Wardheernews Editorial about Riyaale- 2 years ago

[NASSIR]

Reading the editorial, you will see it is a repeated pattern the actions of Riyale, blunder after blunder, violation of human rights, unceremonial arrest of traditional sultans and elders, etc.

 

 

Report Card for Riyaale: A Failing Grade

WardheerNews Editorial

Jan. 02, 2005

 

 

For the past two years, the performance of the Riyaale administration in Somaliland has been a disappointing failure. After the death of the seasoned politician, Mohamed Ibrahim Egal in South Africa , his vice President, a lesser known former security officer in the Siad Barre Administration (NSS) became Acting President under the constitution and subsequently assumed power in a closely contested election. No sooner he took power in mid 2002 than he assembled a cabinet of 40 plus ministers that weighted heavily in favor of the former officers of Barre's government and his colleagues/associates. Nearly two years later, Somaliland is on the verge of collapse and anarchy. The political landscape is bleak and rather gloomy marred by rampant corruption, persistent human rights violations and continuing war in the disputed Sool region.

 

The core problem facing Somaliland today is the inability of the current leadership to perform the fundamental task of good governance in the main areas of national concern, which include public administration, judicial services, maintenance of law and order. It may be conceded that a modest administration like that of Somaliland in view of its limited resources, cannot cope with the challenges of nation building. However, the government can and should successfully develop and sustain its established mechanisms and capabilities to deal with fundamental issues like peace, justice, human rights and above all the operationalization of an administrative system which should be efficient, transparent and accountable.

 

Of late there has been a growing concern over the deterioration of the human rights situation in Somaliland under Riyaale's stewardship. Reliable reports confirm the constant harassment and intimidation of civil society; gross abuse of power; the arbitrary arrest and detention of peace and human rights activists, defense attorneys, concerned local NGOs, etc; disrespect towards community elders and prominent traditional leaders as demonstrated by the unceremonial arrest and detention of Boqor Buur Madow on January 27, 2004. Buur Madow is a traditional clan chief who successfully mediated in the conflict between Cabdullaahi Yuusuf (former President of Puntland) and his opponent Col. Cadde Muusa. According to some observers, these and other recent similar incidents have generated a sense of fear and anxiety among the civil population who worry about the future of their country and prospect of renewed clan conflict in Somaliland God forbid, with severe implication for the peace and stability in the state.

 

Then there is the irresposible act of handing over [censored clan] civilians, some of whom were long term Hargeysa residents to the Ethiopian authorities which also had the unintended but expectable negative impact on the economy of the region. Inter-regional commerce (between the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia (SRSE) and Somaliland ) has severely been hampered. Livestock from SRSE has since been diverted to Puntland instead of the traditional markets of Burco and Hargeysa in Somaliland .

 

The Riyaale administration is also to be blamed for the continuation and escalation of the conflict in the Sool region. Instead of searching for a peaceful resolution through dialogue, Riyaale has opted for a military option as demonstrated by the recent armed attack of SL troops on Adhi Cadeeye-near Laas Caanod. The adoption of such a provocative approach on a sensitive inter-clan dispute was wrong and only served to intensify the conflict and created a war situation. In this connection it should be recalled that during the presidency of Egal, the conflict with Puntland over the Sool region was handled in a peaceful manner and with patience and diplomatic skill using mediation efforts of traditional elders from both sides. During his tenure as president, Egal successfully managed to develop and sustain a traditional culture of dialogue and harmony, thereby avoiding any problem that would provoke inter-clan conflicts or disputes. For example when some [Hargeisa people] elements and some [Las Anod] clan members exerted pressure on Egal to visit Sool and Buuhoodle Regions he resisted this proposal, which, in his view was premature and inappropriate. He responded that, “these Regions are not yet ready for such a visit.” At that time Egal was aware that undertaking a high level visit to Laas Caanod would be risky futile and counter productive in view of the strong opposition of the clans in the region to the secessionist policy of Somaliland.

 

Having failed to learn from the lessons of the recent past, Riyaale paid a visit to Laas Caanod immediately after he took office ignoring the realities on the ground and the consequences, which such a visit would entail. As expected the traditional leaders in Sool did not only rebuff him but the presidential delegation came under surprise attack from local armed group. Riyaale paid a heavy price; the visit was a total failure, generated hostilities and alienated the people in Sool further. This was not the end of Riyaale's adventure in Sool. Only a couple of months ago Riyaale ordered a military attack on Adhi Caddeeye. This was a major military and political blunder, which was most regrettable as it, plunged the region in conflict and poisoned relations with indigenous clan of Sool. The attack came at a time when the Somali people with the support of the international community are genuinely engaged in a historic peace process in Nairobi for the reestablishment of government and restoration of statehood in Somalia .

