The article, “Jockeying for Power,” was about the difficulties of Somali leadership (Dec. 14). But it explains more about the religious groups and differences, as well as western style groups.

The question behind this article was, are the Somalis moving out of the authoritarian leadership toward the democratic style?

For thousands of years, wars have been fought nearly everywhere in Somalia. For the last 13 years, various fanatical groups have applied their harsh dominance in different parts of the country. They are persecuting, swindling and massacring indiscriminately. That is why many of us seek refuge in the United States.

Somali Community Services differentiates and provides no assistance other than to their own affiliates. I hope that they do not use our nation’s name as a common logo. We should not forget the past abuse of tribal and religious wars in Somalia, and we should give full information to the local community about those who act as a smoke screen to perpetuate dictatorial style in Maine.

This group is hiding behind the charitable incorporation and they offend the media and moderates. They use abusive words, insults and derogatory terms in order to intimidate and persecute those intellectuals whom they think have different opinions.

Somalis in Maine need freedom of speech so that peace and democracy can prevail. And today, the leadership has moral obligation to ensure that they get them, for the sake of basic fundamental rights. People must not be threatened for their way of thinking.

Kadar Said, executive president,

African Immigration Association, Lewiston