hawadiye

January 27, 2025

Leadership principles & strategic frameworks January 27, 2025

32 Years of Resilience: Commemorating the Somali Regional Foundation

32nd Anniversary of the Somali Regional State

Flag of the Somali Regional State featuring its traditional colors and emblem — Somali Regional State Flag

January 23rd marks the 32nd anniversary of the Somali Regional State Foundation, a day that celebrates the unity of the Somali people in Ethiopia and their right to self-governance, their own flag, and the preservation of their language and culture. This milestone is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Somali people.

The establishment of the Somali Regional State laid a crucial foundation, but it has not been without challenges. Periods of conflict and violations of constitutional rights have resulted in tragic losses. However, overcoming these obstacles has fostered a stronger sense of Somali nationalism.

The significant changes of 2018 paved the way for a system that more accurately reflects the interests, history, and unique identity of the Somali people. These advancements build upon the immense sacrifices made by those who fought for our collective existence. Their legacy serves as a guiding beacon, inspiring us toward a future where our aspirations—and those of our children—can be fulfilled.

The flag of the Somali region stands as a powerful symbol of unity and pride. It is important to remember that only one flag represents the Somali ethnic group in the region. While other flags may represent organizations or political ideologies, they do not embody the collective identity of the Somali people.

Let us embrace the qualities that unite us. Today, we celebrate our flag and the enduring spirit of the Somali people, commemorating

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By: hawadiye

January 26, 2025

Leadership principles & strategic frameworks January 26, 2025

Building a Brighter Future: Lessons from 32 Years

"In a recent address to the 2nd regional flag anniversary celebration, President Mustafa M Omer reflected on the past 32 years of the Somali Regional State, highlighting three distinct periods."

1993-2006: A Period of Armed Conflict
"This era was marked by armed conflict against the existing government," building-brighter-future-lessons president Omer stated. "This began when it became clear that the agreed-upon constitution would not be implemented, leading to a protracted war."

2007-2018: A Suppression of the People's Aspirations
"The conflict tragically evolved into a war against the very aspirations of our people," the President lamented. "Scholars, intellectuals, and religious leaders were targeted. Our cultural values and traditions were deliberately attacked. The people were systematically excluded from the political process."

2018-Present: A Foundation for Peace and Development
"The peace agreement signed in 2018 between the government and the ONLF marked a turning point," President Omer emphasized. "It secured the basic rights of our people, restored our Somali identity, and liberated our religion from severe suppression. This period has seen a significant increase in public awareness about our history and struggles."

"As we celebrated our 32nd anniversary, President Omer concluded by stating, 'We now have a solid foundation from which to move forward and achieve our goals of peace and development. We will prioritize economic growth, social justice, and infrastructure development to build a brighter future for all Somalis.'"

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By: hawadiye

January 24, 2025

Leadership principles & strategic frameworks January 24, 2025

Tough times teach people the value of unity. (unity is more necessary today than ever.)

"Since the change, a new era has begun in the regional government of the Somali state, where the people of the region can freely participate in various political parties. It is therefore important for us to respect each other's views."

"On the other hand, there is a pressing challenge affecting the long-term future of society—overall unity is crucial. Hard times often teach people the value of unity, and today, it is more needed than ever."

Respect for Differences

"Differences of opinion and respect for each other's perspectives are fundamental to a democratic society. Even when individuals may disagree, there are shared values that unite us. In difficult times, differences are set aside to foster new perspectives and create an environment that enhances deeper understanding."

The Lesson from Political Unrest

"If I had to explain the essence of my writing, it would be to learn from the sudden political unrest. In challenging moments, people come to appreciate the importance of unity."

(In the case of the Somali region, the need for unity today is greater than ever before.)