The challanges ahead for Somaliland

[Jacaylbaro]

hadhwanaag 2008-04-12 (Hadhwanaagnews) Democracy is a hard road arguably it takes time to develop the necessary conditions and institutions. Countries in Western Europe have had hundreds of years to reform and perfect the very institutions, which they find valuable today. In Somaliland we are attempting to take this arduous road and have witnessed both incredible success and challenges. This recent election is no different however, in our country today the average man and women on the street is not worried about democracy but the constant tit for tat childish squabbles that plague the very people we elect to lead us. Furthermore, its become clearer with each passing day that these individuals hardly care about the damage that they are inflicting not only on Somaliland’s international reputation but the confidence of the people in their own political process. I believe it is imperative that these “leaders” put national interest before petty political difference.

 

It is laughable that Silanyo preaches democracy as if he was present in Greece during its inception because as any average individual that recently witnessed the “Kulmiye Convention” would know the very process was entirely questionable. The major opponents did not receive a fair chance furthermore Silanyo obviously has too much power within the party. For an individual who cannot fairly contest his own party nomination to seek to comment on the “wrong doing” of others is laughable.

 

Ucid historically has been a party with a clear position it no longer is so, sometimes I wonder whether Ucid has lost its motivation and has become just another argumentative unsubstantial party like Kulmiye. Udub is not free from blame the recent announcement of the creation of six more regions is clearly a political ploy to win the election however, our country cannot be used in such a manner. An election cannot be the reason for the creation of new regions there has to be more. What will these new regions gain from their status the answer is simply very little.

 

We have to understand that our country is not a toy its our collective future and every action that we take as a society or government has to be relevant to our national interest. The problem is that these “leaders” often do not know the countries national interest or in some cases what national interest is entirely.

 

Can we honoustly say Silanyo and President Riyalle have the same national interest at heart? All I can do is provide my opinion and I believe they do not. Silanyo’s motivations still remain murky, he continuously blames, yet has never actually said to the people “ this is what I will do for you”? What are his policies? What would he do different? No one knows because he is to busy commenting on the presidents wife’s dress. What actually qualifies him to be president, his historical failure of leading the SNM to humiliating defeats, his embezzlement of Diaspora funds, his martini escapades with Siad Barre? Did we overthrow a dictator and sacrifice our cities and youth to put into office the epitome of our failures? I believe it is time for the political dinosaurs of yesterday to give way to the newly educated Somalilanders of our country who truly understand their national interest, who know what they want and how they will go about getting it. Our country will face bigger challenges in the future as globalisation, increased world demand and prices of basic foods such as rice, sugar and flour continues to rise around the world. We need to put into office credible fresh faces who are not associated to the past especially those with a long history of political failure namely, Silanyo. If we examine the political process today these political dinosaurs remain the ultimate obstacle to the growth, recognition and success of our nation.

 

Abdulkadir Idan

London, England