Somaliland: A Shinning Example To All Somalis

[Jacaylbaro]

Every single peaceful and progressive day in Somaliland is a step towards de-jure recognition. Every issue resolved peacefully through the winning formula of dialogue, discussion and consensus in Somaliland is another step toward international recognition and away from mayhem and anarchy. Somaliland´s international recognition as a de-jure state is not only inevitable, but it is a shinning example to all Somalis. Much has been written about the total implosion of the Somali state since 1991, which has greatly contributed to the de-facto and soon to be de-jure recognition of Somaliland.

 

However, aside from the political aspects of the disintegration of Somali state, in my opinion, most political analysts and forecaster have neglected two crucial aspects of the inability to revive and resuscitate the defunct state; the collapse of trust between Somalis and the dereliction of what it means to be a Somali. Let us address the first issue, the failure of trust between all Somalis within the defunct Somali state.

 

The absence of trust between all Somalis in the region, with the exception of Somaliland and Djibouti; albeit Djibouti has never been part of the defunct Somali state; is a direct result of the politics of exclusion practiced in the defunct Somali state since its inception and the breakdown of the Somali social code of conduct.

 

Somalis have always competed against each other, politically, tribally, regionally, culturally, socially, and economically. However, despite the competitiveness within the Somali ethnic group, there was always the fundamental under-lying agreement of fairness, mutual respect and responsibility to each other and to non-Somalis alike.

 

For example, if a Somali was deemed to have crossed the line in his/her behaviour to another Somali or a non-Somali in terms of a social, cultural, political or economic aspect, there was always an avenue available to seek redress for all parties through “xeerka”, the social code of conduct.

 

This code of conduct is based on mutual respect, mutual responsibility, justice, inclusion and dignity for all. Today, this code of conduct is comprehensively practised only in Somaliland alone in all areas of the defunct Somali state. In fact, it is the basic principle in the Somaliland constitution. Unfortunately, a lot of Somalis in the defunct Somali state abandoned their roots in the social code of conduct during the existence of that failed entity.

 

The euphoric utopia of the now defunct union between Somaliland and Somalia in 1960 failed to take into consideration that whilst social, cultural and economic ties will always exist between all Somalis in the Horn of Africa, political union will and could never be achieved unless all Somalis adhere to this code. During the 1960´s there was some pretence of maintaining this social code of conduct, but this pretence, however minimal, was abandoned during the Siyad Barre regime from 1969 to 1991.

 

To the eternal shame of all Somalis, irrespective of regional or clan ties, mutual responsibility and respect was abandoned for short-term individual gains. Granted, there were one or two voices that spoke up against the status-quo at that time, but they were few and were drowned out by the cacophony of sycophancy and selfishness.

 

Somalis talked about socialism, equality and the burial of clan affiliation during the Siyad Barre era, whilst in reality the politics of exclusion was even more insidious. Suffice to say, that the prevailing conditions of injustice, intolerance, and annihilation could not continue.

 

After the fall of Siyad Barre in 1991, Somalis attempted to come together to discuss the future of the union, and once again, a few self-interested individuals hijacked the process. Mayhem and anarchy ensued which continues to this day in Somalia. It was the final straw for Somaliland. Somaliland reclaimed its sovereignty and is continuing on its democratic path towards international recognition.

 

To this day, with the exception of Somaliland, and to a lesser extent in Puntland (North-East Somalia), the politics of exclusion and division reign in the failed Somali state. A lack of mutual political and social trust continues to plague the rump of the defunct Somali state, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

 

This is the primary reason that the people of Somaliland continue to maintain, that although there will always be cultural, social and economic ties between all Somalis in the region and across the globe, there will never again be a political union. Why is this so, you may very well ask? The answer leaders directly to the second aspect of this article. What does it mean to be a Somali?

 

Somalis, whether they are Somalilanders, Somalian, Djiboutian, or Kenyans, or citizens of any other nation, take great pride in their ethnicity, or used to. Let us not miss-understand each other, I am proud to be a Somali from Somaliland, just as a Somali from Somalia, Djibouti, or Kenya or wherever else, is proud to be a Somalian, Djiboutian or Kenyan, and so on.

 

Somalis place a heavy emphasis on their perceived uniqueness, a homogonous society with one language (albeit with various dialects and native languages), a Muslim nation, and a shared cultural history. But, let us be honest with each other, the perception of a Somali in today´s world is a negative one, and perception to the ill-informed and uneducated is reality.

 

A failure, a pirate, a terrorist, etc.

 

Not an individual failure, but a societal failure.

 

Not an individual pirate, but a regional stain on all Somalis.

 

Not collective terrorism, but an alien practice.

 

On the other hand, Somaliland is a success. Somaliland and Somalilanders stand firm against piracy and terrorism, and irrespective all political persuasion, in an objective manner, Somaliland´s inclusive policies of justice and tolerance, mutual responsibility and respect among its citizens, shared common goals, are the epitome of what truly means to be a Somali.

 

Somalilanders wish their Somali brothers and sisters in Somalia all best in their attempts to resolve the issues that continue to plague them. But, those issues can only be resolved through dialogue, discussion and consensus, and through a return to the true meaning of what it takes to be a Somali.

 

They must abandon their exclusionary policies; they must reject and abhor alien practices, such as terrorism, piracy and those who practice them. Somaliland is a beacon for all the former parts of the defunct Somali state, and whilst there will always be social, cultural, and economic ties, then can never a political union.

 

Somaliland is the key to peace, democracy and prosperity in the Horn of Africa, and to those who have either failed to appreciate this fact or decided to turn a blind eye to it, talk to any true Somali, and ask the question, “Is Somaliland the key to peace, democracy and progress in the region?” if that particular Somali individual is being honest, the answer will always be, yes.

 

 

Ahmed Kheyre

[Che -Guevara]

*Yawns*

[Jacaylbaro]

as usual ....