Let’s face it, main Somalia is not any stroll within the park. But, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has confirmed again and again that he’s the one who can drive the nation towards a brighter future. Regardless of all of the noise, he has managed to push the nation ahead in methods many thought had been not possible. But, one way or the other, his critics appear to suppose their job is to face in the best way of progress, discovering fault in each transfer the president makes.
Take the Jubaland disaster, for instance. The federal government deployed troops to safe a base vacated by departing ATMIS forces, normal process, proper? Nicely, not in response to Ahmed Madobe, who rapidly turned it right into a political drama, accusing the federal government of making an attempt to take away him from energy. Within the blink of an eye fixed, what was meant to be a safety operation turned a full-blown confrontation, with Ahmed Madobe going as far as to companion with Kenya and, fairly shockingly, Al-Shabaab. Sure, you heard that proper, the identical Ahmed Madobe who was as soon as Al-Shabaab’s deputy chief.
Ahmed Madobe used territory managed by Al-Shabaab to launch an offensive towards the Somali Nationwide Military. So, whereas some are fast in charge the federal government, it’s price asking, who’s actually enjoying with hearth right here? Ahmed Madobe, it appears, is greater than keen to jeopardise nationwide safety to guard his political pursuits. However that’s a actuality the opposition is eager to disregard.
The favorite passion of the opposition appears to be criticising the president’s efforts to deliver actual democracy to Somalia. The push for a one-person-one-vote system is nothing wanting revolutionary, and it’s stunning to see how far the opposition is keen to go to cease it. They name it “unilateral” and “unrealistic,” however all it truly is is a name for democracy. An actual democracy, not the outdated system of oblique elections that has stored so many Somali residents on the sidelines for years.
The critics additionally prefer to throw their weight round in relation to authorities property. They accuse the president of favouring his allies and businessmen, however let’s set the file straight. The president’s technique entails utilising authorities land for large-scale financial tasks that may profit the nation as an entire. Initiatives just like the Gateway by Premier Financial institution and the New Mogadishu financial zone aren’t about rewarding mates, they’re about creating infrastructure that may drive Somalia’s economic system ahead. However after all, it’s simpler to level fingers than to see the larger image.
In case you missed it, although, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud isn’t simply sitting again and taking all of this criticism mendacity down. Whereas they hold whining, the president is busy making actual adjustments. Underneath his management, Somalia has reclaimed huge territories from Al-Shabaab in Hirshabelle and Galmudug. These areas had been as soon as strongholds of terror, however because of the president’s dedication to safety, they’re now not secure havens for extremists. And let’s not overlook about Mogadishu, a metropolis that was as soon as a massacre however is now far safer, with terror assaults practically nonexistent. The president has accomplished what many thought was not possible, however after all, you gained’t hear the opposition give him any credit score for it.
In the case of international relations, President Hassan Sheikh has turned issues round. Not like his predecessor, he’s repaired relationships with key worldwide companions and introduced Somalia into the East African Group. That’s an enormous win for the nation, giving us the prospect to have interaction in regional financial cooperation. The lifting of the arms embargo? One other vital victory that strengthens Somalia’s sovereignty. And the debt aid? It’s a game-changer, giving the federal government the respiration room to concentrate on improvement.
The opposition can hold their complaints coming, but it surely’s clear that President Hassan Sheekh is dedicated to progress. His achievements converse for themselves, and his management is laying the groundwork for a brighter future.
On the finish of the day, the selection is straightforward, stagnation or change. And President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has already made his selection. For many who need to see Somalia thrive, it’s clear who’s really transferring the nation ahead.
Abdullahi H. Samoow is a commentator on political and social affairs in Somalia. He might be reached at: Abdullahisamoow@gmail.com
