Somalia: Foolishness or Bad Character?

 Somalia is a country among those devastated by multi-faceted conflicts that seem to have transcended human solutions.

When you look at the society generally, it is one susceptible to political interference coming from those they consider allies, but who are united by strategic interests.

Apart from the neighboring countries that do not hide their influence and interference in internal affairs, there are countries whose ambitions are not directly visible, and others that Somalis can see, but circumstances compel them to look the other way.

The interests that countries like Egypt, the UAE and Turkey have in Somalia are evident.

The USA, the EU, and the Scandinavian countries are united by the interest of already being allies and members of NATO, they determined to make sure that Somalia not sign a cooperation agreements with China and Russia.

Egypt does not possess the economic power or political influence to change the situation in Somalia. This is because Somalis are not united but are divided into regions partitioned by clans. Since Cairo lacks the economic power to pursue its interests, it seeks instead to intertwine itself with the Arab League and the anxiety Somalis have regarding Ethiopia's ambition for their sea. Ethiopia is a country with which Somalia has had fierce wars in the past. Neither of them achieved victory, and that deep-rooted hostility has precluded them from cooperating in a good-neighborly manner.

However, the current Ethiopian leaders repeatedly make statements that suggest Ethiopia believes it can exploit the military and political weakness in Mogadishu.

The Egyptians view Somalia as a country they can use to their advantage in the perennial dispute over the Nile waters with the Ethiopians. This makes Somalia a place where the Egyptians can apply pressure on the Addis Ababa administration.

Turkey's ambition is long-term. It relates to its Strategic Policy in Africa. They see Mogadishu as the gateway through which Turkey can enter Africa. It is a policy related to Turkey's expansion. Somalis are not apprehensive about engaging with Turkey, as they see Turkey as respecting a long-standing religious friendship.

The UAE has an economic power and its interest is limited to the principle of "divide the Somalis and rule." While perhaps acting as a proxy for other hidden powers, the UAE has seen its interest in gaining control of Somalia's long coastline. The primary objective is to obstruct Somalia's development of economic potential in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden. The main interest is to protect the Red Sea from Somali ports. This is to ensure that the ports of Yemen, Sudan, Eritrea, and even Eritrea do not become an obstacle to the Jebel Ali port in the Emirates. Coupled with this, the Emirates aspire to take control of Somalia's vast agricultural land. This is the second agenda item that they do not openly mention, but which they discuss with Somali politicians at various levels.

The Western countries' true motivation for interfering in Somalia is a long-term strategic one. Somalia's geographical location and its untapped natural resources give it special importance. These are complex games related to the geopolitics of the Horn of Africa and the struggle of the great powers. The West is closely watching Turkey's movements inside Somalia. They are also present in Somalia to prevent Somali politicians from dealing or forming alliances with China and Russia.

All these matters require a master class political calculation that Somali people do not see from their elected leaders.

Now, is it foolishness on the part of Somali politicians that they become servants to countries pursuing their own special interests?

Or is the matter not foolishness, but the bad political character and lack of political vision, which compels them to sell the responsibility they hold to the Somali people for small amounts of money?

DOODA MUQDISHO: ARIN U BAAHAN KALA CADAYN

 Dooda Caasimada Muqdisho iyo yaa leh waa hadalo ma dhaleeys ah oo badanaa lala soo boodo kolka ay xaraarada doorashada kacdo.

Muqdisho waxaa leh ummadda Soomaaliyeed, waayo Caasimadu waa shumaca isirka Soomaaliyeed, fad ama ha fadine.

Balse, xasuuso goortii ugu dambeeysay ee doodahan lala YIMAADO saaxada dadweeynaha iyo MW Farmaajo jawaabtii uu ka bixiyey iyo halkii ay martay. 13 kii senator meeday?

Bulshada reer Banaadir iyo Soomaalida kale waa in aysan dhalanteed run moodin.

Meeqaamka Muqdisho waxa uu u garba duuban yahay sida Dowlad-dhiska Soomaaliyeed uu nidaamka Federaalka  ugu afduuban tahay!

