Over the past couple of months, my experience in Awdal region, located in Northern Somalia, has shed light on the glaring development disparities between Borama and Hargeisa. This article delves into the stark differences in infrastructure and development between these cities while examining the government’s regional bias and its implications. Additionally, the article explores the argument for Awdal’s potential independence from the self proclaimed country “Somaliland”, fueled by the perception of neglect and unequal resource distribution.
Borama’s Struggle for Development
Borama, the capital of Awdal State, presents a poignant example of underdevelopment and inadequate infrastructure. While it has the potential to flourish as a center of commerce and progress, the lack of proper roads, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions has stymied its growth. The residents of Borama endure these challenges daily, underscoring the need for focused attention and investment in the region’s development.
Hargeisa’s Remarkable Growth and Progress
Contrastingly, Hargeisa, the capital of the breakaway “Republic of Somaliland”, stands as a testament to growth and development. The city’s transformation from a war-torn past to a thriving urban center is striking. Improved infrastructure, bustling markets, and an increase in educational and healthcare opportunities are visible signs of progress. Hargeisa’s growing economy and vibrant social scene are indicative of the strides made in the region, but these achievements also raise questions about resource allocation and equitable distribution.
Government Bias and Regional Disparities
One of the most pressing concerns is the apparent bias of the Hargeisa-based administration that pretend to rule over all the northern Somali regions despite working only for the “central” clan. The government’s reach often stops short of extending support to “peripheral” areas like Awdal, Sool and Sanaag. In Awdal, this regional favoritism has fostered feelings of marginalization among residents of regions like in Dilla, Saylac, Borama, etc. The limited resources allocated to these areas perpetuate the cycle of underdevelopment and calls for a more equitable approach seem to fall on deaf ears.
Underdeveloped Baki District and Complex Road Connectivity
Baki District stands as a poignant example of underdevelopment within Awdal. The complexity of establishing roads that connect various cities, particularly when compared to the successfully completed Berbera corridor, further underscores the challenges. Notably, the government’s infrastructure development efforts often halt in Kalabaydh, revealing a stark contrast between the Issaq and Gadabursi regions. This stark divide highlights the disparities and underscores the urgency of addressing these issues holistically.
Borama to Djibouti Road Project and Potential Delays
The Borama-Djibouti road project, while promising, faces unnecessary delays that restrict the movement of goods and people in Awdal, further marginalizing the local Gadabursi population. The implications of this delay are far-reaching, potentially perpetuating the confined status of the region and suppressing development opportunities. It is essential for stakeholders to collaborate and ensure that road projects like this move forward efficiently to alleviate regional disparities. Failure to make strides in that direction would only add to the growing discontent and local people would consider striking deals directly with other countries like Ethiopia to develop crucial sources of funding such as the Port of Zeila.
Sustainability of Roads in Borama and Strategic Planning
The concern about road sustainability in Borama is valid, as many roads in the area reportedly degrade within a short span of three months, indicating a lack of durability and proper maintenance. This unsustainable situation not only hampers connectivity but also perpetuates underdevelopment. Strategic planning for roads is imperative to ensure long-term benefits for residents and to prevent the recurrence of such issues. It is noteworthy that most of the paved roads in Borama were built with the leadership of civil society and the benevolent contribution of the local population.
Road Infrastructure in Baki and Ruqi
An observation regarding the poor strategic planning for roads in Baki and Ruqi underscores the need for meticulous planning and execution. Roads that are constructed without a comprehensive approach often fail to withstand the test of time, either breaking down or remaining as mere gravel roads. In a corruption-prone Somaliland, the new Hargeisa-based company that has been awarded the construction of the Borama-Baki-Ruqi road is unlikely to deliver a durable asphalt road. So far, road repairs outside major towns in Awdal, especially after floods and landslides have been left to farmers and herders as passing cars and trucks contribute to their livelihoods. Overall, the poor road condition points to the necessity of enhancing infrastructure planning processes to create enduring and reliable road networks.
Effective Allocation of Tax Dollars
Efficient allocation of tax dollars is crucial for balanced regional development. Prioritizing the allocation of resources to benefit Awdal cities rather than funneling them into other regions is a valid concern. Addressing this issue can play a significant role in promoting equitable growth and eradicating feelings of marginalization within Awdal State.
Awdal’s Tax Contributions and Call for Independence
Awdal State’s citizens contribute their taxes to the larger Somaliland government, yet the benefits of this financial support seem to flow disproportionately to Hargeisa. Awdal’s residents witness their hard-earned resources being channeled into Hargeisa’s growth while their own region lags behind. This has fueled a growing sentiment that Awdal should pursue independence, aiming to manage its resources and shape its development trajectory independently.
The Quest for Awdal State’s Independence
The concept of Awdal State gaining “independence” from Somaliland is not merely a distant idea. It is rooted in the desire for self-determination, where Awdal’s residents aspire to direct their own future. By breaking away from the current system, Awdal State could prioritize its specific needs, allocate resources judiciously, and stimulate localized development efforts. The potential for self-governance offers a chance to address the longstanding disparities that have been perpetuated within the current framework. Awdal has been left by the central government in Mogadishu until 1991 and since then has been neglected by the Somaliland, it is therefore natural the population take the bull by its horns and fly with its own wings.
Awdal State’s Promising Future
The dichotomy between Borama’s obstructed development and Hargeisa’s growth, exacerbated by Somaliland’s inherent bias, has prompted a critical dialogue about Awdal’s future. My experiences in Awdal over the past months have emphasized the urgency of addressing these disparities and the aspirations of the people. The idea of the Awdal region seeking independence is a reflection of the determination to achieve genuine progress, with self-sufficiency and equitable development at its core. As this conversation continues, it remains imperative to find a path forward that respects the aspirations of Awdal’s residents while fostering unity and inclusivity.
