One month has elapsed since the start of the Laascaanood conflict. The shelling of Laascaanood by Somaliland forces, the discussion of the conflict by members of the United Nations Security Council and the support of Puntland State of Somalia for 6/2/2023 Laascaanood Declaration all point to the future of the territories known as dispute territories. SSC territories will have a new status within the federal system of Somalia. Before that milestone is attained, it is important to prepare for the transition period to prevent unexpected political challenges and put in place institutions for people in SSC territories.
Context
Currently, Puntland State of Somalia represents SSC territories in federal terms. This political bond is a vital resource to help SSC leadership to come up with a structure that serves the interests of their constituency. The structure will have two aspects: political and economic. The political aspect of the structure will consolidate the autonomous nature of the representation that SSC people will have. What form that autonomy will take will be decided by the stakeholders. Economically, Puntland State of Somalia should allocate a development budget for SSC territories, and help the new structure to develop an inland tax regime and capabilities to manage it.
Puntland State of Somalia in principle supports the political objectives of SSC people. This position strengthened the resolve of SSC people who know that no matter what form of an autonomous administration emerges, SSC and Puntland will have stronger partnership politically and economically in the context of a federal and united Somalia based on peaceful co-existence and neighbourly relations.
The Laascaanood conflict will come to an end. What is important is to prepare for the transitional period and keep the aforementioned political and economic imperatives in mind to learn from the secession war undermining the stabilisation plan for Somalia. SSC leadership and Puntland State leaders will have to prepare to manage the transition period in a mature and pragmatic manner. The 33-member committee and SSC traditional leaders will benefit by reflecting on the following three urgent tasks.
Security
Key tasks that need to be hammered out include security. Plans to create a police force for SSC authority in addition to the federal police force will ensure the establishment of a defence force since the Somalia Army does not operate in SSC territories. Key to realising those goals are a security partnership between Puntland and SSC authority. Support from the International Community to fund those proposed structures within the stabilisation project will be crucial.
The role of the diaspora is equally important to pave the way for a quicker recovery from the war and prolonged marginalisation and instability.
A Political Structure
Other main tasks that will have to be implemented include a political structure for SSC territories. The approach to bringing this goal into fruition will take into account how the existing federal of SSC territories will be renegotiated to ensure a smooth transition to a political representation for SSC territories. Puntland supports this approach, as attested to its communique on Laascaanood Declaration. Support from Somalia’s International Partners and SSC diaspora also play a role in sustaining the politically autonomous authority for SSC territories.
Economic Development
An SSC autonomous authority will require an economic development that will provide a basis for addressing post-conflict challenges ranging from unemployment, traumatic experiences, demobilisation. Again, key to attaining those goals is an economic partnership between Puntland State and SSC authorities to develop an efficient tax regime to fund public services in SSC territories. The promotion of diaspora investment into SSC territories will necessitate a plan to attract. role of the diaspora in committing investment to SSC.
The role the Federal Government of Somalia should play to help SSC people to exercise their political rights in a politically and territorially united Somalia cannot be understated. The Federal Government of Somalia supported the Laascaanood Declaration. By Coordinating with the appointed stakeholders of SSC people and Puntland State, the Federal Government will be able to discharge its constitutional duties.
By Issa Mohamud Farah ‘Dhollawa’
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