KULMIYE IN CRISIS

Recently, Dr.Gabose, “capo di tutti capi federalists”, (chief of all federalists), stated that his party, KULMIYE, rejects the Somaliland’s governments allegations against Mudane Silaanyo, KULMIYE’s party chair. What allegations? To allege something is to await proof of the matter in question. But, there is already undeniable proof, and it came from Mudane Silaanyo’s mouth, not once, but twice!

The issue of Mudane Silaanyo’s belief in a “federal Somalia”; at this stage, in this day and age, after almost thirty years of neglect and oppression during the union with Somalia, and twenty years of peace, progress and development since the dissolution of the union; is never in doubt, Mudane Silaanyo clearly stated that he still beliefs in a “federal Somalia”.

Perhaps, something was lost in the translation of Dr.Gabose’s statement, but I doubt it.  Educated at John Hopkins University, Dr. Gabose is fluent in English, so his statement should be read as it is stated.

There is no denying the fact that the party is in crisis.

I had stated in previous articles that the KULMIYE party is bigger than a few individuals. It is a party representing every aspect of Somaliland society, but with each passing day, it is becoming divided into the pro-Somaliland camp (the majority) and the pro “federalists” (a minority rump).

Ultimately, KULMIYE is in danger of squandering its position as the self-styled progressive party in Somaliland. If you consider espousing a “federalist” agenda as progressive. As Mudane Silaanyo returns home from his visit to the United States of America, the deafening silence among KULMIYE supporters and members is one of incredulity and anxiousness with the direction and the policies of the party.

The defining images from Mudane Silaanyo’s visit to America will not be of the warm welcome from the Diaspora, nor the luncheons, dinners, speeches, tele-conferencing and award ceremonies, it will be;

The meeting and photo opportunity with Congressman Payne of New Jersey and the two damaging interviews with the Voice of America, Somali service and the local Somaliland website, in which, Mudane Silaanyo stated, emphatically, his continued belief in a “federal Somalia”.

As we head towards the forthcoming Presidential elections, the people of Somaliland have three choices, re-elect the incumbent President, vote for a change in the person of Eng. Faisal Ali Warabe of UCID, or vote to plunge the nation in to chaos and uncertainty by selecting Mudane Silaanyo.

There are legitimate arguments to make for the first two scenarios. Both President Rayale and Eng. Ali Warabe have displayed their core commitment to a sovereign Somaliland.

Neither man would contemplate negotiating on Somaliland’s sovereignty. Sadly, the third scenario would only become reality if the people of Somaliland choose clan over nation.

I am confident that those days of clan over nation are a thing of the past. Irrespective of clan affiliation, if a political leader is committed to Somaliland and displays the vision, policies and strength of character required to lead a nation, they will not only have my vote but the votes of the majority of Somalilanders.

Written by Cali M. Abokor

Email: ruraledcomm@yahoo.co.uk