The Somali crisis has always been aggravated by foreign involvement, whereby both the intent of in-depth understanding and the instrument of enduring goodwill lacked. Others with ulterior motives threw spanners in the works and created non-starter situations of entanglement and stalemate. The UN efforts of reversing this enigmatic political landscape would require re-tooled strategy to make any headway.
First and foremost the role of any envoy had proven to be a total failure heretofore. Invariably the Somalis had shown repellant ill-disposition towards a lone actor with semblance of colonial style viceroy. A better approach would be replacing the envoy mission by a multilateral Adhoc commission for Peace and Restoration. Such commission would better engage if co-chaired by Britain and Italy, the two former colonizing patrons, until mission accomplished. It might be desirable to beef up the commission with a component of Somali nationals, whose record of leadership, patriotic performance and knowledgeable experience in handling Somali affairs is verified. The number and the role of the Somali add-ons, if any, would be stipulated by the UN. However, the final selection of qualifying incumbents would be determined by mutuality.
Per se this inclusion would be a catalyst in creating an atmosphere of frank dialogue and more passionate understanding between the national divide. It would also be bridgehead connectivity between the commission and all parties. Additionally, such initiative would restore hope in the ranks of the Somali common persons and would re-energize popular support across the board. Properly directed, such public support could be exploited for the mobilization of volunteer militia, effectively deployable as "Peoples Pioneers for Peace and Prosperity''. Given above the need for foreign troops would be substantially minimized as these pioneers would eventually evolve into the national armed forces. Further more, this mobilization would let the steam out of the provocative stigma of foreign troop occupation. Indeed an atmosphere of appreciation for the goodwill rescue operation of the world body would accrue.
Needless to say IGADD'S dejavu ineptitude in handling the Somali issue, under the intrigue of concerned neighbors capable of delivering, did not hold any water. On the contrary it has proven to be derailing disservice culminating at loggerhead stagnation. A persistent policy of designed division and polarization has been pursued all along, to undo the interwoven fabric of the Somali nation. The Somali traditional culture of peace, national pride and brotherhood has been exploited to turn into segmented tribes plagued by unwarranted phobia of mistrust, misdirection and mindless massacre. It was conspired that once Somalia has fallen apart, the piecemeal residue would easily melt away inter-IGADD, thus eliminating the Somali identity for good. Given the limitations of IGADD countries, it was a foregone conclusion that they lacked la politica and la Poesia to put the Somali house back together. To all intents and purposes, Somalia can no longer be a guinea pig in the hands of IGADD malpractice. Accordingly the UN would need to come full circle, galvanizing inward-looking solutions to extricate the Somali people from the ordeal of abysmal debris of despair and destruction.
Somaliland the missing link – Somaliland had always been the glue holding the union together and a glowing beacon for Somali nationalism. The union partners, on both sides of the aisle, Somaliland and Somalia had suffered in the hands of inept leadership which eventually destroyed the nation. Somaliland would not therefore qualify to be a renegade state, as erroneously labeled, but a wreck survivor. Its ensuing success was made possible by the cohesive nature of the "Huwan breed" Of syndicated tribes and by the wisdom of the Housekeeping Administration for 15 years.
Contrary to all ethical and moral obligations, the TFGS failed to come up with a policy position vis-à-vis Somaliland, despite it being the most pressing national priority mandated to the transitional government. Forget not, that the Somali tribe, despite man made cantonments, represents strategic regional dominance uniquely interwoven by traditional heritage and a kinship of cultural commonality. Consequently the catalyst clout of Somaliland, in the peace making process was a missing link all along. That is why all reconciliation endeavors, international or otherwise, dead-ended in a dream-chasing toss-up.
To make a difference the world body would need to reverse the snubbing posture and to engage Somaliland as a venue for peace making, in lieu of Djibouti. Yes! Somaliland has vested interest in any break thorough solution for this endless stalemate. At least this would undo the frustration `of international cold-shouldering and the eventualities of indefinite suspense. In this vein, Somaliland would welcome to become a venue for the reconciliation process without necessarily becoming a material party in the outcome. The rare state of commendable behavior demonstrated by Somaliland, post-Somali state failure, would merit recognition and rewarding reciprocity, namely:-
That Somaliland would become a host venue for the follow-up and consolidation of the UN-backed peace initiative signed in Djibouti between the TFGS and the Opposition.
That Somaliland would use its good offices to persuade the non-participating factions in the peace process to come to the negotiation table, along with others in the best interest of the nation.
That the UN would cover all expenses, logistical and security requirement of the peace making process.
That Somaliland would not be a party of the reconciliation process, but would only play the role of a facilitation venue and a service provider.
That Somalia-Somaliland issue would be resolved by an internationally mediated agreement, at a later date, based on equal facilitation for unionist and secessionist advocates, leading eventually to one-man-one-vote franchise.
That the UN would encourage international aid, cultural and technical assistance, bilateral and multilateral investment in Somaliland.
That the UN would continue its development and humanitarian assistance in Somaliland.
That the world body would encourage the capability enhancement of Somaliland in the professional intricacies of good governance, leadership and balanced accountability in state management affairs.
Mohamed Khawi
President,
Somaliland natives association.
somalilandnativesassn@gmail.com
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