Abdirahman Hashi
Tuesday, March 04, 2014
Tuesday, March 04, 2014
The recent wave of violence followed by the deadly attack
on the presidential palace was a stark evidence of how poor leadership
and rampant corruption have eroded the capacity of the SFG and
undermined its legitimacy. Hours before the fatal attack on the
presidential compound, the Prime Minister (PM) Mr. Ahmed had addressed
the festering problems in Mogadishu in a press conference he held in
Nairobi. His honest remarks were reflective of existential threat.
Hours after that press conference, the heinous assault on the
presidential palace was unleashed that killed Mr. Mahamud Abdulle the
Director of the PM’s office and other government officers. A week
after, the national security office was the target of another attack
that killed over twelve people. Violence in such magnitude is
reminiscent of pervasive systemic abuses far more dangerous than
mismanagement of weapons and ammunition. The national army that is
critical to the survival of the state is predominantly made up of
certain clan militias so enmeshed with Al-Shabab.
In reality, SFG exists in name only as the gains
achieved through years of political strife are in the throes of rapid
decline posing potential threat to security. Profit seeking organized
crime based in Mogadishu and the Roadmap (the political process that
shaped the SFG) are to blame. Forming a murky central government on the
premises of incomprehensive constitution without constituent political
units was a drastic political mistake. Despite mounting public
despondency over the rapid decay of President Hassan’s regime, the
formation of Jubbaland State has inspired some hope as many regions are
emboldened to follow suit.
Reinforcing the establishment of regional
authorities is the most realistic alternative to correct the mistakes
inherited from the failed top down approach that culminated in the
current political crisis.
Vigor Hugo once said, “there is nothing so powerful as
an idea whose time has come”. The Roadmap was a tenable political idea
that came at a perfect time for quantum change. Majority of Somalis
who have grown impatient with feckless transitional governments were
receptive to healthy political transformation that was feasible had
there been a diligent and timely intervention. But the Roadmap’s quick
fix strategy was problematic. First, its timetable was extremely short
and impractical to produce effective change. Second, it overlooked the
fact that Mogadishu was unsafe to host a fair and transparent political
process or to be a seat for effective federal government. Third,
comprehensive reconciliation that should have been a steppingstone to
peace and good governance was relegated to the sidelines. Fourth, the
election of the President was unconstitutional as the Upper House was
not existent. And fifth, the whole process succumbed to the dictates of
the UN Political Office in Somalia that was under pressure to accomplish
something before the end of its tenure.
The above impediments allowed unbridled corruption
involved by foreign elements to sabotage the formal process, which in
turn produced a faulty outcome that pushed the broken nation further
between Scylla and Charybdis. It was illogic to expect from a regime
founded on corruption to spearhead positive change. Despite those
shortcomings, Somalis did not entirely snuff out their hope until they
felt serious disenchantment with the current leadership due to grave
ethical as well as political pitfalls. The infringements include but not
limited to despising competence and probity; usurpation of power and
failing to observe the constitution; obstructing federalism and
promoting despotism; political killings and serious human rights
violations; restraining national unity by provoking tribal conflicts;
involving bribery and embezzlement of state assets; condoning
proliferation of corruption, tribalism, and nepotism; and collaborating
with warlords to enforce authoritative rule. The above felonies were
easily overlooked as laws are flouted with impunity. The consequence is
devastating as the SFG is on the brink of total collapse.
Since the implosion of Barre’s regime, organized crime
has progressively infiltrated the political, economic and social levels
of Mogadishu. Over the years, this profit seeking criminal group has
evolved both in power and complexity. And under the guise of diverse
recalcitrant forces was able to obstruct the rule of law. The current
regime is exceptionally vulnerable to this criminality due to lack of
character and competence. Significant number of government officers is
believed to be rubber stamps for the crime syndicates. Those who have
the courage and tenacity to show moral rectitude are either assassinated
or subjected to resign and flee the country for their own safety. As a
result, SFG has become a nominal government without actual political
authority to govern the country. Since Mogadishu has lost all functions
for governance, relocation of the capital city is not an option anymore
but a necessity to save the country from further polarization. In
2012, the National Intelligence Council (NIC) issued a Global Trends
report, which predicted in 2030 Somalia will be among a group of failed
states for reasons related to “conflict and environmental ills”. Under
the circumstance, it is difficult to refute NIC’s prediction.
For over twenty years, Somalia has been hostage to the
fallacy that Mogadishu is the beacon of statehood. The truth is the
opposite. Mogadishu became synonymous with corruption and lawlessness
where Hargeisa and Garowe became model for peace and good governance.
Mogadishu has lost its status and to reclaim that status it needs to
undergo cultural transformation. While Mogadishu’s redemption is a
shared responsibility, it is indispensible Hargiesa and Garowe to take
the leadership role for bringing Somalia back to normalcy. No doubt,
majority of Somalilanders would embrace the idea of a unified Somalia
once they see a genuine federal Somali state on the making. Since
Puntland was among the signatories of the flawed Roadmap, it should take
an utmost responsibility in fixing the adversities of that scheme.
Without procrastination, Puntland needs to outreach Hargiesa and the
rest of Somali regions while the international community and Turkey need
to reexamine their state building policies towards Somalia.
Abdirahman Hashi
Comments
Post a Comment