The views, statements and opinion in the article reflects that of the writer’s , NOT borkena.com ‘s
Mohamud A. Ahmed (Cagaweyne)
In the labyrinthine corridors of Somali Region’s political sphere, the specters of tribalism are intricately interlaced, silently sculpting the contours of governance and pulsating through the veins of political entities. This tribal undercurrent, often veiled in reticence, exerts a profound sway on collective mobilization and the political topography. Does the mere whisper of ‘fire’ not singe the tongue with its blistering truth? Such is the discourse reserved for the sagacious, the spiritual guides, and the statesmen—navigators who chart their course by the stars of statecraft, not by tribal edicts.
Individuals may not vociferously champion tribalism, yet they brandish their tribal identities as emblems, heralding their tribe’s dominance in the regional political arena. This stance, however, neglects the complex tapestry of tribal interrelations and the status of sub-tribes within the grand tribal schema. It is troubling to observe the intellectual vanguard leveraging tribal affiliations for self-advancement rather than for their tribes’ upliftment. To claim guardianship over a tribe’s destiny while covertly harboring personal agendas is to inflict tribulations upon the tribe that may ultimately consume it.
Our political maturation is stymied by a plethora of impediments: apathy, ineffectual leadership, and historical scars, among others. Political opportunists, devoid of a theoretical bedrock, have commandeered the strategic vision for a future that our progeny might yearn for. Disenchanted and straying from their scholarly pursuits, graduates echo the plight of unlettered forebears who sought tribal favoritism to secure prospects for their offspring. This pattern bears witness to our society’s deep-seated allegiance to political tribalism—a disheartening prospect for the youth of today and a challenge unmet by society and its stewards to pave a more hopeful path for the generations to come.
The shadow of tribal ideology looms over even the most enlightened intellects in the region. Many cling to the notion that tribal sway is pivotal to personal triumph, irrespective of their politicians’ administrative acumen. These individuals, ostensibly pious and ensconced at the helm of the Masjids, clandestinely plot against their own kin. Tribal chieftains vie for the President’s gaze or that of his counselors, jostling for augmented representation or positions for their kinfolk, forsaking the communities they have long neglected or scarcely acknowledged. It is a poignant reality that lesser tribes may possess a plethora of undeserved roles. At the same time, legions of youths, bereft of political clout, languish in the capital’s byways, musing over sports or pathways to emigration in pursuit of a more luminous future.
Conversations often devolve into the attribution of labels based on group ties rather than the recognition of objective and logical thought. For more than five years, I have endeavored to maintain political impartiality, embodying apoliticism by distancing myself from any particular faction. Yet, regional sentiment often misinterprets neutrality as covert bias. The entrenched ‘us versus them’ dichotomy erects an insurmountable divide. Persisting in singling out groups based on their affiliations risks stagnation and eventual collapse. The moment has arrived for unity under the banner of ideology to rise above the treacherous tribal framework where power is pursued or preserved through tribal divisions rather than merit.
In the teeming capital, a metropolis of over a million souls, we can cast aside the cloak of tribal governance in favor of a meritocracy. The 4.5 formula, adopted from a neighboring land, now impedes the progress we collectively seek in the capital and throughout the region. Assigning office roles based on tribal affiliations only cements tribal interests over the common good. Nepotism and corruption will persist unabated if our paradigm of power allocation remains tribally biased.
Our incumbent leaders, both in authority and opposition, must undertake self-reflection and confront the harsh reality that we must tackle the deep-seated quandaries that have long obstructed us. It is an uncomfortable truth that those courageous enough to address these issues may curtail their tenure in power. Nevertheless, such sacrifice is vital for enhancing future governance and catalyzing enduring change in the region. As enlightened denizens, we must spearhead a movement to elevate our society above the chronic political maladies that have impeded our region’s advancement and prosperity despite our collective aspirations and our forebears’ endeavors.
Consider the ruling party, which now commands the political stage, exerting dominion over nearly all branches of government. Yet, it persists in tribal politicking. When a bureau chief is deposed, the tribe unites to anoint a successor through the president and the party office, perpetuating the predecessor’s tribal policies. The ruling party must endeavor to forge a system that surpasses tribal politics, leveraging its sway to enact policies and construct an ideological edifice that benefits the entire region.
The opposition is ensnared in the quagmire of tribal politics, characterized by grievances and rebukes, bereft of feasible policy alternatives. The region’s advancement is not thwarted by a dearth of solid policies but by the insularity of intellectuals and tribal politicking. They have squandered the singular chance afforded by Ethiopia’s recent period of relative tranquility and self-governance in the region, unlike other regions struggling to establish peace and serenity—a juncture for progress that was not fully embraced. The magnitude of our unrealized potential and missed opportunities is yet to be quantified.
The true measure of democracy in the region, and perhaps the nation, is not the heterogeneity of its populace but the manipulation of identity politics to further narrow tribal agendas. To combat tribalism, we must champion a multi-party system that prioritizes ideology over tribal affiliation. Even within the current political milieu, we can cultivate an ideological spirit that honors diversity and fosters a devoted cadre more committed to collective principles than to tribal allegiances.
It is arduous to behold a valiant leader making arduous decisions without the backing of perceptive minds rallying in support and refraining from exploiting their decisive actions for a path that most will resist. Yet, if we unite and address the core issue with trust, we can confront the challenge together and reap the benefits collectively, or at the very least, ensure that our progeny enjoy the fruits of today’s labors. Countless ancestors laid down their lives for the liberties we relish today, and as contemporary intellectuals, we ought to be prepared to make sacrifices before it is too late.
The pen is compelled to conclude thus: a dauntless leader must guide their nation or region down the righteous path, even if they do not survive the odyssey. They must proclaim, “It matters not; I shall do what is right for my people, regardless of the cost.” Many recoil from addressing this topic, yet we cannot turn a blind eye to the truth, for the agony it will inflict in the future is far more severe than the discomfort of facing it in the present.
Editor’s note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
__
To Publish an Article On borkena , please send submission to info@borkena.com for consideration.
Join our Telegram Channel : t.me/borkena
Like borkena on Facebook
Add your business to Borkena Business Listing/Business Directory Jobs
Join the conversation. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter ) @zborkena to get the latest Ethiopian news updates regularly. Ethiopia To share information or for submission, send e-mail to info@borkena.com
Cagaweyne just came from the school of jargons .Well done