By MP Faysal Omer

In a move hailed as both historically significant, the Somali Regional State (SRS), also known as Dawlad Deegaanka Soomaalida (DDS), has officially established Darimi district (woreda), with the ancient town of Darbile to become its administrative center. The establishment of this new woreda, which was part of a package of 14 districts approved, is not just a technical redistricting; it is a rectification of historical marginalization, a platform for inclusive governance, and a catalyst for long-overdue development in one of Ethiopia’s most historically significant yet overlooked regions.

Although for my constituency, there are grievances unaddressed, which include the cases ofs Garlogubay and Ceelbaxay, the designation of Daarimi District and its Darbile center is a welcome action whose time has come.

A Town Rooted in History, Reborn with Purpose

Darbile, located in the Fafan Zone of Ethiopia’s Somali Region, is a town with centuries of strategic and cultural significance. During the 16th century, it served as a dry port on the trade route between the Red Sea port of Zeila and the spiritual city of Harar, during and before the reign of the revered Imam Ahmed Gurey (1506–1543). It quickly grew to become the second-largest town in eastern Ethiopia, after Harar, acting as a center for trade, governance, and Islamic learning.

Even during the colonial era, Darbile’s significance was recognized by both British and Italian authorities, who designated it as an administrative center. Yet, over the decades, shifting political priorities and structural marginalization led to its gradual decline.

Now, the designation of Darbile as the capital of the newly formed Darimi Woreda marks a powerful act of restoration. It is not merely the return of administrative status it is the rekindling of pride, heritage, and opportunity for a people long neglected by centralized policies and unequal development.

Reform with Vision: Decentralization in Practice

The establishment of Darimi Woreda forms part of the broader administrative reform agenda undertaken by the Somali Regional State Designed to bring governance closer to the people, these reforms seek to foster local empowerment, increase government accountability, and promote more equitable distribution of resources.

It is worth noting that the Parliament of the Somali Regional State (DDS) has recently approved the establishment of new Zones, Woredas, and City administrations. This initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to respond to public concerns, particularly regarding administrative structure, to enhance the efficiency of public service delivery, and to bring good governance closer to the people.

In response to the growing needs of the population, the Somali regional state has conducted a comprehensive study to assess the necessity of restructuring and establishing new administrative units. This study was based on Article 49, Sub-Article 3(B) of the regional constitution, which empowers the regional state to:

“Establish administrative hierarchies or self-administering areas by taking into account the population size, area, and socio-economic activities within the state.”

This study served as the basis for the recent decisions to establish new Zones, Woredas, and City Administrations, reflecting the actual needs of the population and supporting the acceleration of development plans across the region.

Hence, given the limited economic resources of the region and the fact that it is not possible to address all public concerns regarding administrative restructuring at once, priority has been given to the areas with the most urgent needs. These include certain border areas and locations where grievances have been most prevalent, particularly those that were denied their rightful recognition by previous regional administrations. The government has also pledged to incorporate other important areas that were not included in this phase into plans and to prioritize them soon.

The decision to establish Darimi Woreda goes beyond geographic or demographic considerations; it reflects a clear political will to correct imbalances in service delivery and regional planning. In doing so, the Somali Region sets a precedent for inclusive governance that acknowledges historical legacies while addressing contemporary needs.

Why Darbile? A Strategic and Symbolic Capital

The selection of Darbile as the Darimi woreda’s capital is underpinned by both functional readiness and historical symbolism. The town is already home to essential public institutions and services:

1) A fully operational Health Center
2) A Primary and Elementary School serving grades 1 through 8
3) An Animal Health Post (AHP) that supports the woreda’s livestock economy
4) Multiple functioning community water wells (Ceel biyood/Riig)
5) A Farmers’ Training Center (FTC) that plays a role in local agricultural development

Despite limited previous investments, this infrastructure positions Darbile ahead of many rural towns in terms of readiness to assume administrative responsibility. It also reduces the overhead typically associated with launching a new woreda’s administration from scratch.

Economic Connectivity and Trade Potential

Darbile is strategically located at a crossroads of several key zones Fafan, Sitti, and Hararghe, enabling it to act as a trading post for farmers, herders, and small-scale merchants. Located at a high-altitude scarpment, it is the meeting point of the Ahmer mountains and the Guban lowland. Not only is it the gateway to Berbera and Zeila, but it is an agriculturally rich area with unlimited potential for many crops and high-value cereals. The role of this district in regional trade dynamics is expected to grow with the elevation of its status, opening pathways for agricultural markets, livestock commerce, mining, tourism, and cottage industries.

Moreover, Darbile lies only 10 kilometers from a key asphalt road that connects Jigjiga to Djibouti via Tuli-Guled and Harmukale. This proximity to a major corridor of cross-border trade and humanitarian logistics gives the new woreda capital access to national and international markets. It also makes Darimi Woreda a vital link in Ethiopia’s broader economic integration with the Horn of Africa.

A Landscape of Abundance

Darimi Woreda is blessed with a wealth of natural resources. Its agricultural lands are fertile, and its terrain includes springs and valleys. The area’s pasturelands support large-scale pastoralism, one of the backbones of the Somali economy. Additionally, the woreda is home to a rich biodiversity, with several ecologically significant sites that could support a budding eco-tourism sector if responsibly developed.

The potential for mineral exploration further enhances the woreda’s economic outlook. Local geologists and traditional knowledge holders have identified the presence of valuable natural deposits in the surrounding hills as an opportunity that could, with the right safeguards and partnerships, contribute to long-term economic resilience.

Restorative Justice and Inclusion

Beyond economics and infrastructure, the establishment of Darimi Woreda carries profound symbolic and social significance. It acknowledges the persistent calls for recognition from the local Darimi community and neighboring communities, who have historically been denied full political representation and service access.

The move is also a tribute to Somali patriots’ elders, religious leaders, and youth who have long advocated for justice, development, and dignity in the Somali Region. By institutionalizing their efforts, the Somali Regional Government has sent a clear message: “Governance must be inclusive, historically informed, and rooted in the aspirations of the people”.

The Way Forward: Implementation, Engagement, and Equity

While the establishment of Darimi Woreda is a commendable milestone, the work has only just begun. To ensure the success of this new administrative unit, continued investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and sustainable agriculture is essential. Transparent budgeting, inclusive hiring of local professionals, and community engagement must be prioritized.

The SRS government will also need to safeguard against the risks of political clientelism and ensure that resource allocation is based on need, capacity, and potential rather than partisan or clan-based considerations.

Furthermore, integrating Darimi into regional and national development plans must be done holistically. It should benefit from federal support and partnerships with NGOs, international donors, and civil society organizations eager to support locally led development.

A Message of Hope and Responsibility

As a Member of Parliament and Darimi Woreda Constituent, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Somali Regional State and the regional PP for their leadership. The establishment of Darimi Woreda is not only a victory for Darbile it is a testament to what is possible when governance is rooted in justice, history, and hope.

This is a beginning, not an end. May this reform serve as a model for other regions across Ethiopia: that restoring forgotten towns, empowering local voices, and anchoring development in cultural legacy is not just good policy, it is a moral obligation.

May Allah (SWT) guide and bless our collective journey toward inclusive development, peace, and prosperity.

MP Faysal Omer
Faysal387@gmail.com
Jijiga, Ethiopia

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