A New beginning in Somalia and Reasons for renewed hope

A new Somali president has been elected in Djibouti- the 15th effort to find a lasting solution to the great Somali quandary. So the question asks, “Is 15 time the charm?” Before we answer this difficult and multifaceted question, we have to understand some of the basic realities in Somalia today and what makes this one election different from the previous one.

The Ethiopian withdrawal which the ARS and the Somali Prime Minister Nur Ade played a crucial role in making this once impossible thought a reality changed many things in Somalia as did the forced-resignation of the divisive Somali quisling Abdullahi Yusuf, that closed the curtain on his 40 years of political prostitution to Ethiopian interests in Somalia.

This is not to say that the Ethiopian presence in Somalia or Abdullahi Yusuf were the singular reason why Somalia has entered this vicious circle of human suffering of death and destruction for the past 2 years. However, they were the major blocks on the road to a genuine Somali recovery of the decades old wars and conflict in the country.

Sh Sharif Sh Ahmed the former head of the Islamic Courts Union is a man with a tremendous public support throughout Somalia and especially so in the capital city Mogadishu. The 6 years of peace and prosperity that his ICU organization engineered is something the Somali people appreciate on many levels. His moderate views and compromising tendencies that are uncharacteristic of Somali “politicians,” easily stands out. So, without a question, here is a man who really understands the problems of Somalia and how to move forward.

Reception to his election has been highly positive and so far only one minority group of fanatics and lunatics have denounced him.

To be successful Sh Sharif will have to take the following steps:

1. Avoid confrontations unless you are first attacked.

2. Choose your PM carefully and select only a candidate who can bring a political constituency not supporting you. Ensure that he is NOT HOMELESS i.e. unable to visit his tribal homeland.

3. Settle scores at a later date be it with Ethiopia or Warlords or other Wadaads.

4. Balance your Ministerial portfolio between Gardheere & Secularists with an emphasis of the Secularists being given portfolios that deal with the Western world.

5. Being slow reapproachment with the Asmara group and Shabab.

6. Focus your energies in pacifying the Banadir region and surrounding areas. A peaceful, stable Banadir will guarantee legitimacy and host your government.

7. Delay the implementation of Sharica law until the masses are well educated in it and life in Somalia is normalized.

8. Be fair and impartial and don’t become beholden to any particular group: Qabiil or Wadaad sects.

9. Limit the size of your government portfolio to no more than 8 ministries and hire only the best educated/talented Somalis.

10. Create a consultative body of Somali experts to advise your government on different matters.