Somalia’s Government of National Unity Strengthens Diaspora

Hiiraan Online
Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Boston, MA (HOL) -  As Somalia’s new President, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, shuttles between East African states to rally help for his battered nation, supporters across New England swelled Anthony’s Hall in Somerville to mark what they insisted was a new dawn of ‘unity and peace’ for Somalia. The Saturday event has featured activists, educators, community elders and a prominent poet who has elated the crowd with inspiring lines.

“We’re called tonight to welcome and support the new Unity Government for Somalia” said Mr. Abdullahi Warsame Takar, as he praised the women for putting together “such a well-organized event.”

For nearly 50 days after the formation of the new government, a rippling affect of hope has swept the Somali expatriates across the world, expressing confidence in the style of leadership demonstrated by the young Prime Minister, Omar Abdirashid Sharma’arke, the son of Somalia’s late President of mid sixties.

Events like this have been taking place everywhere over the past month with unabated pattern. Observers of Somalia politics had described it a positive sign of change which stands in clear contrast with the old ways of political warlordism.

“We have to support the government with everything in our capacities,” urged Batulo Ahmed Gabote, whose poetry has generated from the crowd a series of stand ovations. She added that unity and justice alone can transcend the past experiences from repeating again.

However, the event has meant different things for different people.

“To me, it symbolizes not only the successful struggle against the Ethiopian occupation in our country, but also a victory for every Somali who believes in a government that takes seriously our demands for justice and freedom,” said Mohamed Habeeb who assessed the situation in Somalia with great prospect of peace.

Speaking about the significance of unity, Mr. Abdullahi Aw-Gurhan who is known as “Madeey” has also commended the role of Somali women as the spearhead for progress and unity. “May the unity that emerged from our country today bridges to a lasting peace,” invoked Madeey, a respected elder in the community.

Abdirahin Muse Ahmed, a naturalized Somali-American, has left Somalia at young age. “I feel a deep sense of patriotism for my country, though I was so young at the time and recall little about Somalia,” expressed Ahmed with passion.

“Now, after 28 years living in an exile - and missing the experience of growing up in Somalia - I think everyone should understands now is a high time for peace and reconciliations and to make sure that we seize this rare opportunity by rebuilding our great country.”

Abdulkadir Hindi, the chairman of North American Somali Students Union, spoke in the event, stressing from Islamic perspective the conditions that could sustain such unity. “Let no one look his [countryman] with contempt or animosity,” he said, addressing the issue of clannism that has divided people into unnecessary cycle of rivalries.

Before wrapping the event with delicate Somali food, Sharif Abdiqafar, a former prominent journalist, remarked a joke that drew laughter from the audience.

“Since I was asked to speak, I think we’re applying here the same 4.5 clan formula that was built on this government,” said Mr. Abdiqafar who urged the crowd to cling to the optimism of better future ahead for Somalia.

Ibrahim Abdulkadir, HOL

Boston, MA