Open letter to Somali MP’s by Act for Somalia
To: Somali MP’s
RE: Leading the change the nation desperately needs
After a dizzying period of prolonged but historic elections, which to this day are still contested by many, the vast majority of you have been sworn in. Some of you are returning to
Parliament to continue in your role and a larger number of you are new.
To you all, we say welcome. Each and every one of you has placed your right hand on the Holy Quran, swore by Almighty Allah to serve your people and nation in front of the world. Thus, you must do without hesitation or delay starting with the upcoming elections of the Speaker and the President of the Republic.
For too long, Somali MP’s have worked only for their own interests and public confidence in your predecessors was always low.
This is an inheritance which you must work hard to unshackle yourselves from, especially, given the public and the world’s disappointment with the entire electoral process which places you in your roles today. Being an MP in Somalia is indeed truly difficult given the circumstances but it is a great opportunity to shape the future of democracy and development in a slowly strengthening nation.
This golden opportunity must be fully exploited by all of you to reinject progress and prosperity back into our nation.
How do I reinject progress and prosperity back into our nation you ask? Do your job effectively and act in the public interest.
Stop, rather than encourage, future disputes between the President and Prime Minister or even better, ensure the adoption of a finalised constitution which makes their roles clearer. Challenge arbitrary executive action and champion the rights and wellbeing of all Somalis when the need arises. Be active in resolving disputes between regional federal states and not play cheerleader for clan interests. Scrutinise and challenge the ideas of the leadership, their Ministers, advisers and the international community to ensure that Somalia and Somalis are the first priority in each and every policy and action. More importantly, collectively influence the President and Prime Minister to adopt the policies you feel, as the principal lawmakers of Somalia, will move our
nation forward sustainably. Corrupt, self-preserving and profiteers from motions against the Government is how the public remember the last Parliament. That is not to say each former lawmaker is stained by these shameful labels but public perception is formed everywhere by the actions of a few in most instances to the detriment of the many. Therefore, it is your duty to defend your reputations and that of the House of the People as a whole from been undermined
Through impeccable adherence to ethics of which transparency and integrity are first and foremost. Restoring the public confidence to the Parliamentary process, and indeed in yourselves, will be a great undertaking for you all and it is the only way to promote stable, inclusive and democratic politics in Somalia.
We wish you well in your new role.
Act for Somalia
Mogadishu-Somalia