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| Two out of the three Presidential candidates are qualified and fit to be elected; the other is neither qualified nor fit for an elected office much less to vie for the highest office in the Nation and should be disqualified. The office of the President of any nation is awesome. It commands authority, leadership, competence, confidence, capability and vision. The Presidency embodies the pride and the hope of the nation and it is enshrined on the values of the people it represents. While no man or woman is infallible, it is reasonable to assume that candidates who directly or indirectly committed crimes against humanity while in a position of authority should be barred from seeking elected office if not prosecuted. In addition, candidates who aspire to the highest office must meet minimum ethical standard and level of education in order to discharge the duties of the office satisfactorily. The issues that face Somaliland are complex and overwhelming; some are international, some are regional and some are national. Regardless of it’s political status, Somaliland is expected to contribute positively to the resolution of the problems that menace the international community such as terrorism and to foster the concepts that enhance the development, peace, protection of the environment and human rights. In meeting the global and regional responsibilities, Somaliland is expected to shoulder a burden that commensurates with its global and regional standing, resources, and influence. Since Somaliland’s resources and influence is paltry, no one is expecting Somaliland to take a leading role neither on global issues such as Kiyoto treaty and the establishment of war crimes tribunal nor regional issues of considerable magnitude. But, the contribution expected from Somaliland would understandably be limited now to the resolution of the national issues. This seems simple but in light of the diverse and acute problems that are facing Somaliland, the task is daunting. In addition to resolving immediate local formidable issues, any body that is aspiring for the presidency should have the confidence and the minimum general knowledge to converse intelligently with world leaders about the global economy, geopolitics and other matters of mutual interest. Today, Somaliland is at crossroads. Indeed the country has defied the skeptics and a lot has been accomplished in the face of adversity without outside help. But these achievements dwarf what remains to be done. The economy is in shatters; the livestock export ban is still standing, the Ethiopian border is closed, diseases like HIV/AIDS that were unknown in Somaliland few years ago are now creeping surreptitiously and surpassing the tuberculosis and other infectious disease, peace is fragile particularly in Sanag and Sool, corruption, bribery and mismanagement are at all time high and lawlessness is on the rise. Add that to the lack of recognition. In order to meet these formidable challenges, Somaliland needs to elect the candidate that has the best qualifications, the relevant experience and the track record that measures up to the competency level the position demands. Below, some minimum standards are cited: 1) College education 2) Relevant experience and track record 3) Moral values 4) Leadership qualities 5) Personal character and behavior On top of that, Presidential candidates shouldn’t have directly or indirectly participated disqualifying activities such as crimes against humanity and activities that sabotage the existence of Somaliland - cardinal sins. Obviously, some of these criteria like college education need no further explanation, but the following points are further expounded albeit not exhaustively: Education At least four-year education in an accredited university Relevant experience Working in the capacity of a director or a minister in an important government department of $10 million budget for 20 years. Holding a senior position, managerial, supervisory position in a national or international organization or institution with a budget of over $20 million Dollars. It must be noted that ceremonial positions like the vice-presidency aren’t counted towards relevant experience. Moral Values While respecting family values, culture and religion are some of the basic tenets; abstaining negative activities such as smoking and chewing “chat” are a plus. Leadership Qualities To have the courage to make hard choices, to articulate the vision and the hope of the nation, to have the modesty to build consensus, the faculty to analyze critically, to inspire and the patience to gather relevant information in order to make an informed decision. To respect the democratic principles, to watch human rights, to resolve clan conflicts, to be accountable, transparent and free from corruption. Personal behavior and qualities Integrity beyond reproach and honesty is a must. Disqualifying factors (Cardinal Sins) Initiating, participating, abetting and aiding knowingly the activities that meant to sabotage the existence and the independence of Somaliland since the proclamation of a State. Participating “Carta” and Eldoret conference, denouncing and renouncing the independence of Somaliland are only stark examples. 