By Abdi Goud Musa

My hat is off for the Election Committee that has tapped Rashid Nur Garuf for the Chairmanship of the Somaliland forum for the annual year 2007 to 2008. I also commend the committee for the good team they surrounded him.

For the record, I am not a member of the Somaliland Forum any more. The reasons I am not a member is for another day and for another piece of writing.

I met Rashid Garuf as a member of Somaliland Forum. Rashid has shown dedication, generosity, tirelessness, and vision.

To begin with, Rashid is one of the most dedicated Somalilanders I know of. He played a great role in initiating, organizing, facilitating, and implementing a rally that Somaliland Forum members held in front of the United Nations in 1995. He also played great role in organizing, facilitating and documenting SOPRI conferences of both 2005 and 2006. He is always there where there is some event for the cause of Somaliland in Washington area.

Second, Rashid is very generous with his know how, time, effort, and money when it is for Somaliland and for Somalilanders. Rashid played a great role and contributed financially every fun raising that was held for any project in Somaliland such as the: Burao Hospital, Hargeisa University, the Orphanage houses in Somaliland, and Burco University.

Third, though Rashid has young family and demanding career he has demonstrated tirelessness when it comes to causes of Somaliland and Somaliland people.

Lastly but not the least, Rashid has vision. Rashid’s vision is peace, stability, prosperity and the pursuit of happiness for all Somalilanders no matter one’s tribal background, economic status, or gender. His vision is Somaliland that is governed under the rule of law. He is for respect, security, and justice for all.

Rashid played a great rule in opening Somaliland Forum for non Isaaqs. He was one of the people who floored the issue and won majority votes for making it reality.

I am hoping and praying for the day any Somalilander who wants to come a member of Somaliland Forum is allowed without any condition including those Somalilanders who advocate for Somali Unity. Somaliland Forum should be a place where opposing points of view are encouraged. It should be where intellectual challenges are tolerated and encouraged. I am hoping that to materialize under Rashid’s leadership and guidance.

In Conclusion, Rashid Garuf’s election for the Somaliland Forum chairmanship is sign of maturity, sign of tolerance, and sign of inclusion.

Rashid: NIN LAGU SEEXDOW HA SEEXAH

Abdi Goud Musa

Connecticut , USA

agoud22 [agoud22@cox.net]