By Liban A.D. Obsiye, London

I am a patriotic member of the Somaliland Diaspora who naturally staunchly believes in the recognition of Somaliland as an independent State free from any association with the unstable war torn Somalia. However, I am forced on this occasion to depart with my behavioral nature and complain about the current state of affairs within Somaliland.

As a people the majority of Somalilanders all over the world are working very hard to lobby for the recognition of their State so that we as a nation may be able to enjoy all the privileges and international support, financial or otherwise, that accompanies the recognition of any international State. But it will be fair to assume that our elected leader in Hargeysa does not care in the slightest about the diplomatic damage and embarrassment his actions are causing to, not only our credibility as a free democratic nation, but to the legitimacy of his administration in the eyes of the world. In order to advance and achieve our aim of global recognition it is fundamental that we demonstrate to our sympathetic supporters around the world as well as those that oppose our aim that we are a democratic nation, with a functioning rule of law that places no man above the law whilst at the same time ensuring no man is outside the scope of protection by the law. We must also continue to demonstrate that we are a civilized nation committed to peace and I have every confidence in the Somaliland public’s ability to do this.

The peace Somaliland enjoys is deeply rooted in the publics desire to create positive change within their borders and to pursue an aim of creating a better life for themselves and their fellow citizens. But Mr. President, the question is do you share this aim with them? Are you in touch with public opinion and the needs of your people? From your actions of arresting and continuing to hold the Haatuf journalists, it appears as though you are not. In fact, it is easily arguable that the President is a burden to not only the Somaliland public but also to the wider aspiration of the nation as he is polarizing opinion, creating division and creating suspicion and uncertainty among the traditional tribes of Somaliland. This can have devastating effect as military coups and public uprisings are not an alien concept in the African continent, especially when the public is disgruntled with their leaders and are provoked by corruption.

However, despite the above, I as a Somalilander still believe that we will recognize our dream as a sovereign nation in time and president Rayale can still play a major part in bringing it about; but this will only happen when he leads from the front and by example through his deeds. President Rayale’s main aim should be to regain he support of his people through the immediate release of the Haatuf journalist and also set up an independent inquiry into the allegation made by the journalists led by an impartial character. Also, there has been a considerable amount of rhetoric concerning change coming from the Presidential palace but very little policy ideas on education, healthcare and the rebuilding of the major roads and other important amenities. One over used excuse by the current administration to defend its dismal record on all fronts has been lack of funds but investigated more thoroughly one could be forgiven for concluding that had taxes on goods as well as corporations been collected and allocated properly, Somaliland could have generated enough revenue to fund free primary education for all that required it as well as provide basic healthcare for a large proportion of the public.

To conclude, Somaliland’s future looks bright and promising as more and more nations are welcoming our delegations for consultations and talks all over the globe but in order to lead us through the struggle for independence and maybe even after recognition (inshallah), President Rayale must redeem himself and act more like the democratically elected leader he is than the paranoid, irrational dictator that appears to have replaced him of late. Personally, I urge President Rayale to release the journalists and restore credibility to the countries rule of law and also, to open his eyes and heart to the pain and suffering of his countrymen who have entrusted him with the task of leading them as well as creating policies that benefit them and their nation. President Rayale must realize that Presidents are only humans and as a result are prone to making mistakes but what defines a real leader is their ability to recognize their mistake, admit to it and change their ways so that they maybe able to steer their nation in the right direction.

Libanbakaa@hotmail.com