SEERAHA GARASHADA #AwdalFirst

In Awdal, it could be argued that a blame game has persisted for 62 years, with 31 years under Somalia's rule and another 31 years under the current system of Somaliland. It is not important for me now to highlight or list them here but in all those years, individuals and groups, clans, subclans and communities from this region have continuously pointed fingers at their politicians, elders, Sultans, educators, teachers, sheikhs and other tribes attributing their own shortcomings to them. This culture of blaming others has become deeply entrenched in society, hindering personal growth, social cohesion, community integrity and obstructing the search for meaningful solutions.   According to psychologists, blaming others may bring temporary relief, but it ultimately allows individuals to avoid taking responsibility for their actions. This behaviour not only hinders progress but also fosters an atmosphere of mistrust and defensiveness . Rather than taking charge of their lives and polit...

In a recent speech the Vice President of Somaliland shed light on the longstanding concerns and grievances of the Awdal region. The speech not only emphasized the unjustified treatment of Awdal within the broader framework of Somaliland but also highlighted the ongoing struggles that have culminated in a wave of discontent and demands for change. The assassination of prominent figure Taliye Xabeeb marked a turning point, sparking an uprising that is set to persist until the demands of Awdal are adequately addressed. In the Vice President's speech, he unequivocally recognized the legitimate concerns of Awdal and acknowledged the historical injustices that have been inflicted upon the region. The speech served as a platform to voice support for the demands of the Awdal people and vowed to work towards their resolution. The Vice President's speech underscored the fact that the issues in Awdal are not merely isolated incidents or baseless grievances. It shed light on the unfair tr...