The role of a leader is to inspire, unite, and guide their people towards progress and prosperity. However, when leaders choose to deceive and manipulate their own citizens for personal gain, it erodes trust and damages the very fabric of society. Such is the case with the former president of the breakaway republic of Somaliland- Dahir Rayaleh- who has been hired to lie to his people in order to consolidate SNM power and maintain their grip on office.
The president’s actions were disingenuous and deceitful, as he made false promises and declarations during his speech at the Rais Hotel. One such promise was the construction of the port of Lughaya, which he claimed he would personally guarantee. However, the president failed to provide any details about the type of port, who would finance it, or how it would benefit the people of Awdal and Somaliland. This lack of transparency raises serious questions about the president’s intentions and the validity of his promises.
Mr. Rayale, the former president, ignored to acknowlege that the port he is promoting was secretly sold to Abiye Ahmed of Ethiopia under the MoU signed on 1st January, 2024.
Furthermore, the former president conveniently ignored the questionable tactics employed during his previous term in office, which led to his ultimate downfall. His refusal to acknowledge his own history of suffering abuses and humiliation only serves to further highlight his dublicity and disregard for the truth and the well-being of his people. Instead of addressing pressing issues such as electoral delays, police intimidation & brutality, youth imprisoment, lack of press liberty and escalating tensions with neighboring regions, Sool and Sanaag, the president chose to focus on empty rhetoric and false assurances.
It is clear that the former president’s true motives to lie in stifling dissent and obstructing progress, particularly in Awdal, where a movement for reconciliation and self-determination has been gaining momentum. The Awdal population’s concerns about land grabs, land sale and external influence are valid, and they are rightfully seeking support in safeguarding their rights and preserving their identity. The president’s attempts to undermine these efforts through deception and manipulation only serve to further alienate him from the very people he claims to represent.
In conclusion, the actions of the former president of Somaliland are not only morally reprehensible but also detrimental to the stability and unity of the region. By resorting to lies and half-truths to maintain SNM power, the president has betrayed the trust of his people and jeopardized their future. It is imperative that leaders act with integrity, honesty, and empathy towards their citizens, rather than pursuing personal agendas at the expense of the common good. Only through transparency, accountability, and genuine negociating dialogue can harmony, peace and true progress be achieved.