Bulshada Soomaaliyeed ee himmiladoodu tahay Jamhuuriyad  Federaal ah waa in marka hore Isla meeldhigto nidaamka iyo qaabka Federaal ee dalku yeelanayo.

Waa halkaas mushkilada mudan in xal laga gaaro. Qaabab la raaco oo shaqeeyey ayaa Jira. 

Dunida waxaa ka Jira 25 ilaa 27 dal oo Federaal ah.

Doorka Caasimadaha dalalkaasi waxaa  (in ay yihiin xubin ka mid ah Dowlada federaal ama in ay yihiin Degmo ay maamusho Dowlada Dhexe), lagu xaliyey qaabka Federaal ee dalalkaasi qaateen. Yacni waa in heshiis bulsho laga gaaro.

Tusaale, Dalka USA waxaa Caasumad u ah Degmada Washington DC doorkeedana waa In ay tahay Degmo Dowlada Dhexe hoostimaada.

Halka Dalka Jarmalka oo caasimadiisu tahay Berlin ay Berlin tahay Dowald-Goboleed la mid tahay 15ka Gobol ee kale ee dalka.

Si kale haddaan u dhigo:Dalalka USA, India, Nigeria, Mexico, Australia

caasimadahooda Dowlada Dhexe ayaa si toos u maamusho.

Waxaa jira dalal kale oo si la mid ah Jarmalka Caasimada siiyey doorka Maamul-Hoboleed oo laga xusi Karo Beljiga iyo Austriya.

Dhanka kale, waxaa jira dalal  Federaal ah oo doorka Caasimadahooda ka dhigay Degmo ku dhextaal Dowlad-Goboleed, sida Iswiserland iyo Kanada.

Waxa mudan in la xaliyo waa xaqiiqda degaan ee bulshada Muqdisho. Marka waa in ceelkeeydu (siyaasiyiinta) ka heshiiyaan nooca Federaal ee dalku  qaadanayo iyo meeqaamka Caasimada Muqdisho yeelaneeyso.

Halse waa qasab in la fahmo:

 Dadka degaanka Muqdisho waa in aan dood ma dhaleeys ah lagu daalin. Waa in ay si la mid ah sida  degaanada kale ee dalka ay usoo doortaan golahooda degaanka iyo Duqa Magaalada Muqdisho si toos ah.

Su'aasha ah Xamar yaa leh, jawaabtu waa Soomaali baa leh.

THE STATUS OF MOGADISHU: A CALL FOR CLARITY

The debate over the ownership and administration of Mogadishu as the capital city is essentially a distraction—a rhetorical tool often deployed when electoral tensions are high.

Mogadishu is the property of the entire Somali nation. It is the essential symbol of Somali identity, regardless of political sentiments.

However, we must recall the last time this specific debate was brought into the public sphere, former President Farmaajo's response to it, and its ultimate resolution. What became of the proposed 13 senators? 

The people of Banadir and all other Somalis should not be fooled into mistaking these political fantasies for reality.

Mogadishu’s current status is paralyzed because the entire project of Somali state-building is essentially being held hostage by the current Federal system framework and the never-ending Provisional Constitution.

Therefore, the Somali public, whose ambition is to establish a functioning Federal Republic, must first come to a clear agreement on the specific structure and form of Federalism the country will adopt. This is the core problem that demands a solution. There are models that can be adopted without wasting time and resources for how to solve the Mogadishu issue.

There are between 25 and 27 Federal nations globally.

The role of their capital cities—whether the capital is treated as a component of the Federal government or a District managed by the central authority—was resolved through prior public consensus on the chosen model of Federalism.

For instance, the USA's capital is the District of Columbia (Washington, DC), which is managed directly by the Central Government.

Conversely, Germany's capital, Berlin, holds the status of a full Federal State (a Länder), equal to the other 15 states in the country.

To summarize the key models:

 * Central Government Control: Countries like the USA, India, Nigeria, Mexico, and Australia see their capitals managed directly by the national government.

 * Regional State Status: Countries like Germany, Belgium, and Austria treat their capital as an equal, independent Regional State.

