Federalism: Why it failed before in Soomaaliya in '50s

[Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar]

Federalism.

 

This idea is not new to Soomaalida.

 

It was first raised and advocated after the World War II, and during the Talyaani trusteeship, by a party that dominated in Southernwestern part of the country: HDM, a party unashamedly named after clan names.

 

It was a party later led by a fiery man by the name of Cabdiqaadir Soobbe [Eebbe ha u naxariistee], whose endless wish and sole party's platform were federalism and the official status of Afmaay dialect [language to him and others who supported him].

 

He feared the then natural ruling party of SYL and its dominance in Soomaaliya. He thought that party was dominated by pastoralists than farmers, though he himself several times joined when opportunity was abound and left when there was none, that very party he was politically against.

 

However, the wider public and constituents he claimed his party represented did not see vis-a-vis -- they instead preferred unitary than federalism, voting an overwhelming majority of SYL members from these deeggaano.

 

The reason federalism failed in '50s?

 

HDM movement was a reaction to colonial policy of land alienation in 1945. The HDM, adopted a new name, HDMS, and called for the establishment of a federal form of government in Somalia. The call for federalism died with the assassination of Ustad Osman, one of its leaders.

 

Xigasho I

Who assassinated Ustaad Cismaan -- a politician from Afgooye? To this day, no body knows, though it was generally assumed anti-federalists were behind it. It was one of the many mysterious assissinations, some largely blamed on Talyaanis and their stooges, that occured in late '40s and throughout '50s.

 

Federalism did not, however, die with Marxuum Ustaad as the article alludes. C/qaadir Soobbe continued that party's crusade into late '50s and sometime off and on in '60s.

 

A pivotal debate in the Legislative Assembly of Italian Somaliland centred on the question of a unitary versus federal state. The HDM pushed for federalism fearing domination by the SYL, who won the debate in favour of a unitary state based on its numerical strength in the Assembly.

 

Xigasho II

The writers of this document faced two sensitive issues: the form of government -- federalist or unitary -- the new nation would adopt, and nationalist aspirations concerning Greater Somalia. The first issue was of great interest to the HDM, whose supporters mainly were cultivators from the well- watered region between the Shabeelle and Jubba rivers and who represented about 30 percent of the population. The HDM wanted a federal form of government. This preference derived from concerns about dominance by the SYL, which was supported by pastoral clans that accounted for 60 percent of the population.

 

Not surprisingly, the SYL advocated a unitary form of government, arguing that federalism would encourage clannishness and social strife. In the end, political and numerical strength enabled the SYL to prevail.

 

[Library of Congress]

The debate wasn't won only because of SYL's "numerical strength in the Assembly." It was won by a thoughtful rationalization and a need that was bought by the overall general Soomaali people. Federalism did not make sense in a land of one language, one culture, one religion and one ethnicity.

 

Neither can federalism subdue Soomaali's chronical, timeless disease -- qabyaalad. It, our forefathers in SYL right observed [encouraging clannishness and social strife], instead kor u qaadeyso unnecessary tartan qabyaaladeed lagu qariye a faderal system.

 

It will only encourage, officially sanctioning qabiil-based, uncooperative, wary fiefdoms.

 

Obviously federalism appeals to those with inherent problems of at one of the above mentioned points: Different, competing equal languages [for example Switzerland, Kanada, Belgium...]; ethnicity [Hindiya with its numerous, untrusting ethnic people]; religions [Nigeria]; culture [most federal states currently have one aspect of different cultures]; and landmass [Jarmalka, Kanada, Australia and Mareykanka, whose large landmass fits federalism. There is a reason why UK did not opt federalism in that small island.]

 

Considering all that, it will likely and miserably fail again. Unitary was indeed the only way forward. And it will indeed likewise be the only way.

[General Duke]

^^^Thats the past dear boy, we had a poor managed government from 1960-1969, and then dictatorship from 1969-1991, and from 1991-present we know what has taken place.

 

Somalia has matured, and the only way forwad is develoution of power from the centred to the regions. Federal states will make a settlement with Somaliland a probable option, will ensure Puntland stays and that many in the south will get their fair share.

[Jacaylbaro]

I don't know if we can even manage the federalism like it should be managed ,,,, don't know why everything is new to us but let's see what will come in the next coming years.

 

always hope the best

[Allamagan]

^^ you right bruv, always hope the best (optimism).

[Taliban]

Originally posted by Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar:

of Afmaay dialect [language to him and others who supported him].

Soobbe and the others were correct; Afmaay is a language, not a dialect. The notion that Somalis are homogeneous, with one ethnicity and language is deeply flawed; Somalis have different ethnicities and languages. Nothing is wrong with a country having different ethnicities and languages; being of one ethnicity and language isn't a precursor for peace, harmony, stability, iwm.