For a large number of Diaspora Awdalites, particularly those at below thirty-something of age, it seems the shelf life of “Somaliland” is over with the declaration of Awdal State in many parts of Europe and North America. Despite the claim that Awdal was the birthplace of Egal-Farah “Somaliland” in 1993, the fact always remained that a large number of citizens of these regions never took “Somaliland” at heart as one of theirs. In other words, the bulk of Awdalites have never believed in “Somaliland” as a viable state worthwhile supporting for eternity, even if one of their sons was at the helm of it for eight years. For many, it was more like a stop gap i.e. waiting for the birth of equitable Somali state that represents all Somalis.

After all, “Somaliland” was created by SNM (clan militia) which waged a vicious and bloody war against the last central government of Somalia as well as clans regarded by SNM leadership as collaborators. This dealt a mortal blow to the Somali state, the consequence of which we are witnessing all around us.

Awdal communities are amongst those clans that heavily suffered at the hands of SNM clan militia after its rag tag and undisciplined army indiscriminately sprayed bullets into a civilian population in crowded towns and cities - including Borama and Dila which bore the brunt of this massacre - leaving their wake death and destruction.  Awdalites may have forgiven but they never forgot this terrible and dark episode.  There is a Somali adage: “Yeelaa wuu illaawaa, la yeelaase ma illaawo”, which roughly translates “the victimizer forgets, but it is difficult for the victim to forget”.

Dr. Mohamed Rashid, an Awdalite tasked to sell this fathom “Somaliland” project to the international community, must have the most difficult job around as there are many insurmountable hurdles to negotiate through, including Awdal State. He is likely to fail in his endeavor towards this cause the same way president Rayaale had previously failed to convince the international community that “Somaliland” is indeed an all-inclusive club for all clans in Northern Somalia.  The respected doctor must convince himself before he goes elsewhere.

Who is behind Awdalstate?

In spite of some Awdalite politicians and elders suggesting that only a small group of Rayaale supporters are behind Awdal State declaration, especially those currently serving under Ahmed Silanyo government, the facts on the ground in the region indicate the opposite.  For those following  the regional policies, it is a well known secret that a large number of silent Awdalites have had misgivings about the establishment of “Somaliland”, fearing that it will start the dismemberment of Somali state and create clan-based regional administrations that will benefit nobody but to those who fought for them. Evidently, they were not off the mark. Others believed that “Somaliland” was imposed on them against their will and therefore maintained their silence despite their dislike for the new administration erected in their backyard.

However, throughout the existence of “Somaliland” regime, one can safely say the majority of the youth in Awdal, especially those educated at a higher level, both in Diaspora and back home, were disenchanted with the existence of the very idea of “Somaliland”. It is this group along with those aforementioned above that put their full weight behind the declaration of Awdal State.

Judging the video clips emerging from Europe and North America on Universal TV and other sources, it is an insult on the part of some Awdal elders to suggest that Rayaale’s clan is behind Awdal State. Those who always maintained that “Somaliland” was imposed on them against their will can be vindicated by the threats recently made by Ahmed Silanyo’s minister of justice, and an Awdalite who, in response to the declaration of Awdal State, said, among other things, that “Somaliland” jails will be soon teeming with  sympathizers  as well as followers of the emerging regional state.  Minister Areh’s hollow threats are clear indications that Somali politicians had learned nothing from the past.

Why it was declared now?

Since the defeat of Dahir Rayaale kaahin in the last presidential election, which brought Ahmed Silanyo and his Kulmiye party to the seat of government, Awdalites have been subjected to all sorts of measures of discrimination simply because they belong to the constituency of the former president. Their already poor representation at all levels of government institutions and civil societies under their son has further been reduced to a pathetic level. Almost all meaningful posts held by Awdalites, including government ministers, have disappeared overnight under Silanyo’s revenge mission against former contender’s clan – the Gadaboursi. Even lowly positions as postal couriers and office cleaners have not been spared.  This, together with a simmering anger from people who never wanted “Somaliland” in the first place, tilted the balance of power towards outright divorce from “Somaliland’s” clan-infested administration.

The slaughter and mutilation of four innocent travelers from Awdal on the road between Borama and Hargeisa, and the failure of successive “Somaliland” authorities to apprehend the murderers and bring them into justice, has dented whatever confidence left in Awdalities for Hargeisa administration. It is a common knowledge that some perpetrators of this heinous crime have recently been invited into the presidential palace, which put a big question mark on the credibility of this government.

Also, the SSC’s “I told you so” may have a similar impact on Awdalities’ psyche as the two communities have had an old-age  relationship against the secessionist enclave in the late fifties and early sixties in the form of United Somali Party (USP).  The wind of change sweeping across some parts of the Arab world may also have encouraged Awdalites, particularly the younger generation to rebel against what they see as injustice in their own backyard.

When prominent members of Awdal elders, including their notable Sultans, have confronted the minister of interior, Dr. Mohamed Abdi Gabboose, on several issues including the dismissal of General Mohamed Xudhuun from his military post in Awdal region, the honorable doctor cum politician had promised that the office of President Ahmed Silanyo will look into the matter very seriously. More than seven months have gone since then, and Awdalities are still waiting to hear from the good office of the President.

In the current political system whereby only three political parties are to choose between, and the fact that they are all under the whim of one clan, Awdalites have learned the hard way that their cry for fair distribution of political seats, wealth, resources and everything else you can think of will always fall into deaf ears. “Somaliland’s” unlikely recognition by the international community, although as remote as ever, is dreaded by many Awdalites as well as SSC constituents because of what they see as a classical example of one clan dictating for others as we have already witnessed in some parts of East Africa.

In conclusion, with battles already raging in SSC territories and the people of Las Anod (Laas Caanood) in full rebellion against “Somaliland” authority, problems seem to be coming thick and fast to Ahmed Silanyo’s young administration in Hargeisa. The prospect of another front opening up in the west is the last thing “Somaliland” elitists had in mind. To pick up a fight against both fronts will do more harm than good to Hargeisa authority. In other words, it will dent a massive hole on its quest for international recognition. It is also back to square one and early eighties to be precise when the whole trouble started for Northern Somalis.

The fact that Awdal State declaration ceremony, which took place in London and Minneapolis among other places, attracted many Somalis outside the region - from Jubbaland to SSC and Puntland to Galmudug - shows that there is a glimmer of hope for Somalis to reconcile their differences. With the declaration of Awdal State, “Somaliland” government may not have a choice but to review its already exhausted policy towards outright secession. The trouble is how do you convince people brainwashed into believing “one size fits for all” policy for well over 18 years i.e. “Somaliland” or nothing? It is early days, but Like SSC, Awdal State has yet to prove itself on the home turf.  “Somaliland” can ill-afford to ignore the perils of Awdal State.

Mohamed F. Yabarag

E-Mail: myabarag@yahoo.co.uk