๐๐ป ๐ข๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ป ๐๐ฒ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป๐-๐๐น๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฆ๐ผ๐บ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ
The Honorable President-Elect of the Republic of Somaliland, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro)
Hargeisa, Somaliland
๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ: ๐ง๐๐ฒ๐๐ฑ๐ฎ๐, ๐ญ๐ต ๐ก๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฐ
๐ฆ๐๐ฏ๐ท๐ฒ๐ฐ๐: ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐น๐น ๐๐ผ ๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ ๐ฆ๐ผ๐บ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ง๐ต๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ด๐ต ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ฝ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ
Dear Dr. Abdirahman Cirro,
Congratulations on your historic and decisive victory. The 64% mandate given by the people of Somaliland is both a testament to their trust and a call to action. It reflects their desire for a leader who can heal divisions, restore economic stability, and guide the nation toward a prosperous future. As the saying goes, โ๐๐ ๐คโ๐๐ ๐๐ข๐โ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐, ๐๐ข๐โ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ข๐๐๐๐.โ
This letter is both a message of encouragement and a humble appeal for wisdom-based leadership. Drawing from the timeless examples of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his companions, and modern leaders who transformed their nations, I wish to offer perspectives on leading Somaliland during this pivotal moment.
๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ฒ๐ผ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ
Somaliland is at a crossroads. Regional disparities, tribal tensions, and political divisions have eroded unity. Healing these divisions is paramount for progress.
When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) migrated to Medina, he found a deeply divided city. His first act was to establish the Constitution of Medina, which created a unified society under the principles of mutual respect, justice, and cooperation. He treated every group fairly, ensuring inclusivity regardless of religion or tribe. His leadership showed that unity is achieved through fairness, consultation, and justice.
leaders like Nelson Mandela in South Africa inherited fractured nations but prioritized reconciliation and unity over vengeance. Mandelaโs Truth and Reconciliation Commission acknowledged past injustices while fostering a spirit of forgiveness. As he wisely noted, โ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ก๐๐๐๐ก ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐กโ๐๐ โ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ก ๐ค๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ .โ
For Somaliland, initiating national dialogue with tribal elders, civil society, and marginalized communities can foster trust and harmony. A government that treats all regions equitably will pave the way for lasting unity.
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฐ๐ผ๐ป๐ผ๐บ๐ถ๐ฐ ๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฃ๐๐ฏ๐น๐ถ๐ฐ ๐ง๐ฟ๐๐๐
Economic instability and eroded trust in government institutions are significant challenges you face. Mismanagement, corruption, and nepotism have undermined progress. Yet, history shows us that transformative leadership can reverse even the gravest economic challenges.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), even before his prophethood, was renowned for his ethical dealings in trade, earning him the title Al-Amin (The Trustworthy). As a leader, he encouraged fair trade, banned exploitative practices, and ensured equitable distribution of resources.
Modern examples like Franklin D. Roosevelt in the United States offer lessons in addressing economic crises. In the wake of the Great Depression, Roosevelt implemented the New Deal, a series of bold reforms that revived the economy, provided jobs, and restored confidence in government institutions. His famous words, โ๐โ๐ ๐๐๐๐ฆ ๐กโ๐๐๐ ๐ค๐ โ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐,โ rallied the nation to confront challenges with courage and determination.
For Somaliland:
โ Strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms to ensure government resources are used for public benefit.
โ Prioritize sectors like agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and small businesses to create jobs and reduce dependency on aid.
โ Introduce independent oversight bodies to monitor government spending and promote accountability.
As the Somali proverb goes, โ๐ด โ๐๐ข๐ ๐ ๐๐ข๐๐๐ก ๐ค๐๐กโ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ก๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ก ๐ ๐ก๐๐๐.โ Let your administration be the model of transparency and ethical governance.
๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ
Leadership is not a solo endeavor. A capable, diverse, and ethical team amplifies the impact of a leaderโs vision. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified this by appointing individuals based on merit, integrity, and expertise. For instance, he sent Muadh ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him) to Yemen as a governor because of his knowledge and ability to administer justice.
