Faysal Ali Waraabe, the Justice and Development Party (UCID) chairman and a presidential candidate for the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland, incites tribal tensions. In a Sunday speech delivered from his office in Hargeisa, Waraabe discussed various issues concerning Somaliland. His remarks primarily focused on the Sool region, accusing the Puntland administration of instigating violence. Furthermore, he promised Somaliland forces would soon reach Garowe.
Hargeisa, Somaliland, SOMALIA.
In his speech, the UCID chairman criticised those who, according to him, incite tribal divisions and call for clan-based assistance, emphasising that such actions endanger the unity of the Somali people who have historically lived together, sharing kinship and familial ties. He did not mention that the breakaway state of Somaliland, which he represents, is the primary source of Somalia’s fragmentation and disunity.
Waraabe asserted that divisive tactics might work in other regions, such as the Somali region in Ethiopia, Kismayo, or even Mogadishu, but that it would fail in Somaliland. He suggested that the people of Somaliland, from Las Khorey (Laasqoray) to Lawyacado (Lawya Cado), are one family, sharing the same culture and values. The chairman assumed that Somalilanders consider the people of Las Anod in the Sool region as brothers, uncles, and relatives and would not harm them. In this context, Waraabe forgot to mention the indiscriminate shelling of civilians in Las Anod during the eight-month-long conflict that started in February.
Inciting hatred
Disturbingly, Waraabe expressed hope that one day, the Somaliland army would reach the outskirts of Garowe, the capital of Puntland. The army would then “question the State House of Mahamud Saleebaan,” a subclan of the Majeerteen. The current President, Said Abdullahi Deni, hails from this subclan.
Waraabe’s remarks are shocking and could be seen as a declaration of tribal war. They incite hatred and division not only among the people of Somaliland, Puntland, and SSC-Khaatumo but also among people residing in the Somali region in Ethiopia, Jubaland and Mogadishu.
Real intentions
Analysts believe that Waraabe’s rhetoric seeks to divert attention from Somaliland’s defeat in Sool. The UCID chairman is trying to encourage the people of Somaliland to prepare for further conflict. His call to recapture lost territory, as well as remarks about reaching Garowe, are unrealistic and unattainable. Many view them solely as a provocation.
Nonetheless, the chairman’s controversial speech has sparked concerns about escalating tribal tensions and inciting further violence in the region. Such rhetoric undermines the broader goal of peace and stability in Somalia and hampers efforts for dialogue and reconciliation.
