Ayrotv-The Awdal State Movement has emerged as a significant response to the longstanding oppression faced by the people of the Awdal region in the so-called “Somaliland.” This movement can be traced back to the apartheid-like tribal regime that has governed Hargeisa, the capital of the so-called “Somaliland”, for decades. The systemic marginalization of the Awdal region, coupled with a lack of development and resources, has fueled a sense of injustice and desperation among its inhabitants.
For the past 30 years, the Awdal region has seen little to no development projects, leaving its infrastructure and economy in disarray. The closure of the airport in Borama, the regional capital, has further isolated the community, limiting access to essential services and economic opportunities. The relocation of UN offices to Hargeisa has only exacerbated the situation, as revenues generated in Awdal are funnelled into the development of Isaaq regions, leaving the communities of Gadaboursi and Issa with little recourse.
Unemployment rates in Awdal are alarmingly high, reaching 95%. Meanwhile, key positions of power and influence are dominated by members of the Isaaq tribe, effectively sidelining the local population. Scholarships and educational opportunities are predominantly awarded to Isaaq students, reinforcing a cycle of inequality and disenfranchisement. Those who dare to voice their grievances or peacefully protest against this status quo risk facing brutal repression, including beatings, torture, and in some tragic cases, death.
Recently, tensions escalated when the elders of Habar Awal, a sub-clan of the Isaaq tribe, made a controversial request to Muse Bihi, the leader of the regime in Hargeisa They called for the deployment of Isaaq militia to the Awdal region to suppress the Gadaboursi and Issa communities. This blatant disregard for the autonomy and rights of these tribes raises critical questions about the legitimacy of such actions. It is essential to consider the implications of one tribe asserting authority over another’s land, reminiscent of colonial attitudes.
The situation reflects a troubling delusion among certain factions within the Isaaq community, who perceive themselves as superior and entitled to control over other tribes. Such thinking is not only divisive but dangerous, as it threatens to escalate tensions and conflict in an already volatile region. The potential for violence looms large, and the need for unity among the Gadaboursi and Issa tribes has never been more urgent.
This is a time for solidarity rather than division. The Awdal State Movement presents an opportunity for these communities to come together, rally behind a common cause, and assert their rights to self-determination and development. By uniting, the Gadaboursi and Issa can challenge the oppressive regime in Hargeisa and demand the recognition and respect they deserve.
In conclusion, the emergence of the Awdal State Movement is a crucial response to decades of neglect and oppression. It symbolizes the collective will of the Awdal people to fight for their rights, dignity, and future. The path forward requires courage, unity, and a commitment to resisting the forces that seek to divide and control. The time for action is now, and the Awdal community must stand firm in their pursuit of justice and equality.
By: PROF: BURAALE XINIIN
