| |
|
|
For the past two years, the performance of the Riyaale administration in Somaliland has been a disappointing failure. After the death of the seasoned politician, Mohamed Ibrahim Egal in South Africa , his vice President, a lesser known former security officer in the Siad Barre Administration (NSS) became Acting President under the constitution and subsequently assumed power in a closely contested election. No sooner he took power in mid 2002 than he assembled a cabinet of 40 plus ministers that weighted heavily in favor of the former officers of Barre's government and his colleagues/associates. Nearly two years later, Somaliland is on the verge of collapse and anarchy. The political landscape is bleak and rather gloomy marred by rampant corruption, persistent human rights violations and continuing war in the disputed Sool region. The core problem facing Somaliland today is the inability of the current leadership to perform the fundamental task of good governance in the main areas of national concern, which include public administration, judicial services, maintenance of law and order. It may be conceded that a modest administration like that of Somaliland in view of its limited resources, cannot cope with the challenges of nation building. However, the government can and should successfully develop and sustain its established mechanisms and capabilities to deal with fundamental issues like peace, justice, human rights and above all the operationalization of an administrative system which should be efficient, transparent and accountable. Of late there has been a growing concern over the deterioration of the human rights situation in Somaliland under Riyaale's stewardship. Reliable reports confirm the constant harassment and intimidation of civil society; gross abuse of power; the arbitrary arrest and detention of peace and human rights activists, defense attorneys, concerned local NGOs, etc; disrespect towards community elders and prominent traditional leaders as demonstrated by the unceremonial arrest and detention of Boqor Buur Madow on January 27, 2004. Buur Madow is a traditional clan chief who successfully mediated in the conflict between Cabdullaahi Yuusuf (former President of Puntland) and his opponent Col. Cadde Muusa. According to some observers, these and other recent similar incidents have generated a sense of fear and anxiety among the civil population who worry about the future of their country and prospect of renewed clan conflict in Somaliland God forbid, with severe implication for the peace and stability in the state. Then there is the irresposible act of handing over Ogaden civilians, some of whom were long term Hargeysa residents to the Ethiopian authorities which also had the unintended but expectable negative impact on the economy of the region. Inter-regional commerce (between the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia (SRSE) and Somaliland ) has severely been hampered. Livestock from SRSE has since been diverted to Puntland instead of the traditional markets of Burco and Hargeysa in Somaliland . The Riyaale administration is also to be blamed for the continuation and escalation of the conflict in the Sool region. Instead of searching for a peaceful resolution through dialogue, Riyaale has opted for a military option as demonstrated by the recent armed attack of SL troops on Adhi Cadeeye-near Laas Caanod. The adoption of such a provocative approach on a sensitive inter-clan dispute was wrong and only served to intensify the conflict and created a war situation. In this connection it should be recalled that during the presidency of Egal, the conflict with Puntland over the Sool region was handled in a peaceful manner and with patience and diplomatic skill using mediation efforts of traditional elders from both sides. During his tenure as president, Egal successfully managed to develop and sustain a traditional culture of dialogue and harmony, thereby avoiding any problem that would provoke inter-clan conflicts or disputes. For example when some Isaaq elements and some Dulbahante clan members exerted pressure on Egal to visit Sool and Buuhoodle Regions he resisted this proposal, which, in his view was premature and inappropriate. He responded that, “these Regions are not yet ready for such a visit.” At that time Egal was aware that undertaking a high level visit to Laas Caanod would be risky futile and counter productive in view of the strong opposition of the clans in the region to the secessionist policy of Somaliland. Having failed to learn from the lessons of the recent past, Riyaale paid a visit to Laas Caanod immediately after he took office ignoring the realities on the ground and the consequences, which such a visit would entail. As expected the traditional leaders in Sool did not only rebuff him but the presidential delegation came under surprise attack from local armed group. Riyaale paid a heavy price; the visit was a total failure, generated hostilities and alienated the people in Sool further. This was not the end of Riyaale's adventure in Sool. Only a couple of months ago Riyaale ordered a military attack on Adhi Caddeeye. This was a major military and political blunder, which was most regrettable as it, plunged the region in conflict and poisoned relations with indigenous clan of Sool. The attack came at a time when the Somali people with the support of the international community are genuinely engaged in a historic peace process in Nairobi for the reestablishment of government and restoration of statehood in Somalia . The Achilles heel of the worsening situation of Somaliland is captured by the inhumane treatment and imprisonment of Zamzam Ducaale, a 16-year-old Bossasso girl. Zamzam is an innocent young girl who along with some other friends went on a vacation trip to Hergeisa where she was arrested and charged with a criminal act of conspiracy to assassinate the Somaliland Vice President. Tortured, raped and denied of right to legal defense, a kangaroo court in Hergeisa sentenced her to four years imprisonment. Africa Watch, Amnesty International and a coalition of human rights groups in Hergeisa all issued statements of condemnation of the Hergeisa court arbitrary decision. It is a matter of regret and disappointment that Riyaale failed to intervene or even address the nation on this serious miscarriage of justice. Poor Somaliland ! In the short span of two years this beautiful country has been transformed from an ‘oasis of peace and stability' to a state in crisis and conflict. If this trend is not reversed, Somaliland may slip to the abyss of civil war with serious repercussions for the future of the country and peace and stability of the region.
Copyright © 2005 Wardheernews.com |
