EDITORIAL: Between justice and reconciliation: On 29 August, Nuur-deeq Abdullahi Maalinguur surrendered himself to Galmudug authorities and Ahmed Fiqi, Somalia’s Minister of the Interior, in the tumultuous territory of Wisil, Mudug region. This act, far from an isolated incident, serves as a prism refracting a myriad of ethical, socio-political, and cultural dilemmas.
Mogadishu, SOMALIA. By the Editorial Team:
As Maalinguur has been implicated in orchestrating bombings and assassinations, his defection forces us to grapple with the complex relationship between amnesty and justice, both in the immediate context of counterterrorism and the broader socio-political landscape of Somalia.
Amnesty programs have been utilized in counterterrorism strategies across various contexts, offering militants a pathway to disengage from extremism and reintegrate into society. Yet, the merit of these programs faces intense scrutiny when individuals like Maalinguur, accused of heinous crimes that have resulted in the loss of countless lives, become candidates for amnesty. This juxtaposition places a heavy moral burden on decision-makers.
On one hand, there is a need to dismantle extremist organizations from the inside. Offering amnesty to high-value operatives can significantly weaken the operational capabilities of these groups. On the other hand, this pragmatic approach collides with ethical imperatives, raising legitimate questions about justice, accountability, and the message sent to victims and their families.
Balancing amnesty and justice
Navigating this quagmire demands meticulous discernment. Authorities must weigh Maalinguur’s potential intelligence value against the gravity of his past actions. One way to approach this tension is to consider offering him partial amnesty in exchange for actionable intelligence that could, for example, prevent further acts of terror. But even with such a compromise, Maalinguur should not evade the judicial process entirely, for justice cannot be wholly sacrificed at the altar of expediency.
The intricacies do not end here. His defection has further nuanced implications for the already uneasy relationship between Galmudug and Puntland, two regions that share the territory of Mudug. Puntland Security Forces have accused Maalinguur of not only committing acts of violence but also strategically inflaming existing tensions between these two regions.
Impact on Galmudug-Puntland relations
Here lies another layer of complexity: Maalinguur hails from the Galmudug community. While he stands accused of committing atrocities, including against his own kin, there are deeply rooted cultural norms that might compel the Galmudug community and authorities to protect him. This could strain the relationship with Puntland, which demands justice for his actions and considers his protection a form of provocation.
This leads to the rather unsettling question of whether Maalinguur’s defection is yet another calculated move aimed at sowing further discord between Galmudug and Puntland. Is it conceivable that by defecting, he may be diverting attention away from al-Shabaab, thereby indirectly serving the extremist group’s long-term objectives? These considerations add another level of complexity to any decisions regarding his amnesty.
Affected communities must be heard
Amidst this intricate web, there is a pressing need for a multi-pronged approach. Authorities should conduct a comprehensive assessment that involves both federal and regional stakeholders, ensuring a balanced perspective that respects both the rule of law and the exigencies of counterterrorism. Affected communities must not be left out of this conversation; their voices are critical for any semblance of justice to be realized.
Moreover, open channels of communication between Galmudug and Puntland should be vigorously maintained to prevent misunderstandings that could unnecessarily escalate tensions. Perhaps a joint tribunal involving stakeholders from both regions could be established as a demonstration of unity and shared purpose.
A way forward
Lastly, every step of this process, from the evaluation of Maalinguur’s intelligence value to the ultimate decision on amnesty or judicial proceedings, must be conducted transparently. Public trust, already fragile in the complex socio-political landscape of Somalia, should not be further eroded.
As we ponder the implications of Maalinguur’s defection, we are compelled to balance immediate tactical advantages with long-term ethical imperatives. Navigating this ethical maze demands a nuanced, consultative, and transparent approach that respects both the imperatives of justice and the urgent demands of counterterrorism. Only by taking such a careful and holistic approach can we hope to achieve a resolution that is both ethical and effective.
Read also our other editorials:
Abdirahman Adala – Somalia’s Head of Disinformation
Leadership deficits and political meddling
The international community’s misguided statement on Las Anod
