Mr. President, as someone who personally knows your quality in great amount, I warmly congratulate you on your election as the new president of Somali Regional State. No doubt, this victory is testimony of your past contribution and tireless efforts in bringing peace and security in the state. I believe that in your new position, your wealth of experience will be used to promote the speeding up of development and good governance.

I, and many people in the Diaspora, appreciate your brief speech after your election, in which you said that you will create strong ties with the Diaspora. We feel proud and honored once again. You are a leader who understands the importance of uniting our people for the common goal, peace and development. Unlike the former president, I hope you will create an action plan, in which you will include strong and lasting communication component. This is absolutely critical.

As you take the seat of the presidency, it is understandable that many people who worked very hard for this moment are feeling a sense of jubilation. However, the real challenge for you and all those that support you will be the transforming of a region that is left behind for many years. This is not an easy job, but, it is not undoable.

Mr. President, as you are well aware, many people in certain zones and districts in Somali Regional State suffered at the hand of former president’s policies, their rights to participate in their state’s political affairs were denied. Tears of joy fell and the prospect of hope rose as those people heard that you were elected president. They hope and believe that you will revise those bad decisions, give every zone and district its constitutional rights for the sake of good governance and peace.

Everyone knows that security is the major problem in Somali Regional State. Although, in order to combat the insecurity in the state needs long-term plan coupled with multifaceted strategies, the surest way to decrease this phenomenon is to have all peace loving citizens, both in the state and in the Diaspora, on board. The former president missed this point, which is very crucial.

Lastly, Mr. President, the people of Somali Regional State are peace loving. They have given you big mandate and no one can stop your forward march as we all standby you. Don’t let your people down or lose the momentum. I truly believe that you will serve the whole state the same way you serve your own family, because today the whole state is your family irrespective of clan or zone. Let us make Somali Regional State bright under your valuable leadership and vision.

Gratefulness
Abdullahi Garille

The author is columnist and former SRS president’s special adviser. He can be reached at garille@live.com