By: Mohamed Isse
Somalilandsun-As for a background, Federalism would be defined as a form of government in which a sovereignty is constitutionally divided between a governing authority (the central government), and constituent political units (i.e. states or provinces). The constituents themselves and the general public should know and understand what federalism is and what it is for.
Currently “Somali Federalism” is not an original philosophy that existed rather, it was imposed upon Somalia by foreign intervention, without the thought of its conceivable results. Indeed, even today it’s not being perceived that it has brought more harm than good. To begin with, federalism is not fit for us as a nation. Somalia is a country with a single ethnicity, religion, language, therefore it does not need further devolution on the grounds that no group necessarily needs sovereignty. Somalia is not like Spain, Switzerland, or Brazil- nations who have various theological or ethnic groups that need autonomy to avoid discord among the population.
Regional territories that have established Federalism and those who have not yet, in historical terms there is continuity (where there is an anticipated proceeding with cycle that is seen). Case in point, when there is a state built, what emerges are other factions that create disparity and divergence to a massive scale, going as downhill as to create clan tension. Occasionally, some remote areas would likewise claim its right to govern itself, and consequently other areas follow suit. To those who again, have not got to federalism have seen what constructed Jubbaland, Southwest, and Galmudug. Despite everything they have not moved their capitals; to a degree where their pioneers have no official workplaces to work, and are not well outfitted to completely handle with state undertakings. Furthermore, Puntland and Somaliland are predominant in functionality than the others, however with power also exists hierarchy, with some groups above others. In both Puntland and Somaliland, the legislative halls are the focal point of political action. They also have their underlying intuitions built for their citizens. Yet so, it should be, for the sake of the common good, that amalgamation should occur for the best interest of Somalia as a whole. This will require much dialogue, understanding and securitization of people and issues that bring about federalism.
Why is it that all regional administrations are required to have a shared border with Ethiopia and have the entry to ocean ports as well? Who designed the framework of the states’ territories for us? If this federalism framework proceeds this way, what will happen to Somalia in another 100 hundred years? It’s evident that there is an intent to see Somalia divide itself and sprawl into further disagreement, divide and conquer- to where clan-based states are loyal to Ethiopia and Kenya. There is a lot of evidence that they do as they wish in some parts of the country, specifically the Liyuu police, who have conferred slaughters in central regions and northern Somalia “Somaliland”. There is no accounting for their actions; Kenyan airstrikes that result to more civilian losses than those of terrorists. The real question, is, what is the international community seeing as of the situation? Do they endorse neighboring countries to meddle and interfere with Somalia? It appears that the constrained forcing of federalism advantages neighboring countries than it accomplishes for Somalia.
Another repercussion of the state formation of the state development conveys to the instance of Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle- the administration proposed a way to make it easy and simple path for establishment, and not so much for practicality. In any case, there was discontinuity, a sudden change in precedent benchmark. Ugaas Hassan became the highest elder in authority, who had a conversing plan as opposed to what the administration wished to set up. It changed an entire situation, resulting in the sympathy of many Somalis- subsequently shaping the manner of federalism. He changed the whole development of the imperfect framework, and for the long run had a dream for Somalia. Hopefully, the whole nation will take a lesson from the Ugaas’s choice.
If federalism does indeed become an answer, then individuals have the obligation to be part of it and have a voice. A system of framework should be built for the people and their needs. There should be resources for people to access so they may comprehend what it accomplishes for them. Even musicians, play role in the significance of the dissolving divisions between Somalis in different territories, especially to the youth. Who’ve grown up with the mentality of federalism in Somalia. This starts with compromise, from tribe to tribe, from district to locale until we can completely be at one, south and north. All those who seek a better Somalia should sit beneath a tree and attempt to talk of their difference and issues, as it is a traditional custom. My advice to the present and forthcoming government is to prompt peace with those in the Norther Somalia, as Dr. Abdullahi Osoble Siyad did. He is the only official from Southern Somalia to have made a speech in the Somaliland Parliament in 1994 amid Egal’s tenure. Even today, he’s said that he’s competent to oversee some form of reconciliation while giving interview with the Hanoolaato program. Certainly, this man’s capabilities can forge a genuine, diplomatic relationship and consideration to bring Somalia’s parties together.
Given these points, the questions asked and their answers are subjective to you, given the role of the ramifications of the federal structure. Somali people need to understand, negotiate and reconcile with one another.
It is time for Somalia’s new solutions. It is the opportunity to seek ethical equity. And it is time for consensus and solidarity, among people and between people. There has been enough dissent and hostility. It’s time for reconciliation.
Mohamed Isse
mcmuudeey@gmail.com
