By Prof. Nassir Hussein Kahin.
On December 20, 2024, Colonel Yusuf Abdi Ali ‘Turkey’ was deported from the United States to Somalia after being confirmed by the U.S. courts to be a war criminal. Upon his arrival, he was welcomed by Garad Jama Garad Ali, a traditional leader in the Eastern region of Somaliland.
This reception has raised concerns about its potential impact on ongoing reconciliation efforts aimed at resolving inter-clan conflicts in the area where violence remains prevalent.
The situation underscores the complexities involved in addressing historical injustices and the challenges faced in reconciliation processes within regions affected by prolonged conflicts.
After decades evading accountability, Tokeh was finally deported from the United States, only to receive a controversial welcome in these regions. This reception has ignited deep-seated tensions where efforts towards an end to the conflict and to find a lasting peace and unity is ongoing.
To navigate this delicate situation, the Somaliland people and all of its citizens must pursue justice through transparent legal proceedings against Tokeh, ensuring that the process is inclusive, fair and sensitive to the grievances of all affected communities. Engaging traditional peacemaking mechanisms, such as the Guurti ( Council of Elders), alongside formal judicial processes, can help address past injustices without rekindling old animosities.
By balancing the scales of justice with the p pursuit of national unity, Somaliland can strengthen its commitment to human rights and pave the way for lasting peace, stability and economic prosperity in its eastern regions of Sool and Sanaag.
