Somalilands political discourse is in nobody’s interest, and is far away removed from inclusivity, fairness nor provides a sensible future pathways for the youth in Borama, Baki or Burco, as elites are pre-occupied with holding on to power and self enrichment. And there seems to be a consensus that the current discourse isn’t sustainable. The question arising and that needs to be asked and discussed is, what is then the alternative solution or direction for the people in Somaliland? You say divide the region along clan lines, let every sub-clan rule themselves under Mogadishu. And I think there are other and better pathways possible, but as Somali’s we are hardwired and jump immediately from one bandwagon to another extreme without considering all the options, possibilities and risks, which at the same time makes any debate or consideration of alternative politics impossible as one has already jumped to a conclusion which becomes a ‘fait accompli’. My question to you is, in order to construct when do you have to deconstruct and when do you have to reconstruct?

Inkaarta Somalida heysata waxa weeyaan dadka amuusaan ee ka xishooda qabyalad iyo qori ayee dulmiyaan. Kuwa qori iyo fawda lasoo istaaga uun ayee maqlaan oo tix galiyaan.

I want to share a little anecdote with you about the first time I met someone from Awdal. The was back in 2004 when I met this girl, who only came to Europe few years earlier. And as all the Somali kids were sharing their piece of war and refugee stories, she couldn't relate to all those stories and said she didn't understand what others were talking about and she shared that she came from a town (Borama) never seen war, fighting nor had to flee, and had enjoyed education and came straight to Europe, without going through any of the refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya. I was young didn't know the different regions but her story stuck with me, as I knew pretty much that all the Somali kids had seen times of fear, suffering, conflict and displacements from their homes and was surprised to hear that a Somali kid coming from the country without those kind of experiences. Point of the story, don't compare Awdal's geographical fate and trajectory (past and future) with others and put it in the unique perspective that it deserves.

Galbeedi, I also share your sentiments on the futility of Somalia's so called Federal States and the dominating political tendencies in the different clans. However, aren't you making the same mistakes in your political calculations as the Habro politics have made that you have continuously pointed out. For example, you are so focussed on moving Awdal away from Somaliland that you are not seeing other potentials risks and dangers in your foreseen pathways, as Somaliland has done by thinking their only adverseries were Somalia and not seeing all the risks and consequences of its trajectory. Secondly, what makes you think Ethiopia will recongnise Awdal as a separate region equal to Jigjiga and maintain its population demographics as it is? And thirdly, you are so diamensionly thinking in clan, but at the same time not taking in to account that other clans and sub-clans in Awdal might not share your narrow clan viewed political aspirations, specially the sub-clan whose native regions runs along the coast from Zeila all the way to Lughaya? I think you should count your blessings and be grateful for all that you have, that every other Somali community could only dream of. Be grateful that you are from a region that has been largely spared from the wars, conflicts, be grateful that you from a community that lives in peace with its neighboring communities, be grateful that your families, community and clan have not seen displacement nor were uprooted from their homes, be thankful for having political leaders that are wise and sensible and forth thinking, be grateful that your nieces and nephews have enjoyed uninterrupted education over the last decades and belong now to the most literate and educated Somalis. Say Alhamdullilah and count your blessings brother, for what you think isn't good might actually be good for you, and what you think is good that others have might be more of a curse then you are aware off.

Abdiqadir Jirde, one of the few last sensible politicians in Somaliland.

Galbeedi, everyone knows that Ethiopia’s current eyes are on Assab, and strategicly it makes sense. But if Eritrea becomes subjugated to Ethiopia, what do you think this could mean for the region, Djibouti and Somaliland and Ethiopia's further aspirations. Listen here to Abdiqadir Jirde talk about Ethiopia's historic aspiration for coastal areas, from 12.48min on. Personally I do hope for a more voluntrary and gradual process of political and economic integration of the Horn of Africa countries, but this far removed from the Empire aspirations and talk of annexation.

This is quite strategic, also getting Afar on board gives Ethiopia quite some strategic leverages in the broader region, incl Djibouti.

Yes, Somaliland politicians have miscalculated things in their political narratives and thinking, and Abiys remark have led to a political shock wave and fierce debate. I don’t think Ethiopia will come anytime soon to Zeila or any coastal areas in Somaliland. Besides area between border and Zeila is highly mountainous, making movement very difficult and warfare easier for defending side. Also any attempts to take coastal areas will definitely trigger a United front, supported by Eritrea, Djibouti and perhaps even Egypt. But nevertheless, the sheer possibility being raised, and Ethiopian PM contemplating on this has already caused a political shock wave.

Kudos to Puntland women politicians for rocking the boat.

An Oromo empire and their political cohesion is only feasible in hostile environs and conflicts with neighbours, so perhaps their leaders want to trigger that structural hostile fault lines with neighbours as a way to ensure that strong and United Oromo nation.

