Nairobi (HAN) April 7th, 2009 - The first time the previously unknown man named Kahin showed his hidden second face was when he refused Dr Abdi Aw Dahir to compete with him for the presidential candidacy of UDUB. Also, Ahmed Yusuf Du'ale was sent on a mission to Senegal in order to prevent his competition.
Dahir Rayale Kahin, a secondary undergraduate and former NSS regional chief at the time of the dictatorial regime of Mahamed Siyad Bare, first appeared on the political scene of Somaliland in 1997, at the clan conference in Hargaysa. There he was elected Vice-President of Somaliland at the expense of Abdirahman Aw Ali Farah.I It is well known that Kahin was backed by President Igal to be his yes-man. During his time as Vice-president Dahir Rayaale remained in Igal's shadow and was not a popular figure in the politics of the country.
His first mission as a vice president was to take part at the reconciliation process for the inhabitants of Bur'o. Yet, the new vice president allegedly embezzled the expenses of that conference by building his own two houses in Borame. In a public speech President Igal said, in reference to Rayale, that in politics houses are sold but not bought.
The unknown man slowly shows his face
Then all of a sudden, Mahamed Ibrahim Igal died, and Dahir Rayale Kahin became President. In his first presidential decree the largely unknown political figure introduced the people to his full name. In his first days Kahin paid a surprise-visit to the town of Lasanod. There he encountered the resistance of some Puntland forces and was chased out of town. The President retreated to Aynabo. Shocked by the event Dahir Rayale ordered Somalilands local administration to leave Lasanod. This paved the way for the occupation of the regional capital by Puntland forces one year later. In this context, the president disgraced Somaliland's people. It took five years to correct that blunder.
While Kahin was on his way back to Hargeysa, he held a public speech in Berbera, utilizing the chance for election campaigning. He pledged thousands of people who came to listen to him that he will transform the old buildings of Daaroole to sophisticated and modern ones like those in Dubai.
The first time the previously unknown man named Kahin showed his hidden second face was when he refused Dr Abdi Aw Dahir to compete with him for the presidential candidacy of UDUB. Also, Ahmed Yusuf Du'ale was sent on a mission to Senegal in order to prevent his competition.
On 12 of April 2003, the last day of the campaign for the presidential election, Kahin addressed the people at the Khayriada square. The author of this text was among the hundreds of people who came to listen to the President. In his speech Mr Kahin promised that he will fight the poverty, ignorance and unemployment in the country. At the same time he announced that he will do his best to make the judiciary system of the country an independent and better functioning institution.
After his election, Kahin promised that he will form a small, high qualified and efficient government. The first shock was when he announced a cabinet of almost 50 members. Iigal's last cabinet consisted of a bit more than 26 ministers and vice-ministers, etc., Even if they were more, the number of 50 was incredible. It was clear that they would burden and ultimately wreck our poor economy.
On 18 May 2005 the author of this text was among the thousands of civilians celebrating the 14th anniversary of our independence. The president publicly promised that he will allow and establish independent, national radio and television stations, which can reach all over the country and that will connect all Somalilanders. Kahin also promised that he will authorize ranks to the army and police during that year 2005.
So, what about the promises he gave us years ago? Let's look at Berbera: Despite the fact that the majority of the country's income is generated in Berbera, the port-town is still a poor place. Many of its people have migrated to the cities of Bur'o and Hargaisa in search for a better life. In Berbera they lacked the basic social services such as education, health, electricity etc.
What about the police and army? Our heroes are patiently and desperately waiting to see ranks on their shoulders.
What about the media and the integration of Somaliland through them? The radio and the television stations are called 'national', but they are restricted to Hargaisa. Moreover, even in the capital they are simply the radio and TV of the ruling party of UDUB. Within the national TV and radio, the heroes of the country are offended and insulted. The national media lack ethics and a balanced view. They seem to exist only for one purpose: to praise Rayale, the Vice-President and the ministers.
