New Radio Station for the Djiboutian Opposition: could they be able to use it responsibly?

Djibouti, 22 January 2010 (Somalilandpress) – The other day a friend of mine sent me an email about a new internet-based Radio station about two weeks ago: www.lavoixdedjibouti.com. (The voice of Djibouti). The message of this Website announce: ‘a group of young Djiboutian Diaspora opens up a free and independent Radio station. It doesn’t say where exactly this Station based at and who’s financing it. To make the matter worse; it’s difficult to reach them. But when I tuned in, though with their last two programs the actual broadcast says otherwise –despite of what the young Announcer claimed that la voix de Djibouti to be. It was indeed far from impartial nor is the voice of all Djiboutians.

It speaks on the language of the so-called Djiboutian oppositions –I say so-called because it becomes a custom that a Djiboutian nowadays turns a political opponent against the President Ismail O. Guelleh’s government; only when he/she loses their jobs, government contracts or thrown out the train: elite. Also usually what motivates half of these self-proclaim political opponents unfortunately is tribal animosity-or- personal vendetta against the President of the Republic itself; not with his policies? Needless to say Djiboutians certainly needs an alternative voice than the Government-run Radio and Television in Djibouti.

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For example, it’s funny when one hears a person like Mr. Abdulraman Borreh, the home-grown millionaire, who despises the Djiboutian- when he publicly called the Djiboutians ‘lazy and don’t want to work’; and brought foreign workers for the construction of the new Port, Doraleh and the Kempeski Palace, the new five stars Hotel. And yet, today he joined the opposite camps as well just because he has a personal problem with his old friend: President IOG. Not long ago he was die-hard Guellehism and even his new found allies used to label him of being business partner of the President – today his arch enemy.

And also, Mr. Ali Abdillahi Iftin, self appointed leader and mouth-piece of pretentious opposition party in Belgium-was once the privilege class-when he was demoted from his previous position as a Presidential Guard for the former President, Mr. Hassan Gouled Aptidon; he then switches as political opponent and fled to Europe. Mr. Iftin was recently interviewed on “Hormuud.com, Radio Station”; he advocated violence and claimed there’s a civil war already into Djibouti. Upon verifying with this fabrication –there’s no such think. That’s typical Djiboutian political opponent of the day: (If I won’t get the lion share, let the entire country be doom). And sadly no one condemns this sadist, especially by his peers. He definitely reminds me the reactionary and monologue, Mr. Ali Couba; and the demagogue, Mr. Daher Ahmed Farah.

Since when these guys and their likes realized things are bad –only when they lost their privileges? What’s so disturbing about these phony individuals is their naked arrogance. They think that the Djiboutian people are stupid. Or blind! They actually believe they could use the Djiboutian as a latter in order to gain the power and the wealth of the nation. It’s seems they are grossly underestimating the Djiboutian Citizens. Interesting enough these individuals the only thing they have in common is- their hatred towards the President of the Republic.

It’s true that Djibouti needs an independent voice; and at the same time responsible and constructive opposition parties that challenges the current Administration inside the country; and sacrifices their lives for their people. And present to the Djiboutian Citizens alternative policies and inspire the people to a better life: bring to the end of this constant blackout of the electricity and the current lack of water, especially the largest and Capital city, Djibouti-city. And more so putting to the end of the foreign working visas of the Indians and Yemenis taking the jobs for the young Djiboutian into the private own-businesses; and speak against Mr. Guelleh’s policies to sponsor Philippines, Indians and Chinese workers while the Djiboutians themselves are qualify to do the jobs into the Ports and large constructions projects. And expose the Ministers, MP’s and higher Military and Police Officers-who are snatching the transportations, constructions and other Government contracts away from the local contractors.

“La voix de Djibouti.com has an especial responsibility and opportunity to inform, educate and defend the national interest and integrity of the Republic of Djibouti and his Citizens. I hope they will be fair and balance; if they want to be part of the family of the professional Press.

Written by: Mohamed Awaleh, freelance writer
awaleh@consultant.com