EDITORIAL (Halbeeg News) – A regional State normally seen as a politically instable has today proved that it could have a plan to fulfill its dream to rise from the ashes.
Since its formation in 2014, Galmudug State which is in central Somalia has been centre for political crisis. Many analysts urge that stabilizing this region could play a vital role in peace restoration of the Horn of Africa nation.
During the formation of the state, there had been Political stalemate followed by armed struggles engaged in by some stakeholders.
Just after the completion of the formation of the state, the first president of Galmudug State, Abdikarim Hussein Gulled had not been able work at the designated capital administration of the state, Dusamareb town.
His administration was forced to operate in Adado town as the state’s capital was under the control of armed Islamist moderate group, Ahlu-Sunna Waljama, who later declared their own administration in the town.
In an early 2017, the then Galmudug President Abdikarim Hussein Gulled resigned citing advisory opinion from his doctors as he undergoes treatment in India.
Subsequently, the federal government started fresh election to elect new leadership for the state, a move that culminated in election of the immediate former leader of the state, Ahmed Duale Guelleh Haf in Mid 2017 but unfortunately, the political climate in the state was still hot.
The new leader did all his best to convince the armed Islamist moderate group to accept talks and months long negotiations brokered by the federal government was engaged in.
Finally, the sides sealed deal to form inclusive government with bloated assembly. The deal also led Galmudug government to move to its administrative capital, Dhusameeb.
But as usual, the sides once again disagreed forcing Gualeh and administration to move back to Adado town.
New dawn
Somali federal government had stood to resolve the difference between Galmudug stakeholders as the election of the state was nearing. The term of Galmudug President was lapsing in August 2019.
Following several failed attempts to bury hatchets of the politicians, the then leader of Galmudug had surrendered the power to hold elections to the federal government.
Despite criticism by political oppositions, many people in Galmudug state had lauded the move in which the government is allowed conduct the regional State elections.
Before the elections, the government had taken the role to hold reconciliation conference for Galmudug State stakeholders to iron out their differences.
During his trip to Galmudug state last June, Prime minister, Hassan Ali Kheire had stayed in the state for six weeks to meet with the state’s stakeholders to order the way for inclusive poll.
During this period, the government succeeded to convince rival clans to bury hatchets and jointly work for the betterment of Galmudug State.
The government also launched an exercise to integrate forces of moderate Islamic group Ahlu Sunna Waljama’a (ASWJ) into Somali security forces.
This move was highly appreciated though it was short-lived integration as Ahlu-Sunna later denounced the move and its fighters engaged heavy clashes with Somali army.
Months long efforts and reconciliation conference in Galmudug state had culminated in elections organized by Somali Interior Ministry.
The regional state got new lawmakers selected by the traditional elders, who later elected the leadership of the parliament.
On 2nd February this year, Immediate former State Minister of Public Works Ahmed Abdi Kariye aka Qoorqoor was elected President of Galmudug state by the state’s lawmakers.
Qoorqoor won in the first round with 66 votes out of 77 votes cast with his three opponents sharing the remaining 10 votes.
The elected president started efforts to hold talks with his rival who bitterly contested his election.
The immediate former leader of Galmudug State, Ahmed Duale was among the first opponents who heeded the call by Qoorqoor to bury the hatchets. Just days before the election of Qoorqoor, Ahmed Duale declared his own administration in Galkayo town.
Qoorqoor struck a deal with Ahmed Duale ending a month-long tussle. On 13th April, Ahmed Duale handed over the officer to Qoorqoor and pledged to cooperate in running the affairs of the state.
The new leader also extended olive branch to MPs representing Galmudug State in the federal Parliament to iron out the differences and their concerns. The federal MPs welcomed the efforts by the new leader.
Since then, eyes were on the upcoming line up of Qorqor’s cabinet members. But what shocked many was the inclusive cabinet members tabled by Qoorqoor as even some federal lawmakers were appointed to lead ministries in the state, notably the MPs are critics of the federal government. Among other appointees is former federal minister.
Chances and obstacles
Galmudug which controls large swarth territories liberated from al-Shabaab now seems to have resolved its internal political differences, a move which could help the state government to extend its administration.
However, the state still has thorns in its flesh which needed to be removed in order to avoid potential political crisis.
Among things needed to be done cautiously is how the opposition individuals tasked lead to ministries could head the mission. If these individuals insist opposing the federal government, it could hinder the progress of their ministries.
For instance, the ministry for ports would be headed by Abdi Sabir Shuriye who has been opposing the federal government. He is also said to have links with United Arab Emirates (UAE).
His ministry is needed to collaborate Qatar government which pledged to build Galmudug’s port of Hobyo.
But the challenging issue is how his ministry would work with Qatar government which is UAE rival as well as federal government whose relationship with Dubai soared recent years.
Another opposition lawmaker, Ahmed Moalim Fiki was appointed as Galmudug Security ministry. This security sector is vital for Galmudug and could not move without cooperation of the federal government whether it is liberating the remaining areas from al-Shabaab or overall security.
Therefore, by directing these ministers to work for the betterment of Galmudug State, then the government of Qoorqoor could secure progress.
But if the negative happens then these ministers could hamper the progress of the state.
In conclusion, should the leaders of this state want to progress, they ought to refrain potential political crisis which could slide this fragile regional State into under-developed state.
Galmudug leaders should also make enhancing the cooperation with federal government.
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