What about the burning social issues? Unfortunately things got dramatically worse since 2003. Poverty is on the raise, income allocation is poor, and corruption is common in every institution. Even ministers can publicly say that they are ticks who now sucked enough blood of the people, without feeling embarrassment. In fact, this was one of the rare occasions a member of the government told the truth to the people! Unemployment is currently around 90%. Young university graduates are walking in the streets in search of employment the whole day. At the night they go back to their homes empty handed, looking down and feeling hopelessness and depression, not knowing what to say to their younger siblings. These ask themselves: 'why we are going to school if our older brother, who graduated, is not getting a job?' Even worse, many of our graduates, the future elite of this country, are dying in the seas during the dangerous journey into a supposedly better life. They have no incentive to stay. Those who are struggling to make the country better, or at least to survive, have learned recently that Somaliland's judiciary is nothing more than Rayale's henchman.
What about strengthening our administration? My fellow citizens, how many times did Rayale and his administration promise that he will change Burco's old Somali shilling? Maybe 65% of our country uses old Somali Shillings. The government administration can not reach beyond Sheikh. The people, mainly in the eastern regions of Somaliland, are passing through difficult time due to increasing prices of the basic food items and lack of development projects.
After having reviewed and analyzed all of these issues, we have to ask: What about your promises, Mr Rayale?
Who actually voted him, and what did his supporters get in return?
Dahir Rayale Kahin won the presidential elections 2003 by a tiny winning margin of some dozens votes. His voters at that time mainly belonged to three groups: First, there were those who assumed that since the unknown guy has been Igal's Vice-President, he will follow the footsteps of his predecessor. Second, others wanted to show to the world that Somaliland is an inclusive political entity and not the property of the majority clans. Third and finally, a small number of people voted him for their personal interest.
For the first group now it is obvious that the Kahin derailed from the way of his predecessor. He sacked all veteran intellectuals and politicians who worked with Igal including Gees, Omane, Aynab, Doodi, Dr Hasan Ismail, Ahmed Yusuf Du'ale, Daraywal, Dr Mohamed Muse Awale, Dr Abdi Aw Dahir and many others. Today they undoubtedly understand that he is not Igal, but he is Rayale. The members of the second group, they successfully proved that Somaliland is for all. But they have learned now that openness and tolerance of the population is not always rewarded by those in power, and that corruption and disrespect for the law is not something related to one or the other clan, but to the individuals in power. Thus, next time they may look more carefully at the personality of the presidential candidate. Those who in the 2003 elections just have pursued their personal interests may partly have won the day. But they also may have learned that in politics there is no permanent interest. This was best shown by the example of Ismail Yare, who used to be Rayale's right hand, his shield and the man who guarded him from all kinds of dangers. Where is he today?
On the dictator's path
My fellow citizens, the previously un-known man has shown his face clearly. Currently he is progressing on the dictator's way. His constitutional term ended long ago. He got even some illegal extension that was tolerated by the opposition and the people. Even this extension is over now, and he is still sticking to the chair, like so many other 'African leaders', unfortunately.
Mr Rayale, the people warmly received you when you suddenly arrived. They helped you and stood beside you. They trusted you and made you a leader even though you were with those who were bombarding our cities and mass killing innocents. What did you do in return? To embezzle our property, put our heroes and intellectuals into jail, threaten us by abusing the national army, while building your own luxury houses in the big cities of the world from the tax payers money – is it that what we deserve? Shame on you!
We will overcome!
Mr. President if you think you can advance your aims by inducing terror and arresting innocent people, we tell to you now that our sprit is stronger and cannot be broken. You cannot overcome us and we will defeat you. Mr. President, we spent years in the bush without water and food, we came back to the cities looking like burnt trees. I myself spent the first five years of my life as a refugee, hiding from bombs and bullets. Later, when in school, we were all sitting on tins instead of chairs, in places without roofs. We contributed strived and worked hard to rebuild our society and our basic infrastructure. We tirelessly worked to restore peace and trust among our people. Where were you at that time?
Mr Kahin the peace and the stability which this country enjoys have been paid with the blood of our heroes. They carried us on their shoulders, uphill on the long rugged path towards prosperity and freedom. They sacrificed their lives and beloved ones for this country. For us they fought and died in places like Bur'o-Duuray and the mountains. Their blood flushed the country and made it possible that something can grow again. We cannot and will not give up upholding their values and aims.
Mr President, your people will judge you on what you did. If you think you can stay on power through corruption and deceit and silencing of dissent, know you are on the wrong side of the history.