Modern examples reaffirm the importance of a strong team. Singaporeโs Lee Kuan Yew surrounded himself with technocrats who shared his vision of transformation. Together, they turned Singapore from a struggling nation into a global economic powerhouse. His guiding principle was simple: โ๐๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ฐ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฅ๐๐๐, ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ฅ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ง.โ
In contrast, President Muse Bihiโs administration relied heavily on favoritism, often appointing individuals based on loyalty rather than competence. This weakened institutions and deepened public mistrust.
Your administration must break from this pattern by selecting leaders who reflect Somalilandโs diversity and possess the expertise to drive reform. โ๐ด ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฆ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐กโ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ข๐๐ ๐กโ๐๐.โ Surround yourself with advisors who challenge you constructively and align with your vision for progress.
๐๐ฒ๐น๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐
Your landslide victory brings with it immense expectations. Somalilanders believe in your ability to deliver on your promises. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned against breaking trust, saying, โ๐โ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ก๐ โ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐กโ๐๐, โ๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก ๐๐ข๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ก.โ
Modern leadership examples highlight the importance of delivering on promises. Luiz Inรกcio Lula da Silva of Brazil inherited an economy plagued by inequality and corruption. Through decisive reforms and pro-poor policies, he lifted millions out of poverty while restoring trust in government.
In contrast, Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe squandered his early goodwill by failing to address corruption and mismanagement. His broken promises led to economic collapse and widespread disillusionment.
To succeed, your administration must:
1. Prioritize quick wins in key areas like education, healthcare, and infrastructure to demonstrate immediate progress.
2. Communicate openly with the public about challenges and progress.
3. Ensure that all government actions align with the principles of fairness and equity outlined in the Waddani manifesto.
As John Maxwell wisely said, โ๐ด ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐คโ๐ ๐๐๐๐ค๐ ๐กโ๐ ๐ค๐๐ฆ, ๐๐๐๐ ๐กโ๐ ๐ค๐๐ฆ, ๐๐๐ ๐ โ๐๐ค๐ ๐กโ๐ ๐ค๐๐ฆ.โ Be that leader for Somaliland.
๐๐ผ๐ป๐ณ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ฒ๐ป๐ด๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ช๐ถ๐๐ฑ๐ผ๐บ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ฝ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐
You are inheriting a government system plagued by corruption, weak institutions, and regional instability. Addressing these systemic issues requires wisdom, patience, and courage.
The leadership of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) provides a powerful example. He implemented reforms that ensured accountability at all levels, even declaring, โ๐ผ๐ ๐ ๐๐ข๐๐ ๐ค๐๐๐ ๐ก๐ ๐ ๐ก๐ข๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐๐, ๐ผ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ด๐๐๐โ ๐ค๐๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ข๐๐ ๐ก๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ก ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐กโ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ก.โ His governance was marked by justice, transparency, and a deep sense of responsibility.
Modern leaders like Paul Kagame of Rwanda also faced immense challenges. After the 1994 genocide, Kagame rebuilt Rwanda by focusing on good governance, zero tolerance for corruption, and fostering national unity. His leadership transformed Rwanda into one of Africaโs fastest-growing economies.
In contrast, Muse Bihiโs administration failed to address corruption and foster national cohesion. Its legacy of nepotism and resource mismanagement stands as a cautionary tale.
๐๐ฒ๐น๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ ๐๐ฒ๐ด๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ผ๐ฝ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) left behind a legacy of justice, equality, and moral governance, transforming Arabia into a model society. Modern leaders like Nelson Mandela and Lee Kuan Yew have shown that transformational leadership is possible even in the face of immense challenges.
Let your presidency be remembered as a turning point in Somalilandโs history. Build a legacy where divisions were healed, prosperity was shared, and justice prevailed. As Mahatma Gandhi said, โ๐โ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ก ๐ค๐๐ฆ ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐กโ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐กโ๐๐๐ .โ
May Allah grant you wisdom, strength, and the courage to fulfill this noble mission.
Sincerely,
๐๐ฏ๐ฑ๐ถ ๐๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐บ ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ฎ
Public Relations Secretary of Waddani Party
E-mail:halimusa4@gmail.com
Hargeisa, Rep of Somaliland