By Ja’far Abdulqadir

Somaliland needs nothing less than a “political revolution” that will revitalize Somaliland democracy and move the country toward social justice.

“At a time when more and more Somalilanders are giving up on the political process, and when the Businessmen have unprecedented wealth and power it is imperative that we launch a grass-roots revolution to enable ordinary Somalilanders to regain control of their country.

The tragic consequence of thousands of low income and working people losing faith in the ability of the government to respond to their problems, is that today Somaliland has, by far, the lowest income since 1991. Meanwhile, the rich and businessmen are pouring thousands into the political process and three political parties (Kulmiye, UDUB, and UCID). The obvious result is that many candidates who are elected end up being more concerned about pleasing their personal interest than representing the needs of people, children, the elderly or the poor.

We need a political revolution in this country one that will revitalize Somaliland stability and move us toward social justice. We should make every effort to achieve the progress, stability, and social progress. All Somalilanders must enjoy a decent standard of living, rather than having, as at present, the most unfair distribution of wealth and income of any nation. It is time for a political revolution to revitalize Somaliland stability and move the country toward social justice.

Freedom and justice don’t come easy. SNM fought for years for social justice, fairness, and freedom in which all people could take part, rather than just the politician and intellectuals. Somaliland Youth struggled for years before they could fully participate in the political process.

In my view, the major struggle that we have now is for economic, political and social justice. If there is no struggle there is no progress. Those who profess to favor political freedom and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground, they want rain without thunder and lightening. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters.

We have enough wealth and resources in this country today to end poverty, make health care available for all, and provide the best education in the world. We won’t accomplish those goals, however, unless all Somalilanders reclaim their historic revolution by fully participating in the political process: by to speak and act for social justice.

I think that the effort is difficult and the outcome uncertain, but I think the effort must be made. Either we bring them freedom, or they destroy us.

By Ja’far Abdulqadir,
Gabilay, Somaliland