Misinformation Leads Somali-Ethiopian Diaspora in disarray

Due to the lack of proper connection between Somali-Ethiopian Diaspora and both the Regional and Federal Ethiopian governments, several self-nominated groups under the shirt of civil society/human rights are trying to fill up the fissure, using unprecedented lies and deceits. This little known, but dreadfully dangerous tactic, which I term “a campaign of misinformation,” is leading the less informed Somali-Ethiopian Diaspora in hysteria. In human toll, it is difficult to assess the damage and or the carnage that might be attributed to this campaign of misinformation. That fact notwithstanding, it would be reckless to ignore or refuse to acknowledge the important role it played in successfully creating confusion within this large community. It would be doubly more reckless to deny that this tactic is very much working for these groups. They are using this tactic to baffle, scare and prevent any investment project plan intended for the Somali Regional State (also known Ogaden region).

As they are the mouthpiece of so-called ONLF and its partner, UWSLF, a combination of the remnants of UIC and other foreign elements, these groups had begun a decidedly direct campaign of misinformation against the situation in the region. They are spreading unfounded propaganda aimed to not only confuse the Somali-Ethiopian Diaspora, but also the international community as well. Returning from this region few weeks ago, I know the true facts on the ground. Massive infrastructure development through-out the region, the completion of Jigjiga University (the first university that this region has ever had), Jigjiga tarmac airport, Godey Agricultural Institute (first two year college), Bodh-cano dam (also known Mira Godey), the largest dam ever built in the region, which if managed appropriately could alleviate the food shortage in the region, electrifying more towns and villages than ever, and many other investment projects such as latest telephone services, roads, schools and hospitals, all intended to enhance the livelihood of the people in the region.

As mentioned by Katie Nguyen (analyst), “Moreover Addis Ababa ploughs significantly more money into Ogaden for roads and other services than it receives in taxes.” Besides the federal government, United States of America is taking part in helping the people of this region; US Ambassador, Donald Yamamoto, announced last Friday that his country will provide 18.7 million U.S. dollars in humanitarian assistance for needs in this region.

Somali Regional State is moving forward into the right direction and its people are looking ahead into the future rather than the past, they join hands with both the Regional and Federal governments to fight poverty. Despite the misinformation campaign of these groups hiding under the fake names, the Somali-Ethiopian Diaspora needs to understand that this is the truth and that any statement to the contrary is a lie and must be exposed for what it really is, a ploy designed to create chaos, generate discord and divert the people of this region from achieving their ultimate goal, eliminating the poverty.

Abdullahi Khalif-Gariile
shabeele15@hotmail.com