By Yusuf M Osman (Yusuf Ganey)

The Somali Regional State is undergoing an important political transition, one that, in recent years, has opened space for reform, accountability, and greater public participation; Improvements in governance and institutional performance point toward a more open and responsive political system. Like any transition, however, progress is not without challenges. Constructive criticism remains essential, both to address gaps and to strengthen the foundations of a more democratic order.

Alongside these necessary debates, a more subtle but concerning trend is emerging. Rather than focusing on forward-looking policy discussions, some political actors, largely outside the current system, appear to be repositioning themselves by reshaping how the past is understood. In particular, there are growing efforts to recast that period of past regime rule in a more favorable light.

For many citizens, however, that period is not remembered as a time of stability or order, but as one marked by restriction, fear, and limited political space. These are not abstract interpretations; they are grounded in lived experiences and widely shared concerns about arbitrary detention, coercive practices, and the absence of meaningful accountability. While perspectives on history may differ, these memories remain deeply embedded in the collective consciousness of the region.

Reframing that period as a model of stability is therefore not simply a matter of historical interpretation. It carries real political implications, particularly when used to regain influence or legitimacy. For those who experienced its consequences firsthand, such narratives can feel dismissive and risk reopening unresolved grievances.

This dynamic reflects what scholars describe as the “nostalgia of oppression”, a selective remembering of the past that emphasizes perceived order while overlooking its human and political costs. Sustainable progress depends not on concentrated power, but on inclusive institutions that promote participation, accountability, and shared ownership of governance. When political narratives begin to normalize or revive systems associated with centralized control, they risk reinforcing ideas that run counter to democratic and inclusive governance. In this sense, how the past is framed becomes directly linked to the direction of the future.

For the Somali Regional State, moving forward requires more than institutional reform. It calls for a balanced and honest engagement with history, one that acknowledges past grievances while fostering unity and accountability. Recognizing these experiences is not about division, but about ensuring that future political competition is grounded in fairness, inclusion, and respect for citizens’ rights.

Ultimately, democratic transition is not only about who holds power, but about how power is exercised. Keeping this process anchored in forward looking principles will be essential to sustaining the progress the region has begun to achieve.

Yusuf M Osman (Yusuf Ganey)
Email: Cajabiyusuf@gmail.com
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Yusuf is the Vice President Of Ethiopian Youth Council and Lecturer at Jigjiga University.