PUNT-LAND NEEDS A STRUCTURAL REFORM WITH MAAKHIR FOLKS AT THE FOREFRONT.
BY AHMED OSMAN DIRIE
Dear readers, We have seen the arrogance and cynicism of our appointed leaders and the near collapse of a political system our people championed. How can we regain our relative peace and governance back while putting the grand ambitions of self-interested politicians to an end. Yes the Maakhir Diaspora (esp the Dubai and Minneapolis residents and businessmen) have given unlimited contributions to their sole candidate and his political platform to turn around our dismal economic conditions. Yes he promised to strengthen the security of the ancient coastal city of Laas Qoray and win or privide grants for the functions of the management structure already set up in order to pave the way for the final re-construction of its port.
Given that Puntland has shown no plans to revitalize cities in Sanaag and western Bari regions or support local Co-operative Societies in Maakhir, the only alternative option I can now imagine is the adoption of a new strategy. The details or the method of its implementation is practically left for the reformers of the state. But it has to be a peaceful method. One of which could be how to help the state achieve comprehensive peace while pursuing its national aim and objectives.
We have to encourage a policy of Diaspora return and investment as to bridge the widening gap of social needs and to stop the brain drain. Entering the national debate and process of forming viable political parties in Puntland has been an ongoing trend. I foresee the multi-party system shall rein in the excesses of tribalism, positively influence policymakers and hold our leaders accountable. This popular electorate could be a viable solution to our societal ills and the essence of our young democracy in Puntland. (A democracy that is based on the traditional role of our elders and sultans on ocassions that demand the application of conflict resolution on sensitive matters is insufficient). I acknowledge more social and political space is needed for the press and the media to exercise their constitutional right to inform, investigate and have direct access to politicians and elected officials' public records.
The time has come for the Puntlanders to cast themselves not only as the gatekeepers of our common interest, peace and sustainable development but also as the vanguard of a new political order without forgetting the injustices of the past. To gainsay the current tidal wave of public discontent with Faroole's power structure, the irresponsible behavior with which the Galgala debacle was handled, and the regressive agreements of mineral and oil exploration rights in all of the conflict-prone areas of Puntland without proper consultation, planning and a feasibility study of the potential spillover cost and benefits, is to commit political suicide. Nevertheless, the current amorphous crisis---and attendant social and economic deterioration---needs real reform of our political system with a Abdullahi-Yusuf style of leadership as the cornerstone. Corruption which always interfers with the normal function of any government was wholly unheard of or minimal to
say the least. He worked with decisiveness for the ultimate goal of our colective interest and the restoration of Somalia unlike a government run by Farole's remote control.
Now that we are back to a normal situation, President Faroole should avoid taking a backseat from a huge task ahead or let his extremist members of the cabinet bask in their current celebratory mood of yet another looming victory. That certainly is a recipe for a similar miscalculation when the elders of Western Bari region asked the administration for a temporary mandate to peacefully disarm the tribal militias in Galgala. President Faroole should not court another armed revolt.
We should also be aware of the external and internal dark forces that are working to destablize the region: Foreign conspiracy to sow the seeds of discord in one community, the unchallenged presence of a well-armed piracy in the coastal villages of Eyl and Gar'ad, the daring expansion of the secessionists, and a possible organized attack of Puntland by Islamic extremists from the South. All of these elements have one common denominator and that is to accelerate the violent dissolution of Puntland State and the marginalization of its clans just like in the early 90s.
Conclusion
Both citizens and government ministers, civil society, our women and elders must all hold onto a vision that trancends narrow interest groups (nepotism, clannism, etc) and must come up with new models and research efforts on how to improve our fragile democracy and achieve good governance. We aspire to a government that provides essential services, ensures the safety of its citizens, that regulates the number of businesses through advisory services, licensing, trade promition. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry should also establish commercial attaches, so that our thriving fishing industry such as Laas Qoray and Habo can explore and take advatange of new international markets for exporting opportunities. The Laas Qoray firm has already begun exporting its variety of products to as far as Australia. Similarly, other ministry departments can establish their own research organization that make detailed reports on their findings on both domestic projects and participation of seminars outside the country. 'Governance', The new book by Ismail Ali Ismail, for instance, has valuable resources on the specific functions for the departments of the Ministry of Interior and Local Government.
Ahmed Osman Dirie
Source:Laasqoray Online