 * District within a State: Countries like Switzerland and Canada place the capital as a district located within a larger Federal State.

What is crucial to resolve is the democratic right and local reality of the people living in Mogadishu. This means that our political leaders (ceelleeydu) must agree on both the type of Federalism the nation will adopt and the political status Mogadishu will ultimately hold.

But one principle must be clearly understood:

The local residents of Mogadishu must not be exhausted by futile political arguments. They must be given the right to directly elect their own local council and the Mayor of Mogadishu, just like the residents in all other regions of the country.

The final answer to the question, 'Who owns Xamar (Mogadishu)?' is simple: 'All Somalis own it.

Clan Dynamics, Injustice, and Somalia's State Failure

Injustice has been an instrumental driving force behind the dysfunctional system of governing in Somalia for a significant period, and yet nothing is changing the mindset of the political class.

This reinforces the correlation between Somali clan dynamics—including relations within sub-clans—and national stability. When powerful clans systematically suppress the less powerful ones, the ultimate outcome is a severe loss of national cohesion and the collapse of the state.

The mechanism of suppression extends far beyond mere political competition. It involves the abuse of power by influential clans that control access to state resources, political appointments, and the justice system. Consequently, the benefits of the state flow disproportionately to dominant clans and their affiliated groups. This leaves the remaining groups in a marginalized and vulnerable position, making them susceptible to further manipulation and deepening their political disenfranchisement.

1969 Revulotion of Somalia

 21st October revulotion holds a historic place in Somalia's history.

On this day in 1969, the National Armed Forces seized power. The timing itself was significant—just five days after the assassination of the President of the Republic. The ruling political elites of the Somali Youth League (SYL), plagued by corruption, failed to elect a new president.  

The political deadlock was largely driven by disputes over clan affiliations. The main disagreement among politicians was about which clan the new president should come from.  

Some advocated for an open and fair election, while others insisted that the new president should be selected from the same clan as the slain former president. This deepened the crisis and ultimately led to the coup d'état.

More than half a century since gaining independence, Somalia's political landscape remains deeply troubled. Corruption has intensified, and the state's authority has been eroded by entrenched clan divisions. The actors undermining national unity have succeeded in fragmenting the country into dysfunctional enclaves, impeding governance and sustainable development.

Government's empty promis

 DO YOU GET IT TIGHT?

I DON'T IT

The Somali people have heard about the concept of "one person, one vote" elections, and the current Somali leaders often speak about it, regardless of their intentions.

The phrase "one person, one vote"  is not a bad one—it reflects a long-standing desire of the Somali people to directly express their vote. However, the Somali people do not fully understand the mechanisms required to achieve it. They are told that countries which experienced war, like Iraq and Afghanistan, have already held such elections.

But have they asked who conducted those elections? What was the underlying interest? And what became of the democratic outcomes in those countries?

In truth, the phrase "one person, one vote" is sweet like the flesh of a date, but bitter like its pit.

That is to say, the essence of one person one vote requires several conditions to legitimize its outcome:

1) Security and the possibility of transparent and equal participation  

2) An agreed-upon electoral environment.  

3) Independent and neutral electoral staff. 

4) A government that administers voting across all borders of the country. 

5) An official census and identification system to verify voter citizenship. 

6) Resources, skills, and infrastructure necessary to conduct nationwide elections, such as independent broadcasting, communication, logistics, etc.  

7) A fair judiciary trusted by both the public and the candidates  

When these points are compared to the current reality of the country—its fragmented population, the conflicts with Al-Shabaab and ISIS, etc.—it becomes clear that it is not feasible, within the remaining time of this administration and the current state structure, to claim that a nationwide, consensus-based election using the "one person, one vote" model can be held.

I personally do not understand what is meant by this claim.

Reflecting on Arta Peace Conference

 Only the ignorant celebrate the time and place where their dignity was buried.

Although critical analysis is not widespread among Somalis, I have observed voices on social media questioning the true intent behind the Carta Conference, which introduced the deeply flawed 4.5 clan power-sharing formula—four major clans and a "half" for minorities. One must ask: where did this concept of a “half clan” originate? What criteria was it based on, especially in the absence of a reliable census?

