Somaliland: One voice and one target is the vision of Somaliland people, division do not make a nation: By Omer Mohamed Jama

The national consultation conference announced by Somaliland political parties has been a hotly debated issue over the past months and became one of the most debated issues among the  Somalilanders.

It has caused political divisions, differences as well as massive chaos among the innocent peace-loving people of Somaliland. Neither government nor political parties are perfect in everything. We are all human beings.

There will always be political differences and disagreements. We all play a part in that.

It is a common thing that we can have disagreements, this is what we call diversity and that is good,but diversity does not have to mean division that creates destruction. That can happen if we deny what we call diversity.

As citizens, we can disagree respectfully with dignity without becoming disagreeable and destructive.

There are many unanswered questions which the public need to have specific answers from both the government and political parties.

Which body, the government or political parties has a lead responsibility to call for a national consultation conference? Or what does Somaliland constitution say about it, who has a right to call for a national consultation conference? Is it the president or political parties?

What do the people of Somaliland expect from their written constitution?

Well, the expectations are very clear ones. They expect from the constitution to be a guide document which guides every citizen of this young nation. Constitution is a document that describes the powers of that the government has, at the same time it acts as a protector of the people, or citizens so as to any government cannot step outside of their stated powers. It is where people go back when there is a power or political disputes such as the one we have now, which may cause political divisions or lack of credibility among the society.

The political parties called for a national consultation conference, but it has been rejected by the government and was told that they don’t have a right to call for such a conference, and this is where these political divisions, differences and chaos started.

What is the purpose of holding a national consultation conference? What outcomes are expected to come out and what are the intended outcomes of such conference?

When does a country can hold a national consultation conference?

Of course, when a country faces lots of internal, external challenges which may endanger the country’s existence: just like the survival of the nation, survival of the economic power, diplomacy, national security threats, the values of the nation, national disasters and other things causing severe damages such as environmental problems, if these above mentioned things do exist, then it is vital and crucial matter to have a national consultation conference so as to safeguard the national interest, but when it comes to the reality, Somaliland didn’t face either of these above mentioned things which can make it compulsory and obliged to call for a national consultation conference.

Are there any particular concerns which Somaliland political parties have highlighted and made them worry to call for a national consultation conference or national crisis that should be addressed?

If there are big issues that need in emergency action, has any assessment, evidence being presented and brought by the political parties?

If such a particular concern and national crisis does exist, then it should be presented in more detailed, and the necessity of holding this national consultation conference. Are there any other ways to better achieve a good compromise between the government and the political parties rather than calling for a national consultation conference?

Any government in the world can make inappropriate performances, but there are always options, ways to rectify and improve these areas, but the solution is not a call of national consultation conference when there are no serious issues to be debated for, at the same time can create chaos, divisions that can lead destructions among these innocent peace-loving people of Somaliland.

The government itself must keep in mind that political parties are not the enemies of the nation,but they are part of the nation, on top of this, they have a mandate to raise issues that they can see harmful to the nation. If the political parties raise concerned issues, then the government should consider the raised issues and something has to be done about it. Somaliland is stable and its

national security is intact and has been described as ‘’An African success story’’

It has very successful stories and countless achievements which are witnessed by the International community. This appears to be a viable system of democracy doesn’t it? So far, a lot has been achieved, done, and more needs to be done. There are always lots of things we can be grateful for don’t we?

Its diplomacy is brilliant and economic power depends on its limited resources. The national budget had increased recently. The country’s infrastructure is moving forward, some areas have been improved,others are doing well and more has to be done.

No national disasters at all and any other things causing severe damages that had threatened the whole national security. The country had started talks to Somalia. Talks are still going on and doing well.

There had been times it had gone through hard times. It had successfully succeeded to solve to its past problems through process of reconciliation and restoration of confidence in the region.

Now, the whole world witnessed whatever little it had achieved. The country’s achievements are something to be proud of.

So, if all these above mentioned things are doing well, what is the need of calling for a national consultation conference?

These above questions are up to the public specially the intellectual, knowledgeable people of Somaliland to have specific answers.

However, what does the country need now? Well, Somaliland people do not need a political solution,but need a practical solution for these differences. The challenge right now is not that there are majority and minority supporters to this national debate called by Somaliland political parties, but it is the legality of this debate itself. It is the role of Somaliland constitution to clearly define who has a right to call for a national consultation conference and who has not a right to do so.

Where are the lawmakers of Somaliland who can enlighten this issue to the public rather than attacking each other on the media?

Division do not make a nation, one voice and one target is the vision of Somaliland people.

Division for this young nation is totally unacceptable at moment and forever.

This young nation of Somaliland must be protected by its citizens. It is every citizen’s responsibility and interest to take a great role for the protection of the national unity.

Unity and togetherness is the survival of this young nation as well as the key to success. Protecting Somaliland is the best interest of the whole nation.

Self-interest and division just brings only total destruction. It is time for political compromise or total end to this hot debate about the national consultation conference which caused massive political divisions and differences.

It is extremely unfortunate that some of our political leaders are unaware of their actions which can create social divisions, lack of credibility and political tensions. This may be their little knowledge about politics itself.

It is time to unite for the sake of the common interest of this nation which has lots of challenges a head.

Time to honour the existence of the nation, respect those who are honest to build, develop this nation and believe that Somaliland belongs to all who live in it.

Let’s heal the divisions of the present and the past, and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental citizen’s rights
Eventually, focus on economic conditions, good educational systems for our young generations,social values, the country’s infrastructure, and most importantly, the achievement of our final destination which is (Recognition). Our young nation needs a real chance to settle down and focus on achieving long term socio-economic prosperity for all our people.

Healing the cancers of tribalism is another crucial matter and it is the most chronic and crippling disease which needs total eradication.

Let’s stop shaming each other of unnecessary, shameful political criticism on the media by calling failures to each other, while the nation whom you expect their votes are watching you.

Staying away from any action that jeopardizes the national unity is our survival always.

It is a historical fact that sometimes bitter realities should be accepted, no matter how horrible they are, for the sake of the nation everything can be solved.

As far, as our dreams and aspirations for the future of our young nation are concerned, the more our intended achievements come quicker.

Finally, I would like to conclude my article as follows.

Let’s establish undivided Somaliland forever.

Unity and togetherness will give us the tranquillity of our beautiful nation.

Together we are strong, divided we are weak.

I rest my case.

Long live Somaliland

Omer Mohamed Jama

Bristol UK Omj12@hotmail.co.uk