June 6, 2006
Response to: Somaliland Times owes Samatar brothers an apology.
By Abdale Farah Sigad
I have never been fond of Somaliland times and its editorials, in fact the times editor have even accused me of tribalism in the past, so I am not here to defend them or to validate their attack of the Samatar brothers, but I am here as a Somaliland citizen to respond to an article written by Ahmad Kayse Ali which was published by Awdalnews under the title of, Somaliland Times owes Samatar brothers an apology.
The author of the article has emphasized how the Samatar brothers have been offended, but he had chosen to ignore the main issue which brought about the criticism of the Samatar brothers. The author also seeks an apology on behalf of the Samatar brothers but here again he prefers not to acknowledge why such hostilities are directed to the Samatars.
Since the debate on the BBC Somali service which Prof Ahmad Ismael had participated, anyone who criticizes the professor’s comments met a swift rebuff from their supporters. The fans of the two professors are always keen to highlight how important the Samatars are to the wider Somali community, I just wish that Mr. Kayse’s piece discuss their main argument, instead it is full of praises and excuses for the Samatars.
Why the advocates for the professors are stubbornly denying the fact that the Samatars are indeed brothers? There is no smoke with out a fire, and as a matter of fact the Samatar brothers are the ones who are rubbing salt to the unhealed wounds. These too controversial Professors are deliberately playing a dangerous game to divide the public in Somaliland. Any body who falls into their trap will contribute to an unnecessary distraction of a peaceful nation.
None of the supporters of the Samatar brothers are willing to explain why the highly regarded Professors have chosen to put their weight on Somaliland assault. If the Samatars are so passionate about Somali brotherhood then they should only concern themselves to Southern Somalia and leave Somaliland alone.
By Abdale Farah Sigad
