UDUB: Let Us Not Be Hasty...

UDUB: Let Us Not Be Hasty...

The UDUB party has a long and honourable history in Somaliland. It is has a record unlike any political party in Somaliland, including the current ruling party KULMIYE. It is unfortunate to see the sad spectacle of the party tearing itself from within.

Granted that there are leadership issues. The vacuum created by the absence of the party chairman and former Somaliland president Dahir Rayale Kahin, for family reason, has led to the appearance of fractures within the structure of the party.

Undoubtedly, the emergence of new political parties and the departure of several leading lights from UDUB has contributed to current impasse. But, the party is bigger than any personality or a clique.

Ahmed Yusuf Yasin, the former vice-president of Somaliland and currently deputy partly leader of UDUB, is a fine and patriotic Somalilander. To accuse him, as some have of "selling the party is ludicrous". Having said that, the way the new leadership or "presidential candidate" has been conducted, even though the election is at least four years away, is both incorrect and premature.

Surely, in order to select a leader, the party must hold a general conference. Secondly, the current chairman, former president Dahir Riyale Kahin has not resigned or vacated the position. Should not all party members have a say as to who the next leader should be?

Both Ali Waran'adde and Jamal Ali Hussien are worthy candidates, but, it is obvious, that we must go through the normal process and normal channels, before, we conclude the contest.

Time is on the side of the party, and with each passing day, it is clear that current ruling party, KULMIIYE and its administration is not up the task of steering the ship that is Somaliland.

Let us not be hasty and let us not throw away the image and reputation of a serious political party like UDUB, over money or individual interest.

Cali Maxamed