Djibouti: Popular Movement Press Release

[Abu-Salman]

Having seen recently religious leaders at the forefront of the anti-corruption campaign, I have just been sent to my surprise a press release about a planned new party (if legalised by the authorities before the soon to be held parliamentary election).

Quite interestingly, the scholars have been sophisticated enough to put themselves at the background and let devout and even more liberal professionals run the central commitee while providing moral support.

Of course, the script must not deviate too much from Western tastes at this stage, albeit we should never apologise for abiding by the popular will which is clearly in favor of Islam inspired institutions (not to mention that this movement transcends clan and ethnic identities).

 

In this exciting times, even high ranking (presidential family) personalities endorse and follow the scholars lead (all the major religious leaders and authorities are unanimous), let alone many professionals, traders or the largely conservative masses.

For instance, well-known and eloquent Sh Abdurahman Bashir is a long-term militant who run conjointly an opposition magazine.

The regime did resort to the usual bribes, but that did not deter those uncorrupt advocates of the masses who enjoy the tacit support of Guelleh's son ainache (presidential religious adviser), a student of the regionally famous Sh Abdillahi Nur.

 

Taken aback by this sudden twist of long simmering grievances, let's hope both parties reach some form of agreement, of gradual reforms that adress core grievances against mismanagement and traditions dissolution better than realized so far.

 

 

What would you advise individuals or groups joining this movement?

Given that their ethical platform is unassailable, should it receive full support conditional on prudence?

 

 

 

 

 

PS:

13/12/2012 Press Release: Movement for Development and Liberty (MODEL), new opposition political group in Djibouti

 

The MoDeL is a movement of Djibouti citizens from all components of the different national communities.

 

On the socio-professional level, they come from all walks of life; thus are included as founding members, people from academia, the private sector, public administration, Ulema, youth, fathers and mothers.

 

Our party ambition itself as unifying, a model of national unity, Djibouti open to all irrespective of religion, gender, ethnicity or color.

 

We defend justice and the equality of citizens before the law. Our movement carried by a firm determination to make a difference in our country and eager to contribute to the development and strengthening of democracy, filed Thursday, November 29, 2012 with the Ministry of Interior and Decentralization a declaration of a political party called "Movement for Development and liberty" whose acronym is: Model.

 

In our case we believe we have met all the conditions required by the legislation governing the declaration of a political party. Therefore we are very confident vis-a-vis the outcome of our request and look forward with great serenity, from the authorities in charge of the case, a positive response.

 

Our party in accordance with the general principles of the constitution, affirms solemnly to remain faithful to the national unity, national territorial integrity, national sovereignty, democracy, and finally to the respect of individual and collective freedoms .

 

We have thus also rightly chosen as our motto:

 

- Brotherhood

- Justice

- Work

 

We also intend to contribute positively to the improvement of democracy and strengthening the rule of law. But we have mostly intend to positively reinforce economic governance and fiscal consolidation.

 

Finally, we intend to contribute to the efficiency of public administration while supporting democracy and the rule of law.

 

We believe in a just society, respectful of traditional values ​​and open to modernity.

 

Secretary General President 1st Vice-President

Abdillahi Ahmed Adaweh Sougueh DR Abatte Ebo

 

 

 

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