Khalid Warsame

Advocate | Governance & Rule of Law | Views my own

[Afyare A. Elmi @afyare_elmi]

Waxa jirta sheeko Soomaaliyeed oo lala xiriiriyo tala-xumada. Waxa la yiri waxa jiray odey u taliya reerkiisa. Reerkuna wuxuu lahaa hal neef oo xoolo ah (ari ama lo') iyo hal dheri oo ay wax ku karsadaan. Neefkii baa madaxa la galay dherigii. Saa odeygii waa loo yimid oo ka tali baa lagu yiri.
Odeygii wuxuu yiri, 'neefka ha la gowraco oo madaxa ha la jaro'. Saa waa la sameeyey, welina madixii dheriga waa ku jiraa. Saa wuxuu yiri, 'dherigana ha jabsho'. Saa waa la sameeyey. Ciddii oo neefkiina uu ka dilay, dherigiina ka jabshay oo xitaa hilbaha neefka waxay ku karsadaan aan heysan buu odeygii intuu aad iskugu bogay sida uu wax u xalliyey yiri, "horta reerkan haddaan ka dhinto yaa u talin doona".
Waa tan maanta joogtee, odeygii Soomaaliyeed intuu heshiis-siyaasadeedkii Soomaalidu ku wada joogtay soo kala tuuray, oo dad aan karti iyo hufnaan toona lagu aqoon soo magacaabay ayuu caalamkii wuxuu ku leeyahay 'doorasho wanaagsan ayaan soo qabtay'. Hadde odeygu waa ogyahay in xitaa wafdigiisu aysan rumeysneyn waxa uu sheegayo.
Sooyaalka dunida waa ka buuxdaa, kan Soomaalidana waa ku jirta, in xiriir weyn ka dhexeeyo hunguriga siyaasadda ee aan xadka lahayn (greed for power) iyo tala-xumada. Allow sahal umuuraha.

[Abdirashid Hashi @AnalystSomalia]

🇸🇴 🇺🇳
On Somali Opposition / Puntland Letters to the UN Security Council

I read Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni’s four-page letter to the UN Security Council, also copied to the AU, IGAD etc. I also saw the larger Somali opposition bloc’s note to the Council.

Puntland’s letter lists complaints against the FGS and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (HSM), as well as demands and possible consequences if Somalia’s political deadlock is not resolved.

Its most provocative passage, the last paragraph, asserts that Puntland faces pressure from citizens favouring full independence. It calls for restoring the arms embargo, describes Puntland as “semi-autonomous and operationally independent” and demands the dual-track policy.

Deni’s demands, particularly an arms embargo and dual-track policy, are harmful to the Somali state long term. If elected president, he may spend his mandate undoing today’s requests, which could become leverage for other states.

Many Puntland and opposition grievances, including over constitutional changes, term extensions and FGS interference in Puntland and other FMS, have full or partial validity.

The letter provides ammunition to influential international actors arguing against HSM and the FGS, but I doubt its immediate impact. Even bigger countries rarely get what they want by speaking at the UNGA podium. The letters and HSM’s UNGA speech will be blips in bigger global agendas, if they register at all.

The opposition Future Council also asked the Security Council to “convene a formal session on Somalia’s constitutional and political situation,” alleging the FGS opposed independent UN and AU briefings. It asked Council members and Troop Contributing Countries to act as “guarantors” of an electoral agreement with HSM’s government.

Some core asks of Deni and the opposition bloc are, long term, not good for Somalia. More external involvement in Somalia’s internal affairs does not necessarily advance its interests.

Context matters.

HSM’s refusal to compromise and brazen electoral machinations at local and national levels have helped produce these short-sighted moves by politicians who feel under siege.

Neither HSM’s actions nor opposition/Puntland reactions help the interests of the Somali people and state.

FGS interference in Puntland, never-ending power plays against Jubaland, its takeover of Southwest, Galmudug’s leadership removal and attempts to install a preferred leader in Hirshabelle are well documented and destabilizing.

These complainants are neither more democratic nor better good-governance practitioners than HSM. But as national leader, he was required to do no harm and not upend Somalia’s political settlement, including the constitution.

If Deni’s and the opposition’s reaction is an overreaction or unwise, HSM’s actions have also been selfish and highly destructive.

