What does Awdal want?

[me]

What does Awdal want?

 

My article “Somaliland’s democratic contradictions” generated a lot of responses. Apart from the usual hate-emails by the feeble-minded, ironically the frequently asked question was; “What does Awdal want?” implying that Awdal has no reason to complain. This piece tries to answer that question and details the relations between Awdal and Somaliland. It also sets out the reasons why Awdal needs to conduct a region-wide referendum to get rid of the unfair confederacy act and secure its legitimate share of the power.

 

 

i] [i shall first provide an overall picture of Awdal’s situation and describe some of the features of Awdal’s current ties with Somaliland.[/i]

 

Somalilanders had dreamed for years after they gave away their independence that one day, time would side them and bring a better change, regain independence and have their own Republic. Out of that dream, Somaliland was reborn in a confederacy of five clans, the ***** and the Gadabursi clans being the largest in population.

 

In a series of inter-clan conferences, culminating in the Borama Conference in 1993, a clan system of government was constructed. A supposedly power-sharing coalition of Somaliland’s main clans, with seats in the Upper and Lower houses proportionally allocated to clans according to the population. The Republic of Somaliland consists of six administrative regions.

 

The people of Somaliland had the courage to begin dreaming again that the successful implementation of the confederacy will lead to power sharing, mutual caring of the common good, respect to each other and a better, prosperous Somaliland.

 

So I’m led to ask myself: now, sixteen years after Independence, Is Somaliland a multi-clan-state or a one-clan-state? To answer this question, let us focus the following table which depicts the present power sharing:

 

Seat allocations by Region:

 

Awdal – 13

Woqooyi Galbeed – 20

Sanaag - 12

Saaxil – 10

Togdheer - 15

Sool - 12

 

In respect to the above figures, we know that the common denominator of three regions namely, Woqooyi Galbeed, Saaxil and Togdheer is ***** clan. They collectively have 45 seats. While Awdal, a predominantly Gadabursi clan and the major partner has only 13 seats. Note also that Saaxil, a recent add-in region has 10, only 3 seats less than the main partner (Awdal). Absolutely not fair to Awdal. Sool and Sanaag each have one seat less than Awdal and again I remind you that Awdal is a major pillar in the existence of Somaliland. Obviously, there is something wrong in the calculation formula.

 

Now, put Sool, Sanaag and Awdal together and the result is 37 seats. Far below the number to defeat any motion tabled and supported by the ***** but not supported by the others. Be reminded that Somaliland was supposedly formed in a confederacy of clans. One might argue that voting takes place along party lines, but the reality is that when it comes to business, clanship dictates. I guess it is fair to conclude that the whole thing is a mess.

 

Let us analyse the present power sharing scheme in another angle. Have a look at the below table:

Voting results of the 2005 parliamentary election

 

Regions Total voters Number of voters an MP represents

 

Awdal 133,777 10,296 {13 seats}

Hargeisa 255,979 12,799 {20 seats}

Sahil 52,695 5,270 {10 seats}

Sanaag 89,823 7,485 {12 seats}

Sool 20,756 1729 {12 seats}

Togdheer 121,877 8125 {15 seats}

Total 674,907

 

Now, in regards to the above, an elected member of parliament from Awdal represents 10,296 voters, almost double of the number of voters a member elected from Sahil represents (5270). In the same token, a member elected from Togdheer represents 8125 voters, a significantly much lower number of voters than that of a counterpart from Awdal. An elected member of representative from Woqooyi Galbeed represents 12,799 voters, not a lot more than the number a counterpart from Awdal represents.

 

Sool and Sanaag member of parliaments collectively represent 9214 voters, again a number lower than that of the voters represented by a member of parliament elected from Awdal (one region out numbers two). Detail analysis of the above speeks volumes. But surely that is the tip of the iceberge. What ever else this might be called, it is clear that it is not proper representation.

