Is Somaliland Democracy Been Threatened?

By Saleban D. Abdillahi

The house of elder’s term has been stretched, the election days have been extended, the Qaran Political leaders are still in top-security prison, the constitutional crises are intensified, human rights abuse issues are under debate, Shuro-net (human rights union) executives have been altered and replaced, media is been threatened, which all means a democracy under siege and the world communities are watching.

Peace isn’t just that we aren’t shooting each other or the absent of a civil war but it is also protecting the stability of the country and respecting the rights of others. Democracy has no place of suppressing freedom of speech, ignoring the constitution, and sending to prison those who talk loud.  Those who threaten the democracy have no respect for human dignity. Democracy is enjoying freedom, respecting each others views and empowering the community to do the same. “Freedom is indivisible. The freedom of one is the freedom of other, and where one is unfree, no one is free” Mandela 

Breaking the law of the country or mumbling for emergency powers sits the outside of the democratic nation’s fences. “We build communities out of crises and we build communities by accident, but we don’t know how to build community by design” Scott Peck.

Somaliland government and the opposition parties are all in receipt of a failing grades from the voters because neither the government has done an adequate amount of decent work to attract the people of Somaliland nor the opposition parties have put an effort pressuring the government to do their job or guard the constitution. Unfortunately, the people of Somaliland have no alternative but to pick one of the three main party leaders that exist now unless otherwise a miracle happen. The government and the opposition parties are also not in favor to witness new blood in the political arena (battlefield) for the sake of their benefits. The members of parliament have failed to amend the constitution to allow other citizens’ participant such Presidential and Municipal elections. The attorney general’s office has disregarded to solve the constitutional problems that we experienced in the past. The House of elders is still happy with their four years of extension and won’t risk disagreeing with any of the political wings because it is believed the four years extension was unconstitutional.

Pay attention part time democratic governments have been known to be failure and the world would prefer to deal with those who engage full time democratic course. Since Somaliland is still searching recognition from the world, then we should all be very vigilant of our political practices. Political scars last longer than we can imagine and it takes greater amount of time to heal or some of the wounds may never heal. Political prisoners, media intervention, human rights abuse, constitutional crises, emergency situations, coups, safety of foreigners, fraudulent elections, financial responsibility and lack of compromises are the highlights the world communities depend on, to assess situations a country is going through. Somaliland is one of the countries that are indeed under the microscope by the international observers and any small events will be scrutinized. Unless we meet the international demands and stay in the course of been a democratic government, Somaliland will still be searching recognition beyond next decade and will face difficulties of wining a seat in the Unite Nations Assemble.  We as Somalilanders have never been closer to get recognition and spoiling this trend will cost us greater price than we have already paid.  People of Somaliland are carefully watching the political turmoil the country is going through and will evaluate your (the politician’s will of sacrifice) honesty, ambitions and ability of solving crises. I would dispense my advice to those who are in power such as Government, Members of Parliament, UCID and Kulmiye come together to solve the critical issues such as: Constitution, Political prisoners (particularly Qaran leaders), Human rights and any other conflicts that the international community could take a notice and action. You must come together to work hard to root out conflicts, corruption, poverty, and start creating jobs.

 I must give a credit to Somaliland Army Forces, our government, the opposition parties and Somalilanders for the recent victories from eastern region and the peace prosperity we are all enjoying lately but there is still room for improvement. As we speak, our neighboring country Somalia stands out a harsh and brutal rebuke to all Somalis for matters, as a result of that, a malicious slaughter of the innocent civilian is taking place in front our own eyes and the world says Somalia will never known stability and peace, that Somalia will never experience development and growth, that Somalian children will forever be condemned to poverty and dehumanization and that Somalia will ever be begging food from the world. We as Somalilanders must thank to Allah what we have now and respect each other. 

In conclusion, I’m requesting from the government to release all political prisoners including Qaran party leaders, legalize new political parties including independent candidates, recall the media bill and tolerate any human right’s organization to fully practice democracy with the respect to the law.

Thanks

salebandahir@gmail.com