The people of Puntland have come together to support the ongoing Hilac campaign against the Islamic State in Somalia (IS-Somalia aka ISIS), demonstrating their commitment to the fight against terrorism and extremism. From the mosques and streets of Garowe, Qardho, and Bosaso, to the remote villages and nomadic encampments of the region, Puntlanders from all walks of life have rallied behind their security forces, providing moral, material, and spiritual support to the brave men and women on the frontlines of this critical battle.
The outpouring of public support for the Hilac campaign has been particularly evident in the past week, as thousands of livestock and hundreds of tonnes of food supplies, medicine, and clothes have been donated by ordinary citizens to support the war effort. These donations, which have come from individuals and communities across Puntland, are a testament to the deep sense of solidarity and shared responsibility that exists among the Puntland people, and to their unwavering commitment to defending their homeland against the scourge of terrorism.
The Role of the Ulema
One of the most powerful expressions of public support for the Hilac campaign has come from the Ulema, or religious scholars, of Puntland. In mosques across the region, Friday sermons have been devoted to calling on the faithful to join the war effort and support it with whatever means they have at their disposal. These sermons, delivered by some of the most respected and influential figures in Puntland society, have had a profound impact on public opinion and have helped to galvanize support for the campaign among all segments of the population.
The Ulema’s called on businesses that were forced to pay extortion money to ISIS to refrain from doing so again and now to pay more than they paid to the terrorist group. They framed the fight against ISIS as a righteous and necessary struggle in defense of Islam and the Somali people; they helped to provide a powerful religious and moral justification for the Hilac campaign, and have inspired countless Puntlanders to take up the cause.
At the same time, the Ulema have also played a critical role in countering the extremist ideology of ISIS and other terrorist groups, which seeks to pervert and exploit the teachings of Islam for their own nefarious purposes. The Ulema have helped to undermine the legitimacy of the terrorist group and to reassure the public that the fight against ISIS is a just and necessary one.
The Community
Another key factor in the massive outpouring of public support for the Hilac campaign has been the strong sense of community and solidarity that exists among the Puntland people. Despite the challenges and hardships that they face on a daily basis, Puntlanders have always been known for their resilience, generosity, and willingness to help one another in times of need.
This spirit of community has been on full display in recent weeks, as individuals and groups from across the region have come together to support the Hilac campaign in whatever way they can. From the nomadic herders who have donated livestock to feed the troops, to the merchants and businesspeople who have provided essential supplies and equipment, to the young people who have volunteered their time and energy to help with logistics and other tasks, the people of Puntland have demonstrated a remarkable sense of unity and purpose in the face of a common threat.
This sense of community has been further reinforced by the efforts of local leaders and civil society organizations, who have worked tirelessly to mobilize support for the Hilac campaign and to coordinate the flow of donations and assistance to the frontlines. These efforts have helped to ensure that the resources and support provided by the public are used effectively and efficiently, and have helped to maintain the morale and motivation of the troops on the ground.
