Charting a New Course: Somaliland’s Demand for Change

By Abdi Jama

Introduction

Recent political changes in South Africa and the UK have shown one clear democratic principle: where a government fails to serve its people properly, change becomes necessary and eventually inevitable. This lesson can’t be lost on Somaliland, especially considering Kulmiye’s long reign of unfulfilled promises and democratic erosion.

Analyzing ANC and Conservative’s Downfall

Both the ANC in South Africa and the Conservative Party in the UK have been consigned to electoral defeats underpinned by their failure to govern equitably and unite within. Loss of support for the ANC came from massive corruption, economic stagnation, and pathetic service delivery, which left the poor feeling disenfranchised. The Conservative Party, on the other hand, was ridden by ideological fractures and led by a leadership that seemed out of touch with core concerns from the electorate about the economy and public services. It underlined, time and again, the general discontent with political establishments that do not bring substantial progress.

Democratic Deficits in Kulmiye

The rule of Kulmiye Political Party in Somaliland is no different from the above depictions, with much more chilling consequences for democratic governance. The party has gone ahead to tighten the noose around freedom of speech and the press, divide the people along social and clan lines, as well as manipulate election calendars to cling to power. Additionally, economic stagnation and high unemployment have exacerbated the situation, further disenfranchising the populace. These vices are nothing short of blatant violations of the very core fundamentals of democracy and have created a state of acrimony, animosity, and electoral disinterest among the citizens. These tactics of prolonging elections, however, in the case of Kulmiye, do, in fact, allude to strategized entrenchment rather than a commitment to democratic processes. They reflect misuse of power and are antithetical to the very foundational ideals of governance by the people.

Escalation of Conflict

During the leadership of President Muse Bihi, not only has Kulmiye been characterized by its ineffectual governance but has also contributed to intensified regional animosity, particularly in the Sool region, home to the Dhulbahante clan. The escalation to civil strife and the subsequent displacement of thousands have roots in Kulmiye’s refusal to engage with local grievances genuinely and in seeing through peace agreements brokered by previous administrations. This neglect has turned otherwise manageable disputes into severe crises, destabilizing the region and setting back the progress toward national unity and stability. Notably, in Las Anood, it has caused hundreds of killings and many injuries. It has also brought about an arrest of hundreds of prisoners and elevated human rights concerns.

Governance Transparency Issues

Another major casualty under the governance of Kulmiye is transparency. The void in practices of open government begets corruption and inefficiency, disheartening the populace. The lack of clear, accessible information on what the government does, and the policies effected therein has kept citizens unable to hold their leaders to account. Such practice, in turn, erodes their trust and stifles any kind of engagement with the state. This kind of opacity in governance is far from the tenets that define democracy, where transparency should empower rather than exclude citizens.

Conclusion: A Call for Democratic Renewal

The forthcoming Somaliland elections at the end of 2024 will, however, be a point where the electorate can take a second look at the path its governance has taken. The electorate should be encouraged by such examples as that of South Africa and the UK and demand from its government nothing but justice, service, and prosperity since the voters in those countries settled for change after similar long periods of disappointment. It is time to renew the democratic spirit, where governance reflects the needs and well-being of the people and not the interests of the few.