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Heikal Kenneded
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
One of the most significant events that took place right before the Somali nation-state plunged into an intractable civil-war was the publication of the Somali Manifesto in 1990, signed by more than 100 prominent people, including some of the most revered Somali leaders, scholars, religious, and elders in the civic society. This historic document began with the solemn declaration: “We, the undersigned elders, who took part in the national struggle for independence…strongly and unanimously, feel that we can no longer remain passive spectators, nor ignore the duties and responsibilities that we owe to our people and our country.” This was the most devastating blow to the delusional dictatorship regime at that time, which missed a great exit strategy to save its legacy and the Somali nation-state from going into a full-blown civil war. For the past two decades, however, what has been missing from the picture are such selfless souls who are willing to stand up against tyranny and the perpetual violence that has plagued most of the country. As such, the root of the Somali demise, which has perplexed many, stems from shortages of patriotism and effective leadership.
The courageous signatories of the Manifesto Group minced no words in their efforts to warn that the dictator’s days of free-reign-terror were about to end and our nation’s existence was at crossroads. In effect, they introduced a definitive conflict-resolution initiative that outlined the way forward for salvaging the country from a precipice. Unfortunately, the dictatorial regime, being what it was ignored the serious recommendations of the Manifesto and continued its despicable path to destruction by arresting many of the signatories, which eventually precipitated its final downfall.
After Siyad Barre and his weak army were run out of Mogadiscio by the USC militia, who were allied at that time with the Manifesto Group, nominated Ali Mahdi to the presidency of Somalia. This has in turn infuriated General M.F. Aideed who couldn’t accept anyone else but himself to become Somalia’s president. The conflict between these two camps that were initially in agreement to overthrow the dictatorship regime further trampled the Group’s plan and eventually plunged the country into civil strife. In the following years were marked with clan hegemony at the expense of national sovereignty and central authority. Dozens of notoriously ruthless warlords emerged from the ruins of the civil war, keeping the people hostage to the gun while cashing in the country’s dwindling resources. It was a prime example of societal self-destruction. Furthermore, the heinous years of cannibalizing the country as whole have resulted in the creation of another much worse monster -- hooligans claiming to be religious men who kill and destroy everything in their path in the name of Allah.
The dismal suicide of the Somali nation has become a classic case that no other nation on earth wishes to repeat. In fact, the core trait of the Somali being is in question in regards to what motives drive our reckless self-destruction and whether we should be treated as normal human beings. A lasting peace and stability is, however, impeded by a serious lack of nationalism among all Somalis. Besides the déjà-vu effect of witnessing yet another fledgling transitional government and a rogue militia (in this case Al-Shabab) vying for the rule of the country, we all have an important role to play to foster an everlasting peace in Somalia. We could all come together in support of our country and our people to stop the cycle of violence that precludes long-term peace, while denying our support for anyone who seeks or attains power through means of violence.
Even so, there are promising opportunities. The international community, especially the U.S. once again is willing to give Somalia a second chance to put its house in order. Much will depend on leadership. What are needed are effective visionaries who can breathe new life into our dying nation. It’s hard to underestimate how important a shift this is for Somalia, which lacked the long-deserved attention and sympathy of the world community. Recognition from foreign entities is, of course, no guarantee to a peaceful path, since dynamic leaders are required on the ground as well as the full support of the people.
The way forward
In tackling pervasive violence, collective nationalism is the only way forward. Somalis in the Diasporas who have experienced the harsh realities of being a foreigner should take the lead in organizing themselves and providing support for the progressive, grass-roots elements inside the country, but without falling into the entrapments of tribalism or regionalism. Through such initiatives, we could enhance a positive dialogue among the warring factions and revitalize much needed nationalism required to bring a lasting peace in the country. I am convinced that without dealing squarely our nonchalance, Somalia will continue towards its hasty precipice.
Indeed, there have been a few heroic individuals over the years that have emerged during this long draught of nationalism such as the late peace activists Mohamud Ali Ahmed (Elman), Abdulkadir Yahya Ali, and Istarlin Abdi Arush, not to mention the dozens of journalists who were assassinated in the past few years. They have all paid the ultimate price to save our nation, despite the daunting tasks and danger they faced individually. Perhaps the gathering support from the international community will trigger the kind of collective social conscience that engenders nationalism. In the meantime, we can all be proud of the great courage demonstrated by the signatories of the historic Somali Manifesto and could only hope to follow on their heels at this moment of peril that our nation-state is edging to perish from the earth. Inshallah.
Heikal Kenneded
Washington, D.C
[email protected]