For Whatever It’s Worth Xirsi Is The Man

Many concerned Somalilanders were astonished with the acquiescence of President Silanyo in regard to recent convoluted disagreements within the Kulmiye party, and its repercussions to the rest of the country. Mr. Silanyo did not make any attempt to reassure the country that things are under control and that he is on top of it until Mr. Xirsi came back to town.

 Upon arrival Xirsi exerted his power and stated that he supports the President, right or wrong. A day later he drafted a speech for the president that lacked substance and duration, a little under four minutes, but enough to prove that the President has pulse. A couple of days later, the president showed up during an opening ceremony of a solar energy project. Mr. Xirsi has been away traveling through USA and Europe for the last month. While Xirsi was away the president’s schedule was clear of activities or speeches with instructions that nobody other than his wife can see him or talk to him.

 I am only extrapolating this based on the coincidences that provided a basis for my inferences. Nothing the president does occurs without the blessing of Xirsi who is his confidant and only adviser. For whatever it’s worth, Xirsi is ultimately dictating decisions. Governmental appointments, reshufflings and terminations come through Xirsi and now that he is back rumors are circulating that some heavy weight minsters are on the chopping block.

 I have no objection if Xirsi took the initiative to cover the president’s shortcomings due to health issues, but we didn’t elect Xirsi to be a proxy president. Somaliland is a country of laws and our constitution explicitly stated that a president has to be mentally and physically capable to carry out his responsibilities. Besides, by law the vice president is the eligible person to fill the void if Silanyo is pronounced inept. We cannot arbitrarily brush aside the constitution and introduce tribalism into the sequence of authorities that are postulated in the constitution.

 Allegiance through tribalism is not a panacea to our crisis and it never brings a lasting stability, because tribalism is a moving target and it will not stop until it separates brothers/sisters of different fathers. Therefore we need to build coalitions that have common goals and objectives. What you and your neighbor want is running water, electricity, schools, and hospitals. The tug of war between the politicians is a diversion and it has no significance for you and your neighbor. Stick to what is important to you and demand your rights as a tax paying citizen.

 

 Hassan Elmi

 California, USA