Blog

The clock is ticking for Somali leaders of every political hue and the international community to come together at once to confront Mr. Farmaajo in order to prevent the return of the sounds, smells, depredations, and the scenes of inhuman acts that were commonplace in the streets of Mogadishu back in the 1990s.

This is my analysis of Part 1 and a miscellany of fascinating exchanges at this year's Somalia Partnership Forum (SPF) which took place last Monday, 7th Dec. 2020, in Mogadishu.

Three courageous individuals have this week aptly countered President Farmaaja’s propaganda campaign which is based on deliberate efforts to mislead the public concerning the electoral process. The truth shone out of their words and Mr Farmaajo would be well advised to heed the moral of their stories.

Brothers & Sisters, Asssalaamu caleykum wa raxmatullaah wa barakaatuhu.

Our country has gained independence some 60 years ago. That was in 1960, AKA the Year of Africa, which brought about the independence of seventeen African nations, including Somalia. The so-called post war 'wind of change' was blowing through Africa at the time, signalling the end of colonial rule. The Somali people were part and parcel of that African movement that not only ended colonial rule in Africa by European powers but also brought about the move towards independence and self-determination.

That presidential aspirants have a role to play is a truism. Getting beyond truisms means answering more important questions: how can we ensure that the elections are truly transformative; that the process is free, fair and transparent so that electors will choose their MPs, and MPs choose the President who (together with the MPs themselves) will govern the country for the next four years.