I assume that this is discussed under some sort of devolution reform or re-organisation of lower levels of governance. Moving from provincial regions to counties, as Kenya has done, and that also other regions would be split in to sub-regions and not only Somali region? Either way, for the Somalis this would be a disaster as no lower level sub-regions could ever maintain or advocate for the socio, cultural and identity concerns that are distinct for the Somali nation in Ethiopia. I think some clans might welcome the proposition, as they have felt abused and mistreated initially under Abdi Ileey and now many might feel marginalised under O-folks bickering and competition. Under O-folks this plan should trigger alarm bells as they have the most to loose and would make it easier to counter their political influence in smaller regional units, even though some narrrow thinkers might look at the ‘state’ fragmentation in Somalia as an example to emulate, and think this plan would be in their benefit. The Somali region really needs to pre-emptively counter this. I think we said before that Cagjar needs to create or support space that gives academics, thinkers and progressive leaders (independent and outside of the party and state structures) a platform to discuss, reflect and strategize on the future of the region and Somali people in Ethiopia. This would need to have a strong and divers O-folk contingency with other clans also represented, irrelevant of their political association and opposition views. Perhaps this plan for fragmentation of the Somali nation might be the right impetus or prequisite for such a discourse for thinkers inside and abroad to concern themselves more with the future of the region.

Che, as SOLs Ethiopian whisperer or Expert, how would different Ethiopian communities stand if the choice was between fighting, annexing and gaining sea access if choice is between Eritrea vs Somali Lands. Do you think Oromos would be more inclined for gaining access to the Sea in Somali Lands rather then Eritrea, and how about Tigray and Amhara’s? I know a lot of factors would play a role, but just curious to understand where communal motivations and potential drivers lay in terms of regions.

This is a scenario that very few of the narrow minded Somali leaders have held for possible, that a day might come in which external military could pose a threat against their sovereignty. As they made it quite easy for Ethiopia to potential capture without effort any part of the country. As they have welcomed Ethiopia military bases and presence across the country, and worst of all they have created a politics of enmity between one another, making it very difficult to come together as they have started seeing eachother as political enemies instead of political opponents that can set their differences aside under certain circumstances. Abiy’s call might be a wake up call for Somalis and their leaders, and so we reverse this politics of enmity and extreme polarisation, for tomorrow might come a day one might need on another.

https://youtu.be/9dq4m-4gPvY?si=NfomBRjAfFVCAswG

You still haven’t the question and discrepancy here. Why include those form outside the region and exclude those from the region.It doesn’t make much sense.

Galbeedi, Irrelevant of what any Somali says, on whatever administrative subdivisions is devised by Somalis for local governance and wether one call these States, Provinces, Districts, Counties, etc, at the end of the day nobody is moving and everyone will remain in the same place and localities with the same neighbouring clans and communities, who will have the same development/ poverty issues, and societal challenges with clannism and inequality. Even though devolution or decentralised is positive, but just saying don’t expect sudden miracles as it won’t solve the chronicles problems.

I don’t think the issue is about funds for the road infrastructure itself, reer Awdal were actually the first community decades ago to mobilize funds and build the main road from Kalabaydh to Dilla/ Borama. Think the issue is about strategic (clan) access or economic control of the main road to Ethiopia. But you are right we don’t the know exact details of the road and issue at hand. And the issue can get out of hand and might fuel tension if not addressed sooner then later.

Hence why Gedo won’t settle as long as those injustices continue, and why neither Jubbaland will be able to excerpt any control beyond Kismayo surroundings. I came across the lists of ministers in Jubbaland it’s really a far cry from the aim that Somalia adopted a federal system, and kinda explains why these states will never become feasible, as they are emulating occupying forces rather as representative bodies. the Irony is that Siyad Barre folks while having more seat in Jubbaland then all the other non-Dar*** together, are still not on board with Jubbaland project and neither does Jubbaland exercise control over their localities. As long as the basis of the representation is based on inequality and inequity, governance and stability won’t materialize. Jubaland leader unveils cabinet dominated by his clan WWW.KEYDMEDIA.NET The leader has been holding power for almost 8 years since the establishment of Jubaland....

But the question is how would that federalism look like, so far we haven’t gotten past the point of clans dressing up as states without states actually exercising control over their territories nor representing the people and localities they claim. The point I was making is that the states so far have not shown or portrayed having any inclination for their regions specific ‘realities’, ‘ways’, ‘customs’, ‘values’ and ‘norms’. But are more vehicles for personal power grap and for those leaders to get a pie of the national cake. You haven’t addressed that point. If we recognize the importance of traditional elders for the stability of the system, why not define and specific their roles while designing the system and you’re at it. it might have been written down but does it mean that there is a coming agreement or understanding on the process, Hence why since 2012 it’s been impossible to finalise the constitution. My point is that one doesn’t need only a smart person to write down whatever on paper, but you need a genuine inclusive consultation process that takes in to account the context specific realities, issues and values for it to be a workable basis for a system of governance.

