In the face of ongoing marginalization and political manipulation, the people of Awdal/Salal and the Gabiley District find themselves at a critical juncture. The establishment of the Awdal State Movement was a courageous response to the systematic neglect of their rights and aspirations within the federal framework of Somalia. However, the people of Awdal, Salal, and Gabiley District are now under threat from a faction of so-called intellectuals, politicians, and tribal leaders who have betrayed the very essence of their people’s struggle.
For over three decades, the ethno-supremacist regime in Hargeisa has exploited the Awdal/Salal region and Gabiley District, using the Gadaboursi people as pawns in a larger political game. These self-proclaimed leaders, driven by self-interest rather than genuine concern for their community, have sought to sell out their land and heritage. Their recent claims that Ciro will bring a new dawn for the Gadaboursi stand in stark contrast to the reality that both Ciro and Muse Bihi are cousins, aligned with the interests of the Isaaq, and not the Gadaboursi.
The nomination of Abdi Said Fahiye Allale as governor of Salal by Ciro exemplifies this betrayal. Allale, notorious for his past calls for violence against the Gadaboursi and his direct threats to their existence, has no place in a leadership role that affects a community he has openly sought to undermine. This appointment is a blatant disregard for the safety and rights of the Gadaboursi people, who constitute the majority in the Salal region.
Moreover, the recent violent incursions by the Habar Awal Isaaq subclan into the territories of the Bahabar Mousse sub-sub-clan of Gadaboursi underscore the urgency of the situation. These aggressive actions to seize land from the Gadaboursi are not just territorial disputes; they represent a deeper struggle for identity and existence. The Ciise minority’s claims over coastal cities, historically ruled by the Gadaboursi, further complicate an already precarious situation.
It is imperative for the Gadaboursi people to recognize the true intentions behind the actions of these so-called leaders. They must reject the mercenaries who masquerade as advocates for their community while actively working against it. The Awdal State Movement remains the legitimate voice of the Gadaboursi, demanding recognition, autonomy, and the right to determine their own future without interference from those who have repeatedly failed them.
In this defining moment, unity is paramount. The Gadaboursi must stand together, embracing their shared identity and heritage, and rally behind the Awdal State Movement as the beacon of hope for their collective aspirations. Only through solidarity and a commitment to their true leaders can the Gadaboursi people reclaim their land, rights, and dignity in the face of ongoing betrayal. The time for action is now; the future of Awdal/Salal and the Gabiley District depends on it.
By: BURAALE XINIIN
