19 May 2007 04:16

SOMALIA WATCH

 
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  • [SW Column](Burhan-yassin WarsamePuntland’s Gain :Posted on 12 May 2002

Opinions expressed in this column are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of SW.


Puntland’s Gain

"Burhan-yassin Warsame" <don_dantay@hotmail.com>

 

The recent events that have taken place in Somalia’s northern states presents hope for the former republic. The smooth transition so far of power in the Somaliland State, and the military exploits of Colonel Abdullahi Yusuf have in many ways shifted the power balance of the nation to the northern states. 

Failure of the Arta group  

The Arta group with its reliance on Arab funds and the military strength of the clans of south Mogadishu has been left dazzled by what’s being played out in the regions of the North. Abdiqasin Salad Xasan the Arta head honcho has failed to recognise the importance the masses hold to the fledgling states; his failure to send a tribute to the late president Egal has reinforced his image in the North as an amateur politician with little clout and no vision. 

Over all his dismal performance and rampant corruption has convinced many in the North that they have nothing better than to build on their regional administrations. By no means do I believe Abdiqasin to represent the majority of people in Mogadishu, but he does represent some who believe in militaristic expansion and subjugation of people especially those in the fertile south.  

Above all one has to ask what the Arta group has achieved in their local sphere of influence. What have they done with the funds and semi recognition given to them by some sections of the international community?

The hard truth’s is that this group has not even been able to open the Mogadishu Port and in two years not even gained a foot hold in half of the former capital. With a virtual reality government and blaming Ethiopia for every problem they encounter, the group has now been left fighting for survival in their traditional heart of south Mogadishu.

It is laughable and somewhat amusing when Abdiqasin is referred to by the Mogadishu based media still as the big head of Somalia.  

Abdullahi’s Support  

The proliferation of weapons into Puntland and the breakdown of law & order has forced many people of that region to reassess their opposition to Colonel Abdullahi Yusuf.   With his strong man image and uncompromising tendency towards the Hawks of Mogadishu he has managed to once again gain a considerable support from the masses of Puntland. The hate he generates and fictitious stories that are circulated by Mogadishu media and the Somali BBC service in support of Arta, has produced a counter productive effect for Arta, in that he has been seen as the one person who could stand against what Professor I.M Lewis termed ‘Seyad Barres Shadow’. 

Puntlanders see unity of the state as the only way to secure their interests. The Invasion  & occupation of Kismayu by the Arta group the weakness which this has place in Puntland. Not to mention the terrible treatment in Mogadishu of the Puntland politicians who supported the Arta faction , Ali K Galayr, Xasan Abshir Farax etc has shown that deep down the Mogadishu based group has little time for Northern feelings.  

For Punt land self rule has achieved a lot and the period of Abdullahi’s first term of 1998-2000 is seen by many as a golden age and remembered with nostalgia, federalism is now embraced by the Puntland intellectuals and elites. Waqoye-Bari is no more, Puntland State stands with many cities, from Galkacyu to Las –Anod, From Garowe to Bossaoso, from Beneder-Baila to Buxudle ( pardon my spelling), people are hoping dreaming and at least living.  

We need to define our state to never again endanger its existence, never to pit its clans against each other. Our leaders have to learn from the past that while we welcome you today we can always change our mind. Our elders and traditional leaders must be served a notice ‘do not let greed seduce you’ we will not stand for division. 

We need to heal our rifts and note that Somali and the worlds eyes are now fixed in our direction. 

 Nairobi meeting

It’s absurd to think that even now there is another meeting planned in another foreign capital, can people not realise that Somalia’s solution will only come from within Somalia. 

The performance of the home grown states, Somaliland & Puntland their success and longevity compared to the short lived dreams of foreign created endeavours, remember Ali Mahdi’s government, Sodere and now Arta. Should highlight to everyone concerned that peace is a process that must be worked at, it is long and hard but that it can only come when it addresses the needs of those who seek it.


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