Somaliland: A letter to the Minister of Internal Affairs

Dear Minister Yasin Haji Mohamud Hiir,

I understand feelings are running high in Lasanod. As Somaliland administration seeks ways resolve  the impasse, I would like to bring to your attention some steps Somaliland government should take to reverse its counterproductive policies in Sool

1- Somaliland should bring to en end the securitisation model  that sees people of Sool as a security problem.

2- Somaliland government must take responsibility for failing to protect people against assassins.

3- It has to devolve authority to the region urgently. This will  mean Sool will be run in a way different from other regions due to special circumstances.

4-  The region is not accessible to aid workers despite the presence of a large number of troops. Somaliland government should guarantee security of aid workers visiting Sool.

5 – Somaliland government policies have driven a wedge between Dhulbahante subclans. Therefore, talks between Somaliland and Khatumo should be  changed into talks between Dhulbahante political leaders  from Khatumo and Somaliland.

6- Somaliland goverment should explore ways to demilitarise Sool as soon  as possible because Sool people  are already paying price for the territorial dispute with Somalia  recognised by the UN as one country, a dispute that could transform into  a full-blown  war.

I have kept my suggestions to minimum. You will be judged on how you protect the interests of long-suffering Sool people. It is not time for careerism. It is time for leadership