I salute the Awdalnews.com management in its recent editorial article titled, “ SNM in balance: The need for a Truth and Reconciliation Committee in Somaliland” for courageously taking the leadership in addressing the long overdue moral question regarding the human rights violations committed in the name of SNM in northern Somalia during the 90's.   It is unfortunate that after more than 20 years into the desired state of secession that was born out of frustration, anger, and maybe even a desire for dominance in the minds of the SNM leadership, the public has yet to see them repent or at least acknowledge some of the grave human rights violations they have helped committed against innocent people in many towns and villages in the region. These crimes committed by the SNM, in many accounts, carry the same weight, if not more, as that of the massacres committed by the military dictatorship government of Siyad Barre against the people of Hargeisa and Buroa . The fact that someone was killed by SNM does not make it any less painful, as we should value all human lives the same way, regardless who one is/was and where he/she comes from.

Of course, Ignorance and unbridled greed had to have determined the outcome of the war in some instances, in that the leadership of SNM might not have known all the terrors and crimes cried out in their name against innocent Somali people, but after 20 years of their involvement of the politics in the region and even taking some leadership roles in the day to day operation, they have a huge moral responsibility to face the people and admit that they were responsible for these crimes. Many, both young and old, have still many unanswered questions and are waiting to hear the public addressing their unforgettable ordeal; the killings of their love ones by the SNM loyalists in front of their eyes. There are witnesses, records, stories that all exist and waiting to be reopened.

If the Rayal's government is genuinely sincere about its attempts in becoming the SOUTH AFRICA of the horn of Africa, it should strive to bring forth an atmosphere of tolerance, democratic pluralism, and respect for human rights, which will safeguard the collective interest of our people. It should advocate for the creation of a truth-seeking reconciliation commission that could open the doors for the possibility of public hearings for the first time, where the agonizing stories from silent voices could be heard in courts.   It owes to the sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, as well as friends and colleagues of those who died in vain. Their voices and faces are still with us, crying for justices. The commission should be able to exercise power to express regret and sorrow, and even retribution, on behalf of all of us, for the atrocities and human violations inflicted on these innocent people in the region by SNM and its supporters. It is a moral obligation on all of us, including the SNM leadership.

  Ali Bahar
Email: aib_1@yahoo.com

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