The UN is doing it again! We witness again the introduction of another disastrous plan for Somalia. If you like the TFG, you will love the new UN plan for another transitional government in Somalia. Stateless Somalia is to double the size of its transitional members of parliament to a whopping 550. By any standard this is the largest (per capita) parliament in the whole world. 1.2 Billion India has a Parliament of 500 members. The size, of course, is not the only problem. So what is the thinking behind this expensive farce?  

Rather than end anarchy and statelessness in Somalia, the new plan would make the show go on indefinitely. We wonder whether the international organizations have vested interest in the continuation of anarchy in Somalia. With 550 parliamentarians, how can impoverished Somalia re-establish itself? Forget about the cost, what are 550 members of parliament doing for a stateless nation other than argue and squabble over everything? Would this not restrain any hope of Somalia emerging from its deepening hole? 

It is not the Somali people who are in conflict. It is individuals who squabble over the sovereign power of the nation as though Somalia is a must-win prize. The UN should not molly-coddle anyone at the expense of the Somali nation. This nation does not belong to any faction. It belongs to the Somali people. The UN should merely assist the Somalis themselves find the best way to govern themselves.  

The UN is not the only one wasting precious time and money. Individuals who have weakness for position are prolonging suffering. They are the ones who are killing our nation. Stateless nations do not form a parliament before founding the state. This is like constructing the roof before building the foundation. In 2004, one of the many TFG blunders was the formation of a transitional parliament. Another blunder was the introduction of federalism to Somalia which is inhabited by one nation.  

We need to get our priorities right. Priorities during the whole peace efforts have been wrong. The emphasis has always been power-sharing. There is nothing to share. You cannot share what has not been created. It is like squabbling over the produce which its field has not been cleared let alone farmed. The emphasis should be state-building. That does not mean those appointed to rebuild the nation should pick officials from certain communities. Everybody will be required to reinvent and run Somalia. Positions worth holding will come once we find the right leadership which can build the nation. 

For a nation which needs healing and nation-building, the TFG leadership fought over silly matters such as individuals on a list. National leaders should not indulge in clan matters. One’s clan is one’s private business which should not mix with the nation’s affairs. It is no crime for any private person to serve his or her clan. That will not be at the expense of the nation or under the responsibilities of national positions. It should not be acceptable to hold national positions and serve clan or clan interests.  

Another issue of concern is the untimely introduction of regional administration for Benadir. Unlike any region, Benadir is host to the nation’s capital. Many regions would die for the opportunity and privilege to host the capital. Benadir should not emulate Puntland, especially at this late stage in time, when our most important focus should be how to revive Somalia — not how our people should compete with one another by region. Somalis in Puntland are in a remote corner of the country. It was not their fault to administer themselves to survive lawlessness brought on to the whole nation. Unfortunately, so far, there is unwillingness to allow Mogadishu to once again host the capital. If impediments persist, the nation may have no choice but to move the capital to cities such as Baydhabo, Beletweyn, Kismayo or other location. 

Since the first self-administration in Somalia in 1954, every time some members of the ruler’s clan used to behave as though the government was theirs alone. This habit was part of Somalia’s political ailments which would have to change, if the nation is to have better governance and better future. Our people should not do anything which may obstruct the birth of a new Somali state founded on justice, forgiveness and the principles of good governance.  

The most important task for stateless Somalia is state-building. State-building could be categorized into three stages. The first crucial phase of state-building could be concluded within few years if and when we find the right leadership in June 2009. Only when this first stage is completed, will the nation go to the polls to elect its own leaders and members of parliament. Once this primary phase of state-building is completed, all regions too should go to the polls and administer themselves.  

I am on a fact finding mission to the region, commissioned by the Diaspora and a group of Somali intellectuals from across communities. For a long time, the absence of the role of our intellectual force has been felt from the endeavour to find a lasting peace and good governance in Somalia. For that reason, efforts are afoot to pave the way for a conference of Somali Diaspora and intellectuals to be hosted in February 2009. Details of the conference shall be notified in the near future.  

While in my journey, I observed the progress of our fledgling television channels: Raad, Universal and ETN. The hosting of a group of national icons of elderly artists such as Ali Sugule by Raad has been widely appreciated. In Djibouti, on 19 November, another well received program was Miisaan, which hosted a panel discussion on Qaran (nation) by renowned individuals such as Professor Ahmed Ismail Samater. We know these channels of ours are struggling but they are doing the right things. Their struggle is in line with the nation’s suffering. Our nation is hostage to individual opportunism. They are the ones who stand on the road to recovery. But everything has its end. Once we are on our way back to nationhood the sky is the limit to our nation’s potential. Our media will grow and prosper, so will the nation.  

The TFG has failed miserably but the circus goes on. Things have now diminished ridiculously into the realm of entertainment. In June 2009, the reign of the TFG would end without a single achievement for the nation. There is no need to extend the TFG for one day, let alone two year. For every task, there are the right individuals who are equipped to take on the challenge. The most suitable leadership for Somalia is the one which has the trust of the Somali public. In June 2009, if we move the right direction, I know we can have the best government which can meet the satisfaction of all Somalis.   

Our nation is in pain as well as wallowing in ignominy. The existence of a parliament during the primary years of state-building will not be merely a case of ineptitude but an obstruction to progress. We know what our nation needs. We also know how to do it. Stateless Somalia needs state-building not a parliament. It needs vision, commitment and competence: all of which the TFG had none. So, where do we go from here? Somalia is awaiting the coming together of its educated and intellectual force. They are the ones who can end anarchy and suffering in Somalia. They are the ones who can help the nation get back on its feet!  

Abdullahi Dool

Hornheritage@aol.com