By Abdirahman Abdulle
Wednesday January 17, 2024
Introduction:
In the complicated world of Somali politics, SSC-Khaatumo's story stands out as a tale of true determination. The community's path to statehood is a massive achievement, all thanks to their hard work without interference from outside sources. This moment is a crucial point in the region's history, echoing the passion of diverse voices I encountered during my recent visit.
In the heart of SSC-Khaatumo's capital city, LasAnod, I had conversations with President Abdikhadir Aw Ahmed Firdhiye and Speaker of the Parliament Jama Yasin. Their progress is impressive, driven by a shared vision, unity, and a strong commitment to self-determination—all happening in a surprisingly short time.
Our discussions covered essential political areas like the economy, security, the diaspora community office, the role and future of the Jamahirta youth, traditional leadership in the new SSC-Khaatumo administration, and overall governance dynamics. A key focus emerged during these talks: securing financial support for the SSC-Khaatumo adminstration and specific governmental priorities.
The President praised the unwavering contributions of the Diaspora community over the past 10 months, crediting them for the existence of the new administration. Stressing the pivotal role of the Diaspora, he emphasized the urgent need to establish the Diaspora community office, recognizing it as crucial for sustaining and advancing the administration's achievements.
In my discussions with the Speaker of the Parliament, Jama Yassin, I emphasized the importance of fostering political stability and upholding principles of good governance. I advocated for creating a diplomatic bridge between the brotherly Puntland State and SSC Khaatumo State, underlining the significance of a strong and harmonious relationship between these two entities. I highlighted the need for leaders with foresight, capable of nurturing enduring relationships not only with Puntland but also with the federal government in Mogadishu. The essence of envisioning long-term collaborations for the collective prosperity of the region was a central theme in our talks.
Vision of State:
Inspired by the wisdom of Nelson Mandela, who once said, "the history of a people is their strength," and this rings especially true for the folks in SSC-Khaatumo. Together, they envisioned a statehood that rises above historical challenges. Rooted in the ideals of Somalism and the resistance led by Sayid Mohamed Abdulle Hassan against British colonizers, this shared vision acts as a strong force pushing them towards establishing a sovereign state, much like others in Somalia.
Despite past disagreements and political conflicts, the people of SSC-Khaatumo show an unmatched determination to build a government that can handle resources and shape their collective future. Their unwavering fight against the Somaliland regime, with significant sacrifices and almost losing their capital city, shows their steadfast commitment. In the words of Martin Luther King, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." SSC-Khaatumo has globally demonstrated resolve, providing a blueprint for forming a united government from grassroots efforts.
During my visit, I had meaningful conversations with the respected traditional leaders of SSC as well. I emphasized the crucial need to create a state in the SSC region that genuinely reflects and upholds the values and principles cherished by the SSC-Khaatumo people. Stressing the seriousness of this task, I encouraged the SSC-Khaatumo leaders to set aside their differences for the greater good of their people. Our discussions focused on instilling a mindset that prioritizes the well-being of the people, fostering a culture where the essential needs of the people come first in the pursuit of regional development and unity.
Unity of Heart and Mind:
Like the saying goes, where there is unity, victory inevitably follows. Unity stands as the linchpin for SSC-Khaatumo, fostering community cohesion over the past ten months. The palpable unity was vividly evident on December 23, 2023, when traditional elders and the SSC-Khaatumo administration rejected and abstained from participating in neighboring Puntland elections, underscoring their allegiance to the nascent state. President Firdhiye's proclamation in October 2023, confirming SSC-Khaatumo's exclusion from Puntland elections, further underscores their dedication to unifying the SSC-Khaatumo populace.
Coming from a rocky history, SSC-Khaatumo understands how crucial unity is. This shared promise has overcome differences, especially with groups like the Jamahiirta, a newly unofficially formed local organization, playing a big part in keeping everyone united. The strength and determination shown by the Jamahiirta youth are like a powerful engine driving regional unity forward.
During my stay in LasAnod, I engaged in insightful conversations with a diverse group of community members, including religious scholars, intellectuals, women, youth, and educators. Our discussions revolved around strategies for maintaining unity, building consensus, and creating synergy. They emphasized the critical need for the SSC society to unite and work together. These stakeholders highlighted the strategic importance of envisioning a united SSC within the broader context of Somalia. It was emphasized to me that without unity, the impressive achievements and milestones reached so far would be challenging to sustain. The prevailing sentiment among these stakeholders revealed an unprecedented desire for unity, showcasing a collective aspiration stronger than ever before.
Confidence & Self-Determination:
In their quest for statehood, SSC-Khaatumo places immense emphasis on confidence and self-determination. They regard self-determination as the linchpin to transforming their aspirations into reality, steadfastly believing that autonomous governance under a unified umbrella is imperative. The tribulations endured by the people of SSC-Khaatumo have fortified their determination, instilling an unwavering confidence in their capacity to mold their destiny, regardless of the temporal duration.
During my visit, SSC-Khaatumo's journey towards self-determination unfolded with collaborative mindsets, trust-building, and resolute confidence pervading diverse societal factions. The emergence of fresh faces across all three branches of SSC-Khaatumo's government signifies a dynamic synergy that amalgamates disparate stakeholders, promising an enlightened epoch for the region—one characterized by confidence and self-determination among its citizenry.
Conclusion:
The story of SSC-Khaatumo stands testament to the resilience and fortitude of a community steadfastly advancing towards unity, self-determination, and a shared vision of democratic statehood. Reflecting on my interactions and conversations with President Abdikhadir Aw Ahmed Firdhiye, it is evident that SSC-Khaatumo is making substantial strides toward a democratic state that esteems individual rights, equality, representation, accountability, and participatory governance. This encompasses individual freedoms, liberty, equality, the rule of law, political engagement, and civil liberties. Although the journey is in its nascent stages, the objective remains lucid and achievable.
In the face of challenges, SSC-Khaatumo distinguishes itself as an exemplar of what collective endeavor can accomplish when directed towards a common vision. The journey may be arduous, but their unwavering commitment to unity and self-governance underscores the potency of their collective spirit. They have invested wholeheartedly in realizing this vision and attaining statehood.
In a political landscape often fraught with challenges, SSC-Khaatumo's pursuit of a brighter future emanates as a beacon of hope. As Margaret Mead once asserted, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."