By Hamza S. Yusuf

Somaliland’s continued efforts at self-governance, political maturity and economic regeneration has won it laurels in various quarters, and caused a flurry of activity and debate more recently.

As President Dahir Rayale returns from his recent visits to Washington, London and Addis, core issues remain unresolved and important questions unasked. To what extent is this all empty smoke and pomposity to detract from the more nefarious Government led goings on inside the country which have the potential to de-stabilize the very thing which sets the fledgling state apart from its neighbors, its relative peace and security?

Over the past several years Governance in Somaliland under the Rayale administration has been categorized largely by malpractice, incompetence, arrogance and increasingly, flagrant dictatorial tendencies. Almost nothing has been achieved in assisting or protecting the nation’s most vulnerable civilians. This includes, building the institutional capacity of the state, forging consensus on issues of national importance (including Puntland) and supporting the creation of an environment conducive to economic regeneration and growth.

Available indicators on health (including morbidity and mortality rates), water, sanitation, and education reinforce the wider vulnerability of the civilian population. The problem is further compounded by the presence of a sizeable, and long suffering displaced population little assisted by the Government, despite the best intentions of humanitarian aid organizations.

Rule of law is severely constrained and little justice is available to victims of abuses in the absence of an adequate police force, judiciary or other law enforcement personal. Orchestrated directly from the Presidential Palace, a climate of corruption, undue influence and pervasive threats underscore every decision taken.

Increasingly Orwellian in its methods, all civilians who do not follow the “prescribed Government line” are swiftly and effectively silenced including, Human Rights defenders, civil society groups, opposition members and media professionals. For many this is a mode of action worryingly reminiscent of a previous era, and one which was characterized by wide-scale human rights violations and an ensuing bloody civil war - the Barre Years. This is easily forgotten during the more glamorous “tours” abroad which serve to distract and remove focus from the gutted core at the centre.

It is simply not enough to say that the State has been cut off from international financial institutions, direct bilateral assistance, and other sources of development and investment capital. That’s only one part of the jigsaw. A periodic round of handshakes and photo opportunities in lukewarm western capitals does not make up for the real lack of momentum on core issues which can make or break the country. For the good of the nation, real root-and-branch change must be instituted, and fast.

With elections planned for this year, and setting aside the people’s historical tendency towards tribal affiliations, the electorate will have the chance to pass their verdict on the track record of the present Government. If the electorate is robbed of its voice (some would argue for a second time), through unconstitutional delays, blocks and maneuverings, many agree that the very existence of country will be in jeopardy.  

Some commentators often ask what have the political parties done? In keeping with international law, it is not the political parties, but the elected Government of Somaliland (with accompanying resources of the State at its disposal) which bears the primary and overriding responsibility for assisting and protecting its civilian population.

Recently, in support of the Government-led organized manifestation for Somaliland independence, Kulmiye Party Leader, Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo was quoted:

“Maanta waxaynu isugu soo baxnay Calankaa Somaliland ee aynu qaadanay in dunidu ictiraafto inaynu muujino inaynaan ku kala qaybsanayn, inaynu muujino inaynu dad mid ah nahay, inaynu muujino inaynu dad walaalo ah nahay”

Yet again Mr. Sillanyo demonstrates what differentiates him from other politicians. Time and time again he has demonstrated that he is willing to put aside any difference for the sake of national good.

We do not have to look very far for other examples. Almost five years ago following the widely disputed Presidential vote amidst allegations of Government rigging, massive irregularities and unlawful interference, and having followed what little “legal” remedies which existed, the Kulmiye Party under Sillanyo’s leadership relinquished any further claims for the sake of peace.

Today, in the aftermath of Kenya’s recent bloody uprisings, amidst allegations of wide-scale rigging by the Government, an estimated half a million people have been affected by the reactionary violence and ensuing humanitarian crisis, including a quarter of a million people who have become internally displaced with little or no hope. That could have been the sad tale of Somaliland but for the mature decision taken by the members of the Kulmiye Party under Ahmed Sillanyo’s leadership.

Ironically, Md. Cabdillaahi Cabdi Xaaji Cumar (Jawaan), the former Vice Chair of the National Electoral Commission recently noted:

“Guddoomiyaha xisbigu (Kulmiye) waa guddoomiyihii ugu muddada dheeraa ururkii SNM ee dalka xoreeyey. Maalmihii ugu adkaa ee ugu foosha xumaa waa ninkii lagu dhaadanayay ee la lahaa Siillaanyo dhalay, soo dhigay xaqii, wuu dhacay Siyaad qof walba oo muwaadin ah ama caruurtu ku hadaaqaysay, markii danbena si dimuquraadiyad ah ayuu kaga tagay oo uu uga tanaasulay, xisbiganna isaga ayaa aasaasay oo intayada kale waanu ku soo biirnay. Siilaanyo waa ninkii dhamaystiri lahaa seeskii uu soo dhisay Marxuum Cigaal”.

Despite the current media attention surrounding diplomatic recognition, and given the Government’s superficial attempts to distract attention from the core issues, one thing is for certain. External supportive powers will look very long and very hard at the completion of “the rocky road to democratization” in the upcoming Presidential elections before making any final determinations. Kenya should remain a stark warning to all Somalilanders in the struggle to find the delicate balance between peace, democracy, security and enduring freedom.