By Abdirahman Ahmed Ali

Most commonly, the term constitution refers to a set of rules and principles that define the nature and extent of government. Most constitutions seek to regulate the relationship between institutions of the state, in a basic sense the relationship between the executive, legislature and the judiciary, but also the relationship of institutions within those branches. In the case of Somaliland, this term refers specifically to a national constitution defining the fundamental political principles, and establishing the structure, procedures, power and duties, of a government. Most national constitutions also guarantee certain rights to the people.

As Somaliland citizens, "Our Constitution has guided our nation since the inception of our country 16 years ago and should never be used to single out a group of Somalilanders for discrimination.   This is a reprehensible misuse of that document, which should only be used to expand individual rights. These politicians and individuals are engaged in an exploitive and dangerous political corruption and wiser Somaliland political leaders must stand up to them. The Somaliland Constitution is no place to play in politics, particularly when our nation is facing other critical issues such as an uncertain social services and economy besides terrorist threats to our homeland. The safety of our troops in Eastern States of Somaliland must have first priority because we sleep and enjoy stability due to their protection to us.  

Somaliland opposition and ruling party should not mislead terms of the constitution to achieve their political objectives. Constitution should be respected but not misused and it is responsibility of every citizen to learn. Ministry of Education and Sports should add Somaliland Constitution in the school syllabus. This will minimize particular people with objectives to misguide the public who even do not know the number of pages in the constitution. Recently, Opposition and Ruling Parties in uncivilized manner and unconstitutionally criticized each other, which shows that no one even has clue about constitution articles. Our political personalities frequently attack each other to achieve their party gaining without knowing the constitutionality of their doings.

Somaliland Constitution should be referred to solve political differences between our political bodies including entire operations in the country, because it is predefined terms and conditions to lead the country and people. Constitution should be respected and cured incase of amendments by elected parliament only. Somalilanders voted for 97% YES VOTE during Referendum Election 2001, and democratically elected government in Hargeysa should follow the wish and desire of the people.

Majority of Somaliland Politicians misguide the constitutions excusing with "Hadal waa Margi" or "Lajiifyaana banaan la joojiyaana banaan" or "Ku qabso ku qadi mayside". All these phrases in Somaliland politics completely misguide and mistranslate the Constitution. Somaliland Constitution is a subject of such inexcusable mistakes to achieve personal interest including winning government seat or misguiding the public. Constitution of Somaliland should be added in the school syllabus and should be distributed in public areas to educate the people about their rights. Somaliland Parliament as legislative authority in Somaliland must monitor and protect constitution against any form of misuses or violations.

Such premature attempts by few shortsighted politicians and citizens should be prevented in the future, who violate constitution articles should be sued in the court by the name of Somaliland Constitution. Ladies and Gentlemen, everybody will fight back if somebody insults so why don’t we react on insults against our national constitution.

Under the circumstances one wonders how we can get out of the current mess, which has been created by general misuse of provisions of the Constitution; these abuses should be carefully examined and judged as per Somaliland Constitution. Our national Constitution had not been abused and misused only over the years but some of politicians wish to be scrapped for good, because it blocks him achieving personal objectives.

The constitution is not holy like that of Koran; it can be amended through elected parliament only or public vote, in order to merge our constitution with modern world and developments. Every citizen should respect and guard the constitution because its our governing documents, which teaches us how to live together in peace and share every national resource of Somaliland without any discrimination.

Allah blesses Somaliland ……………. We all stand united

E-mail: an.ahmed@somaliland.net