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by Hibo Ibrahim
September 17, 2008
For 18 years we have been homeless. We have lost our identity. Those that live in Arabia behave like Arabs, those in India/Pakistan like an Indian/Pakistani and those in the west embraced jeans as their own. Nonetheless, we all have one thing in common. We belong to a certain tribe and wire money to those that we left behind fueling the civil war even further. Our fathers enthusiastically recount their success in overthrowing the authoritarianism of Siad Barre’s government and how their undying devotion was to restore democracy and freedom to the Somali nation. However, after 18 years we are still awaiting for that democracy and that freedom. Indeed they did rid our homeland of a dictator but handed the fate of Somalia to whom?
Developments around the globe and war at home challenge us to rethink of our role in world. But before we do that, let ask ourselves, what is it with us that hinders our abilities to resolve the issues that face us today? What can we do to plant, nurture and preserve peace in our homeland? It’s to be expected that we observe the lives of our so called leaders under a microscope and see where the problems originate.
The only reason I chose to follow this path is due to the fact that most of our politicians seem to have four things in common according to my observations, if you find that I miss a point please do feel free to extend the list.
They are the residue of Siad Barre’s regime. They all, at some point, been part of Siad Barres’ government whether they held a high ranking position or not. If Siad Barre was alive today he would have been astonished by his subordinates; surely they have exceeded his expectations.
They are all after one thing. Power; whether its man or material; Contrary to their claim that they are in for our interests only.
Most of them hold foreign passports, and will flee to safer grounds once the going proves to be too risky. Their children and immediate family members reside within the walls of the super powers. They have got their wives on welfare and will leave no stone unturned to attain their selfish goals regardless of the price paid. Certainly, none of their actions whether its passive or violent will have any tangible affect in the lives of their dear ones.
They have absolutely no clue of what is at stake here.
What is more unfortunate is our willingness to support these corrupted, merciless thugs, whose main aim is to accumulate wealth and power, and who will chop our heads or those of our beloved ones the moment we utter a word of opposition. Has it become so hard for us to flex the muscles in our brains a little before we take a side or dig deep into our pockets? Is it that difficult to find the ability to embrace our differences and join hands in the hopes of bringing our people together? Can we not find among us politicians that have had no ties to the besmirched governments that existed since 1969? Has it become impossible to put aside our disagreements in order to rescue our bleeding motherland from the raiding menace of warlords and the hungry canines of foreign hyenas? Have we lost our sense of reasoning, belonging and most of all patriotism? Is there no ounce of love in us for our homeland?
A large chunk of our youngsters have adapted and been assimilated into the cultures of the foreign lands. They have nothing in common with the generations that preceded them and can carry no conversation in Somali. They walk and talk like Lil Wayne and can do the Harlem shake. They have no regard for their culture and can relate to no one. But who can blame them? Their parents talk of qabiil hebel and primitive nation that is literally non-existent.
"Somalis, wake up" we are in struggle once more against poverty, famine, illiteracy, lack of governance and most of all extinction. We are a nation with history but no present so join hands Somalis and let us give our children the hope of tomorrow.
"Tiro ari ah oo dhaxalaaSideed laydin soo tubayoo Ninba toban la meel marayoo Cadowgiin idiin talin oo Tuldo geel ah oo dhacan baad Toogasho u badheedhanee Ma dhulkaas dhanee tegeybaan Ninna dhagax u tuurayn"
Hibo Ibrahim
E-mail: [email protected]