Isku haye iskama hagrado!!!

“Isku haye iskama Hagrado” is a Somali saying which I quoted in an article I wrote some months ago titled; “Ruthless Betrayal of Awdal,”in which I pinpointed the sense of alienation felt by Awdal in Somaliland, how Awdal is kept out in the cold when it comes to sharing the resources and how this is affecting the Awdalites to mistrust the people and the government. This morning while I was trying to read the current news from home posted in Harowo.com, my eyes caught a piece by Hashim Goth. After I read it all, I found my self shaking my head in astonishment. The only thing that popped up from my mind was; “Isku Haye Iskama Hagrado.”

It is my understanding that Somaliland was formed in confederacy of nations united by a vision of nation building. An agreement with caring, nurturing each other and sharing what ever little we have. A union of supporting each other, strengthening of what is uniting us and dismantling what ever is to create hate among us.

What I read in the piece was neither sharing nor nurturing but a classic case of dislike and hatred towards Awdal. It was a classic dose of tribalism in action and as practiced in the Somaliland Republic. Check out what I read and I quote;

“..markii uu shir la qaatay Aadan/Baradhe ganacsatadii xoolaha ee qolo walba lahayd, ayuu u sheegay in qandaraaska uu ku bixinayo qaab Qabiil, wuxuuna tiriyay magacda Jilibadii uu kala siiyay isaga oo ugu horaysiiyay jilibada beesha Isaaq ee uu ka soo jeedo, wuxuuna calaa jilib u siiyay 10kun ilaa 6kun inta u dhaxaysay, waxa soo hadhay waxay noqdeen reer Awdal wuxuu yidhi waxaan siiyay 2kun,…”

Some might argue that this is an isolated incident or a policy as exercised by only one or two persons. Well, as they say; “war garaad dhaamaa jira,” This is not an isolated matter but the daily occurrences in Somaliland. This is how the contracts of public and private sectors are issued. This is nothing but pure nepotism exposed and Somaliland is incredibly incestuous about it. Mr. Potatoes can be patriotic and work for the good of his own tribe but can not overly wish ill toward other clans. Surely that was your day Mr. Potatoes but let me remind you that it is Allah (SW), who is the sole bread giver. Times change and possibilities are that it turns to be “laga barey laga badi” any day. Surely, that is not going to be your day.

Somaliland is celebrating for its independence this week, but what did we accomplish for these sixteen years. That will be in a separate article, but the sure thing is that nepotism has been brought out to open air and has become a new weapon to fight against Awdal. The most obvious effect of nepotism is that it worked in direct opposition to the notion of sharing and loving your neighbor for what you love for your self. Obviously it worked against our sense of justice and fair play and only lead to resentment by those who are not the beneficiaries of the evil nepotism as practiced by the haves. It also has worked to breed mistrust and distrust.

What happened in Dhahar was a good example of the affects of nepotism. What was employment for regions other than Awdal has become a disgrace to Somaliland. As I mentioned in my article “Ruthless Betrayal of Awdal,” Less than 1% of the armed forces were recruited from Awdal. The intention of keeping Awdal out of the government payroll has back fired and disgraced our young nation of Somaliland. How can Awdal share the limited resources of our country with the rest, is surely a mystery to be solved. As we all know, less than 0.01% of the government employees are from Awdal region. To me this is nothing but alienation and selfishness and that is why millions that would have been invested wisely are flying in the streets of Hargeisa. That is why contracts are not tendered fairly and then the beneficiaries humiliate Awdal. When the non-governmental organizations are prohibited from stationing their headquarters in Borama how is Awdal supposed to continue part of the confederacy. It is a game that the government of Somaliland plays with Awdal and that should be corrected.

Distinguished readers, let me turn your attention now to the following:

“…sida uu warka nagu siiyay ganacsadaha joogay shirka oo diiday in magaciisa aan xuso wuxuu yidhi waan diidnay, ka dibna Aadan/Baradho wuxuu nagu yidhi ma idinka oo M/wenihii haysta ayaad diideen?”

What a say!!! As if Awdal benefits from the chair!!! What is amazing to me is the uniformity of this sentence to the people of Somaliland other than Awdalites. I hear this sentence every day and have become the favorite for some people. President Rayale is elected by the people of Somaliland. But surely is a liability to Awdal and the presidency is becoming a double standard to Awdal. I wonder if things would have been better for Awdal if some body else was the president. I wonder if Mr. Potatoes would have given Awdal the contracts he gave to his people if Siilaanyo or Ina Waraabe was the president.
C’mon people, talk about serious, your intentions are obvious and we will solve this matter and soon. Mr. President with all due respect if your being an Awdalite benefits Awdal as they say, I urge you exercise your power and cancel that contract. Make the play ground leveled for every body. What Mr. Goth suggested in his piece would serve good for every body.

Conclusion:

I here by conclude by my famous sentences. It is my personal opinion that it is time for Awdal to take a tough stand. We had enough with the methods of quite diplomacy and muted appeasement. These degrading schools of thought have clearly failed. Sixteen years of unleveled play ground is enough. It is time for us to demand a fair game. It is our duty to protect our rights and demand our share of the resources. We can not allow humiliation by share holders and let them bite the pie full mouth while we watch on the side lines. It is time to wake up and correct our mistakes.

Lastly, I here by issue a contract and only Awdalites need to apply. Tell me in details how Awdal can share the Somaliland resources with the rest of the regions. If you know how, expose it and you may win the contract.


P/S if you don’t like my opinion, do not write to me, write to Mr. Potatoes or get into the comfort zone and blame the president (Rayale).


Suleiman Abdi Dugsiye
Ottawa, Canada