Ogaden leadership: Who are our political leaders?

I have just read the names of an impressive list of our Ugasis, Suldanis, and Garadis (traditional leaders) who have engaged in political talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zanawi and other official stakeholders of the Ethiopian politics. Their seemingly noble goals are clearly stated in well-expressed fashion and extra care is taken to convey the impression that this honorable group is pursuing selfless during their meetings with the government officials. No one can deny the fact that the issues raised in these meetings (both in Godey and in Addis Ababa) are of most supreme concerns to all of us as this crucial period unfolds. But there is a troubling aspect that this communiqué raises: The issue of political leadership.

The fact that these traditional leaders have appointed themselves to be our political leaders and will represent the people of the region politically is where I sense some troubles setting in. It is undoubtedly true that this honorable group represents us, but does that make them genuine political leaders? They may even be potential community leaders, as they undoubtedly are, but did their fellow countrymen and women choose them for political leadership? The answer is clearly NO. This idea of assuming political leadership because of one’s perceived importance in the community is dangerous and raises suspicion; in the least, it is undemocratic and rarely produces any positive results no matter the honorable intent.

The point I’m stressing here is the process through which this list of traditional leaders was compiled. This list clearly consists of well-known and capable elders in the various Ogaden communities - coming well equipped with impressive accomplishments in traditional community leadership level. I’m quite sure, if the members of this honorable group would trade their traditional role for political one, they would be easily accepted as political leaders. But why wasn’t that done? Or why the political issues weren’t left for our well-known politicians, some of them being members of ONLF or government employees? The failure to do so, as this honorable group did, sends a message of arrogance: “We are both your traditional and political leaders, because we know better.” In this day and age, such attitude is guaranteed to create resistance and cause suspicion, because others have previously used such a platform for self-aggrandizement, as the records will show.

I am on record disagreeing with this honorable group who readily attribute our problems to our politicians. Whether they work with Ethiopian government or be members of ONLF I think it is unfair and irresponsible to blame them for the injustices and the difficulties that exist in our region. It is true that some of them promised too much and delivered too little when given the opportunity. Some even shamelessly enriched themselves, further victimizing their fans and followers. Still, I argue that is not reason to distrust our entire politicians and dismiss them as we engage in crucial period.

Although I argue for our politicians, I do not mean to dismiss as trivial the concerns of our traditional leaders. Our politicians do have tremendous responsibilities and must live up to certain standards, a test which most of our politicians fail miserably.

Eventually, what we need to ensure is that our political leaders should not take the general public for granted; they must work hard and show results. Politics is game and they must play the game well or leave the field for others. They must know that we are truly getting impatient for their lack of results. On the other hand, our traditional leaders must not become self-appointed politicians; in other words, they must not assume that being Ugas, Suldan or Garad automatically earns one a political leadership role or the role of a spokesperson. Our political leaders must associate with the masses and demonstrate leadership on a continuous basis. They must devote and contribute valuable services to our people in a selfless way during this difficult moment, if not, then, we will bestow our blessings to our Ugasis, Suldanis, and Garadis to do the job.

Abdullahi Khalif-Gariile
Shabeele15@hotmail.com

Jul 01, 2005

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