Opinion Contributed to Geeska Afrika Magazine Online By: By. Ahmed. A. Dualeh; B.A in Accounting
Samaale33@hotmail.com
Dahir Rayale Kahin, a secondary undergraduate and former NSS regional chief at the time of the dictatorial regime of Mahamed Siyad Bare, first appeared on the political scene of Somaliland in 1997, at the clan conference in Hargaysa. There he was elected Vice-President of Somaliland at the expense of Abdirahman Aw Ali Farah.I It is well known that Kahin was backed by President Igal to be his yes-man. During his time as Vice-president Dahir Rayaale remained in Igal's shadow and was not a popular figure in the politics of the country.
His first mission as a vice president was to take part at the reconciliation process for the inhabitants of Bur'o. Yet, the new vice president allegedly embezzled the expenses of that conference by building his own two houses in Borame. In a public speech President Igal said, in reference to Rayale, that in politics houses are sold but not bought.
The unknown man slowly shows his face
Then all of a sudden, Mahamed Ibrahim Igal died, and Dahir Rayale Kahin became President. In his first presidential decree the largely unknown political figure introduced the people to his full name. In his first days Kahin paid a surprise-visit to the town of Lasanod. There he encountered the resistance of some Puntland forces and was chased out of town. The President retreated to Aynabo. Shocked by the event Dahir Rayale ordered Somalilands local administration to leave Lasanod. This paved the way for the occupation of the regional capital by Puntland forces one year later. In this context, the president disgraced Somaliland's people. It took five years to correct that blunder.
While Kahin was on his way back to Hargeysa, he held a public speech in Berbera, utilizing the chance for election campaigning. He pledged thousands of people who came to listen to him that he will transform the old buildings of Daaroole to sophisticated and modern ones like those in Dubai.
The first time the previously unknown man named Kahin showed his hidden second face was when he refused Dr Abdi Aw Dahir to compete with him for the presidential candidacy of UDUB. Also, Ahmed Yusuf Du'ale was sent on a mission to Senegal in order to prevent his competition.
On 12 of April 2003, the last day of the campaign for the presidential election, Kahin addressed the people at the Khayriada square. The author of this text was among the hundreds of people who came to listen to the President. In his speech Mr Kahin promised that he will fight the poverty, ignorance and unemployment in the country. At the same time he announced that he will do his best to make the judiciary system of the country an independent and better functioning institution.
After his election, Kahin promised that he will form a small, high qualified and efficient government. The first shock was when he announced a cabinet of almost 50 members. Iigal's last cabinet consisted of a bit more than 26 ministers and vice-ministers, etc., Even if they were more, the number of 50 was incredible. It was clear that they would burden and ultimately wreck our poor economy.
On 18 May 2005 the author of this text was among the thousands of civilians celebrating the 14th anniversary of our independence. The president publicly promised that he will allow and establish independent, national radio and television stations, which can reach all over the country and that will connect all Somalilanders. Kahin also promised that he will authorize ranks to the army and police during that year 2005.
So, what about the promises he gave us years ago? Let's look at Berbera: Despite the fact that the majority of the country's income is generated in Berbera, the port-town is still a poor place. Many of its people have migrated to the cities of Bur'o and Hargaisa in search for a better life. In Berbera they lacked the basic social services such as education, health, electricity etc.
What about the police and army? Our heroes are patiently and desperately waiting to see ranks on their shoulders.
What about the media and the integration of Somaliland through them? The radio and the television stations are called 'national', but they are restricted to Hargaisa. Moreover, even in the capital they are simply the radio and TV of the ruling party of UDUB. Within the national TV and radio, the heroes of the country are offended and insulted. The national media lack ethics and a balanced view. They seem to exist only for one purpose: to praise Rayale, the Vice-President and the ministers.
What about the burning social issues? Unfortunately things got dramatically worse since 2003. Poverty is on the raise, income allocation is poor, and corruption is common in every institution. Even ministers can publicly say that they are ticks who now sucked enough blood of the people, without feeling embarrassment. In fact, this was one of the rare occasions a member of the government told the truth to the people! Unemployment is currently around 90%. Young university graduates are walking in the streets in search of employment the whole day. At the night they go back to their homes empty handed, looking down and feeling hopelessness and depression, not knowing what to say to their younger siblings. These ask themselves: 'why we are going to school if our older brother, who graduated, is not getting a job?' Even worse, many of our graduates, the future elite of this country, are dying in the seas during the dangerous journey into a supposedly better life. They have no incentive to stay. Those who are struggling to make the country better, or at least to survive, have learned recently that Somaliland's judiciary is nothing more than Rayale's henchman.