 

Now, Is Somaliland a multi-clan-state or a one-clan-state? The answer is that it is clear that Somaliland is multi-clan cosmetically, but the real thing is that it is a one-clan-state.

 

Sixteen years of untruths, economic inequalities and a vision of “I must be the King”:

 

Awdalians want Somaliland to be multiclan and vaunt the merits of tribal diversity but in such a way that they will be acknowledged as equal partners. People of Awdal believe that Somaliland is a multi-clan entity supported by two major clans as founding peoples who were called, at the time of confederation, ***** and Cadabursi. Contrary to Awdal beliefs and in respect to the above tables, Somaliland refuses to consider itself to be a multi-clan state. It is attempting to deny that several clans exist within the country, but some radical gangs with a hidden agenda now seek to turn it into a one-clan Republic. This is the reality of what is happening in Somaliland which should no longer be denied.

 

The Federal government of Somaliland has promoted unequal economic development through out the years of its existence. The government of Somaliland promoted the economic development of some regions namely Hargeisa, at the expense of all the other regions of the country and especially at the expense of Awdal. Transferring the non-governmental agencies to Hargeisa and not allowing functioning any where else is one of the factors that created unemployment and economic decline in Awdal.

 

Keeping the civil servants only in the capital also favours a particular clan. While other regions are connected, ignoring the construction of the only road that connects Awdal to the capital and to the commercial areas is another factor of economic decline.

 

Somaliland government has long practiced a preferential treatment to some groups while always attempting to write off others. Promoting the SNM mujaahiliin as saints and ignoring Naftood Hurayaasha Horyaal has since been a common practice. This was summed up by the famous saying (which still echoes in any Awdalite’s ears) by Sheikh Osman (Sheikh male);

 

“Ma waxaan u ganaaxanahay ********** baad difaacdeen…”

 

Through these inequalities, for which it is largely responsible and which it has never tried to rectify, the Somaliland government has violated the principle of equality between its founding peoples.

 

We all know, and according to reliable sources, projects are in the works to add the curriculum of the schools a history course to teach the history of the Mujaahiliin SNM. This is absurd now, I say over our dead bodies. Awdal does not need a twenty year old fabricated history of the where abouts of criminals who massacred thousands of people for no apparent reason. Our children can not be taught in schools about who killed their fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, uncles, unties and grandfathers as heroes. That is junk. Awdal has its own rich history that dates back centuries that can be taught in our Awdal schools as well as the history and biography of Naftood hurayaasha Horyaal.

 

Our children will rather be taught in schools about the history of the one of a kind great politician Allaha u naxariistee Jammac Rabiile than Siilaanyo. Our children will rather be taught about the biography and the heroic stories of my causin Naftii Hure Maxamad Osman (Nakruume) than Mujaahil Biixi. Awdal does not care to know about Mujaahil Dhagawayne but will rather study about Naftii Hure Maxamad Jodhob. Our children will rather study the biography of Naftii Hure Sheekh Osman (Sheekh male) than Mujaahil Kaahin. I will rather read the biography of dynamic Mukhtar than that of Mujaahil Xumaale (Samaale).

 

Now, what does Awdal want?

 

Awdal wants its legitimate fair share of the pie, nothing more nothing less. Simply put Awdal wants:

 

• Representation of all partners at the Federal level must be based on population ratio.

 

• Equality of employment opportunities

 

• Appreciation and acknowledgement of its contribution to the building of Somaliland

 

• Addition of a clause to the constitution to recognize Awdal as a distinct region to protect its economical, employmental and commercial rights from the other three regions whose common denominator is *****.

 

• Recognition of Awdal’s rights to develop its own educational system.

 

Iskusoo wada xoori, Nin dacwiyay dantii hadal. That is what Awdal wants, nothing more nothing less.

 

What Awdal needs to do …… to be continued…..

 

P/S Please note that all hate-emails will be traced and all the information including the content will be posted on warsanmag website.

