The administration of Abdirahman Irro is fundamentally opposed to holding the Kulmiye party’s long-promised national convention, fearing it would become a platform for a strong and organized opposition within the party.
This issue has culminated in a conflict between three distinct factions, each with its own agenda:
- The Party Leadership: The Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Kulmiye party have agreed not to hold any convention and to prevent any internal changes. They share the perspective of former members of the previous, ousted administration.
- The Habar Awal Elders: This group has intervened and is positioning the party chairman in the Sahil region. Their goal is to restore the unity and power of the clan, ensuring the party has a strong foundation. They argue that discussions about the party’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates should only happen after the party’s power is restored, as the current leadership lacks legitimacy. The party’s reformist movement is primarily driven by the elders of this clan.
- The Cirro Administration: This faction is unanimously opposed to the party returning to its former, more powerful structure. They aim to block any reform movement within the Kulmiye party and oppose any convention that would announce support for the reformists.
These three factions, each steadfast in its principles, have clashed repeatedly at the negotiation table. No consensus has been reached, as each side appears to prioritize its own interests over the common good.
What is the Core Disagreement?
- The party leadership is being pressured to make concessions for the sake of unity and to restore the party’s strength.
- Traditional leaders from the Habar Je’lo and Samale sub-clans oppose the current chairman, Mohamed Farah, who is not even a member of the party’s central committee, leading the party. They are maneuvering to control the party’s leadership.
- There is a push to hold Abdicasis Samale accountable for the interests he has compromised and to question what he can realistically offer the public of Somaliland, given his perceived narrow focus.
A Proposed Solution
The convention that the elders of the Habar Awal clan fear is actually the appropriate forum to resolve these issues. The timing is right. If the current party leaders continue to delay talks, the clan elders will rally to convene the convention themselves and declare a principle that unifies the Kulmiye party community, without further delay.
Analysis and Potential Resolutions:
- If Mohamed Farah’s Isa Musa sub-clan is united and without internal dispute, I believe he could be a compassionate and effective party chairman.
- The Habar Je’lo should prioritize the common good over their specific interests.
- Abdicasis Samale should be confronted and held accountable for the damage done to the party’s interests and for what he can genuinely deliver to the people of Somaliland, given his limited vision.
