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In recent years, the Somali Region has been in the hands of Taataqis, “mobilized” that are given full mandate to rule the Somali Region in iron fest. The region has witnessed in its history the most brutal leaders during the past four years. Countless Somalis left the region to seek shelter in the Western countries and the remaining that could not afford to reach far have relocated to Addis and Diredawa to avoid being spotted by the gang. As a matter of fact, educated individuals and businessmen are leaving Jigjga in the scores to other safer parts of Ethiopia, Djibouti and even to Hargaysa, Somaliland. Moreover, there are thousands of prisoners in Jails across the region, and prominently in one of the villainous jail known us “Jail Ogaden,” without trail. The relationship between the government headed by Daud, EPRDF-handpicked president, and his top security man, Abdi Ilay’s with the Diaspora community has been ruined due to their lack of understanding of the Diaspora politics and their political immaturity. It is worth to recall the horrifying memories of Eegganews.com in 2008 in which a handful of informers from Minneapolis who had their own agenda altered to another level the relation between the Diasporas and the Somali Region administration led by these two individuals. Ironically, the trip to Europe was kept secret until to the last minute and even when they were preparing to fly from Addis to Sweden, the officials were telling people that their first destination is London. No one from the Diaspora groups knew what the agenda was or what they want to accomplish in this trip. This is not the first time officials and delegation from Somali Region have traveled abroad to meet the Diaspora communities. Yet, officials such as Kadre Macaline, the Elders group, Guray Fedare and very recently Abdifatah has came out and held discussions with supporters and non-supporters. However, when a felon like Abdi Ilay, who shoulders the responsibility of the death of hundreds in the region, are dispatched by his masters to travel abroad for propaganda, it will be very difficult to accomplish anything, let alone to convince people and talk about any achieved progress in the Somali Region. What is more surprising in this tour is there is no new proposal or a change of a tone or policy: still innocent folks are terrorized in daily basis and are killed and imprisoned with simple justification, ONLF supporter or member. I strongly believe that the reaction of the Diaspora communities is legitimate, The Massacre of Daghabur of 54 innocent people from Abaskuul clan, the recent Daud’s gemgama in Afdeer region, where 31 individuals were sentenced from 8 years to 20, including the Ugas of Afdeer and the detention and sentence of the Raaso community who were working on development project is still in the minds of the Diaspora. Moreover, the continuing detention without trial of well respected individuals such as Mahdi Ayub, Fowsie Cali Abdi, and Ibrahim Haad and others is one of the major remaining obstacles that need to be resolved. Furthermore, these two individual, who are sent to win over the Diaspora community, treat citizens in the region in a cruel and inhumane way. Abdi Ilay is well known in Jigjiga for his erratic behavior and its consequences on the residents of the region. Anyone who spots Abdi Ilay’s Land Cruiser from distance would run to avert any chance of being seen. Daud is also increasingly attacking government staffs in any meetings he conducts. Recently, he insulated publically in one of the meetings Suldan Abdirahman Bade’s wife, a strange behavior in Somali culture. Even though, the situation in Somali region is at its lowest level, the majority of the Somali Region citizens residing abroad believe that if the trip was without Abdi Ilay, the officials might have a different reception. Though there are always those who oppose the Somali Region officials ideologically, there is significant number of people who might have reasoned and expressed their concern in a civilized way. However, it is very difficult to reason with Abdi Ilay. Last week, I watched on Universal TV where Abdi Ilay was talking to a group of people who met with him and the other officials in Sweden. He was neither articulate nor appealing; he repeated again and again the same talking points as he often does in Jigjiga when delivering speech to young Tataaqi police men. He never admits any wrong doing or anything to improve. The trip should be a good experience and an eye-opening to Abdi Ilay and possibly to Daud if indeed he comes to North America according to the rumors sometime in October. This trip is their first trip out of Ethiopia, thus it will give them a chance to see the world and possibly to listen to the concern and grief of the Diaspora communities if they open their heart and mind. They might have also some quality time alone without Khat that might allow them to reflect on their past deeds and examine themselves without the hallucinating influence of Khat. At least, least they will have a chance to buy a nice Seiko watch or a pair of American jeans to Ato Tawolde, the powerful show ruler of the land. Ismail Abdi (Sugule) -Somalis: You “ain't” seen nothing yet By Faisal Roble We welcome the submission of all articles for possible publication on WardheerNews.com |
