Somali Peace Rally (Galkaio City)
PRESS RELEASE
September 21, 2004
Posted to the web September 21, 2004
Many Somalis, if not all, observe the upcoming presidential election with apprehension and incertitude. This challenging time, Somalia's new parliament must abandon warlordism cum dictatorship mentality and build more open and representative political system, establish effective governing institutions, and while this great change is attempted, reduce pressure for clan interest and conflict.
It is a task beyond the competence of text books and clever military officials. It will involve the mobilization of the collective national mind and patience to turn ideas into results. Such a mobilization of public energy requires a serious political agenda with a vision.
A new political agenda based on national interest rather than 'divide and rule tactics' requires the emergence of a new kind of political leadership, one driven by vision and a sense of clear direction, a leadership not rooted in the promotion of clan welfare or personal wealth accumulation.
Today it does not take much reflection to realize that strong leadership is not after all a prerogative of Somali warlords who are now presidential candidates. It is not the time of brute force and military skills. It is the time of compromise, honest, integrity, negotiation, and of painstakingly building public trust and support. It is a common knowledge that our generals cum warlords lack a whole set of good qualities and attributes that can transcend winner loser attitude. This is not sustainable in nation building.
By forgetting the root cause of our problems, some people argue that political stability can be guaranteed only by a strongman - dictator. They come to a cul-de sac when you question the sustainability of another Syadist regime. Alas, it was difficult to foresee the consequences of October's coup in 1969. Most of the Somalis had wrongly applauded, only to regret quickly.
Real political stability comes from stable governing institutions guided by creative leaders who are willing to leave office if they fail. What you expects from demagogues and warlord cum dictators is to sow the seeds of more civil wars, not build a nation from the scratch.
Therefore we strongly urge the new "anointed" Somali parliament to elect a leadership that upholds the rule of law and creates a political structure based on separation of duties as well as check and balance. This will prevent the rise of another dictator and warlords. We appeal for a leadership that can ensure that each part of the political system (executive, parliament, judiciary and civil society) is strong enough to generate an overall capacity for making timely and firm decisions on the major issues affecting our country.
Needless to say, please don't groom another dictator that will make further civil wars inevitable. For the record, SPR urged Somali parliament in Djbouti not to elect corrupt demagogues.