Galkacayo’s Manufactured Conflict

December 7, 2015December 7, 2015

By Faisal Roble

The signing of a treaty consisting of a cease fire and peaceful coexistence between Puntland and Galmudug on December 5, 2015 is a step in the right direction. While welcoming the peace treaty, Galkacayo today would have shocked if the founding fathers of Somalia (Adan Abdulle Osman, Abdul Rashid Sharmarke and Abdirisak H. Hussein), or past architects of Galkacayo’s peace détente on inter clan conflict come visited the city; they would doubly be disappointed at the performance of Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud and Omar Abdi Rashid Sharmarke. Many Somalis believe that the conflict is callously manufactured.

A similar frustration was echoed by the permanent representative for IGAD, Mohamed Afey, who lashed out at the country’s ineffective past and present Prime Ministers and warned them of a potential “war crimes” against government leaders.

Abdiwali and Abdikarim — Galkacayo meeting

When security and stability is violated as the case has been in Galkacayo, one would call for the immediate resignation of the highest authority, in this case the Prime Minister. However, given the short time left in his reign and the already fractured timetable to 2016 elections, such a call may not be politically feasible. Yet, a call for an independent high-level task force to work out a lasting solution for Galkacayo, and to investigate those who authorized the conflict, is inescapable. The UN office in Somali must include this item in its to-do-list.

Such a call is rooted in the belief that Villa Somalia is engaged in conflict exploitation and political entrepreneurship regarding the fate of the city. How else can one rationalize the breakdown of order and stability after the residents of this diverse city had enjoyed peaceful coexistence and the attendant economic recovery since 1993? Who is to account for top brass federal army generals partaking in the conflict?

Granted, Galkacayo is located in a tough neighborhood with its unenviable image of being Somalia’s Wild West. Its detractors would say that the residents of the City are inherently rough, politically aggressive and culturally conflict prone, the latter attribute being one born out of ecological challenges (see open-letter by Dr. Salwe).

On the other hand, its admirers consider the City as the center for political heavy weights, home to mighty clans who are blessed with familial relationship. Some even go as far as saying that if the two clans that dominate the city reconcile, the rest of Somalia will bask in peace times.

Both views, however, agree Galkacayo failed to recognize its own strength–its diversity. Alas, it is the collective failure of its residents to have fallen for the manipulation of political entrepreneurs at Villa Somalia and let them exploit their latent clan factor ingrained in their culture. However, according to a recent debate between a traditional leader from Galmudug and a former politician from Galkacayo, there is a serious divided, civil-warn born divide, between the two sides. A real solution is years away, and the current temporal détente singed by Puntland and Galmudug, although needed, must be treat as a fragile respite.

When Peace Making is Possible

Owing to a policy of détente signed by the late President Abdullahi Yusuf and the late General Farah Aidid in 1993, we have been spared an open conflict in Galkacayo; the two sides agreed to coexist, with Puntland playing big brother’s role. That is why Puntland had provided years ago municipal services to both sides of a de facto divided city.

The Yusuf-Aidid treaty was an expedient and a pragmatic Faustian understanding anchored on real politic. In the end, it gave to both sides timely needed political room to maneuver and and a respite to consolidate their respective powers.

It gave Yusuf time to not worry about his neighbor to the South, while consolidating his political and military muscle, uniting his disparate sub clans and paving the way for the formation of what is today Puntland state. Aidid, who had the ambition to rule Somalia, particularly south Somalia, received in this détente a sorely needed respite to concentrate his military might towards capturing swaths of Southern Somalia. Those simple political calculi of two generals maintained peace until now.

When Conflict is manufactured

Scheming from Villa Somalia, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud had in the past manufactured and fanned unnecessary conflicts in Jubbaland; he reinvented a warlordisque political culture where unarmed groups in the Riverine and Marka areas were subjected to what the victims termed “a campaign of mass killings.” And now, the President of Puntland, Dr. Abdiweli Gas, accused him of being the mastermind behind the November 2015 Galkacayo conflict. The details of such accusation must come out. So far, we are told that one general of the Somali National Army was actively engaged in a partisan way.

