Somaliland:
a shinning example to all somalis
Every issue resolved peacefully
through the winning formula of dialogue, disc ussion and consensus
in Somaliland is another step toward international reco
gnition and away from mayhem and anarchy. By: ASC..
Somaliland´s international recognition as a de-jure state is not
only inevitable, but it is a shinning example to all Somalis.
Much has been written about the total implosion of the Somali state
since 1991, which has greatly contributed to the de-facto and
soon to be de-jure recognition of Somaliland.
However, aside from the political aspects of the disintegration of
Somali state, in my opinion, most political analysts and forecaster
have neglected two crucial aspects of the inability to revive and
resuscitate the defunct state; the collapse of trust between Somalis
and the dereliction of what it means to be a Somali.
Let us address the first issue, the failure of trust between all
Somalis within the defunct Somali state.
The absence of trust between all Somalis in the region, with the
exception of Somaliland and Djibouti; albeit Djibouti has never been
part of the defunct Somali state; is a direct result of the politics
of exclusion practiced in the defunct Somali state since its
inception and the breakdown of the Somali social code of conduct.
Somalis have always competed against each other, politically,
tribally, regiona lly, culturally, socially, and economically.
However, despite the competitiveness within the Somali ethnic group,
there was always the fundamental under-lying agreement of fairness,
mutual resp ect and responsibility to each other and to
non-Somalis alike.
For example, if a Somali was deemed to have crossed the line in
his/her beha viour to another Somali or a non-Somali in terms
of a social, cultural, political or economic aspect, there was
always an avenue available to seek redress for all parties through "xeerka",
the social code of conduct.
This code of conduct is based on mutual respect, mutual
responsibility, justice, inclusion and dignity for all.
Today, this code of conduct is comprehensively practised only in
Somaliland alone in all areas of the defunct Somali state. In fact,
it is the basic principle in the Somaliland constitution.
Unfortunately, a lot of Somalis in the defunct Somali state
abandoned their roots in the social code of conduct during the
existence of that failed entity.
The euphoric utopia of the now defunct united between Somaliland and
Soma lia in 1960 failed to take into consideration that whilst
social, cultural and economic ties will always exist between all
Somalis in the Horn of Africa, political unity will and could never
be achieved unless all Somalis adhere to this code.
During the 1960´s there was some pretence of maintaining this social
code of conduct, but this pretence, however minimal, was abandoned
during the Siyad Barre regime from 1969 to 1991.
To the eternal shame of all Somalis, irrespective of regional or
clan ties, mutu al responsibility and respect was abandoned for
short-term individual gains. Granted, there were one or two voices
that spoke up against the status-quo at that time, but they were few
and were drowned out by the cacophony of sycophancy and selfishness.
Somalis talked about socialism, equality and the burial of clan
affiliation during the Siyad Barre era, whilst in reality the
politics of exclusion was even more insidious.
Suffice to say, that the prevailing conditions of injustice,
intolerance, and ann ihilation could not continue.
After the fall of Siyad Barre in 1991, Somalis attempted to come
together to discuss the future of the union, and once again, a few
self-interested individu als hijacked the process. Mayhem and
anarchy ensued which continues to this day in Somalia. It was the
final straw for Somaliland.
Somaliland reclaimed its sovereignty and is continuing on its
democratic path towards international recognition.
To this day, with the exception of Somaliland, and to a lesser
extent in Puntla nd (North-East Somalia), the politics of
exclusion and division reign in the failed Somali state. A lack of
mutual political and social trust continues to plague the rump of
the defunct Somali state, and will continue to do so for the
foreseeable future.
This is the primary reason that the people of Somaliland continue to
maintain, that although there will always be cultural, social and
economic ties between all Somalis in the region and across the
globe, there will never again be a political union.
Why is this so, you may very well ask? The answer leaders directly
to the sec ond aspect of this article. What does it mean to be
a Somali?
Somalis, whether they are Somalilanders, Somalian, Djiboutian, or
Kenyans, or citizens of any other nation, take great pride in their
ethnicity, or used to.
Let us not miss-understand each other, I am proud to be a Somali
from Somali land, just as a Somali from Somalia, Djibouti, or
Kenya or wherever else, is proud to be a Somalian, Djiboutian or
Kenyan, and so on.
Somalis place a heavy emphasis on their perceived uniqueness, a
homogonous society with one language (albeit with various dialects
and native languages), a Muslim nation, and a shared cultural
history.
But, let us be honest with each other, the perception of a Somali in
today´s world is a negative one, and perception to the ill-informed
and uneducated is reality.
A failure, a pirate, a terrorist, etc.
Not an individual failure, but a societal failure.
Not an individual pirate, but a regional stain on all Somalis.
Not collective terrorism, but an alien practice.
On the other hand, Somaliland is a success. Somaliland and
Somalilanders st and firm against piracy and terrorism, and
irrespective all political persuasion, in an objective manner,
Somaliland´s inclusive policies of justice and tolerance, mutual
responsibility and respect among its citizens, shared common goals,
are the epitome of what truly means to be a Somali.
Somalilanders wish their Somali brothers and sisters in Somalia all
best in their attempts to resolve the issues that continue to plague
them.
But, those issues can only be resolved through dialogue, discussion
and cons ensus, and through a return to the true meaning of
what it takes to be a Somali.
They must abandon their exclusionary policies; they must reject and
abhor alien practices, such as terrorism, piracy and those who
practice them.
Somaliland is a beacon for all the former parts of the defunct
Somali state, a nd whilst there will always be social, cultural, and
economic ties, then can ne ver a political union.
Somaliland is the key to peace, democracy and prosperity in the Horn
of Afr ica, and to those who have either failed to appreciate
this fact or decided to turn a blind eye to it, talk to any true
Somali, and ask the question, "Is Somal iland the key to
peace, democracy and progress in the region?" if that partic
ular Somali individual is being honest, the answer will always be,
yes.
Re; ASC..
Submitted by: Reer Miyi
ruraledcomm@yahoo.co.uk
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