Nayrobi [MOL] 16 July 2003- Just over a few weeks ago, the Somali Peace Conference in Kenya’s capital Nairobi established that the new Somali government would be a Federalist style system of government. A number of presidential candidates have come forward in hope of leading this fragile nation to take its place on the world stage. As a Somali Canadian, I was extremely excited in that my mother country would re-establish itself again. I was especially excited for people back home who have suffered for over a decade without any form of government. The new government brings hope and aspiration to all Somalis regardless of where they live in the world. There is a lot at stake for the establishment of a stable government. Somalis want a government that will last and represent all Somalis regardless of their tribes and clans. Simply put, the new government must succeed and bare fruit. Anything less than success will be extremely FAILURE! Today Somalis are not ready for failure they have seen enough of it over the past twelve years. The individual who leads the new Somalia nation must be a proven leader who brings a winning formula. I would like to put forth my presidential candidate for the Republic of Somalia as Prime Minister Jean Chrétien of Canada.

Why Prime Minister Chrétien?

I believe that in order to be a leader of a nation, one must have the necessary experience for the job. Mr. Chrétien brings over forty years of political experience. Jean Chrétien was Prime Minister since 1993. He led the Liberal party of Canada to a successful three terms as their leader and announcing his departure from politics at the end of this year. Not realizing when to quit is what brought Somalia here in the first place. The fact that he is the current Prime Minister should not worry anyone as to his availability for the job. Mr. Chrétien will be calling an election anytime, what a perfect timing!

Prime Minister Chrétien has a stellar track record domestic and foreign. Somali Canadians enjoy universal health care, free primary and secondary education, integration and employment opportunities programs. Even though some of these domestic portfolios are under the Provincial umbrella, the Federal government has significant influence. Canada’s foreign policies under the leadership of Mr. Chrétien saw the signing of the treaty to ban land mines that have mimed millions of people all over the world.  Mr. Chrétien also took the lead role in the implementation of the Kyoto treaty, a treaty that protects the environment from pollution. When the United States declared war on Iraq, Mr. Chrétien sided with the United Nations. Most Canadians supported Mr. Chrétien’s stance on the war in Iraq. After September 11, Mr. Chrétien visited an Ottawa mosque to calm fears and worries of Muslim Canadians. It is quite accurate to say that overwhelming majority of Somali Canadians supported the job approval rate of Mr. Chrétien as their prime minister.

It is imperative that the new leader of Somali be neutral and free from tribes and clan based politics. Electing Mr. Chrétien, we do not have to worry about his motivation and tribal affiliation. He has no idea where Kismayo, Baydhabo, Garoowe, Hergeisa or Mogadishu is. He cannot tell the difference between the Hawiye, Dir, Darood, Rahanwayn and others. Since a new federal system will be implemented in Somalia, no one has a better experience operating this style better than Mr. Chrétien. The Somaliland problem is similar to Quebec's desire to separate from Canada.  Mr. Chrétien dealt with Quebec independence without a single drop of blood. We do not have to worry about money and greed; Mr. Chrétien will work as a volunteer while living off on his full pension. Mr. Chrétien will stop corruption as he will introduce a bill that instead of limiting co-operate donations, will limit or outlaw Arab or African countries of donating money or arms to various regions of Somalia in order to weaken our country. Mr. Chrétien will not tolerate thugs and lawless militia. One will remember when the Canadian soldiers killed and brutally beat Somali youth in Bellet Weyn, the government of Mr. Chrétien called a full inquiry that led to the full disbandment of the entire Canadian Airborne Regiment that was made-up of between 600-1000 soldiers.  

Some might question Mr. Chrétien’s citizenship but let it be known that Somalis are allowed dual citizenship and Chrétien only has the Canadian one and Somalia will be his second citizen of choice. As for language, Mr. Chrétien speaks fluent French and Broken English, which qualifies him for the position. In terms of his religion, Chrétien took his first step when he went to an Ottawa Mosque couple of years ago and I am sure he will be ready to convert.

In conclusion brothers and sisters, let us all be realistic. The problem our country is facing requires a fresh face to lead it to a prosperous period of peace, growth and development. We need a leader who will not base leadership on tribalism but mutual respect for humanity. Somalia has so much potential for economic and political growth. Enough suffering and despair has been inflicted on our country. We need to burry the hatchet and build a better tomorrow. I propose Mr. Jean Chrétien as presidential candidate for Somalia. Today he is the nearest candidate for hope. One man can address tribalism, corruption, war lordism and hate. That man is Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. What do you think?          

Weekly Editorial
Mudugonline.com