 

By Suleiman Abdi Dugsiye

 

Ottawa, Canada

 

Enail: douksi@warsanmag.com

 

Source

[Ibtisam]

So they want a bigger share of the pie rather than out of it all as few people here have been telling us. In fact if his numbers are correct, there are more politically active people in Awdal than Burco.

 

The SNM history might not go down so well in Awdal, and probably unfair to make children forcefully take it in school (I don’t see the benefit of this other than make people live in the past) but I doubt anyone can reasonably argue that SNM massacred thousands of people for no apparent reason. What ever mistakes they made, they certainly were not motivated diigyo caab.

[Somali Castro]

I read this article when it was first published, this was during the parliamentary election. There is a triangle of dominance in Somaliland: Berbera, Burco, & Hargaysa. If you don't lie in this triangle than you are second class citizen. What Awdal wants is fair representation (the same thing that Sool & Sanaag wants), hence why I'm a proponent for Awdal to be semi-autonomous.

 

The SNM massacred thousands of people for one reason, to bully them into the colonial inspired, separatist entity known as "Somaliland".

[Ibtisam]

Somali Castro, stop spreading lies, SNM did not aspire to Somaliland and many of them opposed Somalilands formation. So saying they were fighting for Somaliland is bullshid. SNM was a reactionary group formed for a specific purpose and no plans beyond that purpose.

[Sir-Qalbi-Adeyg]

Originally posted by *Ibtisam*:

The SNM history might not go down so well in Awdal, and probably unfair to make children forcefully take it in school (I don’t see the benefit of this other than make people live in the past) but I doubt anyone can reasonably argue that SNM massacred thousands of people for no apparent reason. What ever mistakes they made, they certainly were not motivated diigyo caab.

The SNM did massacre awdalites, that's documented history.

 

Secondly, is the SNM group claiming that they fought to make the word of Allah supreme? The undeniable is that they ventured into Awdal where they massacred innocent people in their homes, burned their farms and looted their possessions. After such malicious acts, then, they are NEITHER Mujahidiin, NOR their actions were not jihad. In effect they fought for tribal cause, then again that is not Jihad and their members are not Mujahidiin. Therefore, what really hammers the final nail in the coffin of this fact is that their devilish deeds has disqualified SNM to share the name with the Muslim Mujahidiin. Indeed, that will make SNM and supporters sinners and Mujaahiliin. It is also a sin to participate in the gatherings and festivals that praise SNM Mujaahillin."http://harowo.com/2007/06/01/snm-vs-m ujaahidiin

Why make excuses for them, why not condemn them the way you condemn TFG and others? Seriously?

[Somali Castro]

SNM was formed in London, UK 1981 than transfered their headquarters to Addis Abba in 1986 or 87. How can you be a TRUE Somali liberation front and be headquartered in the capital city of the Somali Enemy?

 

Somaliland is a make-believe country and every nation-state in the world knows this loooooool

[Ibtisam]

Now you are jumping from one thing to another. Yes they were formed in London, your POINT is??? They were political refugees in exile, who left the country to escape with their life’s and then went back to safe their families. What has this got to do with the previous lies you was peddling???. :confused:

 

It does not matter whether somaliland exists or not, but SNM and Somaliland are two different issues, deal with things one at a time.

 

 

Adegy:

I cannot comment on what I did not see. I'm sure SNM committed some crimes in Awdal, and there were conferences to address that which reer Awdal participated in and they were compensated (if people's death can ever be compensated)in 1993. Most people in the north including me have and do condemn crimes that were committed there. But at the same time, it is wrong and a completely lie to try and say SNM run around massacring people for no reason.

 

As for religion, each SNM fighter will have to answer to their lord based on his action and his intentions. Some where Mujaahiidin, others were jaahiliin, and Allah will deal with each one accordingly depending on whether they were defending their family or just trigger happy and pis*sed off.

[Sir-Qalbi-Adeyg]

^ If you cannot comment on what you did not see then how can you be sure that they did not massacre people for no reason? Surly if the people of awdal are claiming this, then it must be true, what would motivate them to make that up?