This is an accusation that Mohamed Afey of IGAG seems to have echoed when he warned in the presence of Prime Minister Sharmarke of a potential invocation of “war crimes” against the government in Mogadishu.

Together, President Hassan Sheikh and Prime Minister Sharmarke constantly violated Somalia’s fledgling constitution by poking holes in key provisions, by failing to establish a constitutional court and key commissions, by undermining articles 49 (5) & (6) and 50 (c), therefore distorting and diluting the process of state formation.

According to Somalia observers, the process they utilized to create Galmudug state, often pushing off Puntland of the cliff, instead of employing soft diplomacy, and Villa Somalia’s employment of corruption money to install a core member of the religious wing of Demuljadid as its president so as to shut off moderate candidates, are some of the contributing factors to the current conflict Galkacayo is experiencing.

Omer Abdirashid Ali — PM Omar Abdirashid Ali ( center)

The Sharmarke factor in the Galkacayo fiasco warrants our attention. PM Sharmarke came to office in December 2014 with a cloud of mistrust and lack of credibility hanging over his head. Upon assuming office, he attempted to dispel incessant accusations that he is responsible for the Somalia-Kenya maritime boundary dispute and the MOA with which he authorized Kenya’s claim against Somalia.

To win over his critics, mainly coming from Mogadishu, Sharmarke had to resort to political entrepreneurship. According to Villa Somalia observers, the PM made his political priority to project himself as the undisputed leader from Puntland region, thereby covertly and overtly sabotaging Garowe’s administration while kowtowing to Villa Somalia and its agendas.

Since Sharmarke came to office, conflict has been a mainstay. The November 23, 2015 Galkacayo conflict is thus MANUFACTURED. This conflict, otherwise preventable, is one of the deadliest post-civil war conflicts.

The nation expected PM Sharmarke to be a source of authentic advices and sound judgment on inter–group dynamics. Also, Sharmarke was expected to advocate for national vision that promotes unity and the enhancement of the rule of law, including respecting the integrity of the Draft constitution. Instead, just like his boss, he opted for conflict exploitation and for political entrepreneurship, thus keeping an eye on how to come back in 2016, and presiding over schemes that MANUFACTURED CONFLICT.

Faisal Roble
WardheerNews contributor
Email: faisalroble19@gmail.com
——
Faisal Roble is a writer, political analyst and a former Editor-in-Chief of WardheerNews, mainly interested in the Horn of Africa region. He is currently the Principal Planner for the City of Los Angeles in charge of Master Planning, Economic Development and Project Implementation Division.

