The Honorable Sadik Warfa
Monday, July 1, 2024
“Freedom is never priced too high. It is life’s breath. What wouldn’t someone pay to live,” said Mahatma Gandhi in his struggle for independence. These profound words remind us of the sacrifices our ancestors endured for freedom. On June 26, 1960, Somalia’s northern protectorate gained freedom from Britain. Five days later, on July 1, 1960, the southern Italian protectorate and British northern protectorate united to form the Republic of Somalia. Led by President Aden Abdullah Osman and Prime Minister Abdirashid Ali Shermarke, along with a National Assembly of 123 members, this event marked a critical milestone. Gandhi’s words echo the progress our nation has made, the triumphs we’ve celebrated, and the battles we continue to face.
We’ve made significant progress across various domains, from political reforms to economic growth, highlighting our people’s unyielding spirit. Yet, true freedom and prosperity remain works in progress. We’ve been rewriting our narrative for years, striving for recognition through self-determination. Our journey boasts commendable achievements and formidable challenges, notably since the Arta peace process in Djibouti and the rebirth of our third republic.
In the span of 64 years, Somalia has achieved notable political progress by establishing a federal governance system. This decentralization aims to empower regional states and bolster local administration, distributing power and responsibility more evenly. Through military offensives against al-Shabaab, facilitated by local and clan leaders, the government has advanced state-building and security. Efforts are now concentrated on educating the youth about unity and development. With the ratification of a Provisional Constitution in August 2012, legal and political reforms began. Although incomplete, this constitution lays the foundation for law, human rights, and power separation. Finalizing it is crucial for its full effectiveness.
Economically, internal conflicts have historically ravaged Somalia, leading to droughts, soaring food prices, and a decline in exports, all straining the economy. Yet, efforts to address these issues have been yielding results. December 2023 marked a monumental economic milestone as Somalia reached the “completion point” under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. This achievement earned Somalia a $4.5 billion debt relief from the World Bank and IMF, significantly enhancing our creditworthiness and attracting foreign investment, thus creating jobs.
In Somalia, we say, “weaving a Haan should start from the bottom.” Celebrating 64 years of independence fills me with pride, yet much groundwork remains. Independence Day not only commemorates past victories but also envisions a prosperous future for Somalia. Our quest for peace and state-building continues, urging us to transcend clannism. The Quran reminds us, “Allah created you from a male and female, and made you races and tribes to know one another,” a call to end tribal conflicts. It urges Somali political actors, especially the youth, to lead, support the government, and address the leadership crises spurred by clannism. While the ‘4.5’ clan system promotes power-sharing, it hampers minority representation. Transitioning to idea-based leadership could create more democratic governance.
Lessons from neighboring countries like Tanzania, where tribal diversity is celebrated and unity stems from the Arusha Declaration of 1967, highlight ways to address conflicts and foster peace. Embracing their model could lead to a cohesive national identity, essential for peace and stability.
As we celebrate 64 years, let this day invoke introspection and dialogue. Somalia faces internal and external challenges, from regional rivalries to threats from al-Shabaab and geopolitical shifts. It’s crucial for Somalis to unite, embrace peace, and adopt idea-based politics, moving beyond tribal affiliations. Empowering the youth through education and job creation in sectors like technology, agriculture, and renewable energy is vital.
While the Constitution’s finalization continues, I urge our leaders to expedite its completion consensually by next Independence Day. A finalized Constitution will underpin a government that protects national values and fosters economic activities. Effective policies born from this Constitution will be a significant triumph for our people.
Finally, transitioning to idea-based politics requires overcoming entrenched interests, corruption, and patronage politics, yet it’s achievable with political will and civil society’s active engagement. Active citizen participation is essential. We must demand transparency and accountability from our leaders, support those showing integrity, and hold them accountable for their actions.
Sadik Warfa, Consultant in International Relations, Governance, and Labor, Former Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, and Former Member of Federal Parliament for Mudug Constituency, Somalia.
