by Abdirahman Omar Osman (Eng. Yarisow)
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Nuruddin Farah is a distinguished Somali writer, but after reading “Somalia’s leader: Look past the hype” (Opinion, Oct. 15) I fear that he has dwelt too long in the world of fiction.
Contrary to Mr. Farah’s accusation, the Somali government has not shied from standing up to clan elders and is engaged in talks with several regions as part of its commitment to building a federal state. As for the former Al Shabab leader Sheik Hassan Dahir Aweys — for whose capture Mr. Farah gives the government no credit — all options are on the table. It is premature to write off Somali justice even before any legal proceedings have begun.
The Somali justice system will not be rebuilt overnight, but the government has demonstrated great reforming energy in everything from public finance management and investment law to political reconciliation and the transformation of clan-based militias into a national army. Security is improving, political institutions are taking root, a new constitution and democratic elections beckon, and our enemies are on the run.
Mr. Farah should be more optimistic.
Abdirahman Omar Osman, Mogadishu, Somalia
The writer is a senior adviser and spokesman for the Somali presidency