Punt-Land Needs a Structural Reform with Maakhir folks at the forefront

[Taleexi]

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

[Timur]

In a perfect world, Maakhir would be a big issue, in fact I lobbied for Gen. Ilkajiir to be Puntland's next president. But, there's the issue of cost vs. benefit. Maakhir region is desolate, without roads, and not strategically placed. Its not that other cities in Puntland get special attention, its that their geographic placement offers advantages to them and this is appealing to the state.

[Thankful]

'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.

 

I like how he advertised the book at the end!

[Taleexi]

The book is in my possession and I read it. I must say it is a good read not to mention the author is a Somali political pundit. Nevertheless, like any other book it should be examined and critiqued. Both its strengths and weaknesses should be put under the radar.

[NASSIR]

Isn't the indivisible public good the reason we have a transitional state government?

 

Timur, mimicking your logic, who resides in and thus wields title deed on the strategic highway of El-Dahir, Carmo, Karin, Bali-Khadar, Laag, and the land on which the Bosaso airport is located? The U.N agency has a population density map, dated 2004 so to call Maakhir regions (Erigavo-Bosaso) desolate shows only your ignorance. (Take a look at it)

Second, There existed once manned toll stations on all of the Makhir inhabited strateic main road prior to the formation of Puntland. They were dismantled after the tribes agreed to establish the state. Most of the clan militias were then demobilized and incorporated into the new army of the state.

 

Both the UNDP and the World Bank have plans for infrastructural projects, but they have yet to see a viable and strong admin with which these joint projects can be undertaken. Instability and lack of development are fueled by the erosion of public integrity with the admin.

[NASSIR]

Maqaal wanaagsan baad soo ku soo dhejisey halkaan yaa Taleexi, laakiin caqli iyo fikiraad dheer bay dadkeena u baahan yihiin. Of the latest News, forward to me by a friend, " A new train system would be built from Egypy- Sudan-Kenya- Tanzania."

[Thankful]

Originally posted by NASSIR:

who resides in and thus wields title deed on the strategic highway of El-Dahir, Carmo, Karin, Bali-Khadar, Laag, and the land on which the Bosaso airport is located?

Ahhh, the Puntland government? The area's you mentioned are inhabited by numerous groups. That is why it is unwise to claim that only one does. The Airport is the property of the government.

 

The fact you need to remind people all the time Nassir, shows that you probably know that what you are saying is made up. No one but the government can claim any part of the road.

 

Nevertheless, I agree that Puntland needs Structural reform. Every segment of society must be given a voice. If the people of Eastern Sanaag and Western Bari or anywhere else feel marginalized then their concerns must be addressed. I hope that Faroole implements political parties. With that being said, I think without an effective Federal Government there is only so much the Puntland government can accomplish.

 

But again, no single group can claim to have special privilege just because they allege to be indigenous to the area.

[Naxar Nugaaleed]

i was gonna say something but remembered an old saying, if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing...to all the maakhirians, as the legendary seamen of the north, i think you know when to jump ship...

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

deleted

[booxaroampdildishi region]

while ive been fallowing this site ive read some funny comments specially coming from folks like timure who doesnt have the slightest knowledge of the maakhir regions specially when they the same folks whos aims r to expand into makhir territory of somaliland.arinkuu bilaabey abdullahi yusuf bey weli wadaan dont kno if you kno this but back 2003 dagaalki carmo in order to get head up from reerka he has spent half of million in Carmo to build those villas that surounds lamiga and fund army of just ali saleban tribe to figth against the dhahar tribe which at that time was led by yasin habeeb who at the present time is the comm ciidanka somaliland ee cawsane. reality on the ground is makhirs dont need puntland they need us, in sanaag region makhirs are already part of qaranka somaliland but not yet taxed propperly and in coming months inshalah there will be key improvements, and in bari region there will be movements and there has to be patience.

[booxaroampdildishi region]

Originally posted by NASSIR:

who resides in and thus wields title deed on the strategic highway of El-Dahir, Carmo, Karin, Bali-Khadar, Laag, and the land on which the Bosaso airport is located?

 

how will they kno when they just went past it or they never been there.

[General Duke]

Its good that we are all Puntlanders now. Thats the positive thing we will take from these new articles..

[Fiqikhayre]

General funny comment but it's true that Laasqoray.net a confused outlet seems now to be back to the position prior to Atam and that they acknowledge as you have noticed that we're all Puntlanders now.

[NASSIR]

Sakhar, adiga maxaa Duke ku daba dhigey?

 

Mida kale, that's an opinion piece by Ahmed Osman, not editorial, so it does not reflect the position of that private-owned online News portal.

 

Waxaa ku weydiiyey Faroole muxuu ka wadey "Firxadkii Dhahar" iyo Saraakiisha ka soo jeeda gobolka Haylaan iyo galbeedka Bari baa taageeri jirey the "Mad Mullah" of Galgala.

 

 

Booxaaro iyo Dildishi, raggan badankood waa reer Xamar ku nool qurbaha laakinse ku abtirsada Puntland. Dhulka waxba kama yaqaaniin. Waa siduu Sayidka yiri, "Nin dhintiyo iyo nin dhoobey jooga waxba isma dhaamaane, nin kaneeco beerka u fariisatey baan dhimane nooleene".

Waxaan ka dhadhansan karnaa tixdaas in caafimaadka ama "Health" ay ummadu ka maarmi karin.

Galgala waa oasis in the middle of desert.

[NASSIR]

Taleexi, off-topic, ileen Sayid Mohamed philosopher buu ahaa?

 

"Nin dhintiyo iyo nin dhoobey jooga waxba isma dhaamaane,(Conclusion) nin kaneeco beerka u fariisatey baan dhimane nooleene" (Evidence).