Somalia: Last Chance for Peace
Somalia's hope hinges on the political meeting in Puntland where all regional states, the council of presidential candidates( Opposition groups, and the leaders of Somali parliament and civil society groups are taking part. It has became clear to all that President Mohammed Abdullahi "Farmajo" has failed Somalia's hope hinges on the political meeting in Puntland where all regional states, the council of presidential candidates( Opposition groups, and the leaders of Somali parliament and civil society groups are taking part. It has became clear to all that President Mohammed Abdullahi "Farmajo” has failed to manage the affairs of the country in consultative and all inclusive manner with all stakeholders. It seems a decision has been taken to move on with or without him because the political performance of the president is condered to be poor by all including his own constituency.
Many believe that he cannot not unite the country and find a solution to the current political and constitutional challenges. But given his unpopular policies that he may only contribute to the disagreement and the conflict that this county had seen for the last thirty years... if he tries to hold on power by force. New ideas are needed to solve Somalia's complicated issues.
On one hand, the political infighting between the federal government and its member states has grown particularly in Jubbaland. On the other hand, the lack of trust from presidential candidates on his disputed electoral policy which will be managed by disputed electoral commitee. All that have led the way that all stakeholders to seek alternative programme to save the country form imminent renewed political confrontation.
Here is some background issues worth to be noted; The crises in Gedo region( the constituency of the president is sub district of Jubaland federal state) have reached at boiling point. Jubaland and government forces are likely to clash, if the president is allowed to have his way. There are serious accusations against his government relating to illegal use of Somali Military to political agenda. This particular issue had cropped up in many meeting including the last meeting of the Somali International Partners Forum in Mogadishu last month. The president reneged many agreements he had signed with Jubaland leadership on dematerialising the Gedo region. Many believe that the same issue had caused Kenya and Somalia’s diplomatic relationship to deteriorate. IGAD is now involved.
The other important point to be noted is that the local tradional leaders in the Gedo region disagree with the president's policy in Jubaland. They have accused him to be diving communities in his own constituency. They have asked him to stop, what they termed, a political adventure and urged him to resign as he failed managing Somali affairs as a president. They have made it clear to all Somalis that they don’t have anything to do with him( president Farmaajo).
Analysts think that the Gedo region crises need a political solution from the local politicians of that region including the president. There is no reason to waste national military resources inappropriately on local political dispute. As matter of a fact, this is not the intention of the countries who helped and trained Somali military to take part the fraternal killings among the Somai communities. Many believe that external actors do not know the nitty gritty details of Somali political conflict, but they do see their interest in competing for influences and they are duped into believing this policy to be a national agenda.
In the meantime , the security has become a cause for concern in recent days when it become to light the command structure of the security agencies are likely to breakdown into clan lines. And if the government resorts in using rogue armed officers to supress peaceful forces of democracy, the situation will be likely out of hand. It is on record that incidents of great concern had taken place including arresting peaceful demonstrators. It is wellknown fact that the mood of Mogadishu, Kismayo, Beletweyne and others cities are tense and the most of Somalis are pining their hope the outcome of Garowe meeting as it is seen the last chance for peace.
In consolation, Somalis are a canning ancient society who can manage to recruit gullible foreigners to do their bidding what they otherwise could not have achieved for any other means. The pecking order is clear to all Somalis and they know the losers in this end game. That is way the local traditional elder from Gedo region is trying to appeal and reach out the majority of the participants in Puntland meeting where it is likely to be decided the faith of the current regime and the alliances will be formed for the next government at the same time. The end.
By Mohamed Mohamud Adde.
The auther is an academic and an Independent Somali Political Analyst who is based in Mogadishu.
Reminder:( This author was the first Analyst who predicted the downfall of President Abdullahi Yusuf. He also predicated with accuracy that President Hassan Sheikh would lose in the 2016 elections. This analysis can not be ignored as the tenure of President Farmajo comes to close. The evidence of this peice of history can be found in BBC World Service archives.)
Somalia: Last Chance for Peace
Somalia's hope hinges on the political meeting in Puntland where all regional states, the council of presidential candidates( Opposition groups, and the leaders of Somali parliament and civil society groups are taking part. It has became clear t