The triumphant SYL congress debated revenge against pro-Italian administrative staff

Evidence

The SYL felt vindicated and, despite latent suspicions about Italian intentions, the final push toward independence commenced. The party convened a national congress in which all regional secretaries participated. The aim of the meeting was to set the policies that would guide the new Somali government. Once general policy matters were dealt with the convention turned its attention to the emotional issue of how to deal with the pro-Italian parties and individuals who staffed the administration. Many members were keenly aware of the administration’s discrimination against SYL members when hiring and the public’s deep resentment against pro-Italian parties and their supporters. Many were of the opinion that it was high time to get even with these parties and their people. — Abdi Ismail Samatar, Africa’s First Democrats, 332

Categorization

• STORYSTEM: The tension between the vote for vengeance and whatever wiser counsel prevailed is a classic dramatic fork — how a liberation movement chooses to treat its collaborators shapes the whole post-independence state.