Roble assumed his role at a time when Somalia was faced with colossal tensions both on national and international stage.
On the National Stage:
1. There were intractable political disagreements between the presidential candidates; central and regional governments.
2. There was especially an incident that would’ve escalated into violence between the politicians of esteem and the leaders within the government.
3. There were looming tribal tensions that escalated to point of an armed conflict.
4. The fractured opposing armed forces were closing in on (to take over) the presidential palace.
5. There was lack of trust that was not conducive to inter and intra-personal relationships between people.�
On the International Stage:
1. There were diplomatic tensions that led to Somalia suspending relationships with parties and nations such as, Kenya, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia & UAE (The Emirates).
2. As well as various other entities that jeopardized the interests of Somali citizens — in the areas such as, trade, refugees, education, immigration and among others.
What did PM Roble do? [Actions by PM Roble]:
On the National [Stage]
1. In the first three-month, PM Roble tried to listen in order to comprehend the real issue and gain full understanding — and assure his colleagues that working together was the only viable option.
2. While he gained nuanced understanding of the issues at hand, however, he did not succeed in convincing his colleagues to abandon their entrenched opposing positions and misunderstanding that would potentially be detrimental to the wellbeing of the nation.
3. Unfortunately, through his unvarnished assessment of the situation he could not convince his colleagues to abandon the path they were on — a path to an ultimate all-out war. His fears were confirmed when in Mogadishu an armed conflict within the armed forces emerged.
4. Consequently, the branch of the armed services engaged in fighting Shabaab on the frontlines left their mission and could be seen building trenches in the main streets of the capital city, Mogadishu.
The aforementioned issues have resulted from the decision to extend the executive branch’s mandate to continue rule beyond their lawful term.
PM Roble was convinced that the time was right to make decisions in the interest of the nation, and, therefore came up with a historic and bold plan that resulted in;
A. Cessation of armed conflict,
B. Resolved the political stalemate,
C. Unified the warring forces,
D. Brought to the table all the disgruntled regional government leaders and political stakeholders who agreed to a problem-solving consensus.
What were these steps?
1. The cessation of the presidential term extension was a step in the right direction and in turn replaced violent bullets with celebrations.
2. He reopened blocked roads and repurposed the warring factions and that brought an end to the conflict in Mogadishu.
3. Within a week he brought together the political leaders who had fought for four years. He had gathered them all in one hall and as result this arbitration led to them to reconcile with each other — indeed, that was great news.
4. He took over and reshaped the electoral commission which was one of the sources of the conflict.
Internationally:
1. From PM Roble’s point of view, he wants to hand over a nation whose operations are stable both internally and externally to the best of his ability.
2. Under the pressure from months of strained relations, PM Roble showed Djiboutians that they were their inseparable brothers and neighbors.
3. He went to Kenya and cultivated an agreement with President Uhuru that the two countries should be good neighbors and support one another.
4. He went to Egypt and revived the history of contact between the two countries.
5. The goal was always conscientious diplomacy that protects one’s interests.
What contributed to PM Roble’s successes?
1. He came with an open mind.
2. He has put the interest of the nation far above his own personal ambitions.
3. He has met with all the stakeholders and was able to listen to their concerns in order to bridge their differences. This approach was instrumental for the stakeholders to agree to hold a fair, transparent and inclusive presidential elections in May 2022. Thus, eliminating the major obstacle to peace.
He put the general interest of the nation before the desires and interests of his friends.
By: Ahmed Hersi:
We salute you- 🙏🏿✊🏿🇸🇴