That doesn’t make much sense, I don’t think Mudug has even a border with SSC, unless you plan to annex Hawd region of Ethiopia in to SSC. Second, it doesn’t answer if Maakhir is integral part of SSC or they are not, thirdly reer Nugaal and Sool have a clear alienated border both provincially and clan wise as well. And above all, it goes against everything federalism should be standing for having an authority closest to the people it’s representing and it’s local realities, and when u have a federal state and you stuff it with clansman from other regions wouldn’t that defy the very essence of federalism. It would have made more sense if you said we will include representatives of the HJ, HY, Ay*, UgaasL* and Gab** and others who are native to SSC regions.

I get it, decision making is under deliberations. And what do u think personally would be the best or ideal course of action for SSC-Khaatuma trajectory?

Galbeedi what’s this issue exactly about and what consequences or impact does it have on people? And how long has this been known or been in pipeline.

Axmed Muumin Seed oo ka Dayriyay Dhaqdhaqaaqyo Guracan oo Xukuumaddu ka wado Wajaale by Qaran News | Oct 20, 2023 Axmed Muumin Seed oo ka Dayriyay Dhaqdhaqaaqyo Guracan oo Xukuumaddu ka wado Wajaale Hargeysa(Qaran news)-Siyaasiga Axmed Muumin Seed ayaa ka dayriyay dhaqdhaqaaqyo guracan oo xukuumaddu ka wado magaalada Wajaale oo ay horumarka kagala dagaalayso muwaadiniin qaar kalena xuquuq dheeraad ah ku siinayso. Sudaasna wuxuu ku sheegay qoraal uu soo saaray oo u qornaa sidan:- “Walee Wajaale Waxa Ka Soo Socdiyo Wabiga Yaa Weyn Wajaale warka ka soo yeedhayaa ma wanaagsana, damiirka uma wanaagsana, dawladnimada uma wanaagsana, dadnimada uma wanaagsana, damaceena dal-madaxbanaan ahna uma wanaagsana. Wajaale xukuumadu waxa ay ka wadaa qorshe ay ku weecinayso jidkii laamiga ahaa ee Barbara corridor ee hore Survey-ga loogu sameeyay, kaas oo lagu waday in uu maro Waqooyiga magaalada, isaga oo markaas 4km oo kaliya ku gaadhi lahaa badhtama Wajaale & Xuduuda Ethiopia, waxana ay xukuumadu geed dheer u fuushan tahay sidii ay jidkaas ugu leexin lahayd dhinaca Koonfureed ee Wajaale, taas oo markaa jidka ka dhigaysa mid masaafo dhan 10km oo jihada Koonfureed ah ku gaadhaya Wajaale iyo xuduuda Ethiopia. Waa habdhaqan ku dhisan talo guracan, waa kala-godobsasho iyo xad-gudub badheedh ah in ay xukuumadu is hortaagto wado 4km ah oo dhex-maraysay beeraha iyo dhulka dad muwaadiniin ah, iskuna qaawiso sidii ay jidkaas uga leexin lahayd majarahiisa iyada oo u leexinaysa dhinaca beero kale oo ay leeyihiin muwaadiniin kale oo ay xukuumadu isku qancisay in ay dadka kale ka xaq iyo xuquuq badan yihiin. Dabcan, qorshahaas waa mid aan laga fiirsan, waa mid god-dheer ku ridaysa kalsoonidii lagu qabay in beelaha ku somaliland wax wada yeelan karaan. Waa mid mugdi iyo kala aamin bax u horseedaya bulshada, soona cimri-dadajinaya himiladeena ah helitaanka dal la wada leeyahay, loona siman yahay qaybsiga khayraadkiisa. Xaalka sidaas ah waxa uu waajibinaya in masiirkeena wax wada lahaasho la iska waydiiyo su’aasha ah “side ayaa dawladnimo & khayraad loola wadaagi karnaa dadka iyo xukuumada is huwan ee 4km oo jid ah u quudhi la’ dad ay wax isku darsadeen? Si kastaba ha ahaatee, waxa aan shacabka reer Somaliland ugu baaqaya in ay amniga ilaashadaan, sidoo kalena waxa aan xukuumada ugu baaqayaa in qorshahaas shaydaan ay faraha kala baxdo, jidkaasna u dayso tubtii hore loogu sahmiyay, kana shaqayso danta guud iyo maslaxada dadka degaanka Wajaale ee ay kala godobsanayso. Eebe Ha Idin Waafajiyo Talada Wanaagsan.”