Mogadishu, Somalia – In the volatile arena of Somali politics, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud actively demonstrated political imprudence with his ill-timed announcement about amending the Constitution at the inauguration of Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni on Thursday. Amidst escalating tensions with Ethiopia over the controversial MoU, his decision to forge ahead with constitutional amendments is not just a misstep; it is a dangerous gamble with Somalia’s fragile stability.
The President’s diplomatic approach, especially towards Somaliland, is nothing short of a reckless gambit. By cosying up to Somaliland during his tenure, President Mohamud is playing a dangerous game with Somalia’s sovereignty. Such actions are not diplomacy; they are a capitulation to separatist agendas and a betrayal of the national interest. Should Ethiopia recognize Somaliland, a scenario that’s becoming increasingly plausible, the blame will fall squarely on President Mohamud. His administration, in its attempt to play a convoluted game of regional chess, has unwittingly positioned itself as the architect of potential territorial disintegration.
The Fallacy of President Mohamud’s Approach
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud attempted to equate the current political climate with the circumstances surrounding the 1964 war with Ethiopia – is not just a stretch; it’s a dangerous rewriting of history. The 1964 elections were held in defiance of external aggression and served as a unifying milestone for Somalia. In stark contrast, President Mohamud’s move to amend the constitution amidst escalating tensions and internal discord is an act of gross political miscalculation. It’s a strategy that doesn’t just border on irresponsibility; it dives headfirst into it. At a juncture where Somalia desperately needs to pool its internal strength to counter external threats, the President’s actions are steering the nation not just towards rocky waters, but towards a potential maelstrom of disunity and chaos.
Invoking the spirit of the 1964 era in the current context is not just misinformed; it is a manipulation of historical facts for political ends. The 1964 scenario, where Somalia stood united against external aggression while embracing democracy, bears no resemblance to today’s fragmented and tension-filled situation. To claim that amending the constitution now is in line with the democratic values of 1964 is a blatant distortion. It is a disservice to the legacy of unity and resilience that the nation exhibited during that period.
Constitutional Amendments: A Recipe for Disaster
Amending the constitution by Hassan Sheikh in the current volatile and polarized environment is tantamount to igniting a fuse on an already loaded cannon. This decision, taken without a substantial and inclusive dialogue, threatens to tear apart the fragile fabric of Somali society. President Mohamud’s administration, in its blind pursuit of this course, seems either unaware or unconcerned about the explosive potential of such actions. The path they are treading is one that could lead to devastating consequences, pushing Somalia further into the abyss of political instability and conflict.
In summary, President Mohamud’s actions and decisions regarding the Ethio-Somali tensions and constitutional amendments display short-sightedness and potentially court disaster. Somalia stands at a critical juncture, and what it requires is rational, unifying leadership, not a divisive and reckless plunge into constitutional upheaval. The President must reconsider his approach, seeking broader consensus and prioritizing national unity over political maneuvering. Somalia’s future stability depends on it.