2. Participating human rights violations directly or indirectly while in a position of authority during the Faqash regime especially between 1982 and 1991. Gross incompetence and lack of analytical skills Waging war against Somaliland like Jama Abdillahi Qalib (Jama-Yare) and Ahmed Jama Botan (Daniye) In order to judge the fitness and the qualifications of the three candidates, brief Curriculum Vita is cited below: Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo Education: Master’s Degree in Economics, and a Bachelor’s Degree (Honors) from the University of Manchester, United Kingdom Experience: Currently, Chairman of The Kulmiye Party; Held various positions in Somaliland including membership of the House of Representatives, Minister of Finance and Minister of Planning and Coordination; Held various positions in Somalia including Minister of Planning and Coordination, Minister of Commerce, chairman of the National Economic Board. Participated wide ranging seminars, symposia, conferences and training programs throughout the world including America, UK and Switzerland and attended and lead International Conferences including the UN, OAU, Arab League Role in SNM Struggle: Chairman of Somali National Movement (SNM) (1984 – 19990); the longest serving Chairman Achievements: Masterminded an end to the run-away inflation in Somaliland; resolved the vexing problems of ration supplies to the armed forces and initiated a Program of fiscal reform Engineer Faysal Ali Hussein (Warabi) Education: Enrolled in the University Of Heliniski, Heliniski, Norway and Master of Science in Engineering, Leningrad, Soviet Union Work Experience: Chairman of UCUD Party; held various positions in the Public Works Department including regional director, chief engineer in Mogadishu; Chairman of Somaliland Society in Europe and other similar positions for the Somali Community Role in SNM struggle: Staunch supporter of SNM Achievements: Faysal has Participated, campaigned, engineered and brokered peace in Somaliland when Jama Yare and Daniye group attacked Somaliland. Dahir Rayaale Kahin Education: High School Work Experience: Transitional President; Vice-president (ceremonial); Colonel in Siyad’s Gestapo (Cidankii Dhabarjabinta) Allegations: Crimes against humanity It should be pointed out that the CV of both Ahmed and Faysal are available on the Internet but interestingly the CV of Rayaale and his background is found nowhere. Anyway, I have tried hard not to leave out anything material that would have influenced a reasonable person either way. While Rayaale’s past record is undesirable to put it mildly, his record since he inherited the office shows nothing but incompetence and bad judgment. The following are culled as an illustration of a pattern of missteps, incompetence and mismanagement: Djibouti-Gate Upon inauguration, Presidents normally pay a visit to friendly countries as a courtesy and to solidify the relationship and further the mutual interest. Contrary to the diplomatic customs, Rayaale visited Djibouti unexpectedly, without urgent State business. To make matters worse, he signed an agreement to repatriate about 24 thousand refugees. The Djibouti authorities have raised the same issue with Janagali Cigal and Cigal has rejected on the grounds that there are no internationally recognized Somaliland refugees in Djibouti. Undoubtedly, 24 thousand people are voting power to reckon with and that may well be the reason behind the agreement. It is worth remembering that Djibouti Authorities apprehended and handed back Somalilanders who sought sanctuary in Djibouti to Afweyni. Rayaale should know because he was representing the brutal dictator in Djibouti at the time. Some have suggested it was more of personal than State business because a) to expunge his record in Djibouti b) to convey his loyalty and seek the advise of his idol Ismail Omar Guelle and c) to launch fund raising for his Presidential aspiration. Sadly, Rayaale himself recently admitted that Somaliland has fulfilled all the conditions and agreements reached with Djibouti, however Djibouti hasn’t honored her obligation. The critics are feeling vindicated. This was a bad judgment on his part. Geopolitics Rayaale’s general knowledge and world exposure is limited and that has surfaced in more than once; in one occasion, Rayaale pleaded with low-level USAID officers from Nairobi to recognize Somaliland. The junior officers politely pointed-out it is the department of State that handles foreign policy. Even “dhanxeer” has commented in this incident. Embarrassing, isn’t it? In another occasion, Rayaale stated that Senegal and Gabon formed a unitary State after independence in a BBC interview, while it was Senegal and Gambia. This is a handicap and Somaliland doesn’t have the resources to educate him in the office. Lascaanood Incident The Lascaanood incident while unfortunate says a lot about the prudence of Rayaale. He has left the capital a week before the election, a tense period of uncertainty. If the assassination attempt, god forbid, had succeeded, the country would have been thrown into a political predicament. Another power to transfer, another vice-president to appoint, another period to mourn and Allah knows what else. This was another bad judgment, which could have resulted disaster and another setback. The objective of Rayaale’s visit was to campaign for UDUB under the pretext of reconciliation, as others stated. Reconciliation at the 11th hour! In fact, one could assume that there was another hidden agenda, which was to declare Lascanood