This formula has no precedent in global governance and was crafted by individuals regarded as Somali intellectuals—many of whom were aware of its harmful nature, yet still promoted it as a “solution.”

Now, 25 years later, the question remains: if it wasn’t a solution, what was it? I reflect on the age of the clan conflict at that time—it was barely nine years old. So how old and entrenched is it now, post-Carta? It becomes clear that the path chosen was misguided. At the time, there was no religious war, no foreign troops, and no externally imposed government. While the situation was far from ideal, Somalis still held ownership of their destiny.

Let us not pretend that warlords were the only issue then. Today, we face an even more troubling reality: a multitude of self-proclaimed presidents, enabled by the same flawed 4.5 system. Worse still, some of these leaders openly sell out the country—and are applauded for it.

This is not a critique of our Djiboutian brothers, but rather a reflection on how circumstances have evolved.

As for me, I believe the true solution lies in a unified Somali state—one government that represents all Somalis equally. Perhaps I am the one who fails to understand, having never embraced the revolving cast of factions and the ever-growing number of presidents.

The hope that Somalia will rise from its ashes lives in the collective consciousness of its people. However, this hope can only be realized through comprehensive reform—starting from Youth Awakening.

Nidaamka afar iyo bar iyo 2016ka

Soomaalida iyada ayaa iska dumisay Qarankeedii, kadib kolkiii Jabhado qabyaalada ku dhisan ay xukunka ka tuureen Madaxweyene Maxammed S. Barre oo 21 sanno dalka ka talinayey. Jabhaduhu ma lahayn qorshe xukun oo dhamaystiran oo ay ku midaysan yihiin. Waxa kaliya oo ay isku raacsanaayeen waxaa la dhihi karaa waa xukun-maroorsi ku dhisan han-qabiil. Han-qabiileedkii waxuu daahfuray sida Soomaalidu ay u tahay bulsho wadaniyadu aad ugu yartay, ama danta qabiilka ka hormariya tan dalka. Ilaa 15 kulan oo xal loogu raadinayo mushkilada Soomaaliya ayaa la qabtay.

Maxsuulkii kasoo baxay waxuu noqday in Soomaaliyi ku qancaan nidaam Federaali ah iyo in awooda xukunka lagu qaybsado nidaamka afar iyo bar (4.5), afar qabiil oo waaweyn, sida Daarood, Dir, Digi iyo Mirifle , Hawiye iyo Qabiilada yaryar ee laga tirada badan yahay. Qaacidadan qaloocan waxaa isla gartay ayaa la dhihi karaa caaqiladii dagaalka ee waqtigaas awooda lahaa iyo qabiilada Soomaaliyeed oo qudhoodu caadifad qabiil ay ahayd halbeegga cadaaladooda. Indheergaradka iyo aqoonyahanka Soomaaliyeed dood-cilmiyeed ma gelin hannaanka afar iyo bar. Waxaase si nafsi ahaan laysku raacay in ay tahay arin looga gudbayo mushkilad waqtigaas taagnayd.
Ujeedadu waxay ahayd in loo gudbo nidaam muwaadinka Soomaali damaanad qaadaya oo loo siman yahay. Hayaankaas weli waa lagu jiraa oo reerku ma degin!

Aan taariikhda dib u jaleecno

Ka dib kolkii Qaranka Soomaaliyeed ka xoroobay saancadihii waxaa la dhidbay Jamhuuriyada Soomaaliya oo ay ku midoobeen koofurta iyo Waqooyiga Soomaaliya. Nidaamka Siyaasiga ah ee dalka waxaa lagu saleeyey nidaamka xisbiyada badan. Waxaana xukunkii dalka gacanta ku dhigay Xisbigii wadaniga ahaa ee S.Y.L. waloow ay dalka ka jireen xisbiyo kale, Soomaalidu waxay ku qanacday xisbigii Leego oo hormuudka ka ahaa kifaaxii xorriyada.