 

The Achilles heel of the worsening situation of Somaliland is captured by the inhumane treatment and imprisonment of Zamzam Ducaale, a 16-year-old Bossasso girl. Zamzam is an innocent young girl who along with some other friends went on a vacation trip to Hergeisa where she was arrested and charged with a criminal act of conspiracy to assassinate the Somaliland Vice President. Tortured, raped and denied of right to legal defense, a kangaroo court in Hergeisa sentenced her to four years imprisonment.

 

Africa Watch, Amnesty International and a coalition of human rights groups in Hergeisa all issued statements of condemnation of the Hergeisa court arbitrary decision. It is a matter of regret and disappointment that Riyaale failed to intervene or even address the nation on this serious miscarriage of justice.

 

Poor Somaliland ! In the short span of two years this beautiful country has been transformed from an ‘oasis of peace and stability' to a state in crisis and conflict. If this trend is not reversed, Somaliland may slip to the abyss of civil war with serious repercussions for the future of the country and peace and stability of the region.

 

 

Source: Wardheernews

[Lake]

You're paying waaaaay to much attention to SL...Let them just be. SL is charged with every fault..They are the trouble makers while your leaders from but-land all strive to be peace-makers. SL leaders are corrupt while your leaders are not. Okay we get it.

[RedSea]

lol....its' okay let them critize the politicians as much as they want, just would like to see them as you said pay more attention to others as well would do great deal.

 

2 years ago? okay.......!

[Ebyan]

If you can discuss Somali politics, we can discuss SL politics.

[RedSea]

^yes you may certainly may. However, I have my reasons for discussing the 'somali' politics you speak especially when you come supporting xabashi daba dhilif regime like the TFG, everyone is welcome to bash it, because they deserve so.

 

Anyhow, Somaliland politics is Somali politics as well, so is Djabuti. Mise Soamliland somali maahan?

[Xargaga]

President Rayale And Puntland State Present The Biggest Threat To Somaliland; Not The UIC

Dahir A. Jama — London, UK — 16 October, 2006

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Rayale And Puntland, Not UIC, Present The Greatest Threat To SomalilandThe new developments in Somalia, in particular, the demise of the weak TFG and the rapid rise of the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) present Somaliland with both political opportunities, which are advantageous to its cause, and security risks and threats that can impact on its stability. Yet the Somaliland administration has been very slow to react and formulate a policy. In fact in the very short period since June 2006 when the UIC captured Mogadishu and ousted the US backed warlords, the administration has adopted several conflicting and confusing positions in relation to the developments in Somalia and, in particular, the UIC. In the months that followed the capture of Mogadishu by the UIC, the administration's official stand was one of indifference, namely that the developments in Somalia did not concern her, since neither the TFG nor the UIC respected nor recognised the sovereignty of Somaliland.

 

 

In recent days, however, there appears to have been a change in policy and the Somaliland administration has declared the UIC as state enemy number one. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, in response to hostile comments made by a prominent UIC leader against Somaliland, announced that Somaliland views the comments as a declaration of war by the UIC on Somaliland. President Rayale for his part in a Press Release called for national unity ‘in the face of the threat from the UIC’ and proposed the formation of a committee to address the long standing dispute between the executive and legislature branch of government. And, just yesterday, 15.10.06 President Rayale’s official spokes person, Abdi Idris Duale, handed to the Media a ‘secret letter’ allegedly written by the head of UIC’s Shura Council, outlining operations to assassinate Somaliland President and other leading politicians.

 

 

Not surprisingly, Somaliland’s own perky and energetic media did not want to be left behind in this venture and, in the later parts of the month of September and throughout this month has been running stories pertaining to UIC plots to destabilise Somaliland from within. One such report by a well known Somaliland daily newspaper concluded that there was a UIC plan in place to destabilise and destroy Somaliland from within; a proxy UIC operation involving well known Somaliland Clerics and Sheikhs taking up arms against and, overthrowing the Somaliland government. In other words, Somaliland Clerics who sympathise with or are supporters of the UIC taking up arms against the government and implementing Sharia in Somaliland, without the UIC ever setting foot in Somaliland. Very interesting stuff, indeed. This is/was Somaliland’s own ‘war on terror’, it appears.

