Somalia: Selling itself cheap -- Was Ahlu Sunnah also after position?

19 Feb 19, 2010 - 7:25:35 AM

by Abdi Mohamed Ali
Reach the author at: Abdimoali2008@yahoo.ca
It is yet another consternation to learn the news that Ahlu Sunnah is to make a deal with the current TFG on the back of asking for positions . Has Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jama also caught the virus which affected Somalia for two decade? Hankering after position was a deadly malady in Somalia since 1991. It was one of the reasons why anarchy and statelessness had reined in Somalia.
We learn in the media the negotiations between the TFG and Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jama. We also learn that Ahlu Sunnah is asking for five ministers and three ambassadors. Was it not the case that existing embassies have been closed down because there was no funding or because of mismanagement.
Ahlu Sunnah was gaining ground in the fight against extremists in Somalia. However, if Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jama were after a cheap and quick sell of their struggle could they not ask for a bigger position for example the position of Prime Minister? It is reported that Ahlu Sunnah some of the ministries which involving in the bargain are: Ministries of Interior, Finance, Defense and Foreign Affairs.
  It is also the case that the Somali Parliament which has 550 members and which is one of the largest in the world is to be expanded. Unspecified number of Ahlu Sunnah members of parliament would be included. Could it be another 250 members which will take the number to a wobbling number of 750 members of parliament? The existing parliament has been defunct for lack of funding and insecurity.
The region and other powers were for some time pressuring Ahlu Sunnah to join the TFG in order to make the common fight against extremists in Somalia. The Somali people would wish to see the end of extremists in Somalia. However, very little is expected from bloating a bloated transitional administration in Somalia.