The new Somali cabinet get the vote of confidence

[Juje]

Originally posted by General Duke:

^^^Bashi which warlords are you talking about within the TFG?

Was there ever time during the life of the TFG the warlords who combined to form it were transformed and elevated to sainthood.

[Baashi]

Xiin, save the strongman for now. I want to have Il Generale on the hot seat.

 

Il Generale,

My argument was not about warlords being part and parcel of the TFG. Nevertheless since you brought that one up let's take a go at that very point.

 

1. Mohamed Dhere -- tough cookie that drops the hammer on civilians like they are flies.

 

2. Qeybdiid -- the one from the other side of Galkacyo district.

[General Duke]

Juje, the TFG was formed in Kenya as we know, and a cross section of the society took part in forming it, warlords, civilian politicians, members of the diaspora, TNG, Puntland and heads of clans religious groups and so on, so lets not rewritte history.

 

Now lads, where are the numerous warlords of Somalia today?.

They are part of history, as the TFG progressed the fortunes of warlords/strong men has declined. Is that not a fact?

 

Bashi. Adeer Mohamed Dheere mayor of Mogadishu and the Police chief no longer have their own armed factions nor do they form independent entities. They are part of the interior ministry of the Somali governemnt, their positions today are based solely on the state and not clan or arms.

 

Come again lads.

[Baashi]

Let me concede the facts you alluded to namely 1) TNG, civil society (hand picked by armed clans), and elders (hand picked by armed clans) had taken part in the conference. 2) Remaining warlords ahve been incorporated into the prevailed TFG militia wing.

 

Awoowe the likes of Mohamed Dhere were and still are warlords. Whether they operate independently in pursue of their own personal interests or form part of biased and partisan militia their sub clans dominate makes no difference.

 

Be that as it may awoowe what I’m really interested in is “restoration of the state” argument. Questions for Il Generale:

 

1. Can one faction and one side of the conflict impose their version of “state” or “law and order” on the rest by force -- including employing foreign tanks? When this sort of thing happen there is agreed terminology for it -- will you except calling things by their right name.

 

2. Considering the status of the conflict (raging still: Benadir on fire, Kismayo in dispute, recovery zone on the brink of conflict, PL closer than close to imploding) where does Nairobi contract stand -- Is it valid? Or back to the drawing board is in order.

 

3. Considering the very argument Inna Yussuf made against TNG -- does that argument still have legs to stand on when made against TFG by folks who found themselves in Inna Yussuf’s shoes?

 

4. Are you as nomad open to political reconciliation the operative word is political where all matters of public importance are on the table -- no exceptions? You will be on the record.

 

Let it role awoowe.

[General Duke]

Old man, I don’t believe that the armed factions played the preeminent role in the Kenyan talks as you do. I believe the Kenyan talks were a success because they brought together all the differing desperate factions of Somalia in the same table for the first time.

 

As you know every clan took part, opposing clans and their armed factions. Secular individuals as well as religious groups, women groups spearheaded the civil society.

By signing on the agreement of creating a single government the armed factions lost the individuality and power. Hence their demise was in Kenya.

 

The success of these talks led to a backlash from the privileged groups, those who won the most spoils of the civil war. These included the main warlords, including those who created the Courts brand. Thus the TFG has lasted because it has had a clearer aim, built on better ideals and gained more support.

 

Now does it [TFG] need to change do we need more talks, more inclusively, yes of course, but as we have noticed it is already changing gone are the warlords and in comes a civilian cabinet, its leaders will change and the sooner the former privileged class realize that they must play ball and come to their senses the better for everyone. Talks in Kenya have produced to transitional government to a, permanent functioning central state. We do have a long way to go.

[Baashi]

You dodged! -- I see. And on that note I rest my case, Il Generale.

[General Duke]

Bashi, did I?

 

[Naxar Nugaaleed]

surprising they approved 15 ministers, a very good indication that those MPs are as self serving as they are said to be.