As Somalia Emerges at the World Stage, Civil War Undertones Persist

[xiinfaniin]

 

http://www.somalipage.com/2013/02/748/

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

However, part of the confusion is deliberately driven by a much sinister political motivation stemming from deep seated disagreement on the political settlement terms, which federal Somalia espouses. This disagreement could not be illustrated better in the passionate political discourse Kismayo initiative triggered. The Kismayo initiative exposes the political Achilles’ heels of current federal leadership. The President, though he lately attempted to clarify the matter, spoke too early on the Kismayo issue. His government seems to be sending conflicting messages with respect to this matter: on a one hand, the government announces an initiative to set up (not coordinate) local administrations in South Central regions, an initiative led by the Interior minister, and on the other hand, the government proclaims the right of local people to establish local administration in accordance with the federal charter. This contradiction is a remarkable manifestation of how civil war experience in the south still poses a real risk to derail the progress made last year in Mogadishu. For if local initiatives such as Kismayo are aborted on the basis of an ‘enemy’ clan would gain a significant political foothold in the south, then the very political framework upon which President Hassan was elected would be aborted and de-legitimized. And that would be a significant setback from the political progress made in the last few years

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

Hassan has a long way to go but he will get there if he plays his cards well, its all about how he organizes the clan federalism structure some are pushing. if he can halt it to his favor the civil war of the past is over. The HAGs are united, but not united under federalism. But the country is moving forward if you look at Mogadishu and the economical activities of that city and we are hearing that arms embargo will be lifted soon. So that military forces can be reestablished all in all it looks positive.

[xiinfaniin]

However, part of the confusion is deliberately driven by a much sinister political motivation stemming from deep seated disagreement on the political settlement terms, which federal Somalia espouses. This disagreement could not be illustrated better in the passionate political discourse Kismayo initiative triggered. The Kismayo initiative exposes the political Achilles’ heels of current federal leadership. The President, though he lately attempted to clarify the matter, spoke too early on the Kismayo issue. His government seems to be sending conflicting messages with respect to this matter: on a one hand, the government announces an initiative to set up (not coordinate) local administrations in South Central regions, an initiative led by the Interior minister, and on the other hand, the government proclaims the right of local people to establish local administration in accordance with the federal charter. This contradiction is a remarkable manifestation of how civil war experience in the south still poses a real risk to derail the progress made last year in Mogadishu. For if local initiatives such as Kismayo are aborted on the basis of an ‘enemy’ clan would gain a significant political foothold in the south, then the very political framework upon which President Hassan was elected would be aborted and de-legitimized. And that would be a significant setback from the political progress made in the last few years.

 

Surely the current federal government cannot wish away civil war experiences and its effect on the political and social contours of the contemporary Somali society. Therefore, instead of glossing over these raw experiences, the federal government must face the challenge and work toward healing them. President Hassan’s recent oblique political maneuverings/statements do not help create the level of support and confidence his government so badly needs. A forceful and strong clarification to address the lingering clannish undertone with respect to federalism is required from the federal leadership. Hence it is imperative that the President articulates a political program that

 

1) affirms the legitimacy of the current federal framework,

 

2) ensures the territorial integrity of the country,

 

3) acknowledges the civil war experience and the need for reconciliation,

 

4) addresses the issues of looted property, farms and, in some cases, towns,

 

5) nurtures a political environment conducive for conflict resolution and confidence building among Somali people i.e. local governance, equitable resource and power sharing at the federal level,

 

and finally 6) ensures the return, and the resettlement, of Somali refugees in distant, foreign camps.

[xiinfaniin]

^^Well put.

 

This editorial is spot on. The president needs to listen and adopt the steps outlined above.

[Haatu]

lol @in some cases towns. Allaha iimaanka ka qaad ma town idil :D

[oba hiloowlow]

im interested to know what town the writter is talking about.Im also wondering Should Booli qaran houses be returned

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

No booli qaran is a special case how ever booli qaran should be nationalized the Looters need to return those properties back.

[oba hiloowlow]

fair enough

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

Al cadalaa qaranka ka masuul ah wixi booli qaran ah

[oba hiloowlow]

ma diidani anigu xaq is xaq

[xiinfaniin]

oba hiloowlow;915662 wrote:

ma diidani anigu xaq is xaq

Case is closed.

 

Oba agrees with SomaliPage's editorial. I think the editorial is referring to towns like Baraawe , Oba.

[oba hiloowlow]

gartay xiin.

[ANWAR]

The city Gaalkacyo must be given back to Galmudug state!

[xiinfaniin]

^^LOL

 

I think what the president needs to do is clear the air from this growing suspicion about his stance with respect to federalism by openly supporting the Kismayo initiative and going to Garowe .