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By Mohamed Awaleh
Friday, May 22, 2009
Have you noticed, lately that the Somalis in Diaspora are drumming up for the newly Government of Somalia, headed by President Sheik Sharif? I don't know about you – but, personally, I'm worried about my beloved people will be disappointed, and their feelings will get hurt, once again; as soon as they realize this Administration is being hijacked by foreign interest groups as well. I wondered if they are really known what they are wowing about – or – they are simply feeling nostalgic.
Don't get me wrong! They have a right to be excited. What make them to believe that this Government will work, this time? Or, are we waiting that the West re-build our Country? Those of us who think that way! Do they ask themselves; why? Perhaps some of us forgot already; the West is one of the external elements that took part of the destruction of our Motherland, in the first place. To me, it's like asking a wolf to look after sheepes. Is it ironic?
Nation building doesn't come cheap. It needs lots of money. We usually make noises and wave flags without thinking who's going to take the tab: the Salaries of the Government Officials, the Soldiers, Police officers and civil servants, etc. I bet; so many of us didn't even cross their mind regarding this question.
I recently inquired one of our brother, 'who's going to pay the salaries of the newly Government officials?' To my astonishment, he said, 'U.N, EU and U.S'. How could one desire independence, freedom and at the same time begging others to feed his Citizens? I don't get it!
Are you aware the previous Administration, under President Abdullahi Youssouf? The UNDP were paying the salaries of his Cabinet and the Members of the Parliaments (Between $1600 and $2000 U.S dollars). Not to mention, the Tigrian’s dominated Ethiopian Government, yet we were frustrated about their failure. How could we expect to have a free and independent Nation, If we are still dependent on foreign Countries and Agencies? In the real World, however; Whoever pays the bills have the last word. Oh! My beloved Somalis! Wake up and smell the coffee.
If we are serious about the success of this infant Government, under President Sheik Sharif, and wish to revive our Roads/Highways, Water system, Electricity, Energy, Schools, Hospitals, Universities, Agriculture's and Factories,.etc We ought to be contributing financially. We are fortunate today, the children of Somalia are
scatter all over the World. If one million of us donate the new Administration until they put their feet on the ground. No doubt, it will definitely ease the external pressure, and concentrate the needs of our people and development of our Country. I know a cynic will dismiss it: as impossible to do it – or – he/she would argue; we can't trust each other. Remember the Eritreans have done it for thirty years; so the American-Italians to their homeland (Italy), after second War World, and the Jewish Diasporas have been assisting financially the State of Israel, ever since it's creation in 1948. Why not us?
We must first consult our Legal, Banking and tax experts in order to proceed this endeavor; but here's what I think should be done.
a) The Somali Government must open up an account to one of those free of Riba, Islamic Banks (priority the Somali Institutions)
b) Each Somali living abroad should put in $5 only a month as a charity.
c) Put together local transparency committees or watchdog organizations into wherever countries or cities each community are residing.
d) Work with Ministry of the Diasporas.
e) Somalis in Diaspora must join the Government in order to have a voice.
It will give the Somali Diaspora a political leverage to influence policies and help stabilize our country for the greater good of the people.
Mohamed Awaleh
E-mail: [email protected]