Loyal Opposition: Beyond Politics of the Pity Protest.

I loath to disappoint anyone but so far I fail to see the main reason behind all of the latest brouhaha and political crisis concocted by the SL’s opposition party. I’m sure many other people feel the same way and for good reason. Somaliland is barely fledgling democracy and yet unrecognized with limited resource and squeezed between marauding gangster neighborhood. Peace is the only asset it can claim due to the perseverance and diligence of the people.

It makes me wonder why some people are still hell-bent to reverse this trend through usurping and undemocratic means at this point. In an open democratic system, regardless of flawless or not, loyal opposition parties play different and pivotal role within the system and among other things:

Opposition supposed to be beyond the culture of crude cynicism, outlandish conspiratorial theories and bitter protest.

* It is more than arts of endless antagonism and posturing over everything and about anything under the sun ad nauseam.

* It means more than simple loyalty of region, clan lineage, extremism and other personality cult politics.

* It takes more than mean-spirited politics of street sub-culture, acid tongues, bulling tactics and character assassination.
 
* It is supposed to be above the vulgar and trash-talk accusations of severed genitalia, ‘girlie men’ and treason.
 
* It is more than alarmist mindset of falling skies, revolts and impending tsunamis that we have accustomed hearing of late.
 
* It is more about the future and pressing current issues rather than reference of past controversies that have little or no relevance today.
 
* It should be all about the common good, constructive debate, policy priorities and consensus of the issues that matter most.
 
* It is also more about golden opportunity for someone to showcase his/her instinct leadership talent and offer alternative, progressive policy.

Not so in the case of SL’s brand politics where situation mostly gravitates in the reverse orbit: if nothing, opposition card seems all about inflated egos, envy, virulotic partisan, and incitement of anarchy at any cost. Ever since last presidential contest brought current administration lead by Mr. Rayale to the office, the leadership of Kulmiye and its vast network of spin doctors, political purveyors left no stone unturned to embarrass and undermine every turn and step of the current regime’s policy action however it may seem innocent and well intentioned. Everything has been dismissed as being devious parochial interest and conspiratorial witch-hunt.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not ardent fan of Mr. Rayale’s lackluster political persona regarding to myriad of regressive developmental and corruption related issues, but that does not make me to be a deaf and blind antagonist creature to the core to believe every imaginable conspiracy theory on earth. That does not make me to ignore some of the positive public record on security, internal and external policy issue of the regime. These achievements per se are commendable given the difficult challenges faced and prevailing situation of gangster infested neighborhood region we live. Surely, Rayale’s administration has many short comings and I often criticized for it in the past but as the common expression goes gaal dil laakin gaartiina sii or give the devil his dues. One would be hard pressed not to acknowledge whenever something is done right and facts are self-evident.

As for the much publicized of term extension issue and merits, blame the regime as much , if not more, as the opposition camp tactics for the past 5 years, especially Kulmiye’s lack of vision and recalcitrant attitude. This Party has lost its focus on policy priorities long time ago, and instead kept playing at the hand of UDUB by delaying and manipulating issues like NEC, voter registration and so on. It wasted lot of energy on minor technicality of impeachment and pity protest from day one. They should be doing other way around. After all, we have been told time and again an impending tsunami electoral sweep for Kulmiye at any given time. If one has so such confidence, why procrastinate and try to enter from unmarked back doors as Dr. Tani pointed out?

Lately, Kulmiye’s policy action, if you can call one at all, has been idling for countdown of dubious time-line as if they were in soccer field and desperate for technical fault shot outs. But I’m afraid this game is much more than innocent soccer match event: it is very complex issue and there are bigger things at stake including people’s lives, stability and order. Worse yet, they are blaming everyone for the failure by engaging smear campaign against even the highly respected and principled Guurtis who are doing their best to save the country from brink of anarchy.

And where that leaves the spirited supporters of UCID and its leadership? I’m not so sure yet but my humble suggestion is this: refrain to be expendable for anyone; stick with your guns and priorities since politics has neither permanent friends nor foes; protect interest of the bewildered masses. This controversy presents challenges as well as opportunities and it all depends on how well you perceive and use your cards. I’m not in favor of Rayale’s regime to remain in power for single day, but I believe things should be dealt through legal and democratic means, and if that takes six or twelve more months then so be it.

Once again, Somaliland regime and its opposition parties are facing crucial test to solve their political differences in the coming weeks. Any workable solution depends on how all of the concerned sides compromise and act on good faith rather than engaging in futile intrigues and finger pointing. Kulmiye’s leadership in particular should be reminded that the role of genuine opposition as being more than mere nagging protest and intrigue arts. The Elder House along with the masses should be vigilant about potential intransigence that can result collapse of the law and order. Anything less could lead to the less traveled and ruinous road of Mogadishu or worse.

Mohames A. Awale

Email: Moe-awale@hotmail.com