KMG needs a new Prime Minister to replace Ali Khalif

Column
Title: [SW Column] (Mohamed Jibrell - Minneapolis ) KMG needs a new Prime Minister Posted by/on:[AAJ][14 April 2001]

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

KMG needs a new Prime Minister

Mohamed Jibrell
Akara Association for Peace and Unity
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Mr. Ali Khalif, the interim Prime Minister of KMG, portrayed himself as an imperial Prime Minister, who is short- sighted and arrogant. His ineptness and lack of people skills to engage in dialogue of peace and reconciliation with divergent groups has derailed the good intentions of the parliament and president kassim. His personal vendetta against certain groups and clans are bordering on Paranoia. He characterized certain clans as hostile, and his visceral attacks against the administrations in Puntland and Somaliland. are
unproductive.

Granted that the administrations of Puntland and Somaliland are recalcitrant and may pose challenges to KMG, yet it is more prudent to deal with them with respect and diplomacy. During his tenure as a Prime Minister, Mr. khalif failed to visit important constituencies including Sanaag, Sol, Awdal and Wamo regions that could have yielded support for KMG.

Mr. Khalif is acting like a third rate non-entity whose only qualification is a Ph.D. The pursuit of national unity is paramount for a people reeling from civil war and anarchy. Yet, Mr. Khalif in his self-centered approach continues to alienate supporters of national unity and the transitional Government.

Mr. Ali Khalif's obsession with discrediting Puntland and blaming all problems encountering KMG on Puntland is misguided. His fabrication of blatant lies against Puntland, including his recent announcement on Radio Mogadishu that Abdillahi Yusuf is the architect of the fake money that deluged Mogadishu this week is laughable. This is the Prime Minister who refused to accept accountability and meet with his parliament without his bodyguards and militia.

Mr. Khalif's cynical and self -centered approach has undermined the critical mission of a Prime Minister to search for reconciliation and unity of the Somali people. He is unable to challenge his prejudices and cannot consider criticism judiciously. His indulgence in personal controversies and in insulting certain clans has failed him to recognize humanity in all people...

Given the odds and factors against KMG and unity of Somali people, KMG needs a new Prime Minister who is a visionary and who is capable of gaining the confidence of all Somali people. There are many capable leaders in and outside the cabinet/parliament who could rise above clan and tribal politics and dispel the fog of cynicism Mr. Khalif has created. KMG is running out of time and they need a Prime Minister who is a voice of unity and healing for a dangerously divided society. The Somali people need a uniter and not a divider.

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