IL-BONO, IL PRUTO, ILCATIVO
A political essay sharply criticizing the leaders of three Federal Member States for easily surrendering their authority to Villa Somalia. – By Mohamed Musse – Political Analyst & Former Federal Election Commissioner
When history is written, there are always dark chapters attributed to those entrusted with public responsibility but who deviated from the oath they swore. Today, it is undeniable that the presidents of South West, Hirshabelle, and Galmudug will occupy such a dark chapter. Entrusted with constitutional duties to represent their people, they effortlessly surrendered the powers of their regions to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud—an act that directly violated both the federal constitution and those of their respective states.
The National Consultative Council (NCC), a high-level platform designed for shaping the nation’s destiny through consensus and federal balance, was intended to embody unity, consultation, and the safeguarding of the separation of powers. Tragically, these three
presidents chose to convert that space into a platform of support for Villa Somalia’s ruling party. They did so without any meaningful consultation with their regional assemblies, nor with the citizens they claim to represent.
This is nothing short of a national betrayal—a grave failure of trust that undermines federalism, which is the only viable framework through which Somalia can emerge from its prolonged crisis. Historically, whenever leaders abandon their duties, it leads to social breakdown, political chaos, and deeply consequential legal violations. These are exactly the symptoms we see today:
Public assets are being openly sold off without adherence to financial laws.
Families are being evicted from their homes under orders from Villa Somalia, with local leaders completely sidelined.
Talk of “one person, one vote” persists, even as there is no security, stability, or functional
electoral infrastructure.
Political conflict has erupted at the national level, further crushing any hope of a free and fair election.
These three leaders have not stood for their people. They squandered a historic opportunity to correct the dangerous trajectory the federal government has taken. Rather than acting as the needed counterweight to Villa Somalia, they became extensions of it. Instead of
defending the consultative council’s integrity, they allowed it to be reduced to a rubber stamp bearing only the name “Somalia,” devoid of any true representation.
As the saying goes: IL-BONO is the leader with a righteous conscience, who distinguishes
right from wrong. IL PRUTO is the one who sees injustice but remains silent. ILCATIVO is the one who enables oppression, takes the lead in wrongdoing, and boasts of it. None of these three presidents are IL-BONO. And today, the Somali people are clearly recognizing who once claimed morality—and who now tramples it.
They were expected to be voices of justice, forces of stability, and defenders of federalism. Instead, they chose to be stage props for Villa Somalia. They forgot their people. They violated their own constitutions. They abandoned the very responsibilities they were sworn to uphold. If you’re looking for an example of a man whose next step is political collapse— look no further.
But history does not forget. And nations, no matter how delayed, always awaken. Thos who betrayed the people’s trust cannot hide forever. Accountability will come.
Views expressed are solely those of the author and may not reflect Mareeg’s official stance.
