Politics

Isiolo's Somali sub-clans bury hatchet, forge a united front

Isiolo's Somali Council of Elders Chairperson Abdikadir Shariff Abdullahi (in black suit) with representatives from the community's 10 sub-clans address journalists after a meeting in Isiolo town on May 21, 2024. (Photo: Waweru Wairimu)

By Waweru Wairimu | Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Asking the community to shun those hellbent on propagating hate and divisions, the elder announced that they will, going forward, speak in one voice.

Isiolo's Somali community has initiated efforts to unite all its 11 sub-clans that have been rocked by divisions arising from the 2022 election campaigns.

Ten of the sub-clans Tuesday buried the hatchet and resolved to work together in championing the community's interests for socio-economic empowerment at a meeting in Isiolo town attended by elders, women and youth representatives.

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The divisions saw the community, which previously produced two Deputy Governors, Mohamed Guleid and Dr Abdi Issa, lose on elective and nominated posts in the County Assembly where they had three MCAs, one elected, in the previous regime.

Council of Elders Chairperson Abdikadir Shariff Abdullahi said the unity is meant to ensure the community collectively push their agenda and support each other for improved livelihoods.

"We have reconciled and agreed to move forward while united because our unity is our strength," he said while imploring the remaining sub-clan to join the newly found unity by the other sub-clans.

A Somali community meeting in Isiolo that brought together members from 10 sub-clans on May 21, 2024. (Photo: Waweru Wairimu)

Asking the community to shun those hellbent on propagating hate and divisions, the elder announced that they will, going forward, speak in one voice.

Elders Secretary-General Idle Hassan said the community would tirelessly work towards rectifying the mistakes they made during the last elections to enable them to benefit from current and subsequent governments.

"We are committed to ensuring that our community is not divided as it happened in 2022 and our unity extends to other communities living in Isiolo," he said.

Coming a fortnight after the community organised its first-ever cultural festival, Midnimo Women Chairperson Fani Mohammud said the quest was a step in the right direction.

"It is vital for all of us to embrace each other and forget about what happened during the elections. We cannot progress in divisions but while united as one," she said.

Isiolo's Somali Midnimo women's group Chairperson Fani Mohammud and other leaders address journalists after a meeting that brought together members from the community's 10 sub-clans in Isiolo town on May 21, 2024. (Photo: Waweru Wairimu)

Youth leader Osman Shariff hailed the unity quest, saying it helps the community organise itself and leverage available economic opportunities for improved livelihoods.

"Our coming together is to chart a way forward and work closely with other communities for transformed lives," he said.

Elder Osman Bidhu said the community will also work towards building strong relationships with other communities for a united county.

The Elders' council, Abdikadir said, will undertake weekly meetings to sensitise community members on the need to remain united.

"We must learn to coexist (as Somali clans) like tongue and teeth do. We may differ but should not resort to disgracing each other in public but amicably resolving our issues," he appealed.

The unity is also expected to place the community at a vantage point of building strong political teams through alliances and working closely with other political alignments to boost their numbers during the next elections.