Midoowgii labadii Gobol ee xoroobay, samaystana dowlad loo dhan yahay, kama aanay shaqayn nidaam kala qeexaya qaabka xukunka dalka loo wadaagayo (waa koofur iyo Waqooyiye), waxaase gentleman-agreement iska ahaa in waqooyi iyo Koofur xukunka loo wadaago. Taasi ma dhicin. Madxweeynhii dalka waxuu gacanta u galay Hawiye, Wasiirkii koowaadna waxaa isna gacanta u galay Daarood, G. Barlamaanka waxaa gacanta laga saaray Dir(ISxaaq). Dhanka Awoodaha Dowliga ah, sida Taliyaha Xoogga Dalka waxaa la booday Hawiye, kan Boliiska waxaa la booday Daarood, Taliya ciidanka Asluubtana waxaa la booday Dir (Isxaaq), Digil iyo Miriflena waxba lagama siisn saamigii ay dalka ku lahaayeen.

Su’aashu waxay tahay ma si kama ah ayey taasi ku dhacday, mise waxaa jiray awood-qaybsi sanka layska geliyey?
U fiirso; Madxweeyne waa Hawiye, Ra’iisul wasaare waa Darood, gudoomiyihii Barlamaanka waa Isaaq (Dir). Soomaalidii kale cidina uma hambayn. Weliba qabiilkii afaraad, Digil iyo Mirifle, marna lama xasuusan! Waxaa kaliya awoodqaybsiga laga siiyey Wasaarada Maaliyada. Halka Wasaaradaha A.Dibada, A.Gudaha iyo Gaashaandhiga kala qaateen Hawiye, Daarood iyo Dir (Isaaq). Sow lama dhihi karo 4.5ka waxa ka horeeyey in afar qabiil wax lagu wadaagi jiray? Taasuse ma ahayd cadaalad loo aayey?

Waqtigan iyo awoodqaybsiga.

Hadda oo lagu jiro wax la dhihi karo tiih-Qaran, awooda waxaa lagu wadaagay afar iyo bar. Waxaa kaliya oo isbedelay wax in lagu sheegay in laga tirobadan yahay, la yiri bar ha la siiyo! Weli cadaaladii waa ay buktaa, lamana haayo ruux u danqaday oo dabiib la raadaiya! Nidaamkii kumeelgaarka looga baxayey waxa garwadeen ka ahaa beesha caalamka. Siyaasiyiinta Soomaaliduna dul-joog ayey ka ahaayeen waxaana lagu gaaray nidaamka hadda jira ee Madaxweeyne Xasan sheekh ku yimid.
Madaxweeynihii la doortay waxuu isku dayey inuu awood-qaybsiga golaha fulinta ku saleeyo shan-beelood. Waxii ka dhacay waa la ogaa. Siyaasiyiintii doorashdii Madxweeynenimada looga adkaaday waxay bilaabeen in ku ay doodaan in DASTUURKII la reedmarqay.
Taasi waxay ka marqaati ka tahay in siyaasiga Soomaaliga ahi aanuu daacad ka ahayn in laga gudbo qabiil wax ku qaybsiga, loona gudbo habka hal qof hal cod!

Doorashada 2016ka ma lagu salayn-doonaa 4.5, xalse ma tahay?

Jawaabta oo kooban waa haa! Waxa la badinayaa tirada ergada qabaa’ilada Soomaalida ka imaanayo, iyada oo loo gelinayo shaar federaal (Maamul-Goboleed). Nuxurkuse waxba kama duwaanan-doono afar iyo bar. Ergadaas oo lagu soo xuli doono qabiil basle la yiri waxay metelaan Dowlad Goboleedyo, ayaa inoo xuli doona/dooran doona Xildhibaanada Hay’ada sharci-dejinta. Waa ku qabatay iyo Qadar Alle!
Waxaa la rajaynayaa in haddii ergado badato musuqo yaraan-doono. Waayo, 1000 qofood lama wada laaluushi karo. Su’aaasha malyuunka jooga ayaa ah maxaa bedel ah oo afar iyo bar looga gudbi karaa? Sida aan korkusoo xusay, Soomaaliyi waligeed ma helin Dowlad aan Qabiil ku dhisnayn. Tii rayidka ee la yiri waxay ahayd Demoqoraadi qabiil baa Qarankii loo kala boobay. Tii Ciidamadu hogaaminayeen, iyana qabiil baa wax lagu saleeyey.
Shantii Golaha sare qaab qabiil ayey ku salaysanaayeen.

