A critique to Mr. Goth’s editorial piece

[Xudeedi]

A critique to Mr. Goth’s editorial piece: Somailand’s hedgehog attitude will prevail

Ali Artan

June 2, 2007

 

 

Somaliland, is it a state, a renegade region, in between or none of the above? Obviously, the term “Somaliland” creates more confusion than it elucidates; thus, it is one of the most puzzling names in the world today. It means different things to different people and its meaning very much depends on whom you ask. Regardless of your take, these following paragraphs aim to bring to the surface both the legal and logical fallacies found in the prolific writer Mr. Goth’s latest editorial piece published in awdalnews.com. In addition, “Somaliland” name will be used in this context as Mr. Goth wanted for the sake of clarity and simplicity.

 

Without further reservations, a legit question would be; what is the definition of a state in the eyes of international community, be that nations or international organizations?. According to the international system enforced by the UN, a state is a political entity with legal and political personality; that represents a defined territory, stable population and government exercising sovereignty. The principle of International law recognizes and calls under the UN Charter for sovereign equality of all states (its actors) of which Somalia is a member. Sovereign equality means protecting political independence, territorial integrity and national unity of the actors. If that binding contract is breached by any actor, then the entire concept of sovereignty would have collapsed and the jungle rule would be revisited. Nonetheless, does the current Somaliland fit the aforementioned definition, I question? One should consider the following facts before making hasty, monolithic judgment about this critical issue.

 

First, Somaliland lacks both the monopoly to exercise force to bring inline those northerners who are averted to the dismemberment of Somalia and the political influence to win the minds and hearts of the Eastern pro-union northerners. Clearly, this is an essential component for the survival and normal functionality of any government, because the lack of it will make Somaliland a Failed State even if the much-pursued elusive recognition is ever achieved.

 

Moreover, a significant portion of northerners question the legitimacy of Somaliland administration. This is the reality on the ground as evidenced by the periodic press releases, publications, and the recent conference of Northern Somalis for Peace and Unity (NSPU) at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington DC. In one of their highly read publications “The Illusory Somaliland: setting the Record Straight” states how the rudderless regime in Hargeisa evolved over the years, and as they suggest, if ignored as the evidential proof contained in that publication clearly states, will definitely be a recipe for a fresh civil unrest and anarchy in that relatively stable part of the country, along with Puntland.

 

Secondly, Somaliland not only lacks the monopolistic power and international legitimacy but it also has no control over 40 % of the territory it claims, the eastern regions of Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (SSC). This is one more reason why the international community is extremely cautious to meddle and exacerbate to the already complicated Somali state of affairs. the International community has also been on the learning curve over the last 17 years or so in regards to Somali political evolution. As a result, they acknowledge the threat it engenders by not being even-handed in Somalia’s National Reconciliation process. It is even becoming more and more apparent by the day to everyone who has an interest in the Somali political discourse, much of it, must be a home grown initiative and when that is achieved then the international community will be put onto the test whether they come up with a holistic approach that brings a lasting peace in Somalia or not.

 

Somaliland portrays itself endlessly to be the oasis of democracy in the Horn of Africa, yet its actions, since its inception, states otherwise. For instance, torture, censoring media and intimidating journalist are the norm in the areas administered by the Somaliland administration. The life of minority clans are not spared there, its military aggression against the peace loving people of SSC was counter productive and as of today the militia of Somaliland and Puntland are on each others’ throat. Basically there is a Demilitarized Military Zone (DMZ) similar to that of Koreas.

 

It is also paradoxical that Somaliland argues that they are just pursuing their divine self-determination goal while they believe that this is their right and others in the north are not the chosen people therefore they should be very happy with whatever socio-status that is given to them. More importantly, self-determination actually is something that they can’t claim because Somalis are homogeneous with one religion, language and culture, hence we are not peoples rather than people (one people is eligible to have a mere self-determination under the UN Charter not multiple). If there is a major tribe in a country which is so distinct from another, like southern Sudanese from the northerners, then we can say it is a self-determination. The secessionists, nevertheless, employ these terms unaware of its implication and political context and usually compare apples and oranges.

 

While Somalia is at the crossroads and experiencing many challenges including the Ethiopian occupation, a genuine citizen is expected to invest his time and vigor promoting peace and unity unlike Mr. Goth whose remarks are definitely calling for division and the continuation of Somali political impasse. Finally, if some people’s aspirations are more superior and sacred than others’, as Mr. Goth believes or at least suggests remains to be seen.

 

Ali M. Artan

San Diego, Ca

E-Mail: aliartan@gmail.com

 

 

source: wardheernews

[Baashi]

Bashir is a prolific writer no doubt about that but the man made dismembering Somalia into what gaal colonized what part his numero uno mission. Wasted talent! Maakhir have you ever read his essay on Af Qalad aqoonta miyaa or something along these lines...dig it up and read...if he could only dish out these types of columns he would have gained a universal Somali readers.

 

Wasted talent.

[Gordon Gekko]

Although I'm not a pro-secessionist and really enjoyed reading the publication by NSPU, I would say it's a bit over-kill to predict civil unrest and anarchy in the regions controlled by the Hargeisa administration. While I might understand the aggressive rhetorical stance that NSPU, a political party, is practising in their campaign against the northern secessionists, I would recommend a slightly different mode of procedure in getting that camp more pro-Union.

 

In order to convey the message of the pro-unionist to the secessionist, the pro-unionist must find a method to wisely capitalize on the current momentum of stability, security and integrity that has been built up in the northeastern part of Somalia. The main instrument that should be used for this endeavour is sophisticated somali politicians that can discretely re-ignite and instill the Somali nationalistic thought into the mindset of the northeastern ppl.

