Gedabursi Conference: Shirweynaha Beelweynta Gedabuursi

Background:

Tolnimo is a local term which expresses the importance of unity and cooperation within a clan, community or a tribe. Its strengths depend on how much to it attention has been exercised, how much care has been given, and how much protection has been provided. Tolnimo is driven by many factors but largely by blood relationship and indeed socioeconomic elements. The latter is critical for survival and development of any community. Tolnimo is the major ingredient of the proposed Gedabursi forum which will take place in the heartland of this great people. Similar gatherings have taken place in the past albeit the proceedings and outcome were not adequately documented. Tolnimo can only be bolstered when it is regularly reviewed through forums like the upcoming one. Tolnimo never disappear but weakens when necessary enabling environment is absent such as collective action, collaborating events and continuous coordination. Tolnimo can be reinvigorated when wake up calls are frequenting. It can be dormant when essential tasks are overlooked and when people remain distracted due to selfishness and greed or perhaps some other reasons.

Rationale:

The on-going geopolitical, socioeconomic, environmental and spiritual situation dictates the scream for a big wake up call. Geopolitically, many things are evolving, the collaboration between different clans in Somaliland takes a positive trend but with uneasy hiccups. Attempts are being made in each and every clan (including other clans in Somaliland) in order to ensure better collaboration and better alignment with the national priorities. There is one overall vision for all Somalilanders and that goal is to prosper with self-esteem and integrity. Everyone wants to be free and enjoy the highest attainable standard of living. That vision can only be attained when different communities in Somaliland organize themselves, review their strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for improving overall clan (Beel) performance and strive for greater unity at all times and promote peace and stability throughout. The proposed Gedabursi forum is one of the on-going internal initiatives the clan has ever launched to reorganiz itself to face the challenges and find the best possible mechanisms of collaborating with partners (the other beels). Socio-economically, Tolnimo can play a major role in tackling some of the key social and economic issues. The forum is primarily designed to address issues related health, education, and nutrition. Agriculture, livestock, livelihoods, communication, seaports and airports will be profoundly discussed and tradition and cultural issues will be looked at under this framework. Environmentally, it is well known that the ecosystem has been terribly changing and if continues with the current pace, it will cease supporting life within the next 30-40 years. The appalling conditions we face today inter alia include: desertification, deforestation, drought, and re-emerging diseases. Without strong commitment and determination, no one will be safe, and tolnimo is the only instrument widely believed to be our savior. Thus, the forum is prepared to draw a framework with which priority actions are clearly articulated. The current environmental situation is quite alarming, it touched every corner of the society and no more evidence is required to proof that something was wrong. Spiritually, there is no doubt that the effect on people has been significant, be it misunderstanding about beliefs and practices, be it emotions due to abject poverty, and be it psychological due to ill-fated “tahrib” of a beloved  son or daughter or due to other misfortunes. The Gedabursi meeting is indeed prepared to recognize the importance of spiritual issues and the on-going trend.

Overall Objectives:

1. Build a stronger Gedabursi unity and coalition for stability, peace and prosperity based on equity and social justice.

Specific Objectives:

i)                    Redefine the geopolitical architect and reposition the “beelweynta” in order to enhance the various collaborative dimensions with other stakeholders (clans);

ii)                   Review the current  political (uprising)  and propose effective strategies for tackling any actions leading to instability and insecurity in the region;

iii)                 Carry out SWOT analysis to better understand immediate priorities for the community;

iv)                  Define clear strategic directions for ameliorating the status of education and health in Awdal Selel and Gebiley

v)                  Propose feasible strategic directions for tackling key economic issues with focus on Lughaya Port, Borama Airport, Lughaya-Borama road

vi)                 Formulate quick impact programs for alleviating the deteriorating environmental conditions

vii)               Develop a general framework for addressing spiritual issues including radicalization, and household tahrib problems.

Vision:

An enhanced Tolnimo that provides a platform for greater unity, better discipline and better future.

Expected Outcomes

1. Greater commitment to Tolnimo
2. Clear local strategic directions for addressing the four fundamental elements: Geopolitical, socioeconomic, environmental and spiritual
3. Functioning specialized bodies for the four thematic areas
4. An integrated framework for action plan

The detailed action plan will be drafted and shared.

Askar Amir 

askaramir72@yahoo.com