Constitutionalism First For Shuro-Net Members

Dear colleagues and SHURO-Net

It may not be easy to comment on certain things in SHURO-Net especially when writing from afar. The widely supplied documents on the legalities of the Human Rights network elections goes with great concern for people who would have love to support the Network.

The people whose task is to advocate for human rights in Somaliland may be perceived negatively not knowing that such conflicts can be positive at times but also bring about a sad look and reputation of a seemingly good organization. It happens that the fight for legitimacy comes from either sides, the current Board and the proposed coming board, the rule of law and use of constitutionalism would be the best way to pursue democracy in a country like Somaliland. To portray such an image SHURO-Net need to see itself more practical in principle and practice. Accusations and counter accusations need to be referred to their constitution. BUT WHO will champion this for the two sides? My humble advise is that let each of the Organizations working in the Human Rights sector in Somaliland. To avoid such scenarios it is better for the NGOs to have Board of Trustees (BoT) these can be people less interested in the offices of NGOs and yet can play a big role in whenever there is power vacuum or conflicts in an NGO.

I may in future send you the common roles of the BoT and see how they differ from those of the GA and Executive Board.   

Thanks
Amir Ahmed Manghali

Former DW - Progressio Hargeysa