Rebuilding Somalia - Ideas

[Ahmed-Gurey]

Buran Rural Institute has once developed a solar system in Buraan district for their electricity needs. It was a big time relief for the people there. As Gurey said, technology needs to be tapped as well, but factor conditions must be developed and invested heavily. Hor'umarinta bulshada, Waxsoosaarka, iyo Waxbarashada.

Koonfurta waa meesha keliya ee waxsoosaar dowlad wax tari kara leh esp from Mogadisho to Kismaayo.

[Demure]

Definately! The customary poweful centerilized government will need to be obliterated it's nothing but a hindrance, changing this structure is the main prerequisite for a lasting peace. War may stop with Xabasha assistance but the conditions that intially triggered the war will return. Instead in it's place we need to develop regional powers who are in complete control of their respective regions. These regions will come together under the frame of a parliament consisting of representives of the regions and an inclusive Islamic court. The president and prime minister should have the least power in this formula.

Each region should devise a sector focused regional infrastructure strategies as a framework for future design and development, these strategies will promote internal investments from within the region. There are a lot of possibilites for economic growth in Somalia, we have a largly untapped natural resouces such as Natural Gas which can be used for commercial, industrial and even residensial applications. Additionally, Uranium, gypsum, coal, and possibly Oil. In regions where surface water is scarce, they could focus on smart strategies to tap into ground water tables without quickly lowering water levels by means of drilling to provide a reliable and ample supply of water for irrigation and home uses.

The only stipulation I think the parliment should impose is the restriction of foriegn investors initially, to allow Somalis to get the biggest piece of the pie so to speak.

[James Dahl]

Under a Canton model, it would be highly beneficial for Djubuti to finally join Somalia, as an added incentive the Issa districts, especially Zeila, would be put under Djibuti's Canton.

One thing to encourage cultural and political links with Somalis in the NFD, Djibuti and Zone 5 would be to draw up Cantons and Districts for both, and encourage them to send representatives to the Shirweyne. While they couldn't vote on national issues, they could take part in dispute resolutions and debates, and observe the proceedings.

[Ahmed-Gurey]

James, under the Transitional charter, both district and regional adminstration are endorsed by the charter and will get United Nation's support for Capacity building in terms of aid, infrastructure, demobilization and reintegration of local militias. U.N views this decentralized model as one of the best resolution method for our divisions and conflicts. Unfortunately, most Somalis aren't aware of it or they basically do not have grassroots support and an authority to establish. Most districts are basically captive to powerful groups that abort efforts such as this.

Your model is very similar to this one.

[James Dahl]

Any ideas about decentralization could never have worked with the other parts of the TFG.

The warlords and businessmen chosen under the 4+1 model are all only interested in their own power and money, and are terrible choices to represent a government or the citizens, and the TFP ministers aren't chosen to represent a district, amd essentially have no constituents to which they are held accountable.

The districts themselves are barely part of the government anyways, and local administration is basically the local chamber of commerce and Qabiil elders.

[James Dahl]

Another thing that could be done is to make a "Council of the Wise" to make recommendations to the Shirweyne. This council would be made up of esteemed waddads, clan elders, retired politicians and qabiil royalty. Disputes within the Shirweyne could also be deferred to the Council if the Shirweyne could not come to a decision on a matter, and the Council can put bills before the Shirweyne to vote on.

[AbdiWahab252]

The essential issue in any decentralization is:

What will the subunits be ? Will it be tribal states ? Regional ones, If so how are these drawn up ? How is power to be shared , will it be by population size ?

[James Dahl]

The smaller the better IMHO
If you read my first few posts, I advocate even neighborhoods and villages having a say in government.

[AbdiWahab252]

James,

I believe in small government.

Government is not the answer. Government is the problem.

[James Dahl]

I believe in small government too, but government only works if it's representative and accountable to its constituents.
A little bit of inefficiency is better than a lot of resentment and people feeling like they have no say.