The results of the local councils election created a whirlwind of confusion and paranoia which produced an encouraging sphere that could have tip the unbalanced and politically immature individuals to incite large number civilians into acts of violence. It had created a climate of collective uncertainty; each end of the political spectrum in the Somaliland Republic was attacking the other, albeit not in large scale, laying blame for creating a climate of mistrust and public odium that could have fostered such a division. Looking back on the way in which the local council’s election on 28th November 2012 has been organised and implemented, I believe there has been committed serious mistakes and judgemental errors which could have been prevented by fair-minded, impartial and professional conduct and procedure of the National Election Committee.

However, out of this unfortunate and unforeseeable local council elections aftermath, we can come together as a stronger nation. I believe that the true nature, power, sprit and quality of the people of Somaliland comes when we are united and when we stand together- not when we are a splintered, quarrelling and polarized nation. As a nation, we share the same roots, history and values as we also cherish the same fate and future. Therefore, the things that unite us and keep our people together as a nation are far more important than those factors that divide us or create social disagreement.

Now the local government elections are behind us (with all irregularities surrounded it), it is time for tolerance and national unity. I believe it is the time to move forward and to make a reconciliation overture with compassionate purpose to heal the social scars that the local elections have left behind. It is the time to reaffirm our national unity, people’s togetherness and the sense of belonging and nationhood among the Somaliland people. In addition, it is important that a social justice and equality applied in every rank of Somaliland people has to manifest and reflect the values and history of our great nation.

The Somaliland citizens must also have the rights to exercise fully their constitutional rights and ability to speak their mind and have a say in how they are governed; they should have confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice. The Somaliland citizens are ardently eager to see a government that is transparent and doesn't embezzle and pinch from the people.

At a time of growing enmity, hatred and resentment towards the existence of our nation aimed solemnly at destabilization and damaging of our home country, I believe that defending the interests, existence and the cause of our country is a moral duty and an individual obligation for each and every Somalilander, at home and abroad. We must be sensible for the way in which we criticize the leadership of our country. We should find out non-destructive ways to express our views and to make known our discontent and disagreement with regard to the way in which the current government leads and governs the country.

Although you may personally not in agreement with all of President Ahmed Silaanyo’s policy stances and the way in which his government run the country, I suppose you love your country and you care about your people. The current president is not only the president for those who have voted for him, but he is the president for all of us. That’s why you should support and respect the incumbent as the President of Somaliland Republic. We should not bad-mouth him to others (Somaliland enemies) but respect, support and sustain him as our President. If you have an issue with his policies, take a stand and have your say, use your individual rights granted by the Constitution, start a petition, and get involved in the democratic process.

After all, when it comes to the existence and sovereignty of our country as well as the aspirations and self determination of the people of Somaliland, we all know it’s the simple and only thing that counts among many other things that we may hold a different view. The future is as bright as we make it. We can choose to fight for what we believe in or not.

Long Live the Somaliland Republic

May ALLAH (SXWT) protect the true and genuine patriot!

Architectural-Eng. Hussein Adan Igeh (Hussein Deyr) [UK]