Somalia finds itself in a precarious state, entrapped by a cycle of recycled political elites whose ambitions and rivalries continually hinder national progress. Despite numerous attempts at reconciliation and dialogue, the leadership crisis has deepened, culminating in the disappointing failure of the national dialogue initiative proposed by the current president. One is left to wonder—at what point do these empty promises cease to resonate with a populace yearning for genuine change?
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Ironically, many of those opposing the government today were once its staunchest allies—individuals who rose against former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, even threatening a repeat of the catastrophic events of 1991 should he refuse to step down. This troubling evolution highlights a cycle of political duplicity and personal ambitions that undermine the greater good of the Somali people. How can we trust leaders who easily trade principles for power?
1. National Dialogue: Empty Words and Missed Opportunities
In an attempt to unify fragmented political factions, the current president called for a national dialogue, a gesture laden with potential. However, as is often the case in Somalia’s political theater, this noble call was met with insipid follow-through—no roadmap, no trust-building measures, and no binding commitments.
The outcome? A vacuous initiative that not only failed to generate consensus but also fueled further division, deepening public skepticism regarding the political elite’s sincerity. Dialogue devoid of structure, trust, or genuine intent becomes merely a political performance. Is it any wonder that citizens are wary of yet another empty promise?
2. The Irony of Political Opposition: Allies Turned Adversaries
Today’s opposition figures are the same individuals who previously stood shoulder to shoulder with the current leadership. They were ardent critics of former President Farmaajo, alleging authoritarianism, election delays, and the misuse of security forces. Their warnings of a looming civil war were clear, yet now, in a striking twist of irony, they employ similar tactics to destabilize the very government they once helped empower.
This revolving door of alliances—built more on personal necessity than on principle—exposes a disturbing reality: Somalia’s elites are not driven by ideology or governance. They prioritize positioning, survival, and patronage over the needs of the people. What would it take for political leaders to prioritize the common good over their individual ambitions?
3. Back to 1991? A Dangerous Rhetoric
The specter of reverting to the chaos of 1991 is often wielded as a political weapon by both Farmaajo’s critics and current opposition leaders. Instead of prompting meaningful discourse, such fear-mongering undermines public confidence, strengthens extremist ideologies, and harms Somalia’s already fragile diplomatic standing. Perhaps it is time to learn from history rather than use it as leverage to instill fear.
4. Military and Security Forces: The Last Line of National Interest
Within this landscape of political betrayal, Somalia’s federal and regional security forces are called upon to rise above clan loyalties. They stand as one of the last bastions of national integrity, yet risk becoming instruments of elite power struggles. The Somali National Army and regional forces must find unity under a national command that prioritizes the welfare of the nation.
The military must remember their oath—not to an individual but to the nation as a whole. What would it mean to foster a truly professional, apolitical military dedicated to national security and unity?
5. A Nation Betrayed: The Somali People Pay the Price
In the midst of political maneuvers and shifting alliances, it is the ordinary Somalis who bear the brunt of this betrayal. Essential services remain woefully inadequate, insecurity prevails, and millions live in dislocation and desperation. The economy stagnates, corruption flourishes, and the youth—full of potential—are losing hope. In this chaotic arena, how do the voices of farmers, traders, mothers, and students rise above the noise?
Yet, the resilience of the Somali people remains unyielding. It is they—through sheer will and determination—who keep the nation alive. They deserve leadership grounded in ethics and commitment, rather than the fleeting whims of political expediency.
6. Conclusion: A Call for Accountability and Principle
The core tragedy for Somalia does not reside in the absence of capable individuals; it is found in the dominance of self-serving elites who prioritize power over principle. The reality that today’s opposition was once part of the ruling coalition only highlights the frailty of Somalia’s political loyalties. What will it take for a new generation of leaders to emerge—leaders committed not to revenge or nostalgia but to vision, integrity, and genuine service?
Until that time arrives, the nation finds itself ensnared in a loop—where history perpetually repeats, and the Somali people continue to pay the price.
Edited by Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
