It is important that a critical mass of Khatumeets do not accept the verdict that the Somalilandand Puntland tribal states try to push down their throat so as to give up and succumb. The struggle must continue. It is important to nurture any new ideas and initiatives which can make a difference for Khatumo.

In the middle of this century for example, Khatumo people set out to rekindle the dervish spirit of self-liberation from colonial powers. And some three years ago, the political leaders of modern dervishes identified three major objectives as they became the first post-Somali civil war Khatumo rulers:

·        To Somalia’s  advance from tribal state to nation state

·         To promote Somali unity

·         To effect economic and social development of Khatumo State of Somalia

With the recent political freedom of SSC people that generation of Khatumo leaders may consider their first agenda virtually complete. A more difficult agenda will be to de-colonize the mind and re-claim the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Khatumopeople. The new generations of Khatumoleaders are expected to address the last two objectives and free their people from fear of war and poverty. They are expected to give SSC people back their dignity and self-respect.

That notwithstanding, Khatumo finds herself in the middle of new challenges and in a very competitive and unsympathetic neighbors. And so, even before Somalia people advance from tribal "state" to the nation state, the latter is already crumbling under the pressure of civil war, economic and political tribal forces which are shaping the 21st Century.

It is not an easy battle to fight because 23 years of civil war is a long time to struggle against all forms of oppression from tribal state neighbors of Puntland and Somaliland. To overcome such a historical burden is an enormous task because the battles of last 23 years have left Khatumo people weakened economically, politically but especially, culturally and spiritually. The chains which still hold them in bondage are often the trappings of power, prestige and the comfortable lifestyles exemplified by but a few of their leaders. And, the erroneous belief that in time, they can all get there. These trappings have destroyed Khatumo leaders and have left the SSC regions without vision and commitment to social, political and economic progress.

But there is no giving up. There is hope. Generations of dervisheshave fought many valiant battles against many gross violations of the rights of the SSC region’s people. The power of evil has repeatedly been overcome by the power of the intrinsic goodness of mankind. There are many examples to give inspiration, hope and a sense of pride. A people less endowed with the power of the human spirit would have become extinct and wiped from the face of this planet. This rich heritage should be the source of our empowerment.

Indeed it is empowerment for us (as Khatumo people). We draw strength from past triumphs. They (dervishes) give me reason to fight injustices of today. They remind me of the victorious road which we have travelled and they give me strength for the journey ahead. I am always aware that I am not alone. I know am in the company with Khatumo men and women whose moral strength has always changed the course of history. The collective force of women and men gathered at a Khatumo II conference has the capacity and the capability to bring about the desired change.

To summarize what happened in past in SSC regions can't be change but future generation and future leaders of Khatumo State can change things around. Khatumo people can’t keep blaming foreigners for causes of their suffering and lack of development in their regions. If you look in deep, Khatumo leaders or Some Ex Khatumo presidents (Xaglotoosiye, Karaash and Qoonje) are partially to blame for suffering of Khatumo people. Later Khatumo leaders are putting themselves first begging in political positions from Khatumo rebel states (Somaliland and Puntland) then to stand for what its right for their people. These are best lessons for Khatumo future generation and leaders to learn from past history of SSC regions itself and to try to have better Khatumo State in future!

My Fellow Khatumeets we can work together for a better Khatumo State with men and women of goodwill, those who radiate the intrinsic goodness of humankind. To do so effectively, the Khatumo people need a United Dervishesethic with values which give meaning to life experiences and, more than tribal institutions and dogmas, sustain the non-material dimension of humanity.

Without such an ethic the power game, materialism and individualism takes over. So also would anarchy, tribalism, secessionism, egoism, hatred, injustices, violence and intolerance. We must make our choice or others, less sympathetic (Puntanders and Somalilanders); will make that choice for us.

⁽¹⁾Haboon Haji Abdi: Graduate Student at East Africa University-Buhootle Khatumo State of Somalia