Somalis have honoured HSM, elected him twice and supported him when the state faced challenges. He returned that support with adventurism and unilateralism. His legacy will be disunity, a dysfunctional federation and a faltering war against Al-Shabaab at enormous human cost.

For Said Deni and the opposition: Yes, HSM and the FGS are a runaway train, but responsible politicians must be clear-eyed about the national interest even when @TheVillaSomalia acts irresponsibly. We are Somalis first, then politicians or regional residents.

And no, most Puntland residents do not want secession — not even 1%. They want a functioning Somalia.

For the international community: HSM must be pressed to negotiate with stakeholders on a FAIR electoral process. The agreed-upon 2012 Constitution must also be sacrosanct.

Finally, H.E. @RTErdogan, whose security support helps HSM project power, should demand good-faith negotiations with the opposition so a fair election can proceed. A quarter-century of hard-won gains in peace, state- and institution-building must not be reversed by one man’s desire to rule by any means necessary.

[Afyare A. Elmi @afyare_elmi]

President @HassanSMohamud turned the political “federal member states” into "administrative regions," where he appoints the administrators. This is a huge departure from the political settlement.

Initially, during the trusteeship era, Somalia had "administrative regions" and "political districts." Regional governors were appointed by the government, while districts elected mayors and councillors until 1969.

The military further centralized administration by appointing leadership for both regions and districts. In other words, the regionalization evolved from “administrative regions” to political “federal member states”, and now they have reverted to”administrative regions”. Villa Somalia is micromanaging and appointing leadership of regions.

Under @HassanSMohamud's approach, which is part of a broader power-grab scheme, Villa Somalia will soon appoint mayors and councillors. This does not align with the aspirations of the Somali people, with the political settlement or with best practices. This is unacceptable and must be stopped.

[Alexander Dugin @AGDugin]

Presentation of the Fourth Political Theory in Mogadishu. In the Somali language. I am deeply moved.

[Fouwzi A. Osman @fouwzi]

This foreign puppet is endangering Somalia's sovereignty.
EU & Cyprus has repeatedly reaffirmed the territorial integrity of Somalia. This puppet is sending a wrong message.
@AliOmarMP Stop This desperate Puppet is creating friction w EU.
🇸🇴 has not recognised a radical enclave.

[Samira Gaid @SeraGaid]

A speech is not measured by its beautiful words. It is measured by the gap between what a man says and what he does.

“If stealing money is a crime, and corrupting minds is worse what do we call a man who does both?

If he praises the rebel for opening the people’s eyes, why does he keep us in the dark?

And if no one holds power forever... how did his own term end without him noticing?”

#Somalia @LibanAHussen

https://t.co/2sOrtHoBcD

[UEFA @UEFA]

"Don't ever stop dreaming." ✨

🇸🇴🏆From Somalia to the UEFA Super Cup, Omar Artan continues to break new ground.

As the first non-European referee appointed to take charge of the Super Cup, Omar proved that ambition, belief and hard work can take you anywhere.

“I was lucky, but I have worked hard to be here and I’m really proud.”

Full interview: https://t.co/TyDC7ncA0o

#SuperCup

[Khalid Warsame @KTungub]

@somalichief77 @afyare_elmi With respect, no Somali state needs approval from two parliamentary chambers. All states were formed by FGS Interior Ministry committees, except for PL & JL. You might want to brush up on the history of Somali state-building.

[AnnGarrison @AnnGarrison]

Somalia: On the Front Lines with Somaliland . . . I spent last week in Somalia's Northeast State. This is my account. https://t.co/jOS7g9jIkw

[Khalid Warsame @KTungub]

Thank you, Eng. @faisalroble19, for your insightful observations on NES capital. The resilience and vision of our people are clear. When neighboring communities choose cooperation over political games.

[Faisal Roble @faisalroble19]

The New State of  Northeast: Recovery after war. 

With PM Hamza Abdi Bare and a large entourage, I had the opportunity to  visit Las Anod, the administrative seat of the Northeast state of Somalia. The visit came after three years since the residents of the region ended what everyone here calls “occupation by Hargeisa.” I have heard gory stories about human rights abuses and purges in the runner up years to the war. 