Aniga waxaan soo jeedin lahaa in nidaamka Federaalka oo aan u jeedno sida uu ufool-xunyahay, loogu danaystay,  inaan xoojino intii la sixi karona la saxo. In dalka laga hirgeliyo toddoba ilaa siddeed Dowlad-Goboleed, awoodqaybisigana lagu saleeyo maamul-Goboleedyadas. Weli waxaan soo jeedinayaa, tirakoob dhab ah ka dib, in muwaadin kasta oo Soomaali ah Warqadda Aqoonsiga loogu qoro qabiilka uu yahay iyo Dowlad Goboleedka uu kasoo jeedo. Waa hubaa in ay dhib badan tahay oo ay misna doodo laga keenayo.

Balse, waxaa iyana dhib badan oo taas ka daran in Qarankii gacanta Soomaalida ka baxo inta qabiilada Soomaaliyeed ukala dhuumanayaa dalal nacab u ah Qarankooda. Waayo, waxaan arkayaa in qabiilu yahay summadda Soomaalida baadi-sooca u ah. Warqada aqoonsiga ee qofka Soomaaliga ah waa qabiil, taasina waxay nagu qasbaysaa in qabiil si quman qoorta loo surta oon maalin shaar Qaran la qaadan, habeenkiina shaarka qabiilka.

Sideedaba aadanauhu cadaalad ma gaaro. Waxaasu lagu dadaali karaa in la helo nidaam caddaaladda loogu dhawaado. Haddaan siyaasiga iyo waxgaradka Soomaaliyeed guntiga u xiran samatabixinta Qarankeena, waa hubaal in dhaxal-wareega ubbadkeena cidkale u maqnayn. Waxaan kusoo koobayaa cadaalad daro wax ka daran ma jiraan. Ummad is-xaqirtaana horumar ma gaarto. Indheergaradka Soomaaliga ahi waxaa hortaal inuu laba kala doorto; dulinimo iyo gobanimo taam ah.
Gobanimada buuxdaa waxay u baahan tahay in qiimo badan lagu bixiyo. Waa mid qaaliya oo u baahan naf iyo maal in loo huro. Waxa ugu mudan in Qaran Gob ah loo huraana waa Aqoonta.

One's Welfare is another's nightmare

Culture is a mirror of life and conveys communities’ practice and enriches its history. Judiciously applied it builds bridges between the societies and empowers the communities With past memories and present practices.
Somali culture is not far differ than those of our fellow Africans. We share a lot and differ more. But similarities sometimes outweigh by the sparking contrasts. We are proud of being a part of African civilization and its national customs.
Our African heritage is not deniable, but it harbors hazardous customs. Circumcisions of girls are the striking similarities that we share with our fellow Africans. It is this phenomenon that hurts Somali immigrants in Europe and at home. Even though we are miles away from this malicious act and it’s save heavens, Somali parents pay heavy prizes for its legacy in abroad. These horrors embed many Somali homes and incriminate many other innocent families of Somalis and our fellow Africans as well.
The question is not whether particularly Somalis in the west still practice this tradition or not. It is about the perception of the young Somali generations in abroad and the enforcements of the laws of child welfare that is mainly adopted to protect the African girl populations in the west. Most Somalis are law-abiding citizens. They are no longer practicing this inhumane tradition, but yet are the victims of unprofessional, culturally motivated prejudice against them.

The news papers are full of alarming articles stating that some Somali families still continue to practice a female genital mutilation (FGM) in Norway and elsewhere in Europe. A tradition some wrongly believe that has something to do with religion; others view it as a holy practice that one has to carry it forward with any price. While the majority [Somalis] view it as a hideous act that has its root from pharos of ancient Egypt and it has something to do with a mere control of women’s sexualities. However, our holy religion emphasizes that the significance of male circumcision which also one can find in other books of Moses and Issa the son of Marry. When it comes to the circumcision of female, there is no evidence supporting this notion in any holy books and traditions of profits at all.