[Ibtisam]

^^^SNM was not formed for Awdal nor was Awdal their target or purpose, that is how I know. What happened in Awdal by no means represents or signifies SNM history- it is a small part of it, important enought for people in Somaliland that it was addressed as early as in 1993.

 

Are you just arguing for the sake of it? Do you know anything about SNM or are you just trying to add to the chatter and the lies Somali Castro is pushing?

[General Duke]

^^^How was it addressed? Does the Burco-Berbera-Hargaysa traingle recognise the massacre of the civilians of Borama?

[Ibtisam]

^^Yes, there were representative from Burco, Hargisa and Berbera present at the conference when these issues were addressed and sorted out, the reconciliation conference was held in Broama. What is your point? :confused:

[Sir-Qalbi-Adeyg]

Originally posted by *Ibtisam*:

^^^SNM was not formed for

Awdal

nor was Awdal their target or purpose, that is how I know. What happened in Awdal by no means represents or signifies SNM history- it is a small part of it, important enought for people in Somaliland that it was addressed as early as in 1993.

 

Are you just arguing for the sake of it? Do you know anything about SNM or are you just trying to add to the chatter and the lies Somali Castro is pushing?

No, I'm pointing out your hypocrisy again and your weak argument. The nazi regime and the third reich original goal was not to target jews and other ethnic groups, notheless they killed and masscred many. So what is your point?

 

Wasn't you who was just talking about how wrong it is to always defend your leaders/groups and here you are blindly defending the SNM. Why exactly? Seriously, learn to be a little consistent.

 

Read this and maybe you need to freshen up on SNM history:http://harowo.com/2007/06/01/snm-vs-mujaah idiin/

[General Duke]

Does the Burco-Berbera-Hargaysa traingle recognise the massacre of the civilians of Borama?

 

Again answer the question, do you and your SNM mafia recognise what took place and the civilain deaths?

[Ibtisam]

^^^Can you read English, I believe I answered your question. Try reading it again for I'm not wasting my time WRIting it for you AGAIN in the SAME page. :cool:

 

Qalibi Adgey:

 

You are drawing a comparison about Nazi and SNM??

 

I think you need to read the history of SNM, I don't need to defend SNM history or what happened in Awdal because it is a done issue, they acknowledge their mistakes, so how can I deny it. I would not defend what they did, never, even if they were defending it or trying to justify it, which they are not. Lets break it down for you in big writing.

 

1) what happened in Awdal was wrong

 

2) What happened was discussed and addressed

 

3) What happened in Awdal is not the whole history of SNM (we can expand on this another time if you want)

 

4) SNM is not SomaliLand

 

5) SNM never wanted Somaliland.

 

 

I cannot make it anymore simpler or clear for you, and Again you are arguing for the sake of arguing, so I'll leave you to it, I'm out.

[Sir-Qalbi-Adeyg]

Originally posted by *Ibtisam*:

^^^Can you read English, I believe I answered your question. Try reading it again for I'm not wasting my time WRIting it for you AGAIN in the SAME page. :cool:

 

Qalibi Adgey:

 

You are drawing a comparison about Nazi and SNM??

 

I think you need to read the history of SNM, I don't need to defend SNM history or what happened in Awdal because it is a done issue, they acknowledge their mistakes, so how can I deny it. I would not defend they did, even if they were defending it or trying to justify it, which they are not. Lets break it down for you in big writing.

 

1) what happened in Awdal was wrong

 

2) What happened was discussed and addressed

 

3) What happened in Awdal is not the whole history of SNM (we can expand on this another time if you want)

 

4) SNM is not SomaliLand

 

5) SNM never wanted Somaliland.

 

 

I cannot make it anymore simpler or clear for you, and Again you are arguing for the sake of arguing, so I'll leave you to it, I'm out.

In other words, you have nothing more to add and SNM was lead by your uncles so they weren't all that bad?