Neo Faqash: A Critical Look at Somalia's Political Choices with Somaliland
After the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Somaliland and Ethiopia, the remnants of the Faqash regime appear to ignore the lessons of Somalia’s collapse under Siyad Barre. His genocidal targeting of Somaliland not only devastated the region but also contributed to Somalia’s status as a failed state. This chapter in history clearly illustrates the dangers of such reckless actions.
The term "Faqash" is widely used in Somaliland to describe members or supporters of Siyad Barre's oppressive regime. While Barre’s government has long been overthrown, some in Somalia still cling to its legacy, including a few neo-Faqash ministers within President Hasan Sheikh’s administration, who seem to view Al-Shabaab as less of a threat compared to Somaliland.
Had Barre chosen to engage with the Somali National Movement (SNM), hold fair elections, and grant Somaliland autonomy, Somalia might have had a more stable and unified future. However, from a sovereigntist perspective, Somaliland’s independence was inevitable, and a peaceful transition without Barre’s authoritarian rule would have been far more beneficial for all parties involved.
Today, President Hasan Sheikh’s policies bear a concerning resemblance to Barre’s failed approach, jeopardising Somalia’s progress while diverting critical resources from the fight against Al-Shabaab.
Rather than seeking conflict with Somaliland, the wiser approach would be to focus on Somalia’s internal development and establish a cooperative relationship between two independent states. In today’s globalised world, ethnic nationalism has been largely replaced by regional cooperation, where countries maintain their sovereignty while collaborating for mutual benefit. Just as seen in the East African Community, unity is achieved through partnership, not coercion. Yet, by choosing violence, President Hasan Sheikh risks diminishing Somalia’s standing on the global stage and deepening internal conflict, to the detriment of the nation.
In doing so, Hasan Sheikh is humiliating the Somali people by seeking foreign intervention and auctioning off Somalia’s resources, all in an attempt to revive the failed policies of the Faqash regime. This desperate bid to follow in Barre’s footsteps further erodes Somalia’s dignity and independence on the world stage.