From Opposition to Government

During the last two months, a very disturbing tendency within the current Silanyo administration has c ome to impact negatively upon Somaliland’s achievements in establishing a functioning, representative democracy in the Horn of Africa, arguably the toughest political neighbourhood in the world. This tenden cy is tarnishing the image of the country and detracting from its legitimate and long overdue claim to di plomatic recognition. In view of this fact, it is necessary to bring it out into the open in order to mobilise public support for its immediate eradication and cessation.

This tendency is the petty, small minded and counter-productive mindset within the current administrati on, particularly within some in the Presidency itself, which misses no opportunity to belittle, malign and demean the previous UDUB government, and President Rayalle personally. The refusal to permit the cro wds that had gathered at Hargeisa Airport to meet President Rayalle on the tarmac, when this courte sy is routinely extended to other political dignitaries (including current Cabinet Ministers) and was exte nded to then Kulmiye Party leader Silanyo during the time of the UDUB government, has been widely not ed and commented upon. The exclusion of President Rayalle and other UDUB party leaders from the rece nt Independence Day celebrations for 18 May and 26 June have also been widely noted and commented upon.

However, perhaps the most egregious of these small minded slights relates to the organisation of the delegation that went to Juba for the independence celebrations of South Sudan. Here was a wonderful opportunity for Somaliland to put its best foot forward and use this superb occasion to show the world the maturity of our democracy, the openness of our creed and the wisdom of our leadership by sending one delegation comprising members of the current administration and that of its predecessor, as well other dignitaries. Imagine the impact of having President Silanyo standing next to his predecessor, Pres ident Rayalle, who had gracefully handed over the reigns of government as required by the constitution last June when the election results were announced. This would have sent an incredibly powerful messa ge to Africa and the world about who we are and what we believe and live by.

Instead, the government chose petty party politics over the interests of the nation, it chose slighting P resident Rayalle over its duty to advance the interests of the people of Somaliland, and in short the gov ernment chose its petty self vindication over the big picture encompassing the national interest. It refu sed for President Rayalle to accompany the governmental delegation, despite concerted intervention by many seasoned politicians, including some its most senior supporters – this is both crazy and unacce ptable. The government has to grow up and make the transition from opposition party to government. My dear brothers of the Silanyo administration, you are now the government of the country, indeed you have been in office for a year now. Please stop this silly and unbecoming vindictiveness towards Preside nt Rayalle and act like the government. Stop this mindless campaign of petty slights as if you are a wife who’s husband has married a second wife – it both demeans and belittles you while coarsening our natio nal politics.

President Rayalle was President of Somaliland for some eight years and, despite whatever your opinion of him may be, is entitled to the respect and courtesy of one who has held that office and trust. My bro thers, you won the election and are now in power – focus upon what you are going to do for Somaliland, not how to settle past scores. The people voted for the change you promised them – get on with that and forget the past. In short, please grow up and get on with the serious business of government, we have many challenges facing us which need close attention and creative answers – ficiiltan with the previous administration is not one of these challenges.