area as unsafe to hold elections there. And that is exactly what Rayaale’s mission has accomplished in the name of emergency. The reality is that UDUB has no support in Laascanood and Rayaale has to block access to the electorate favorable to his competitors. Petroleum Explorations What about those investment petroleum firms? Was it just hoax, campaign publicity stunt or just another blunder? A government of seasoned ministers and officials should have smelled a rat but Rayaale and his cabinet were taken for a ride. Not once but twice. Did any heads roll? For heavens, give me a break! Who is in charge? Some say Abdillahi Dualeh, others say Abdillahi Darewal or Ahmed Yussuf Dualeh and still others say it is none of the above. It is Ismail Omar Guelle of Djibouti. It is known that some of the cabinet ministers had little respect for Rayaale because of his Gestapo background and incompetence before he inherited the presidency and ignored him as persona non-grata. Unsubstantiated sources reported that some of Egal’s cabinet refused to report to work for some time. We know he has the power to appoint for political reasons and fire low-level officers but does he have the backbone to sack some of his cabinet? Is the president only by name? Corruption Since Rayaale took office corruption and mismanagement has risen. There were allegations that a minister deposited one million dollar in a bank account in England. Did the government investigate? The government is illegally using taxpayers fund for political gain and that is criminal; where is the Auditor General? Just recently the minister of information flew to London with Ethiopian Airlines First Class and stayed in Five-Star hotel at the expense of the taxpayers to promote and launch UDUB branch in Sheffield, England. It is a typical African administration; the civilians are starving and the minister is traveling First class. Shame. Interestingly, some allege only Egal had his hand in the cookie-jar before, but now it is fair game, everybody gets his fill (imika waa faraqa soo dhigo). Is the administration honoring it’s payroll obligation? Lawlessness: Crime is on the rise. The city that foreign journalists have once described as safer than the streets of Nairobi and New York is now on the verge of implosion. The first time in the history of Somaliland, a foreigner was killed in the streets of Hargeisa. There were another fatalities recently in dispute of a piece of real estate. As of this writing, it has been reported shooting is going on in Burco. Is the hard-worn peace and stability slipping? Rakiya Omaar has also chronicled other incidents of lawlessness in her article, “who is in charge”. ‘Allow sahal amoraha” Garoowe-Gate A group of UDUB supporters recently visited to a foreign country, Somalia specifically Majertania and have met with the faction leader Abdillahi Yussuf and his minister of interior Ahmed Xaabsadi to negotiate with Majertania leaders for issues of mutual interest. There is a similarity between the Djibouti-gate and the Garowe-Gate. Both were a surprise and a shock to Somalilanders; both Djibouti and Majertainina are hostile to Somaliland and both were ill advised and detrimental to the interest of Somaliland. It has been reported that the minister of defense decried the incident and threatened for punishment. However, two weeks have passed since the mavericks returned to home and as of today, the Minister has not honored his word. Lest we forgot, the presidential candidates are applying for a job, that of the President of Somaliland. The public is the panel interviewing the applicants. Somehow, somewhere someone has failed to short-list the applicants according to reasonably acceptable criteria like the above. At this stage, the public has a right to ask questions related to the candidates education, experience and plan for the future. It is time to grill the candidates in order to choose the best for the job, not to demean anybody or clan. First question: Mr. Rayaale, please describe your role in Siyad’s Gestapo in detail and how would that help or hurt Somaliland if you become the President? Secondly, Would your administration build a statue in memory of SNM Mujahidiin? These are legitimate, timely and relevant questions. By judging the above criteria, Silanyo is by far the best qualified in terms of education, relevant experience, world exposure, participating and leading the SNM for the longest. Engineer Faysal comes second and no one doubts his credentials and electability but Rayaale’s experience under the Siyad Gestapo, the indelible record of being loyal to the butcher to the last minute and the allegations of crimes against humanity documented by Africa Watch are serious enough to disqualify him for seeking the Presidency. Additionally, Rayaale’s high-school level of education, lack of political exposure and understanding of geopolitics, inability to inspire and articulate the vision of the nation makes him unqualified to lead the country. But more importantly, his current record demonstrated his poor judgment, lack of confidence, indecisiveness and incompetence. The last thing Somaliland needs to day is an embattled President that could be indicted by the war crimes tribunal any time. Think of it. By: Ali Gulaid San Jose, California |
| Rayaale is unqualified and unfit to be Elected |
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| Foosiya Yuusuf Xaaji Aadan |