December 08, 2007 - 01:13
SSC People have spoken!    

The self-styled administration of “Somaliland” conducted a remarkable campaign of war which culminated the mutually preserved peace in the north, a security dilemma in its purest form I must say! Nevertheless, assuming that the dust of Buroa and Hargeisa celebrations have subsided now since the fall of Las Anod is about two months old, this interval, I think, is an adequate time that a rational person can reclaim his/her diverted or manipulated consciousness thus, to me, there could not be a better time to share my thoughts on this issue with my countrymen so they can ponder the message and the essence of this article. Apparently, the ad hoc conference of Bo’ameh III, of which the invasion of Las Anod invoked, was wrapped up on November 22, 2007. This was a highly tuned conference by many including Somalis, international community and some political analysts who have an interest in the political discourse of the Horn. This assembly drew heavy weight folks from Sool, Sanaag and Cayn (SSC) regions including elders, intellectuals, religious pundits and various representatives of civil societies. Bo’ameh III produced a comprehensive declaration that was clearly and deeply expressed in regards to the illegality of Las Anod invasion. The first article of Bo’ameh Declaration states, “We inform the international community and the Somali people that we are not part of nor do we recognize the administration that calls itself "Somaliland" and that there are no agreements between us (Dhulbahante clan) and "Somaliland" in the past or the present. We believe that the unity of Somalia is sacrosanct.” This declaration also informs the international community that the destiny of SSC people rests solely on their shoulders contrary to Hargeisa administration's claim which consistently by default views itself as the divine group who decides for the other communities in the north.

A union voice among the people of Sool, Sanaag and Cayn is heard loud and clear, that they are not part and parcel of "Somaliland" Hargeisa administration.

Ever since the ethnocentric "Somaliland" invaded Las Anod on October 15, 2007, the capital of the Sool Region, the relative semblance of security enjoyed in that region has been put in grave jeopardy. It should be noted that Puntland and "Somaliland" deserve to be commended for maintaining relative peace in their dominions. However, the assault of Las Anod was a wakeup call for all concerned in particular to the people of SSC. Paradoxically, this ill-executed mission on the part of "Somaliland" brought to the surface the true colors of the Hargeisa administration and its pursuit of clannish hegemony in the north.

Throughout history, war has destroyed property and devastated lives therefore it appears that "Somaliland" misjudged its endeavor of occupying territories that do not subscribe to the ideals of secession and what "Somaliland" represents. Obviously, neither opportunity cost nor centripetal forces was taken into account as Mr. Mohamoud A Gaildon questions the sustainability of such an invasion in his article “Las Anod speaks” recently published at Wardheernews on November 22, 2007, and some other Somali News Web Portals. No matter, how hard "Somaliland" portrays itself to be a constitutional democracy with multiparty system, let it be known that these catch phrases do not reconcile with the views of others in the north of which SSC people are part of.

"Somaliland's" political calculus has become more complex and took an inexorable turn in the wrong direction. Ironically the anticipated outcome of the occupation is a miscalculation of the highest cost, and the intended outcomes never materialized, a huge setback for the Hargeisa administration.

I, being a concerned citizen from the area, urge the administration of "Somaliland", its constituents, elders, and intellectuals, in order to avert mayhem in the north to withdraw their militias from SSC regions expeditiously and unconditionally. In addition, "Somaliland" should reciprocate what the declaration is calling for and exercise in good faith on its part by preventing this looming war. The detrimental consequences on the peaceful coexistence of the neighborly communities in the north are in great danger if "Somaliland" continues its aggression and illegal occupation. 

One thing seems for certain that Las Anod invasion is becoming a futile exercise by the day and the president of “Somaliland” administration, Mr. Rayaale, did not make the rational choice and take advantage of diversionary theory of war by misleading his populace in order to prolong his rule. I advise Mr. Rayaale that using coercive diplomacy and ultimatums is unproductive and simply does not work. Besides recognizing the rights of coexistence, independence, equality of others is the way forward and by doing so might have the prospect of a spillover effect on the other side. As evident, this ineffective invasion did not win the minds and hearts of SSC people, as some hoped, quite contrary it solidified their unity and cohesiveness which makes their reprisal inevitable thus "Somaliland" leadership needs to go back to the drawing board and considers some other alternatives that can be attained as a lasting peace in that part of the Somalia.

Finally, SSC people have spoken and made clear to the world that "Somaliland’s" reasoning that all the territories of the British colonizer when the entire continent was under siege by European invasion is within her indisputable jurisdiction, irrespective to one’s desires for self-determination and/or political association is indeed inappropriate, illegal and misleading.

Ali Artan
Email: aliartan@gmail.com

Source: Awdalnews.com