The editor of Waaga Cusub and founder of the Associated Somali Journalists group, Dahir Alasow, shared his views on Somalia’s new government with Dissident Nation.
Dissident Nation: What is your opinion on the new prime minister, Abdi Farah Shirdon?
Dahir Alasow: Shirdon is a businessman, and has not been active in politics since the downfall of Siad Barre, former Somali president; therefore he is under scrutiny with expectations of the answer of your question. For the time being, its too early.
Dissident Nation: Do you believe that Hassan Sheikh is the right man to lead Somalia?
Dahir Alasow: Hassan Sheikh was a member of the Somali Civil Society, and Al-Islah religious organization. People are wondering about his political strategy. He could select the entire cabinet from his party Dammu Jadiid (New Blood), but skeptics say he is not strong enough to take certain decisions; hence other people might use his powers, specially the inner circle of his Party.
Dissident Nation: What is your opinion on Jubbaland state formation in the south?
Dahir Alasow: Many people believe that the challenges in the Jubba regions is among the local clans, but its quite different; Kenya and Ethiopia are challenging each other on the issue of Kismayo or rather Jubba regions. The most important thing is that Ethiopia wants to use the seaport of Kismayo, and it fears Kenyan-backed Azania administration which is rumored to have close ties with Ethiopian opposition front, ONLF.
Dissident Nation: Do you believe that Puntland will support the new government?
Dahir Alasow: It is possible, especially if President Farole is not in power. His presence will complicate such support.
Dissident Nation: Is the new government too soft on terrorist groups?
Dahir Alasow:The new president is not as extremist as his predecessor, because his political organization is a moderate one. The concern is that the government doesn’t have strong intelligence. They only rely on AMISOM.
Dissident Nation: Do you believe that the new government has popular support?
Dahir Alasow: Yes, they enjoy wide support from Somalis and the international community, but true support will be seen when the cabinet has been announced, and their approach in the tasks ahead. So far, some people show pessimism.
Dissident Nation: Do you believe that the new government will move Somalia forward?
Dahir Alasow: I think so, although some people believe that they’re a 4-year setback, but I think they need to be given a chance.
Dissident Nation: What do you believe will happen in the next four years in Somalia?
Dahir Alasow: The party of the President – Dammu Jadiid – will expand throughout the country, their achievement will be minimal, but certain rehabilitation/development projects, funded and implemented by the Turkish government, will carry on.
Dissident Nation: Do you believe that this government will survive four years or fall like Arta government?
Dahir Alasow: I think it will survive, with reservation.
{DN Staff Writers}
DissidentNation.com
11/04/2012, 05:24 am
Unfortunetly u took interview the biggest lier of Somalia.
Do u know the black background that has this criminal.
This dog plays big roll the somalia problems.
He believes about trabilism and thinks that Aideed live still Go back to galkaiyo Barahley and try to build it not to talk about other somalis.
11/04/2012, 07:33 pm
It shows the sheer ignorance of this author ,about the geopolitics of horn Africa ,he/she seems to deliberate ly misrepresent ing a clearly about the policies of Ethiopian and Kenyan government without citing whatsoever any proof.
11/06/2012, 01:54 am
Somalia is a country of Tribes. South-Central Somalia is dominant by Rahanweyn – Dir and Hawiye.
In Kenya – Ethiopia and Puntland in northeast Somalia is dominant by Darood clan. If the new administration in south Somalia Jubbaland State will be controlled by Darood clan for sure they will support their brothers in NFD and Ogaden to claim independence from Kenya and Ethiopia as former dictator Siyaad Barre tried when he invaded 1977.
The Isaaq tribe is inhabit dominantly in northwest part of Somalia called Somaliland.
The administration their is not yet recognized as country by the international community.
It is in the interest of Horn Africa that Darood clan never comes to power in Somalia otherwise will they revive ideological policy on creating Greater Somalia or support different Islamist and ONLF rebellion in those region.
Washington DC
Binyam Tekelese
Political Analyst
11/06/2012, 05:52 am
Facts on my analyst Somali Clans in East Africa
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Somalia_ethnic_grps_2002.jpg
11/12/2012, 05:09 am
Tekelese :somalia is a country of tribes! what about abbysinia! I mean Ethiopia Tigre,amhara, oromo,
ben shangal,afar,neur,gambel,sidamo to mention a few.
You seem to be stuck in the old imperial mind set of the amhara regimes, (menelik,haile sellaise) and the communist butcher haile maryam.The ogaden is a somali territory which the expansionist tyrant haile sellaise occupied with the blessing of Britain.
12/05/2012, 11:00 pm
What a stupid questions!!!!! Where in the world are you in????
Do you believe that Hassan Sheikh is the right man to lead Somalia?
Is the new government too soft on terrorist groups?
Do you believe that the new government has popular support?
Do you believe that the new government will move Somalia forward?
Do you believe that this government will survive four years or fall like Arta government?
What a stupid qurestions. Dear Dissident this government will survive as long you are kicked out of the country and you do not carry a gun. Please keep busy with yourself writing this stuff and for sure the government will successide big time.
And my favorite question is :
Do you believe that Puntland will support the new government?
Puntland support the government??????….Do you really think that this government needs the support of Puntland. I know with your dream Puntland is like USA that so powerful without its help no Somali can survive. Keep the dream alive. This person is so brain washed that is worse than the 10 years old kid with AK47 back home.