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In order to turn the conflict with Puntland into cooperation!

February 21, 2011   ·   2034717 Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fsomalilandpress.com%2Fin-order-to-turn-the-conflict-with-puntland-into-cooperation-20347In+order+to+turn+the+conflict+with+Puntland+into+cooperation%212011-02-21+20%3A52%3A22Abdiqanihttp%3A%2F%2Fsomalilandpress.com%2F%3Fp%3D20347

Somalilandpress- “The sub-region of the Horn of Africa is on fire and is threatening to explode”. This is a known fact that underlines the persistent character and logic of events, it also reflects the extent of failure of the parts involved. For not been able to obtain peaceful and amicable solutions. Most of these conflicts, particularly in the Somali region, have been motivated by ideologies of certain militarized extremist forces. This has been the reason that inter and intra-state violent confrontations prevailed, from sixties of last century till today.

What is happing at the present time in Buhodle is only a continuation of the same trend based on the same thinking, which originates from one of the three sources; 1) clan domination ambitions 2) Pan-Somalism (which is different from democratic Somalism) and 3) Jihadist world outlook. All these destabilizing ideologies express ambitions of certain politicians. The rest of the Somali people everywhere on earth have neither interests in nor using them as a weapon for power and resource.

For instance, Pan-Somali doctrine as was articulated by Somali leaders. Was used by dictators as a weapon to employ military force in their perfidious efforts for domination under the cover of Somali nationalism, through which they oppressed and subjugated the Somalis in general and Somaliland people in particular with a vicious manner, as they used this ideology to dominate the whole Sub-region of the Horn. The major aim of the invasion against Ethiopia in1977 by Barre regime was first of all directed to Somalis at home for ascendance over the Somali people themselves, their rights and resources, and to break their deep sense of longing for democracy and development. One of the prime aims of that war was to eliminate progressive officers in the Somali national army itself.

And therefore, was an explicit war against democracy both at home and abroad, which revealed the true nature of fascist-like intentions of Barre regime.
In my view, all these miseries, despites, dishonors, and humiliations under which Somalis around the Globe are experiencing till today are direct outcome of this kind of political doctrine employed by impious southern politicians, from Siyad barre to sh. Shariif.
Unfortunately however, Somalis have the habit to throw all blames on others and never tried to criticize wrong doings that they themselves have done.
The Sool and Eastern Sanaag conflict is an archetypical and extension of that sort of things. Indeed, this is a continuation of the same ideological conflict, which is not per se between Somaliland and Puntland, but has more broad sense and meaning. It is between state building and democratization processes in Somaliland in one side, and all odds and ends of anarchy against the idea to establish institutions in these areas on the other side. Moreover, this contrived conflict also aims to undermine the peace and stability in Puntland itself.
Consequently, the conflict in Buhodle is far from being a dispute between Issaqis and Hartis, who are brothers and sisters. Contrary to this argument the battle is basically about ideas, it is about whether to put the anarchy, lawlessness to an end, and to establish state institutions in its place, where Harts, Issaqis, Gadaburis and Issas share interest in peace, state building and democratization through forgiveness and reconciliation. These grand principles have been the core policy of Somaliland state since its inception.
And therefore, the task of Somaliland government should be clear and strict to follow a peaceful and reconciliatory way in its endeavors in resolving the conflict peacefully and in an amicable way through traditional mechanism of conflict management by the elders of the two brotherly sub-clans.
The Puntland leadership should abandon the idea, that all Harti sub-clan family who, are scattered throughout the Horn, from Wardeer of the Ethiopian Somali region, Somaliland up to Kismayo in the far end of the South, for the sake of peace in the region.

To contest with this notion, there is a need for Somaliland to pursue different approaches and attitudes. The first step toward this direction is to rule-out military solution and all kinds of violence, except in self-defense, the second step should be a clear-cut policy toward reconciliation through dialogue and negotiations.
However, in the face of a thinking solely based on Kinship assertion the way towards reconciliation with SSC will remain rough and full of difficulties since both clannish and Islamist based war of agitation easily believable by the common people is being waged,
That is why, Hartism policy, which has nothing to do with the interests of the people there constitute extremely a dangerous factor destabilizing the whole region, from Kismayo to Galcaayo to Buhodle. Hartism policy (and not Harti as people) has been a major factor in all disputes and wars for the last 20 years in Somalia.
Somali great poet Gaarriye once said “..Issaq people are OK with me, but Issaqism as a political end is not”. Garriye made this observation in a time when some Issaq politicians were criticized by the rank&file of SNM as clan Chauvinists.

The only alternative to this Clannish mind frame is democracy, Democratic Puntaland state would be much better than exclusive clan based state. Both Somaliland and Puntland need peace and stability, and the experiences of hostilities and violent conflicts served only for the common enemies. The challenges posed by Jihadism should be seen as our common problem deal with. The immediate task of both Somaliland and Puntland ought to be seen through the perspective of how both sides be cooperate against all odds of terrorism, piracy and lawlessness in these areas. To defend the achievements that have been realized for both, and to take a common stand against those who want to destabilize the region, and to defend our common coastal areas from dumping industrial wastes, to develop trade and to coordinate security issues, and more importantly, to spare no effort to devote for environmental conservation in their areas. Through such rational policy all conflicts could be turned out into cooperation.
One last point needs to be remembered; so far, there is no one more Somali than Somaliland since no one else is more democratic than Somaliland. All these crocodile tears on Somali unity are sheer cover up of the failure of those could not face the reality to criticize themselves before they disapprove of others achievements.

Adam Musse Jibril
Can be reached by:
adamjibril@hotmail.com

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By Abdiqani