No Comments

Faisal,
This is just me, I am sure, but I failed to get the gist of it.
From my poor observation, no one ever thought (except you maybe) that Sharmarke wheels that much of a clout to demand respect in the negotiation table. I admit I preferred Abdiweli Sheikh to Sharmarke in this position.
Nonetheless, what I see now is that even our own friend, Dr. Abdiweli Gas, hurriedly adopted the warlord mentality we all condemned for years. Where is the sense of nationalism and human compassion he used demonstrate before he became a president? I think both Hassan Sheikh and Abdiwali are here to serve tribal agenda, that is clear and maybe even expected. The problem is, both of them are doing a poor job in saving the future for their own tribes, let alone the forgotten Somali agenda. It is a lost cause if our educated few are resorting to this warlordism and tribal war mentality.
Thanks for sharing.
Ali Bahar
December 7, 2015 Ali Bahar
Faisal,
This is just me, I am sure, but I failed to get the gist of it.
From my poor observation, no one ever thought (except you maybe) that Sharmarke wheels that much of a clout to demand respect in the negotiation table. I admit I preferred Abdiweli Sheikh to Sharmarke in this position.
Nonetheless, what I see now is that even our own friend, Dr. Abdiweli Gas, hurriedly adopted the warlord mentality we all condemned for years. Where is the sense of nationalism and human compassion he used demonstrate before he became a president? I think both Hassan Sheikh and Abdiwali are here to serve tribal agenda, that is clear and maybe even expected. The problem is, both of them are doing a poor job in saving the future for their own tribes, let alone the forgotten Somali agenda. It is a lost cause if our educated few are resorting to this warlordism and tribal war mentality.
Thanks for sharing.
Ali Bahar
December 7, 2015 Ali Bahar
Dear Ali Bahar,
Thanks for your observation and I always treat honest comment with the utmost respect. Without rehearsing, let me say I don’t have much objection to your thesis that Somalia politicians are being swallowed by the culture of tribal and clan politics. I am in no way nor will I try to fail to notice any short comings, real that is, attributed to our friend. I certainly will look into the inner workings of Puntland in my future pieces. Suffice here to say that the Puntland community has been lately plagued with internal divisions, especially since Sharmarke became Mogadishu’s PM. I am told he brought to the surface mythical rivalry within his community.
As a matter of fact, the gist of my piece is not that the PM commands or has the ability to conduct serious negotiations. To the contrary, he is engaged in a political entrepreneurship and conflict manufacturing, by playing sub-clan politics to make sure that he brings the “bacon” back to Mogadishu. That is to say, even if he has to break Puntland down, by using internal divisive tools of tribal in nature, he is doing it. Sources close to him and to Villa Somalia tell me that he has to a degree succeeded to undermine Garowe’s position and created a lot of doubt in some Puntlanders whether their cause has merit or not.
Let us watch. I do agree you with that no one out there is doing good job. The nation has no watchman. My orientation, however, is a bit different than yours in that I believe if Mogadishu and Villa Somalia are fixed, the rest can follow suit. That is why I worry regions less and put more emphasis on Mogadishu and fixing the Federal government. We expected Sharmarke to do that. But the results are not as we expected.
December 7, 2015 faisal Roble
- Thanks, Faisal.
  I admit I am not privy to a lot of inner-circle politics as you do. But I had a great hope with Dr. Abdiwali, as many others did, when he became the president. Unlike many other ISRAACA members who dived head-on and melted into the tribal politics right way, he was different. I was hoping Dr. Abdiwali would remain different. I was hoping he would start towards finding ways to build bridges for peaceful coexistence and ending the decades old bloodshed among the fighting families. I thought his fundamental out look into the future would be becoming the messenger for national reconstruction dialogue.
  I think what we need is the educated men in power, like Dr. Abdiwali, Hassan Sheikh, Siilanyo, and few others, like DR. Ali Khalif, to come together and show us some courage to effect a change. They could even engage some willing educated men and women in all regions, especially the young generation, who had enough of this tribal politics that failed all of us. Otherwise, Mogadishu will never change, the international NGOs will never change their ways, … Soomalia Waa Mashruuc…. to borrow Dr. Beileh song.
  Thanks Faisal.
  December 7, 2015 Ali Bahar
- Thanks, Faisal.
