My People’s Contribution to Somaliland in Peace, Development & Democratic Process

[Deeq A.]

We liberated Somaliland From those liberated early !!

When the former Somali government collapsed SNM had seized control of Norwest regions which Borama became a victim of their invasion.Following the SNM’s victory in 1991, clans living in the northern regions of the former Somali Republic (present-day Somaliland), held a four-month long consultative conference to determine the regions’ future after the regime was toppled. On May 1991, the Republic of Somaliland was declared as the independent country. Somaliland was ruled by former SNM militia Chairman Abdurahman Tour for two years.

During this period the country was unstable. There were no peace and order, clan wars were existed and continued. Living condition of the community was getting worst and deteriorating day after day. No one knew what coming future will bring them, civilian were desperate, poor sanitation no clean water and food scarcity affected people and caused contagious diseases.. There were no functional public institutions such as police department, justice system, education, health and even business. There were armed militias in every place who could take people’s property by force. They set up illegal controls at the main inter connecting roads between Somaliland cities. This militia was called (Dayday), looting and robbery were their everyday business and even ways of collecting revenues and money from civilian.

To make matters worse these armed men sometimes carried out killing of innocent people.1992 first clan civil war started between two rival tribes who compete looting and control of the Barbera main port. After that the social entrepreneurs and community elders of Somaliland particularly Gadabursi realized that if these clan wars not minimize or not prevent it could spread, and reach and destroy whole country. They knew that value of their role about putting that fire off would be for Somaliland. They saw developing peace as an opportunity that no one else could think at that time .They decided to mediate and arbitrate between these Isaaq clan fighters. They planned how and when. After that they initiated peace trip to Berbera to intervene and ease situation

These grouped from Awdal risked their lives they took white flags and travelled to dangerous trip. Although on their way to Berbera, they had faced worst danger. Militias threatened them several times to take their cars and other property. However they somehow managed to reach Berera safely. Among those members from Awdal, were Formal ministry of finance Mr Mohamed Abdi Galbedi, former vice president of Somaliland Mr Abdirahman Awali  Farah, Senior politician Mr Djamac Rabile God. Haji Dahir Cilmi, Haji Jamac Muhumed, Sheikh Musa Djamac, Sheikh Abdilahi Sh. Ali Jowhar, Suldaan Muhumed Nuur Guray, Suldan Mohamed Djamac Samater  Haji Muhumed Nuur, Haji Abuubakar and the only victim of that trip Mr Ali Farah Sayeh who died in Berbera when a gum man came suddenly in to his hotel and shot him to take his new car. May his Sold rest in peace! AAMEEN.

These legendry groups never become disappointed after that incident happen. They continued the peace proposal and conflict resolution. As Sheikh Abdilahi Sheikh Ali Jowhar quoted.  He said.” Our piece proposal was accepted by both sides because first we were not ISAAQ rather we came from Awdal and we asked the fighters the following emotional questions, such as why are you killing and firing these huge missiles? Which you had not fired us, (your former enemies Gadabursi  Harty tribes )when you invade in Borama town . Why did you fight the former military government at the first place if you would do such hostilities after your success struggle? And many other speeches

Ma waxa aad isku ridaysaan hubkii cuslaa ee anaga oo cadawgiina ahayn aad noo quudhi waydeen in aad nagu graacdaan biniaadamnimo darted markaad Borama qabsateen ee dawladii Siyaad Bare ee aanu taageersanaydna aad jabiseen.

These words and many other conflict resolution statements became effective and clan militia s who were fighting one another realized the importance of peace and ended the war.  The Awdal elders had also promised to offer and host next year National Reconciliation Conference on in Borama.

The Grand Conference on National Reconciliation in Borama was initiated in 1993, with the aim of ending the large-scale violence then newly self-declared Republic of Somaliland established. I was one of Awdal youth groups members who were included in the peace process as observers to the Conference for the first time, formally. Despite this, our influence was curtailed by exclusionary selection criteria and procedures as well as patriarchal elder attitudes. We used to serve Somaliland elders who were participant at Sheikh Ali Jowhar School in Borama Awdal, we used to bring  supply such as food  dress water and other facilities who mainly from local community.

