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Federalism, as it is recently portrayed in the opinion pages of certain websites, is neither an alien idea pushed by foreign interest groups nor a project prone to fail. On the contrary, if properly crafted and executed, it could be the lasting solution for Somalia’s chronic civil strife. And it might actually even create a miracle to realize the dream of greater Somalia.
The federal structure was originally proposed by Hizbia Dastur Mustaquil Somalia (HDMS), Somali Independence Constitutional Party, as a way to protect the interest of the non-nomadic communities of southern Somalia. Its leader Ustad Osman, the father of Somali federalism, was killed in Mogadishu for his political views on federalism. 1960 constitution was drafted and ratified in that toxic political environment and far from legitimate, balanced and democratic as some choose to believe. No meaningful, genuine public debates occurred after the killing of Ustad Osman. Somali Youth League (SYL), the main party dominated by pastoralists, won the election in 1960 and administered the referendum of unitary constitution. Despite the huge electoral success enjoyed by HDMS in the then Banadir, Lower Jubba and Upper Jubba, federalism was killed. As a result Radio Mogadishu’s programs in May language were cancelled and a mass media programs designed to make SYL the only national party that has the best interest of people at heart were created. Both during the civilian government and Mohamed Siyad Barre’s Military government, everything, from the design of school curriculum to the national media programs, was based on SYL propaganda. The focus of these successive governments became milking Maandeeq (a she camel which is the symbol of the country) to death instead nurturing it.I believe SYL initially came with noble agenda, and its founders were patriotic citizens, but it was totally hijacked by selfish politicians. That is totally different issue for discussion on a later day. The issue of federalism resurfaced after failure of several peace conferences. And again it claimed the life of Abdalla Derow, one more prominent, aspiring politician from the south. After he was appointed to become the Minister of Constitution, who supposed to be in charge the process of drafting federal constitution, he was shot on the head in front of the mosque, right after the Friday prayers. Currently, federalism is the preferred system from Puntland to Lower Jubba. According to the critics of federal system, the following issues are the potential impediments of establishing federal state in Somalia: foreign influence; lack of clearly defined borders of the provinces that are forming the federal state; and lack of human and financial recourses to run federal and provincial governments. Let us closely examine whether these assertions are true. Foreign elementsNo one can deny that foreign elements had and will always have some interest in what kind of government Somalia will have. The critics of unitary system can argue that there are foreign elements behind the unitary state system who feel that, it will be easier for them to exploit or corrupt fewer individuals in unitary system to get their interest. No Somali constitution, federal or unitary, will at this point go as far as claiming territories currently under neighboring countries. Neighboring countries are for sure taking advantage of the current failed state and no matter which constitution we agree at this point will change that. The way to change the situation is genuine reconciliation, building trust and building the lost state from the ground with strong foundation. BordersAgain the critics of federalism will argue that there are no clearly marked borders of provinces that are going to form the federation. That is not entirely true. Southern provinces (Lower Shabelle, Bay, Bakool, Gedo, Middle Jubba and Lower Jubba) had always favored federal state. Puntland and Galmudug can be other provinces of the federal state. Federalism is like a farm, one has to prepare the land, sow the seeds, water it and take good care of it, before one can harvest the its fruits. The process has to start from the bottom where communities discuss whether they want to be part of provincial government or become federal territory. Having the option of becoming federal territory could alleviate the concerns certain minority communities or people in special zones necessary for federal activities like the capital will have. ResourcesIt is argued that Somalia is a poor nation and it cannot pay the expenses of multiple level legislative bodies and human resources . Currently, that is true, however the constitution has to be forward looking document and Somalis are very resourceful people with potentially rich country. I believe every part of the country is full of natural resources and human talent that need to be inspired and utilized. Country needs, open minded political leaders who inspire the people and stimulate their entrepreneurship and creativity. Telling them they are poor, unable to finance or run provincial governments is an insult and disheartening. There are plenty of evidences that Somalis are capable of running anything provided that they get real leaders with vision. The problem is not lack human resources and capital, but lack of will, creativity and hard work on the parts of the politicians to tackle hard issues. ConclusionOne has to look all the pros and cons of both systems to come to the conclusion which system will be the best for Somalis. Dismissing federalism, without genuine discussion in an environment free of assassinations and intimidation, will only hurt trust building process needed for real reconciliation. Somalis are egalitarian people and unique in that way and I am hopeful that they are capable of coming up with system of their own. A real system that we can say it is by the people and for sure it is for the people. At the end of the day whatever we agree in good faith will be something that we all can say it is ours. The future democratic, prosperous, federal state of Somalia might be able to inspire and create opportunities for Somalis in the neighboring countries and Diaspora. Abdulkadir M. AbowEmail: abow@idirect.com ____ Related Articles* Nidaamka Federaalku Xal uma ahan Dhibaatada Soomaalida Wq. Dr. Afyare Abdi Elmi _____________________________________________________________________ We welcome the submission of all articles for possible publication on WardheerNews.com
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