If we are to succeed we must return to our ingenious traditional roots. Somali Xeer law is an ingeneous system that has stood the test of time; it is complementary to Islamic law.
Xeer u dhalasho
Xeer law guarantees in principle, as a birthright, every person's right to life, liberty and property (one's body, one's freedom and one's material assets). It has accepted common principles and doctrines, rules of conduct, organisational structures, procedural rules, rules of insurance, verdicts of law, rules of restitution and compensation. It stipulates rules governing constitution and abolition of courts, power of courts, power of police, procedures for hearings, rules of appeal, rendering justice and compensation.
Xor u dhalasho
We should use the doctrines of Xeer law as a basis for governing social and economic interactions. As follows. Xor u dhalasho. Xor u maal. Xeer u dhalasho. Innocent until proven guilty. Equality before the law. Right to a fair hearing. Right to restitution or compensation. Xeer law is seperate from politics and religion. Xeer law has in built methods for its development. There are a plurality of jurisdictions and a uniformity of Xeer guud (general law). Goverment personnel must abide by Xeer law. Xeer law governs contracts as methods for economic interactions. Xeer law prohibts homicide, assault, torture, battery, rape, accidental wounding, kidnapping, abduction, roberry, burglary, theft, arson, extortion, fraud, tort, damage to property, defanation and breach of contract. Xeer law is supported by the Somali common insurance system which acts as a government compensation scheme and ensures that all victims are paid any compensation that is due.
Xor u maal
We also need to return to 'Xor u maal' as a policy for economic development. This means removing current monopolies, oligopolies and cartels to enable free trade. The government must always act in 'danta guud' aka the greatest good for the greatest number. We must a coherent comprehensive long term plan for sustainable social and economic development, based on self-suffiency, sustainability and long term security.
We can then stand proud in the world once more.
Nabad gelyo. Be in peace.
Futurist