Somalia’s accidental President Farmaajo lasted longer in power than many expected
Upon his election, farmaajo didn’t hire “the best people” to fulfill his obligations and promises for quick and real changes. He ended up surrounded by warlords, grifters, terrorists, and criminals.
What do all these people have in common, besides their association with Farmaajo? Greed and recklessness.
Mayor of Mogadishu, who is civil servant appointed by the president in contrast to elected mayors in democratic countries, delivered a fiery speech which was a declaration of war against Somali presidential candidates. The speech was also an attack on ALL Somalis and everything they believe in. Mogadishu must be a city where everyone can live in peace and respect. The mayor attempted to destroy that cardinal alienabile right. Somalis will not let him win on intimidation, harassment, and corruption.
Many political pundits were surprised by the fact that Farmaajo has lasted this long in power. He has proven more resilient and adaptable than many gave him credit for initially. This is partly due to the presence of foreign forces for farmajo’s protection, to global disruptions and distractions, to unstable domestic circumstances, partly due to the hush money provided by Qatar for political patronage, partly due to Farmaajo’s own ability to play to the political mood of the moment and fake patriotism.
Farmaajo and NISA Chief Fahad Yassin’s destruction of the political accord of Hirshabelle state is grave mistake and would lead to further disenfranchisement, radicalization, and terrorism. Farmaajo and Fahad are backing radical Islamist group, which is a terrible mistake for Somalia and for the world.
During his tenure, Farmaajo has had his way in who becomes president in South West, Hirshabelle and Galmudug states. Only Puntland and Jubaland have remained defiant against Villa Somalia’s increased centralization of power.
Farmaajo made cunning strategy of using the social media as public disinformation, misinformation, and attack of every suspected political figure. This task is carried by hired social media income earners as his staff called “patriots” ( Xoogaga Waddaniyiinta)” who had helped to cultivate a media image of Farmaajo as representative of “reliability and political competence, empathy, reassurance, and personal sharing in times of collective difficulty.”
At the beginning, with his inexperience, poor communication, taciturn, aloof character, he seemed unable to last long in the presidency. Instead, he has proven his brutal leadership of suppressing media, violating constitutional rights of citizens, and attacking his opponents in broad day light and threatening international diplomats with PNG card if they question this violations of democratic norms and human rights.
The prospect for past due elections is still far off, for now. Farmaajo is on shaky ground because he created volatile political situation that has engulfed many regions of Somalia. Urgent external intervention to prevent further deterioration and out of control situation is needed.
While elections in 2020 remain a distant prospect, none of the presidential candidates want hasty and hazardous elections, which fuel civil and political conflicts. In truth, the regional states and major political stakeholders would welcome a change in government that brings in a new President, backed by majority of Somali people.
Eventually after February 15, 2021 if there will be no agreements on the election date Somali people will look forward seeing Farmaajo leave office voluntarily or face public uprising and election of new leader for the 15 million Somalis whose future depend on government that responds quickly and effectively to the needs and aspirations, and respects the supremacy of the constitution and rule of law.
Abdiaziz Amalo.