 

The first principal that these senior politicians need to adhere to in order to follow the procedure of the above mentioned strategy is simple: fix the southern bonanza and turn it back to its past glory.

 

 

Disclaimer: I'm not saying this is the universal solution to solve the secessionist case. I'm just presenting an alternative I thought would be fruitful.

[NGONGE]

Originally posted by Baashi:

Bashir is a prolific writer no doubt about that but the man made dismembering Somalia into what gaal colonized what part his numero uno mission. Wasted talent! Maakhir have you ever read his essay on

Af Qalad aqoonta miyaa

or something along these lines...dig it up and read...if he could only dish out these types of columns he would have gained a universal Somali readers.

 

Wasted talent.

Can't really call it a wasted talent yet. Well, not unless the Somaliland dream is declared and proven to be dead! As long as Somaliland is free to pursue recognition and independence I don't think Mr Goth's talent is being wasted.

[xiinfaniin]

^^Not litterally wasted but he got zero returns for all the hyped articles he composed in support of Somaliland's indepedence bid, maaha?

[Jacaylbaro]

the lack of it will make Somaliland a Failed State even if the much-pursued elusive recognition is ever achieved.

,,,,,,, so he is hesitated coz he is not sure it will be recognized ....

 

And how da hell possible SL to be a failed state if they get the recognition ??? ,,,,, some people cannot even think properly ,,,

[N.O.R.F]

Originally posted by Jacaylbaro:

quote: the lack of it will make Somaliland a Failed

State

even if the much-pursued elusive

recognition

is ever achieved.

,,,,,,, so he is hesitated coz he is not sure it will be recognized ....

 

And how da hell possible SL to be a failed state if they get the recognition ??? ,,,,, some people cannot even think properly ,,,

[Baashi]

Ngonge,

I don’t know about you but it is a wasted talent in my book. I mean the dude goes on and on commenting on, and at times, editorializing (talk about an activist masquerading as journalist) about identity politics in tribal society without even knowing it. He uses every calamity, misfortune, and mishap that descends upon the rest of the country as an opportunity to further the secession cause. He labors a great deal in “educating” westerners about “Somalilanders” whom he depicts as a distinct group from the rest of ethnic Somalis. He even mischaracterizes the actualities on the ground. The trouble is Chatham House and Wilson Center and their respective clients Foreign Office and State Dept. have volumes of facts and figures that depict the true demographic representation of Somalis, where they reside, under what admin, and where they stand politically on the question of secession and why. These professionals can easily distinguish opinions from facts, news from commentary. I mean all of the folks, who have an interest in Somali affairs e.g. think tanks, NGOs, government bodies, politicians, and what have you, know the facts. He may score a point or two with the Neocons and rightwing socialists in Europe when he badmouths Islamists but that’s about it. No one is buying his rubbish. Who is he aiming his controversial articles at?

[Taleexi]

Originally posted by Jacaylbaro:

quote: the lack of it will make Somaliland a Failed State even if the much-pursued elusive recognition is ever achieved.

,,,,,,, so he is hesitated coz he is not sure it will be recognized ....

 

And how da hell possible SL to be a failed state if they get the recognition ??? ,,,,, some people cannot even think properly ,,,

You are entitled to entertain yourself for whatever may please you at the times but I tell you this. If Somaliland is recognized today.. It is very highly likely that there will be a civil unrest and anarchy in that territory, taken into account, of course, the reality on the ground, be that may the opposing political views among the communities there or the lack of competence from the side of SL leadership.

 

However, this author alludes in a subtle way the implication that may follow SL's recognition as evident SL is an incubation period and how long that will hold remains mysterious.

[Gordon Gekko]

^^ Could you elaborate more on why civil unreast would break out in Somaliland if it gets international recognition as an independent state?

[NGONGE]

Baashi,

 

Most of what you say is true. I've written on here time and again that I don't approve of the man's style and do question his journalistic integrity. An activist, he most certainly is! However, he is part and parcel of the whole campaign for recognition. If (some would say When) Somaliland is recognised, he would be one of the many to claim that they single-handedly attained this recognition for their homeland. This is why I don't think his talent is wasted (yet).

 

On the other hand, if you consider it a wasted talent because you believe that Somaliland will never be recognised then one would just have to assume that you're letting your wishes dominate your reason. That, sadly, would put you on the same bracket as Mr Goth! Look on the bright side though, you are not a journalist and there are no issues of integrity to examine here.

 

Ps

The Nomad that is arguing about civil unrest and troubles should Somaliland be recognised is correct.

[N.O.R.F]

NG

 

The Nomad that is arguing about civil unrest and troubles should Somaliland be recognised is correct.

If the land is issue is not settled then yes. If it is settled then no. If the latter occurs, no one (at least those in PL) will care as much as they exclaim all the 'unity' stuff.

[Jacaylbaro]

Northern, don't let it bother you ,,, i know the tune and i've seen it before ,,, it is the favorate tune of Samatar and his likes ,,,,, the asmara-group-look-like loosers ,,,,

 

I always hear him saying there will be a civil war if somaliland is recognized but he never explained how and why ,,,,,,,, i just laugh at him leave

[rudy-Diiriye]

i some dont understand why somali folks specially, faaraxs are so green with jeolousy when it comes to somaliland!!

 

it just blows my mind. my roommate is an ardent somalilander but he knows 2 where i stand. so we have mutual respect. no 1 should be hated for their believes. thats the way the world is.

 

i do believe somalis can only survive as one nation! look whats happening in somalia now.. that would have never happened if there was somali unit there.

[Jacaylbaro]

Everyone believes that all somalis should unite and that is deep in our hearts ,,,,, that doesn't come by force ,, it is the will of the people ,,,