What about strengthening our administration? My fellow citizens, how many times did Rayale and his administration promise that he will change Burco's old Somali shilling? Maybe 65% of our country uses old Somali Shillings. The government administration can not reach beyond Sheikh. The people, mainly in the eastern regions of Somaliland, are passing through difficult time due to increasing prices of the basic food items and lack of development projects.
After having reviewed and analyzed all of these issues, we have to ask: What about your promises, Mr Rayale?
Who actually voted him, and what did his supporters get in return?
Dahir Rayale Kahin won the presidential elections 2003 by a tiny winning margin of some dozens votes. His voters at that time mainly belonged to three groups: First, there were those who assumed that since the unknown guy has been Igal's Vice-President, he will follow the footsteps of his predecessor. Second, others wanted to show to the world that Somaliland is an inclusive political entity and not the property of the majority clans. Third and finally, a small number of people voted him for their personal interest.
For the first group now it is obvious that the Kahin derailed from the way of his predecessor. He sacked all veteran intellectuals and politicians who worked with Igal including Gees, Omane, Aynab, Doodi, Dr Hasan Ismail, Ahmed Yusuf Du'ale, Daraywal, Dr Mohamed Muse Awale, Dr Abdi Aw Dahir and many others. Today they undoubtedly understand that he is not Igal, but he is Rayale. The members of the second group, they successfully proved that Somaliland is for all. But they have learned now that openness and tolerance of the population is not always rewarded by those in power, and that corruption and disrespect for the law is not something related to one or the other clan, but to the individuals in power. Thus, next time they may look more carefully at the personality of the presidential candidate. Those who in the 2003 elections just have pursued their personal interests may partly have won the day. But they also may have learned that in politics there is no permanent interest. This was best shown by the example of Ismail Yare, who used to be Rayale's right hand, his shield and the man who guarded him from all kinds of dangers. Where is he today?
On the dictator's path
My fellow citizens, the previously un-known man has shown his face clearly. Currently he is progressing on the dictator's way. His constitutional term ended long ago. He got even some illegal extension that was tolerated by the opposition and the people. Even this extension is over now, and he is still sticking to the chair, like so many other 'African leaders', unfortunately.
Mr Rayale, the people warmly received you when you suddenly arrived. They helped you and stood beside you. They trusted you and made you a leader even though you were with those who were bombarding our cities and mass killing innocents. What did you do in return? To embezzle our property, put our heroes and intellectuals into jail, threaten us by abusing the national army, while building your own luxury houses in the big cities of the world from the tax payers money – is it that what we deserve? Shame on you!
We will overcome!
Mr. President if you think you can advance your aims by inducing terror and arresting innocent people, we tell to you now that our sprit is stronger and cannot be broken. You cannot overcome us and we will defeat you. Mr. President, we spent years in the bush without water and food, we came back to the cities looking like burnt trees. I myself spent the first five years of my life as a refugee, hiding from bombs and bullets. Later, when in school, we were all sitting on tins instead of chairs, in places without roofs. We contributed strived and worked hard to rebuild our society and our basic infrastructure. We tirelessly worked to restore peace and trust among our people. Where were you at that time?
Mr Kahin the peace and the stability which this country enjoys have been paid with the blood of our heroes. They carried us on their shoulders, uphill on the long rugged path towards prosperity and freedom. They sacrificed their lives and beloved ones for this country. For us they fought and died in places like Bur'o-Duuray and the mountains. Their blood flushed the country and made it possible that something can grow again. We cannot and will not give up upholding their values and aims.
Mr President, your people will judge you on what you did. If you think you can stay on power through corruption and deceit and silencing of dissent, know you are on the wrong side of the history.
Opinion Contributed to Geeska Afrika Magazine Online By: By. Ahmed. A. Dualeh; B.A in Accounting
Samaale33@hotmail.com
Source: Geeska Afrika Magazine
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