  I admit I am not privy to a lot of inner-circle politics as you do. But I had a great hope with Dr. Abdiwali, as many others did, when he became the president. Unlike many other ISRAACA members who dived head-on and melted into the tribal politics right way, he was different. I was hoping Dr. Abdiwali would remain different. I was hoping he would start towards finding ways to build bridges for peaceful coexistence and ending the decades old bloodshed among the fighting families. I thought his fundamental out look into the future would be becoming the messenger for national reconstruction dialogue.
  I think what we need is the educated men in power, like Dr. Abdiwali, Hassan Sheikh, Siilanyo, and few others, like DR. Ali Khalif, to come together and show us some courage to effect a change. They could even engage some willing educated men and women in all regions, especially the young generation, who had enough of this tribal politics that failed all of us. Otherwise, Mogadishu will never change, the international NGOs will never change their ways, … Soomalia Waa Mashruuc…. to borrow Dr. Beileh song.
  Thanks Faisal.
  December 7, 2015 Ali Bahar
  - Is it me or Mr. Bahar is implying Siilanyo and Galeyr can bring change..? I respectfully disagree with you on that because both could try to fix the house before it collapsed( nation), which was easier and they chose other paths. Now that the house is in ruins and they chose to use tribal card, it seems impossible to me that they even ever considered that possibility, you suggested.
    These two people are beyond rehabilitation and they are the worst of those who you defined ” melted in the tribal politics”, and they remind me of that famous Somali song by Mecad Migane( AUN) ; ” Durduro geel baa ku jaba , dadna kii dhergaa u daran”.
    Another trend that i lately observed is the so-called educated class when they go back and go into this so-called government/NGO entity they show tribal tendencies that are much worse than others or only cash tendencies.
    No show of patriotism, no rule of law advocacy, no outspokenness On burning issues of the day for the public or nation. They disappear into the crowd..!
    December 19, 2015 Dhacarbe Abdul
  - Is it me or Mr. Bahar is implying Siilanyo and Galeyr can bring change..? I respectfully disagree with you on that because both could try to fix the house before it collapsed( nation), which was easier and they chose other paths. Now that the house is in ruins and they chose to use tribal card, it seems impossible to me that they even ever considered that possibility, you suggested.
    These two people are beyond rehabilitation and they are the worst of those who you defined ” melted in the tribal politics”, and they remind me of that famous Somali song by Mecad Migane( AUN) ; ” Durduro geel baa ku jaba , dadna kii dhergaa u daran”.
    Another trend that i lately observed is the so-called educated class when they go back and go into this so-called government/NGO entity they show tribal tendencies that are much worse than others or only cash tendencies.
    No show of patriotism, no rule of law advocacy, no outspokenness On burning issues of the day for the public or nation. They disappear into the crowd..!
    December 19, 2015 Dhacarbe Abdul
Dear Ali Bahar,
Thanks for your observation and I always treat honest comment with the utmost respect. Without rehearsing, let me say I don’t have much objection to your thesis that Somalia politicians are being swallowed by the culture of tribal and clan politics. I am in no way nor will I try to fail to notice any short comings, real that is, attributed to our friend. I certainly will look into the inner workings of Puntland in my future pieces. Suffice here to say that the Puntland community has been lately plagued with internal divisions, especially since Sharmarke became Mogadishu’s PM. I am told he brought to the surface mythical rivalry within his community.
As a matter of fact, the gist of my piece is not that the PM commands or has the ability to conduct serious negotiations. To the contrary, he is engaged in a political entrepreneurship and conflict manufacturing, by playing sub-clan politics to make sure that he brings the “bacon” back to Mogadishu. That is to say, even if he has to break Puntland down, by using internal divisive tools of tribal in nature, he is doing it. Sources close to him and to Villa Somalia tell me that he has to a degree succeeded to undermine Garowe’s position and created a lot of doubt in some Puntlanders whether their cause has merit or not.
Let us watch. I do agree you with that no one out there is doing good job. The nation has no watchman. My orientation, however, is a bit different than yours in that I believe if Mogadishu and Villa Somalia are fixed, the rest can follow suit. That is why I worry regions less and put more emphasis on Mogadishu and fixing the Federal government. We expected Sharmarke to do that. But the results are not as we expected.
December 7, 2015 faisal Roble
As a Kenyan-Somali who is very much concerned about what transpires in Somalia I was heartbroke when the conflict in Galkacyo erupted. I am personally skeptical of the idea of CLAN federalism-emphasize on the word in block.(I know Roble is staunch federalist).
