Primitive ‘tribalism’ must not compromise Somaliland stability

The Bane of Somaliland: Pseudo traditional Leaders given media space!

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTFDl-FTgNk

Yesterday in some tribally-laced websites, we read some gray-haired gentlemen spouting forth words that reminded one of Somaliland in the early 90s. Of all things they were speaking against the appointment of a governor to one of the regions. Their words did not tell us anything new we should know about the new governor or the appointment.

Theirs was purely chest-thumbing inanities that dared fate. What is worse, one of the youngest ‘journalists’ – a nephew – of course immediately posted it on YouTube for all the world to see.

The gentlemen in question had only one goal in mind: to project a fictitious greatness of their ‘clan’ to other folks who knew nothing or little about Sanaag region. Theirs was to tell themselves and us that the region was theirs and theirs alone to do with it as they wished, and that no governor was acceptable unless he had their approval stamped on it. Silly!

These gentlemen forgot two basic facts: (a) Sanaag region is a multi-clan region, and as such, it is no man’s sole domain; (b) Many government appointed governors preceded the current nominee – and at least two of them hailed from their camp – and nobody protested.

None of the speakers were known representatives of the clans on whose name they claimed ‘representation’ – and their ‘press conference’ was held at Hadhwanaag Hotel, here in Hargeisa!

Hornets’ nest

Gentlemen like the above achieve nothing except the creation of rifts between brothers and neighbors. History shows that. Somaliland history abounds with examples.

Nothing comes out of such noxious, politically-motivated so-called press conferences except instability, proxy wars and a backward slide to the dark ages Somaliland just emerged from.

In this particular case, there is a strong suspicion that the hot air they blew off onto cameras and microphones was paid for by one of the opposition parties – a party that they were shown supporting on previous occasions.

Same goes with the man imported from overseas to take up rusted arms against peace and stability in Somaliland.

Peace, the Commodity we sell

It all boils down to one thing: somebody is pulling the strings to see what gives. Somebody somewhere is bent on overturning the peace apples on the Somaliland cart. It is obvious that Somaliland is being used as foot soldiers. It is obvious that some of the newsmakers among the opposition parties are being used. But it is not that obvious, on the other hand, that the Somaliland security services are putting together dossiers on the unfolding events for analysis and action.

I am sure Somaliland could have ferreted out the moles and put them behind bars where they belong – regardless of what color or pretext.

The question is: Is Somaliland prepared to take this bold move to preserve its unity and integrity?