Somaliland multiparty system and tribalism. The rebirth of tribalism

Tribalism is on the horizon yet again in Somaliland, big time, we thought we have long buried it.

Looks like we are going back or heading back to the dark ages.

When multiparty was introduced or  announced last year, we were all happy and delighted with that news, at least majority of us were happy with. Only minority of people were against it saying that Somaliland were not ready yet. I agree with them now and understand why they were against it in the first place. I think we all are? Don´t we?

When the news of the multiparty came we all thought that we took a milestone step forward but in reality I see that we are going or went back the opposite direction now, backward.

Why I am saying that,  I am saying this cause if you look what is happening back home and in fact even abroad, where even sub clans(let alone tribe) are now selecting their members in to the local government. What will that do, that person who was elected by his or her clan will put his clan interest before the country interest and that is bad indication, indeed it´s a disaster waiting to happen.

Recently in London , I have attended a couple of parties opening ceremonies in London and I was appalled,shocked and disgusted with the level of tribalism going on there in Somaliland parties, it´s in fact beyond belief.

We need to choose a party or a president for their ability and for what he or they can do for our country, not because he or they are from this tribe or that clan.

Do you guys see what I see that is going on in our country or is it just me?  Hope you all do?

With a  tribe and tribalism, other tribes become the enemy. It´s natural that hate, rivalry and hostility begins or starts with tribalism. Just we see in the world around us, in terms of the relationships between countries, it is seen that when a group associate with each other, they will see other groups as an ´outsider´ and will act to defend their interests more easily that cohesively work together. Same goes for the tribes when two tribes have some sort of relationship then the other tribes see themselves as an outsider. If if you look back Kenya and its last election, look what happened, the bloodshed, the killing and the damage that was done to their economy. We are all aware that the problem started with tribes not happy with the results of the elections.

Fortunately, the only hope for Somaliland´s battle against tribalism is the younger generation.

The younger generations are more educated and less inclined to think along tribal lines. I would therefore, like to request for the young generation to engage and educate their ignorant elders and community , cause the only way forward is the unity of people of Somaliland. Tribalism is the destruction for the people and it corrupts their mind and soul physically and mentally. United we stand, divided we fall…

Come on young Somaliland people, be the agent or the leader of change you want in Somaliland." let us get rid of the tribalism for good. The fundamental change that we need will not happen over night and might take a decade or even a century, but we have to start now and fast, cause the sooner we take steps, the better. It is never too late.  one thing I know is the fact that the majority of Somaliland people, young and old believe that parties and officials should be elected with their knowledge and ability they acquire, not the tribe or clan they come from.

What do we need now? And fast and sharp.

First thing first. We need to create or set up a group of the younger educated generation under one umbrella, this group of young people will promote unity.

and highlight the damages that tribalism can do to the country and to the people.

This group can be set up all cities and villages and the countryside. This group can be funded by one of the NGOs and the government

Regards, Ahmed Yasin Mohamed Jama

London, UK