As the region slowly but steadily recovers, Several things stand out in the attitude of the people: unreserved commitment to Somalia’s unity, and a revolutionary national narrative nurturing Somali patriotism is omnipresent. After all, this is the birthplace of Sayid Mohammed Abdulle Hassan who fought the British Empire for twenty years. The psychological and economic scars left by Great Britain’s colonial war in the 20th century (1900-1920) are feasible and often expressed in folk stories and painful verses of poems that live in the collective memories of the residents. At a speaking engagement I had with students and the youth in Las Anod, I raised the viability of  a potential lawsuit for reparation against England on behalf of Northeast State). Even if it is for history, this effort is worthwhile. 

Moreover, everyone in the City (elders, politicians, women by high numbers, and workers in all sectors of the economy) unconditionally support the current government of Somalia. They feel someone there is listening to them! They are very enthusiastic about their status as a member of the federal government. They believe they stand in the way of breaking up Somalia. 

Last night, almost everyone who spoke to the public on behalf of the government ( in the closing ceremony between  8 am and mid-night) articulated the need for development. Some shared projects in the pipeline. Others explained the cooperation between the Fed and the new leadership in the Northeast. The public received this message well. Without exception, the audience seemed to enthusiastically read and relate to PM Hamze’s call for a comprehensive national reconciliation. Also, his call for prisoner’s release struck a cord, especially when he said such an act is neither Islamic nor Somali.

It is in this context that the Northeast is emerging from the ashes of war, a war that should never have happened. The city is coming back to live. Many in the diaspora are returning. More than any other issue, the streets are peaceful night and day. Last night, when we left the event, stores and restaurants were still open at midnight; people were still walking on the streets and were really enjoying the harassmentless peaceful streets. More is not always the source of happiness. Tranquility and peaceful streets go far to make a citizen happier. Human beings like everywhere to came home and to their loved ones safe and sound. And that is what people have and immensely enjoying in Las Anod.

The Prime Minister underscored the familial affinity between the communities of Northeast and Somaliland. Of course, Northeast and Somaliland house some the most intermarried communities in the Somali society. As the case is , the two sides are so intertwined in that a death on one side affects both sides. It is in that regard and for many other reasons that make one to denounce violence in the region or in anywhere in the Somali Peninsula. The PM called for forgiveness and atonement. Despite the aftermath of a war that took place only three years ago, residents of Northeast express willingness to wellcome messages of peace, equity in development, and openness in connectivity among all centers in the region. The Northeast President said “ we don’t war with anyone but we also want others to leave us alone and have good neighborly relationship. An unreliable proposal!

Peace to all

[SMS Somali TV @SMSSomaliTV1]

Anyone interested in understanding the reasons behind the frequent opposition of Somali leaders should view this interview with Dr. Ali Haaji Warsame.

It is a well-established fact that individuals who are unqualified or lack resources prior to becoming president are invariably inclined to oppose, as there are limited alternative roles available to them.

It appears that their primary endeavors are attempts to regain the position from which they were ousted. Consider, however, someone who has been in opposition for over twenty years, whose fortunes have not yet allowed a return to office, and who prioritizes peace within their country over chaos, demonstrating patience in the face of the hardships that may afflict their nation.

#Somalia

[Markus Virgil Hoehne @HoehneVirgil]

The launch of the Somali version of my book "Between Somaliland and Puntland" (2015) with a new foreword, called "Muranka Xuduudaha" (2026) happened in a very nice way in Lasanod today, thanks to Faatix Cabdiraxmaan and his team! Aad ayaad u mahadsan tahay.

[Nuradin Aden Dirie @NuradinDirie]

Innaa Lillaah wa innaa Ilayhi raajicuun. Allaha u naxariisto Abwaan Ahmed Cali Ciyaal Ahmed. Janatul Firdowsana Allaha ka waraabiyo, Kitaabkiisa midigta ha ka siiyo. Umadda Soomaaliyeed oo dhanna samir iyo Iimaan Allaha ka siiyo. aamiin

[Abdisalam Guled @Abdisalamguled]

It's unfortunate. Somali President HSM refused to allow the AU and other International partners to mediate among Somalia's political stakeholders, knowing that without a political settlement, the support of the international community would be difficult. It was last year while TCC met in Kampala and offered to help President HSM with political dialogue with regional states and oppositions and he refused though he promised to accommodate stakeholders, which he didn't.

Regrettably, we can all understand where Somia is heading.