I still believe a new Republic can be born out of this mess.
Back to Mudug conundrum-I have no answer but I really wish if I could ask the committee of expert who wrote the constitution What they had in mind about Galkacyo? It’s either they were high on Catha edulis or actually MANUFACTURED this conflict by DESIGN!
December 11, 2015 Dr.Filto
As a Kenyan-Somali who is very much concerned about what transpires in Somalia I was heartbroke when the conflict in Galkacyo erupted. I am personally skeptical of the idea of CLAN federalism-emphasize on the word in block.(I know Roble is staunch federalist).
I still believe a new Republic can be born out of this mess.
Back to Mudug conundrum-I have no answer but I really wish if I could ask the committee of expert who wrote the constitution What they had in mind about Galkacyo? It’s either they were high on Catha edulis or actually MANUFACTURED this conflict by DESIGN!
December 11, 2015 Dr.Filto
Dr.Flito,
Thanks for the comment. I am only pro-federalism in Somalia at this particular time in our history because: (1) the centralised mode of governance has failed us; (2); although myself skeptical about federalism, but it could fail because of the absence of long vision and good statesmen among Somali elites; however, if successful I believe federalism may, a big MAY, bring resources and governance closer to the people in the regions. Federalism can only be a solution if the elite wants it to be so.
As to the Galkacayo Conflict, it is one born out of and manufactured by Villa Somalia. Very unfortunate!
December 17, 2015 faisal Roble
- Faisal,
  Anti-federalists who largely hail from the one clan capital (a recipe for continued instability in itself) ,Mogadishu, are trying to denigrate and make federalism a dirty word by using such gibberish as clan federalism, etc. In the United States, a lot of the current racial progress which made possible the election of the first black president, among other achievements, was made possible by the liberal Warren Court in the 1950s and 1960s. The Warren Court had issued important landmark decisions such as the decision which ended school segregation in 1954. In addition, the liberal policies of Lyndon Johnson had resulted in such important legislative victories as the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Yet, Republican domination of the White House in much of the 1970s and 1980s had succeeded in demonizing the word liberal. That has changed,however, since Clinton came to office two decades ago. I would urge pro-federalism Somalis to stick their guns and stay the course in their support of federalism; it is the only option left that may bring an end to the current long running quagmire.
  December 18, 2015 Yasin Abdi
  - Well said, Yasin. I whole-heartedly agree with you. Somalia has no other way out of its self-inflicted wound but implement it’s federal system of governance.
    December 18, 2015 faisal Roble
  - Well said, Yasin. I whole-heartedly agree with you. Somalia has no other way out of its self-inflicted wound but implement it’s federal system of governance.
    December 18, 2015 faisal Roble
- Faisal,
  Anti-federalists who largely hail from the one clan capital (a recipe for continued instability in itself) ,Mogadishu, are trying to denigrate and make federalism a dirty word by using such gibberish as clan federalism, etc. In the United States, a lot of the current racial progress which made possible the election of the first black president, among other achievements, was made possible by the liberal Warren Court in the 1950s and 1960s. The Warren Court had issued important landmark decisions such as the decision which ended school segregation in 1954. In addition, the liberal policies of Lyndon Johnson had resulted in such important legislative victories as the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Yet, Republican domination of the White House in much of the 1970s and 1980s had succeeded in demonizing the word liberal. That has changed,however, since Clinton came to office two decades ago. I would urge pro-federalism Somalis to stick their guns and stay the course in their support of federalism; it is the only option left that may bring an end to the current long running quagmire.
  December 18, 2015 Yasin Abdi
Dr.Flito,
Thanks for the comment. I am only pro-federalism in Somalia at this particular time in our history because: (1) the centralised mode of governance has failed us; (2); although myself skeptical about federalism, but it could fail because of the absence of long vision and good statesmen among Somali elites; however, if successful I believe federalism may, a big MAY, bring resources and governance closer to the people in the regions. Federalism can only be a solution if the elite wants it to be so.
As to the Galkacayo Conflict, it is one born out of and manufactured by Villa Somalia. Very unfortunate!
December 17, 2015 faisal Roble