 

 

Once again, unfortunately, the Somaliland government, whether deliberate or ill advised, is misleading its citizens and failing in its duties to protect and preserve the sovereignty of the country. The focus on the UIC as the single biggest threat to Somaliland on the part of the government is, must be said, misleading and false. In fact, it is nothing more than a callous and calculated campaign to divert attention from the real issues and threats facing the country, today. Regrettably, the Somaliland media, or at least some sections of it, appear to be aiding the propagation of the government’s dangerous and disingenuous propaganda; unwittingly.

 

 

The UIC does not present a threat to Somaliland, at least not in the short-term. It may and will present a threat in the long term, however. At present, the UIC has yet to take full control of Southern Somalia and consolidate its power and rule their. However, even after it has done so in Somalia, it would still need to address the Puntland authority, which is very hostile to its agenda, before it can present a threat to Somaliland. And by most experts’ analysis, it is not going to be a very easy tast to address the Puntland authority and get to Somaliland any time soon. In fact, the UIC may never get the opportunity to cross the border north towards Somaliland if the predicted show down between the UIC and the TFG materialises, which will engulf Somalia in a deadly and a prolonged civil war, involving, probably, regional powers.

 

 

Now, in terms of the theory/report of the long hand of the UIC reaching Somaliland in the form of a proxy war via Somaliland Clerics taking up arms against the government. Admittedly there is a strong and organised religious movement in Somaliland. However, the above suggests the existence of terrorist-like training camps inside Somaliland territory (presumably Burco) where a well-armed group(s) of Somaliland Clerics are preparing a militia capable of fighting and defeating the might and power of the Somaliland army, which is not only ludicrous but extremely unlikely. If that was the case, anyway, one might ask, what is/was the government doing or has been doing while such military threat was being organised and formed inside its territory?

 

 

In reality, the only threat the UIC presents to Somaliland at this moment in time is an ‘Oral threat’ - talking and threatening on the Media. This not to say, however, that it does not and will not present a threat to Somaliland in the future. It will and can but at this moment in time, it does not. In the short term, there are other more imminent and pressing threats that face Somaliland, which, if not addressed can seriously impact on its statehood and sovereignty.

 

 

The first of such threat facing Somaliland today is the incompetent and farcical rule of the Rayale administration that is turning Somaliland slowly but surely into a lawless and chaotic one party state dictatorship. The constitutional crisis that is currently engulfing the country; the extension of the term of the Guurti which President Rayale unilaterally sanctioned in a decree, contrary to the constitution, which gives the power to extend the Guurti term the House of Representatives under article 19 is a case in point. This single act has brought the democratisation process of the country to a halt and set the two houses of legislature, Guurti and Wakiilo, against each other with the Wakiilo objecting to Rayale’s blatant violation of the law and the Guurti grateful to Rayale for their extension. The impact of this on Somaliland has been enormous., with the ability of the legislating branches to function and legislate severely undermined and damaged.

 

 

The house of Parliament, the main legislating branch, whose members have been directly elected by the people, has seen its efforts at legislating undermined and sabotaged, by either Rayale or the un-elected guurti members, by overruling every bill they produce with the encouragement and tacit support of an ominous administration that has no respect for the rule of the law. As a result all-important national issues, such as health, defence and education matters remain undressed and the constitutional crisis continues to impact on the stability and functioning of the state.

 

 

The second biggest threat facing Somaliland, today, is the threat presented by the Puntland militia that is occupying large parts of Somaliland territory. Although its been more than three years now since these territories were occupied by a militia loyal to Puntland; the government has not done anything tangible to address the issue. It has on two different occasions announced the formation of a Committee consisting of Parliamentarians, opposition parties and traditional leaders to advise the government on how best to resolve the issue. However, this has never materialised and the government to-date does not show any will or resolve to address the border issue; while the militia controlling the occupied territories, in the meantime, has consolidated its power and established national and local institutions in the Sool region and started tax collection.

 

 

The occupation of these territories, it is crucial to stress, does not only present a military threat to Somaliland, in the form of the occupation; but it also presents the single biggest hurdle to Somaliland's recognition. For long, Anti-Somaliland campaigners have argued that any decision to recognise Somaliland will ignite the flames of a deadly civil war in the region. They state Somaliland, if granted recognition, will use force to coerce the people of Sool to be part of Somaliland and secure its borders, which it was unable to do thus-far. As a result, this will lead to a bloody and lengthy civil war, which will destabilize the entire region. Naturally, some countries buy into this argument and cite the border issue as the single most important issue standing in the way of recognition for Somaliland.