Therefore, accusing an individual or group of Somali origin of this crime is indeed a serious allegation if not substantiated by evidence. In the past it was common factor that the media attacks Somali communities in Europe. We were in part of daily entertainments that the majority used to pass time. Somalis was labeled as antisocial, abusers of the welfare system and most marginalized groups of minorities in Europe.

The recent incident that attracted my attention was an event in western Norway, where a Somali family was detained for about one-week and two of their children were taken by the Norwegian Child Welfare Authority (NCWA). This was a serious mistake, if it is not proven it beyond the reasonable doubt. And a case in hand was a baseless allegation against the family and violation of their civic rights. After the request of family lawyer, a team of doctors had carried out medical investigation on the girls’ gentile. Their conclusion was that there was no evidence supporting the claim of NCWA. The police and NCWA have argued that they were acting accordingly to the law and their task was to make sure that the welfare of these girls must be assured. Girls’ welfare was indeed, in this case, a nightmare for the parents of these children. Parents are confused and do not know what to do. The Somali community also is puzzled and cannot figure out why these mistakes occur time and time again! It is an understandable though that enforcement of this new law in Norway would eventually save some individuals from the vulnerable groups of African backgrounds. But where is the professionalism of those executing these laws? Do they lack multicultural sensitivity or is just power demonstration upon the minorities? I wonder how any Norwegian family would have reacted upon if the police nocks on their door and take away their children for the pretext of child abuse without established evidences.

It is worth to mention that a local newspaper presented detailed accounts of those who may behind this incriminating story. The paper revealed the name of a Norwegian organization, Human Rights Service, which according to the VG behind this drive. The information officer of HRS, Hege Storhaug, is referred as a beneficiary of this blackmail business against Somali families in Norway. The HRS receives millions of krones from Norwegian government which in practice intended to help fight against female genital mutilation. Read it here: http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=216868
This Human Rights Service is among other organizations that benefit from misery of this culture. HRS receives over million state aids from the Norwegian government in order to protect these young girls. But the paper also presents the names with pictures of three girls from minorities groups. At least two of them are from Somali communities who vigorously spoken out against the behaviors and procedures of HRS. One of the girls admits that Hege Storhaug has exploited their plight instead of giving them protection.
This shows only how pity it is to be a visible "minority Group" in this country that faces a wrath of a more powerful media…

A Child’s Curiosity an adult’s Agony

By
Abdullahi A. Mohammed

I’m writing this article on my reflection of a brief discussion between my daughter (Hawa) and I.

She is 7- years old and about to finish her 1st grade of Primary School.
One morning while I was listening to and watching a news clip on a BBC Channel on TV, Hawa drew my attention and surprised me with dose of thought provoking questions that had even the capacity of jamming any possible answers, if I had any at all.
These questions are so relevant, so insightful and a food for thought that I believe I have to put them forward to all Somalis to find convincing answers for this child. Below is the dialogue that ensued between Hawa and me:

Hawa: Father, what are you watching?
Father: A piece of news.
Hawa: Is it about Somalia, and its wars?
Father: I hesitated to answer the question.
Hawa: Father is that war among the Somalis, or..?
Father: (Shying away from these embarrassing questions I said) dear, let’s catch the bus.
Hawa: (She will not stop asking) Why should the Somalis be killing each other?
Aren’t Somalis Muslims? People should be nice to each other… that are what our teachers say. Don’t they [Somalis] go to Schools?”
At this juncture I assured my daughter that it was not the question about the faith of Somalis. I explained that Somalis are predominantly Muslim whose belief in Almighty Allah, and seal of prophets, Mohammed is not a questionable.
What I cannot convincingly tell her borders on whether Somalis love and care for each other. Not to disappoint the little child, I said to her that “you know there are many bad guys out there, but there are good ones too! For example, you know your uncle Awale is nice to you and loves you”.
Perhaps this explanation did not convince her one bit. So she said I should not worry she will ask her teacher at school today.

