Warsame Digital Media
September 8, 2019
For the benefit of those who may have forgotten the political trajectory of Somalia over the past two decades—or those too young to remember the formative years of modern Somali politics—it is important to revisit Puntland’s two historical schools of thought that have shaped its political philosophy and engagement with the rest of Somalia.
1. The Founding Debate (1998)
a) Establish Puntland State of Somalia (August 1998) as the first building block toward a future federal Somalia.
b) Oppose establishing Puntland without the full participation of South-Central Somalia.
2. The National Vision Divide
a) Puntland should lead the national effort to revive the collapsed central state of Somalia.
b) Puntland should disengage from the chaos of South-Central Somalia and pursue self-determination, even secession.
3. The Arta Conference Controversy (2000)
a) Puntland should participate in the Arta (Djibouti) peace conference to shape Somalia’s political future.
b) Puntland should reject Arta altogether, given its unilateral approach that ignored federal principles and Puntland’s founding charter.
4. After Abdullahi Yusuf’s Resignation (2004–2008)
a) Puntland should abandon the rest of Somalia and focus inward.
b) Puntland must continue its commitment to rebuilding Somalia through a functional federal system and stronger institutions.
The Decline of Political Debate
These once-vibrant ideological debates have gradually faded. The administrations of Abdirahman Faroole and Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas each contributed—albeit differently—to this decline.
Faroole’s presidency was marked by strength and intellect but marred by authoritarian tendencies and sub-clan favoritism that stifled open debate and dissent.
Gaas’s tenure, on the other hand, was defined by political apathy, self-interest, and a dismissive attitude toward Puntland’s intellectual class. His leadership lacked vision, strategy, and respect for Puntland’s founding principles.
The problem was further compounded by the poor performance of Puntland representatives in Mogadishu, whose weakness and lack of coordination diminished the state’s national influence and political weight.
Farmaajo’s Centralization Drive
The Farmaajo administration accelerated this erosion by systematically purging Puntlanders from federal institutions while concentrating on constitutional powers in Villa Somalia—at the expense of federal member states.
The Current Test
Today, Puntland no longer has two schools of thought. It suffers instead from intellectual stagnation and political fatigue. The once-spirited debates that defined its political maturity have been replaced by silence, division, and uncertainty.
This moment presents a defining test for President Said Abdullahi Deni—a test of leadership, conviction, and clarity of vision. Will he restore Puntland’s role as the anchor of Somali federalism, or allow it to drift into irrelevance amid Villa Somalia’s encroachments and internal disunity?
The answer will determine whether Puntland remains the beacon of Somali federalism or becomes a footnote in the long history of missed opportunities.
Warsame Digital Media (WDM)
Critical Analysis, News, and Commentary
——
Support WDM with an Annual Subscription of $37.00
WDM 