Somaliland's democratic contradiction

Somaliland was formed in confederacy of tribes united by a league. A league based on understanding, cooperating, caring and sharing with a vision of nation building and advancement. A confederacy agreement of power sharing with high hopes that the successful implementation of this agreement would provide a model for good governance in our Republic which will in turn help us to create a solid basis to make the unity of the country attractive and preserve pride and dignity.

Since the break away, Somaliland has been enjoying peace. Unfortunately. We have not yet determined to crown the valuable achievement of this Peace Process by arriving at an equitable and fair formula for sharing power in the Republic. In the same token we have not resolved to usher in an era of responsible, just, transparent, people-led and integrity based governance. Contrary to our hope, the creation of a one clan show where dominance and every thing for one clan attitude surfaced above all. This clan drama is paralyzing the confederacy strengths and will finally destroy the high hopes of building a nation together.

For the last sixteen years, Awdal has parked itself into a zone of patience and has been hoping month after month; year after year that things would get better and giving it another chance has always been the mode. On the other hand, the hope of power sharing has been fading into thin air year after year simultaneously, and Awdal has been awarded in return with disrespect and insult which has become a uniform talk among the confederacy betrayers. I see the domineering movement as one of power, of untruths, of visions of "I must be the King”.

Democratic contradiction:

Governing Institutions:

Somaliland house of representative : 70% Isaaq

Somaliland house of elders: 60% Isaaq

Somaliland Executive chamber: 70% Isaaq

Somaliland justice 100% Isaaq

Somaliland National Election commission: 90% Isaaq

There are Five Clans in Somaliland. Dominance by the Isaaq clan is clear. Looking at the above, one can immediately understand why Awdal (prominent partner) feels its contribution to the building of Somaliland is unacknowledged and unappreciated by the domineering partner. In light of that, Awdal’s main partner whose motto is dominance doesn’t know how good they have it.

As is obvious Somaliland democracy is a pillar of domination rather than a democratic advance, thereby leading to its rejection, and increasing the prospects of its breakdown.

Have a good look at the above figures. It is obvious that it is Isaaq land painted cosmetically as Somaliland. That is clearly a hostile take over which should not be accepted by any confederacy partner. It should be obvious then that unless a formula can be found to include all partners in the decision making process, nationhood will always be an elusive dream. And if there is no collective sense of nationhood, there can be no economic development.

We can, and must, reshape our confederation to eliminate dominance and promote power sharing, and to recognize and appreciate the tribal diversity that makes us distinct and rich. We as partners must trust, love one another and share resources and power in spite of our diversity. Dominance and selfishness have never proven to play good in confederacy grounds. To put the Somaliland that we had put into motion under order, the following is a must do stated as simply as possible:

• Representation of all partners at the Federal level must be based on population ratio.
• Equality of employment opportunities

In the first case, representation based on population ratio offers domination to neither partner, nor region, only equality and would lead among other things to more government accountability. Proportional representation is the only method of arriving at political representation, top civil service appointments and allocation of public funds for economic development. Despite all the goodies of forming a progressive nation based on fair representation, I don’t think Somaliland is ready and willing to share the power.

A frequently asked question is how possibly things can be changed for the better. It is obvious that no motion to change the confederacy contract can be passed in both houses as long as the Isaaqs have the majority. In the same token one might arque that a contract signed can not be renegotiated. But the fact is that the contract can be altered as long as it is not written in our holy Quran. Time has changed. It is time that this domineering drama stops. I believe, to breach the confederacy contract there must be:

Awdal Referendum:

Only Awdal has the right to determine its own future. Awdal must come first to its people. Anything else comes second. Somaliland’s political parties whether it is Kulmiye, Udub or Ucid only give us an illusion of a democratic country. Supporting any party will not give Awdal its fair share of the pie. Awdal must face the reality and know that no body but itself can get its share. It is only and only Awdal that can stop the free ride of others on her back.

To get its share Awdal must breach this degrading contract. Awdal must conduct a referendum of whether to keep the present contract as it is or demand to renegotiate and get its share of power with dignity. A simple vote of “YES” or “NO” can do the solution. Only Awdal’s people can set out the rules and regulations for a referendum on the confederacy. A vote of 50 percent plus one is enough for a clear majority. If Awdal votes to keep it, so be it. Awdal will have to live with it for the rest of time and I will kiss my one day goodbye for ever. Otherwise will put the other main partner to accept the terms and renegotiate with good faith. To make this happen Awdalites must be in this together and I remind them the old saying that is as true today as it was long ago:

"It is very easy to snap one stick, but very difficult to snap a bundle."Ghandi

In the second case of equal employment opportunity, let me begin by quoting from my uncle Deheeye Jaamac again;

“Xafiisyada dawlada ee ku yaal hargaysa ayaan ka waayay qof reer Awdal oo ka shaqeeya, waxaanan idhi waar meeshu ma wadan kalaa miyaanaan wax ku lahayn, wuxuu masuulkii iigu jawaabay waxa laga soo magacaabaa Madaxtooyada ee weydii.?”

The policy is clear; get every thing yourself and blame the gift given to Awdal. This reminds me our saying; “Lafo Maroodi iyagaa la isku jabiyaa.” It is a family affair with all fingers pointing to the same place. What a surprise, as if the gift came with powers. The haves never had it so good, my last article “switching places” generated a lot of responses as if it was going to happen right away. While I was reading the writings, I could tell that some were already depressed and were close to run in the streets of Hargeisa up and down like crazy wolves shouting “Samaroon take over”. Well folks, sooner or later “Hore u Cune dib u qatan” will come true.

Somaliland is Hargeisa and Hargeisa is Somaliland. Every thing happens in there. Employment is only in there. Somaliland is supposed to belong to everybody and therefore there must be an equal employment opportunity programs. If the people are to share the pie then employment opportunities must be dispersed across the cities. Government departments must be scattered across the cities so that people get employment fairly. International agents must also be allowed to function in other cities across the Republic.

Another thing which needs clean up is the civil service. The federal government must ensure that the federal Civil Service, notably at the senior and middle-levels, is representative of the people of Somaliland. The National Security Service must also be representative of the population and reflect the partnership of the confederacy. Sharing power and employment opportunities will always make sure to have prosperity and equality at hand.

In conclusion; it must be clear to the people of Awdal that neither Kulmiye nor Ucid nor Udub will get their fair share of the pie. The party system is only an illusion of a democratic country (habaabis). Representation based on population ratio is the starting point and it is clear now Awdal out numbers all the other regions with the exception of Hargeisa..

Therefore, Awdal must take the confederacy contract, twist it up and throw it back upon the shelf and conduct a referendum to decide one way or the other. If Awdal decides to keep the contract as it is now, so be it, and Awdal will have to live with it in disgrace. Other wise, a renegotiation of the confederacy contract will have to happen and Awdal will get its fair share.

Suleiman Abdi Dugsiye