Dear reader, I have been quiet for the last few months to see the direction in which the change-motivated waves take us after Somaliland’s credential, democratic, free and fair elections (according to the international observers).
Today, I feel like taking the pen once again, just to highlight both the positive as well as the negative moves taken by President Siilanyo’s new government since he was sworn as the Somaliland President.
We generally agree that our expectations (including the elected Kulmiye Party’s) were too high to be practically implemented. As the history dictates no change/development can ever be as easy, simple and viable as many of us believed. However, it is still another real-live rule to see any dream/goal achieved if you have your plan, resources and human capital in place.
Coming to the point of my article, the president has started his work by nominating the most qualified and professional cabinet ever made in Somaliland, though same people may criticize from other angles! In reality we have to understand that we need accountable, productive and ‘clean’ ministers who can make a promise and deliver it in the shortest time possible. Names should have no meaning to us, but the end product. No matter who is the fisher if you get the fish!
I strongly believe that we should encourage the fruitful foreign policy actions taken by the new government during the last three and half months, including the recent floods of EU delegates in Somaliland and the fresh two highly welcomed and organized visits to Djibouti and Ethiopia. Honestly we are in a position to exploit our credentials and opportunities. Similarly the new government has greatly achieved it policy and promise to increase the government’s revenue. Government institutions’ reshuffle and the increase in the working hours from 4 to 7 hours was another appreciative step.
However, I won’t cover the fact that the internal security has been relaxed and risks increased since the new government has come to the power. Starting from the ONLF rebels from the western sea-shores to the latest clan-based clashes in the Buhodle, I think the new government has not done enough to take necessary reactions or prepare the proactive policies to tackle such a security threat. Currently the so called SSC seems to be the biggest security threat facing Somaliland in the near future, more than Al-shabab’s. Unfortunately the government seems to be lagging behind to effectively and efficiently study the case and act before it’s too late.
Still another big mistake is neglecting some of the most needy and backward regions in the country as the previous government has been doing for the last eight years. Just to mention one example, there has not been a single project implemented in Sanaag region during the first-100 days. Even it has not been mentioned in the plan at first! The only secondary school has been closed twice since July due to lack of teachers and management problem and no enough has been done yet. 95% of the people are unemployed and the government institutions are almost negligible! May be the new cabinet has never been there and believe it is just another part of Puntland! The eastern regions (Sanaag and Sool) should have to be the priority to at least reach a standard close to the other four regions’.
Lastly, I hope that the new government will do more for the next few months and years, and we have to give them the chance. Nevertheless, we will point out its weaknesses so that it can learn from the past mistakes and take the public’s advice. A characteristic to a democratic, transparent and accountable government!
By: Mr. Jama Ismail Noor,
BA in Economics and Management Science (IHU)
MBA cndt in Project Management (Open University of Malaysia)
Hargeisa, Somaliland
E-mail: Jaamacyare11@hotmail.com / qude2002@gmail.com
Web: Jamaqude.blogspot.com
