Monday February 13, 2017
By Safia Said
After
subsequent delays that hampered the election schedules, the long-waited day for
the Somali people has arrived with hope and excitement. The mood of the Somali
people has long been in between hope and despair. It was a fate that only the
clan-based MPs could either make a history by fulfilling their people’s
passionate wish or renewing the status quo of incompetence, corruption and
nepotism.
Fortunately,
the Somali parliamentarians of the both houses voted for the right cause. They
challenged not only their clannism upbringing but also the naked foreign
agendas that dictated the political process of Somalia. A new chapter for
Somalia has been turned over with beautiful lyrics and history was made.
This
nation has come from very far, full of series weak governments, intense clan
warfare and protracted humanitarian catastrophes, which put the country on the
top list of the failed states as well as the most corrupt of the world. It is a
hallmark that is labeled to every single Somali person living inside or outside
of the country. The current state of Somalia has nothing to be proud of and
only makes you feel ashamed and humiliated.
It
is no denial that the country needs serious state building efforts that require
collective responsibilities and collaboration. It is an effort that is obliged
to every Somali citizen to uphold and safeguard the strong values and the
national principles of unity, justice and nationhood of the Somali people. As a
nation we must understand that we have passed the clan system in that very
historic day of the election. The day that we have decided as people to depart
from this deceiving elite-centric system that brought us where we are right
now.
Therefore,
it is time to pass another test as a nation. This will test our willing to
bring back the Unity “Midnimo” of
Somali people. Although it is a fact that every Somali affiliates to a certain
clan, but the uniting factor is that we are all one clan called “ Somali” and
therefore we should present ourselves as proud Somali citizens that uphold the
harmony and the need of their Somali brethren. That will be our new hallmark “Somalia
comes first” and if only we understand this formula then we could build a
country and a nation we are proud of.
Importance of Young Voices
Young
voices are the backbone and the power of any nation in this world. They
constitute a reservoir brimming with potential energy ready to be guided for
good or ill. They can either be used to engage in a senseless violence or to
step-up as agents of change to improve their situation and contribute to the
peace-building and reconciliation efforts.
In
this very moment as we step toward the new Somali chapter, the history is in
the making and it is important to emphasize that the participation of the youth
is an indispensable vehicle for sustaining and maintaining progress in the
country. It is undoubtedly, that our youth are innovative, skillful and full of
potential that must be explored in an empowering environment.
State
rebuilding is an inclusive process. It is a process that entails psychological,
physical and social aspects of renewal. It is not a process to be left to a
specific group of people as it may result in slipping back into failure. Solid
changes are needed to ensure that progress is made and the input of the young
united Somali people are heard and respected across all Somalia regions.
Conclusion
To move
forward as agents for change, it is very important to be part of the change
itself. First and foremost, we need to develop a conscious awareness of our
current condition and standpoint to realize the extent of the change that need
to be cultivated. Secondly, We need to promote a new political culture that
goes beyond clan affiliation and rewards the individual merit. Thirdly, as
vehicles for change, we must increase our sense of collectivism and sharing
responsibilities that can foster the equitable distribution of our nation’s
wealth. Finally, we should enhance our global awareness to motivate our
individual perspectives and actions in a world that is increasingly competitive
and globalized.
Contributor:
Safia Said
MA International Development Management
University of Bradford, UK
Email: [email protected]