By Abdillahi Aden Hassan

There is an opposition party in every democratic country one can imagine about, its objective of which is to honestly address the national issues in ways that suit the country’s interests, and those of its citizens. It is, however, paramount for that to happen that the party i.e. the opposition party, should closely, and should constantly keep a watchful eye on the government’s policies, and how the later are executed, in order to find out its political loopholes, and weaknesses for becoming victorious, by getting publicity, by gaining more voters, and political support than it did in the past, to end up becoming the party that will run the country in the next general election.

The picture seen with the opposition here is quite different from that of its counterparts worldwide. It simply campaigns for its own welfare by doing only the things that it benefits from. Nothing else. It has also a diabolical genius to splitting the country right in the middle, as seen time, and again, by projecting its image for its own advantages such as broadcasting biased propaganda warfare, arguing that the government is doing this, and that, without any validity. The later is passive, no communications at all.

The Somalilanders are nonetheless coming to terms with its negative attitudes, and the support given then to the government was gathering momentum by the day, as the citizens did realize who their true friends were. There are, on the other side of the coin, failures that do not meet with our expectations we do experience in our political lives, in order to better our services, and building up our economy for achieving development in its real sense. The logic I am arriving at is the government has failed to reshuffle its cabinet so long as it did not make concrete results, development-wise.

The Kulmiye party does constitute of a list of individuals, characterizes by members whose personal interests come before those of an opposition, notably safeguarding the interests of both the country, and its citizens. The problem, to me, probably lies with the leadership, who has been around a lot in politics more than necessary within the current breed of politicians, if my memory fails me not. Those who are familiar with it can quantify, and perhaps assess whether any sustainable achievements are made, which may appeal to some individuals’ liking. It is intriguing to argue the fact that there is a tendency to sideline resources, and thus prioritize the personal phenomenon, by doing all ways, and means of becoming the winner in the election. A genuine question one may ask remains, is it fair for our cause to have such a leadership?

There was another analysis worth making that explains the fact that the leadership lacks the necessary tools for fulfilling its responsibilities. A debate with others about the sovereignty of Somaliland throws more light onto that issue of which it did not address it, as would have liked. Perplexed. There were, I am sure, many anonymous witnesses, who did hear, and did follow it from the BBC at the time. An argument put forward by professor Abdi Ismail Samatar emphasized the importance of unity, by citing the globalization process. The issue though sound is not favorable in our case; let our people express their wishes when they are ready for it, as countries say their positions, in terms of unity, when their governments, on behalf of their nationals, are definitely determined doing so.

The defeat experienced was not a setback to the Kulmiye Party only, but proved also very agonizing to all Somalilanders who did care, and value about our sovereignty. And on such occasions, political parties lose crucial voters of some degree of certain status.

The Hashi factor, and its legacy has caused some unwanted interruptions, and in fact, undermined the importance of the day on which we should have been celebrating in style. The day for which hundreds of thousands of our brothers, and sisters lost their lives, by using minors, who are not mature enough, to comprehend what is at stake. That intentional takes me to another dimension, that of sharing a word or two with my fellow countrymen, and women. We are supposed to repair the damages done to us, both human, and material losses, by the previous military regime, and indeed we are about to seek political support for making our dream of reclaiming our sovereignty, so that a point is proven, to convince everyone, a friend, and a foe alike, that we are capable of managing, and running our own affairs alone.

It goes without saying that there is now a barrier to be overcome, before other hurdles are attempted, by which we are engulfed with unrest, and disturbances. And it is unbelievable but true to witness such inconveniences, whilst we desperately need to prove a valid point of which we sustain our independence alone, and with a beaming confidence. We should genuinely like, and respect each other.

I am so sorry to say the barrier in question is erected by members from the community whose political ambitions is to run the country; there is only one post, and it is occupied by the favorite candidate at the time it mattered.

The most bizarre mistake ever committed by members from the community, if I may say so, was in that appalling instant during which they hurriedly, and hesitantly took our June independence southwards. And the result became crystal clear to everybody; a marriage between two different colonial systems was unsuccessful. I deliberately raised the discussion to artistically make a simile, the connotations of which indicate that Somaliland is made up of communities of which each, and everyone of them needs the companionship, and the courtesy of the other; no one is an island socially. And needless to say our dignified existence, and development depend on our unity. Our togetherness undoubtedly makes a huge difference. The point I am emphasizing is let us all seriously, and honestly take part in the construction of our country, so that stability, peace, and prosperity flourish.

It must be said that our commitment to that process, however, is vis-à-vis; our business community, being our well-to-do brothers, and sisters do not make financial contributions, as was the case previously. The economy feels a sharp bang at the moment. It should realistically endeavor to make our walking wagon a winner. And yet members simply take-for-guaranteed that the government is monied, and blindly demand dough off it. But remember the only inland Revenue generated, comes from taxation which is haphazardly collected. And it is the only available source.

My personal advice is to make contributions, both in kind, and in cash, if we can. Let us tend to our country’s needs co-operatively, and sincerely. Additionally let all of us pay our due taxes in time, so that development programmes for the public are undertaken for our welfare, and our betterment.

I must pinpoint the fact that there is no nation on this earth that can match our warmth, compassion, wit, generosity, and intelligence. And, working tirelessly together, we can achieve all our objectives, with all our skills at our command.

Abdillahi Aden Hassan (A Social Policy Issues Analyst)