SOMALILAND'S RIYALE MUST STEP DOWN

SOMALILAND TIMES
HARGEISA, SOMALILAND
APRIL 6, 2009

The signs of a dictator are clear and unquestionable. Mr. Dahir Riyale Kahin, the elected president of Somaliland, has repeatedly violated the country's constitution by expertly abusing the public's desire for peace and governance. Most recently, the Riyale administration in Hargeisa, capital of Somaliland, postponed the election date for a second time, throwing the public into widespread confusion and the government onto the path of self-destruction.

"Western-style democratic elections" are a dangerous feat in African politics. The most recent example, of course, remains the bloodshed that ensued following the 2007 presidential election in the neighboring Republic of Kenya. Hundreds of civilians were slaughtered and the post-election violence only worsened social divisions among Kenya's multi-ethnic community.

Indeed, the latest development – delaying the election date from March 29 to May 31 – is another worrying indication that Rayale’s hunger for power has yet to subside.

In May 2008, Mr. Riyale received an unconstitutional term extension after the House of Guurti – Somaliland's upper house of parliament – gave his administration an additional year in office after completing a five-year term. The damage to Somaliland's political system began there, but the opposition parties eventually succumbed to Rayale’s term extension in the interest of avoiding conflict. A second election delay has understandably stirred angry resistance from the leading opposition party, Kulmiye.

The trajectory that Somaliland politics has taken in recent weeks is very dangerous for the entire Horn of Africa region. Mr. Riyale must step down peacefully on March 29 and allow the appointment of a caretaker government – a key opposition demand –which can govern the country until the May 31 presidential election.

Political tensions are very high in Somaliland. The presidential election will be decided at the ballot, whereby hundreds of thousands of people will vote for their leader of choice. Allegations of election fraud are common across Africa and at times lead to violence. This remains a very real threat in Somaliland, especially in light of the loud disagreement over the election date between the Riyale government and the Kulmiye opposition party.

If neither side is willing to compromise, there is a chance of catastrophe. Kulmiye's compromise was the additional year for the Riyale government. In the interest of peace, Mr. Riyale must compromise this time around.

Garowe Online Editorial, editorial@garoweonline.com