Without resolute will of our political leaders to vanguard us to unity and better tomorrow, the unwillingness of our people to forgive and embrace each other but remain divided into faqash and Mujahid, our non-compliance to the guidance of our constitution, the dearth of genuine opposition leaders with accoutrements of an appropriate socio-political culture true to our aspirations and borrowing from the old tricks of crying foul when somebody steps on their toe, yet they themselves poking other people’s eyes, and a governing body out of sync, we will be stepping onto a very slippery slope, where one little “Slide” becomes a powerful downhill, impossible to stop without a spectacular crash.
Let us consider some small acts that can compromise our unity and existence. We get great comfort out of blank condemnation or blemish a whole clan by unsanctioned act of one of its individual; our rush to clan enthusiasms for anyone who is from our peers without sober appraisal of his/her character and potential to contribute to the good of our country; and embracing anyone as patriotic and a national hero so long he/she has participated ONLY in the SNM struggle without giving much attention to his/her evil deeds to the schism among SL people. Remember, Little compromises pave the way for bigger ones and that is one road we don’t want to take.
This political crisis we are now facing does not come from spur of a moment but as a result of an accumulative effect of these little compromises that we have done over the years. Let us not forget what we have is PEACE only but surrounded by an ocean of turmoil and anarchy and little skid we make could slip us into the shark-infested ocean where the sharks will dance around to our splash.
Therefore, what we have to avoid is following a course that will damp our unity and working together for the good of our country and people. We could be strongest as people when we are directed by that which unites us, rather than giving into the fears, suspicions, innuendoes and paranoia’s that divide. We are destined for the same goals and hopes for better future for our kids. Let us not forget that.
While most of African states its son’s has tormented and give away death and anarchy, we have been hailed by the world community as Africa’s best kept secret and rightfully so but we should not however this time act blasé over our good appraisal and respect by the world community but to challenge this political crisis with wisdom, consensus, persistence and patience to achieve higher.
Let us prove to the world that our ethical and moral high grounds fares with our resilience and culture, that we can do what has not been done else where in Africa; making perfect brotherly union from diversity of clans and refrain from employing the ugly face of the “Clannish”, a plague that nibbles the fabric of African society. We might disagree on issues while sifting through democratically, stumble or fall but we have never faltered in our determination to stand up and disprove the cynics who wish us ill. This time shouldn’t be different.
As a country not recognized yet, we have to know that there is no one out there to help us if we mess up this time around. We have relied all along on our unique and reverent wisdom of our forefathers and our mutual and strong concatenate kinship to avert the same fate that befell onto most Africans. We don’t have to look far but turn our heads south of the border to see the death grip of what would become if we dare to dance with the Clan tune.
Our government as well as our opposition leaders, in times like this, should act responsibly to dissuade our people from worries and conduct themselves in a peaceful and brotherly manner to engage in reconciliation. Our people had been through difficult times of repression and the last thing they need is to revisit that dark era.
Brothers and sister, our political leaders, our old and wise, let the unity prevail from the high mountains of Dallo in Erigavo, down the plains of sool, through Togdheer, Saxil and the fertile land of Gabiley to the Libaaxey mountain in the green valley of selsel river on the west. With unity only we shall overcome this crisis to reach to the lush accommodation in a better future. In the meantime every one of us should do the little constructive contribution he/she could to send a strong signal to our leaders that what we want is, has been, and will be what is good for the country and ALL Somaliland people.
May God bless Somaliland
Sharmarke Ali
USA