After I dropped her at school and on the way to work, I start to ponder the concerns of the little child! Tossing her concerns in my mind I asked myself the following question: Are these guys back home conscious of their actions? Do they care about the wellbeing of their fellow human beings who are but their brothers and sisters, daughters and sons, uncles and aunts, fathers and mothers? Does it matter what Hawa worries about at all?

Ironically, Hawa is born in a non-Muslim Country and goes to a public school. Her mother and I are always cautious not to talk about Somalia’s nightmare while the children are around and listening. Astonishment about Hawa’s questions we ask ourselves how much this little girl knew that informed these conscientious questions. How did she come across the information regarding Somalia’s seemingly endless civil war? How come those Somali Sheiks and Doctors of letters have never felt the way this little child has felt?

A child’s curiosity can indeed be an adult’s agony. These questions have not only dump founded me but have also agonized. I really cannot provide reasonable answers to my daughter. Simply put, I’m ashamed to find an excuse for these meaningless and inhuman fratricidal wars. Can any rational man and woman find a justification for this madness that has engulfed Somalia our beloved country?
When shall we stop shedding of the blood of innocent people, our own kith and kin?
When will Somali children go to School? When will their teachers say “people should be nice to each other”?

Somalia was once one of the beacons of African beauty, culture of music, generosity, arts and commerce. When shall men and women, the young and the old, stroll the beautiful beaches of Mogadishu, Kismayo, MerkaCadeey and Brawe peacefully?
When will the “Sheikhs” acknowledge, confess, their sins and stop politicizing our holy religion- Islam?
Has Almighty Allah not made sacred the life of Muslims and non-Muslims? Has He not made unjustified killing of plant, animal and human life forbidden?

Where did Al-shabab and its cohorts acquire this rubbish interpretation of Islam?
Islam is [and were] a path of peace, harmony and prosperity. It is a faith for over billion people around the world. In the dark ages of time Islam provided the light- and still does. It is the source of self-liberation and freedom of thinking. In other words it is the epicenter of modern thinking and civilization. Freedom of belief, tolerance, rational thinking, love and development of man and his environment are some of the essential landmarks of Islamic teaching.
Freedom of belief and association is one of the cardinal principles of Islamic teaching that is well elucidated in the Qur’an and the teaching of the Prophet. Factually, Islam is not what the neo-jihadist preaches - non-Muslim should be converted by force and by the sword. THERE IS NO COMPULSION IN RELIGION according to Islam.

Islam is a religion of peace, guidance, compassion, inclusion and mercy. It safeguards the rights of Muslims as well as non-Muslims. What on earth gives a neo-jihadist a right to determine another fellow Muslims’ faith? Where do they acquire such knowledge of discovering other peoples’ degree of believe, by condemning others and honoring themselves? Killing an innocent person in front of a mosque would not bring a perpetrator more close to Allah? Contrary, the doer would surely dwell in a hell fire and devoid of the mercy of God forever.
Islam is built on five pillars and six pillars of faith. To be a true Muslim one has to pronounce and live these noble pillars. True judgment is the preserve of Allah because only He knows what is hidden and manifest in one’s heart. Al-shabab therefore has no right whatsoever to judge another.

So, Al-Shabab’s pursuit of the worldly political power by crushing differences of opinions are disastrous condemnable. Did the Prophet not tell us that “honest differences of opinion are a blessing to my Ummah”?
Intolerance exacerbates the sufferings of our people. It erodes the chances of full and honest reconciliation among the Somalis. It kills the materialization of a new functioning Somali State. Much of these horrors, that are committed against the weak and able alike, squarely rest on the shoulders of so the called neo-jihadist in Somalia. The consequences of distorted interpretation of the word “Jihad” are overwhelmingly horrendous.

If these neo-jihadists and their distorted interpretation of Islam are not stopped, then the future of a Somalia of yesteryears will remain an illusion.
The defeat of this group, militarily, politically and spiritually, should remain the ultimate goal of every peace loving Somali!