 

 

The Ethiopian government which Somaliland accepted and viewed as an ally appears to be one of the main contributors to the current stalemate on the border issue, according to some. Ethiopia, which has close relations with both Puntland and Somaliland is pressurising Somaliland not to go to war with Puntland over the issue, its alleged. At the same time, Ethiopia is not forthcoming or presenting a diplomatic alternative, it is said. The end result of it: a country that does not exercise full control over its borders and thus unable to claim to have clearly demarcated and recognised borders, a pre-requisite for diplomatic recognition.

 

 

Whatever the reason, be it Ethiopian pressure or Rayale incompetence or ulterior motives, as some argue, the issue does not only have detrimental effects on Somaliland’s ability to attain diplomatic recognition, but also on its security and stability, as afore-mentioned. Therefore, it’s amazing and beyond my understanding how Rayale and his administration, if they have the interests of the nation at heart, can prioritise the UIC threat, which is non-existent over the Puntland threat, which is real and present. This policy and Mr Rayale appear to be serving the national interests of Ethiopia and Abdullahi Yusuf more then the national interests of Somaliland. The gains for President Rayale in this are said to be personal and material.

 

 

Be it as it may, its important that the media and legislature do not buy into the propaganda by Rayale and aid the propagation of the false enemy. Instead, let us urge Rayale and Co to lead us address the border issue, instead of calling us to arms against an enemy 10.000 miles away in Kismayo. Let us urge Rayale and his administration to get its act together and create a conducive and suitable environment for a national dialogue, before we can challenge on multiple fronts. And finally, let us, as citizens and a nation, get our priorities right and not allow Rayale and his incompetent servants to dismantle what little that is left of the country. At present time, President Rayale and Puntland present the biggest threat to Somaliland; Not the UIC.

[General Duke]

If you can discuss Somali politics, we can discuss SL politics.

 

Another simple truth, if Somalia is divisable so is SL.

[RedSea]

'if somalia is divisible, so is Somaliland' that didn't make any sense at all, and her comments were not funny at all. Kaalay what you have been eating tonight. loool

 

P.S Aisha kawaran? lool

[General Duke]

^^^^She is doing well Alhamdulilah thanks for asking.

 

Humour is relative, and if Somaliland can break away for clan reasons so can the people of Awdal, forget about those from SSC we know what a debacle that claim has become for the secessionists.

[General Duke]

"Waxa Umadda Reer Somaliland Ceeb Ku Ah Hambalyada Daahir Rayaale Ee Guusha Cabdilaahi Yuusuf," Waraysi, Muj. Muuse Biixi Cabdi

Somaliland.Org — Hargeisa, Somaliland — 13 January, 2007

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Hargeysa (Ogaal)- Mujaahid Muuse Biixi Cabdi oo ka mida xubnaha sare ee guddida fulinta ee Xisbiga KULMIYE, ayaa si kulul ugu dhaliilay Madaxweyne Rayaale war ay faafisay Laanta Af-soomaaliga ee Idaacadda BBC-du, kaasoo sheegaya in Madaxweyne Rayaale ugu hambalyeeyay Males Zenawi, guusha ay Itoobiya ka gaadhay Koonfurta Soomaaliya, taas oo uu xusay inay dadka Somaliland ay u sacab tumayaan.

Waraysi dheer oo uu xalay (habeenkii Khamiistu soo gelaysey) siiyay Ogaal, ayuu kaga hadlay Muuse Biixi arrintaas iyo qaar kale oo badan oo wax lagaga waydiiyayba, waxana uu u dhacay sidan;-

[rudy-Diiriye]

another trash! i guess u cant teach an old dawg new tricks! timeless saying... duqa, at least if u gonna shower us with spin-headers news, why dontchya add your brain thoughts to it!!

 

when well they learn the truth..!

[General Duke]

^^^Who will learn the truth the secessionists?

[rudy-Diiriye]

r u tryina put words in my mouth!! lool.. u deep homie. but tell u what. i am waiting for the day that your brain cells move!! lool.

 

i gonna throw a party!! just for yah. :confused:

[General Duke]

^^^Again a priceless piece of Rudy theater, how do you come up with those gems?

[Jacaylbaro]

We always accept ciriticizm and that is why we have democracy ,,,, i don't sea why red sea is so mad about it ,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

If we allow the local media to write and criticize then we should accept the same from the other contries like Somalia and the others.