[Markus Virgil Hoehne @HoehneVirgil]

Maanta iyo Taleex - waa degaankayga, waana meel laba tariikh muhiim le. Waa meeshi Darawiishta silsilad weyn dhiseen 1915ki, waa na meeshi Khaatumo State laga cabuuray 2012ki. Khaatumo State bay noqotay maamulka Waqooyi Bari hoyadiisa 😉

[Nuradin Aden Dirie @NuradinDirie]

Having spent decades advancing peace in Galkacyo, I know stability comes from undivided institutional authority - not parallel armed groups with split loyalties.

The rule of law is absolute: all forces on Puntland soil answer solely to Puntland’s constitutional command. Federal security engagement must follow agreed national architecture, not the political survival tactics of an expired mandate of a former Federal President.

Former statesmen should protect state institutions - not provide political cover for extra-legal armed elements under the guise of peace-building.

[Markus Virgil Hoehne @HoehneVirgil]

Macaan! Buugaygi af-Soomaali u turjumaan!

[The New York Times @nytimes]

From @TheAthleticFC: Spain defeated France, the 2018 World Cup winner, 2-0, to make their second final. France entered the tournament as favourites, but Spain never allowed them to click into gear as they secured a deserved victory. https://t.co/lrgJPT5PHT

[Afyare A. Elmi @afyare_elmi]

"History repeats itself," as the saying goes, and Somalia's current electoral debate shows this. The discussion has circled back to where it was in 2020. At that time, the government, under President @M_Farmaajo, proposed an electoral bill advocating a "one-person, one-vote system based on closed-list proportional representation and one national constituency." This bill was enacted by the council of ministers and sent to parliament.

A parliamentary committee, led by Abdullahi Arab, was then tasked with reviewing the bill and presenting an alternative. The committee proposed an electoral system based on 4.5 clan constituencies, utilizing a first-past-the-post electoral system.

Fast forward to 2024, and the current government of President @HassanSMohamud has effectively adopted Farmajo's 2020 model, passing it through parliament and calling it a "one-person, one-vote system." Conversely, the opposition is now championing the alternative model that the parliament passed in 2020, referring to it as "direct election."

However, neither of these proposals is a "one-person, one-vote" system. Both remain indirect as long as parliamentary seats are allocated to clans with differing populations. Our debate on political transition has, regrettably, not advanced an inch since then. The only change has been a reshuffling of politicians, with some moving from government to opposition and vice versa.

Here is the link of a paper I wrote about the controversy in 2020 as well https://t.co/rg8IYMwgMf

The big lesson here is that an active politician should never write the rules.

Soomaali

Siyaasaddii tiiha iyo is-daba-wareega ahayd ee Soomaalidu waxay soo fariisatay halkii ay joogtay 2020.

Berigaas Madaxweyne Farmaajo ayaa la yimid hannaan uu ku magacaabay qof iyo cod oo ku saleysan hal deegaan doorasho iyo nidaama liiska xiran ee isku-dheellitiran.

Baarlamaankii berigaas joogay waa ka hor yimid, waxaana loo saaray guddi uu Cabdullaahi Carab hoggaaminayey oo keenay nidaam doorasho ku salaysan beelaha iyo horreeyaa guuleysta.

Dowladda maanta joogta ee Madaxweyn Xassan Sheekh waxay qaadatay nidaamkii Madaxweyne Farmaajo keenay 2020, wayna sharciyeysatay. Wax macna lehse kuma kordhin. Mucaaradka maanta joogana wuxuu qaatay nidaamkii ay guddiga baarlamaanku keeneen 2020 ee la sharciyeeyey waqtigaas.

Waxa is-baddalay oo kaliya in shaqsiyaad dhinaca mucaaradka jiray berigaas ay u wareegeen dhanka kii dowladda, iyo in kuwa dhanka dowladda markaas jiray ay u wareegeen dhanka mucaaradka. Wax aragti cusub ah oo doodda ku soo kordhay ma jiraan.

Waagaas labadii hab waa la tuuray oo doorasho dadban baa lagu heshiiyey. Waxaanse ka qoray cilmi-baaristan https://t.co/rg8IYMwgMf

Casharka laga qaadanayo waa in aan siyaasi xukunka raba uusan asagu samaysan xeerka lagu kala hagayo doorashada.