified to salaries since the whole money is spent in the Ministries and nothing goes to the regions. This is the only way we can combat corruption which has become normal in our society.

I am suggesting that the economy of the country is to be put in the hands of the people. All services should be privatized like electricity, hospitals, water and sanitations. The local NGo should work freely and the government should not be in the middle. All government contracts have to be done by the public and not the government. In this way we can solve the economic stagnation of our people and transparency and accountability be reached. In this purpose Shaba Borama water is an example. Here comes also the civic societies – the people who voted the parliament and the president to office should participate in the political, economical issues and the necessary organization formed without government hindrance.

A Successful government must have clear, easily articulated goals. This should express values of importance to the public – justice. Fairness and equality is to be advocated. Battles are rarely won by or lost by single effort and successful advocacy requires public support. We are waiting a new government which the president promised to be formed and not more than 15 ministries. The e unpopular –extra ordinary ministers should be out posted. And if we empower the people, this will be the answer of Somaliland’s poverty.

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