During conference Awdal Band had lunched well produced concerts. The great composer producer and director of famous Somali concerts and shows films Mr. Hasan Sheik Mumin Gafane Produced wonderful play entitled WAXAN AAN DAACAD AHAYN BA DABADUU KA XUMAADAA. This explains importance and values of honest forgiveness, peace and governance for the nation. In the play there were Somali poetry wisdom words and constructive slogans that all audience appreciated.

After four months the process was successful in transitioning Somaliland from a military government to a civilian regime and institutionalizing the political system. In addition, the Conference led to the disarmament and demobilization of large parts of the militias.  It was elected H.E Mohamed H I Egal as first civil president. However, the Conference did not manage to cease all hostilities between the clans.

After that Egal government had moved to Hargisa. Many politicians newly elected Barlament and Gurti elders and even military army from Awdal also went there. Movements of people from Borama to Hargeisa began which latter restored trust among Gadabursi and ISAAQ gradually. Awdal community were continuing their campaign efforts in peace, social integration, and supporting fragile Somaliland government.

It is worth to mention here the initiative stability and social integration role that Awdal sports started in 1993.  Unlike other Somaliland cities Borama had well developed football teams, because there were no other entertainments and schools at that time I was one of those players who regularly play football.  We formed regional football team which players were selected from premier football teams. After one week of training we decided to visit Hargaisa and play friendly football match with UFO team that we already communicated and agreed day. There were no bus or suitable car for football team which willing to rent us for Hargeisa due to the insecurity. It took us more than a month to get it. Luckily we rented load truck Dyna instead bus. We prepared sport slogans and white flags which we painted words written on big readable fonts explaining how sports can create well peace atmosphere among communities and attached to the front of the car.   ( ISBOORTIGU WAXA UU ABUURAA  NABADA IYO ISDHEXGALKA BULSHADA ).

In that way we travel to Hargeisa. On our way we wonder when SNM militias DAYDAY who used to rob and loot stranger travelers ever saw our car they  used to greet and let us  to pass them without  conditions. When we reach Satdium Hargeisa which Somali military missiles destroyed the surrounding walls? We saw (Sancani ) SNM militia who settled and made base  near the stadium.  During the play we used to hear shells and sounds of the un targeted missiles, (Golaften) several times. The referees were two former Northwest region football players, Mr. Dhabo and Sacad. Sorry to not mention their full names here. It was a historic football friendly match between players with different background tribes, negative attitude and even stereotypes. It created trust among us and changed our unconstructive feelings that some players perceived enemies for one another before. At the end of the game we won and scored 2 nil. But our aim was tot only to be winners but rather to develop friend ship trust and contribute the national peace building process, which nation successfully achieved.

After two years, Egal government had lunched militia disarmament programs in which tribal forces were united under Somaliland national army. Everyone who owns a gun had a right to be enrolled a government paid solders. Awdal people were the first whom joined Somaliland national army

During nationalizing of public infrastructure national revenue sources,  Egal’s week government faced huge challenges from some former SNM militia who controlled Hargaisa international airport.

They refused to hand in over airport to the government and it was necessary to fight against them, during that war Awdal militia who recently nationalized along with other Somaliland collected army forces had fought against oppositions and liberated airport finaly.

During Egals era Somaliland government used to fully control only 4 regions, such as Awdal Marodijex Saxil Togdheer. In 2002 May after former president passed away Somaliland house of elders had elected H.E Dahir Riyale  Kahin who from Awdal region as Somaliland president. He continued the legacy of Egal and he extended government rule to the Easteren regions such as Sool and Sanaag. He also successfully conducted national elections   which citizen freely elected his/her favorite local councils, Parliament  and president for the first time in Somaliland history.

Anyway our people are good people if you give them a glass of water they will provide you a glass of milk reward and respect. Awdal people helped Somaliland when country was most in need they paid their money and even their life in contribution to piece and development of Somaliland. They deserve to be given their honorable status. Unfortunately our brothers ISAAQ not recognized these efforts and contributions for Awdalian they even eliminated these Nobel works from Awdal communities to mention Somaliland history. According to ISAAQ view only former SNM fighters   are national heroes which are not fair.

BY Mohamed Aden Ibrahim (D.ADAMZE)

Freelance writer and Journalism