By: Ali Attore Kusow
kusowm@yahoo.com

September/14/2005

Somalia is at a turning point on its “Political” evolution. Somalis are a society in which success and achievements are valued through struggle and competition, where also seeking advantage over the weak and less powerful is part of the daily life. Moreover, the political reality in Somalia today is based on unrealistic and self created challenges and crises perpetrated by the “warlords” in pursuit of their own shortsighted and selfish targets. One does not have to be a rocket scientist to comprehend the results of those aforementioned socially created problems, which are precursors of nothing, but destruction and disaster. So, such crises as we know causes powerlessness for individuals to function in a given society, and thus, it creates a problem to certain people (i.e.: women, children, and the elderly). In other words those who are not able to defend themselves also known as “Looma ooyayaasha.” Therefore, the problem of powerlessness only accelerates, and further contributes to the diminishing of the enduring human bonds. Thenceforth, if one realizes that truth will eventually prevail, then one will acknowledge that Somalia needs no guns and definitely warlords. But, people who know how to care deeply about human dignity, social welfare, especially the neediest in the society, including women, children, and elderly people are utterly weary and confused.

Moreover, there is lack of effort to create a conducive environment that provides rehabilitation, education and healthcare for the young hoodlums locally known as Mooryaans. Since the beginning of the conflict these Mooryaans have been misled by the powerful warlords who manipulated their thinking and action and used them for their own interests. Moreover, the youth have experienced a tremendous amount of powerlessness, in their society, because of the fact that there is no formal education since the collapse of the state institutions, and hence, there is no body to look up to (role model). Therefore, the “Moryans” matured in a social structure where “survival of the fittest” is the magic word, and also chewing “Qat”, Rape, Robbery, Burning and Looting are appreciated profoundly. Thus, in Somalia the norm became that you have no choice, but to defend yourself, your family, and your belongings.

Worse yet, none of the members of the newly minted “Parliament” or the “Cabinet” ever mentioned or discussed about educating or rehabilitating these delinquent juveniles. As of now there are no known rehabilitation programs in place. This is mainly so because virtually all the members of the parliament and cabinet, at least the powerful ones, not surprisingly, happen to be the warlords who brought this country where it is today. These warlords happen to loot, rape, and pillage, impoverish and kill thousands of Somalis and yet it is them we are expecting to bring peace in Somalia. I believe that if a person is thwarted on his/her way to attain certain ambition, with a feeling of being the shaper of the landscape, but not merely figure in the landscape, especially that of the youth. Then, there is no doubt in my mind, that the resulting frustration will change its course into an aggressive response. So, one could assume that the ends will never justify the means, so, to me, that, and only that, will lead the country back into an anarchy and chaos. And rest assured that, I am not generalizing all the Somali “politicians”. Rather, I am linking information or ideas together, to shed a light on where the warlords are at today, in terms of politics and governance. Therefore, the Somali people, should be aware of the reality of the uneducated and irrational mobsters who do not intend to work towards the betterment of the women, children and the elderly, let alone, creating social programs to bring the warring factions to a common ground.

However, one can succeed in influencing or manipulating the way inwhich some people, especially the naïve look at the world around them, and also how they respond important events in their lives. One good example is to ask ourselves the question as to What can Melis and Ethiopia, do for us, in terms of the reconciliation and reconstruction of Somalia?, when we all know that Ethiopia is the worst enemy of Somalia. For that occasion I wrote a poem to express my hypothetical analysis on the Ethiopian question, towards the reconstruction and reconciliation of the Somali warring factions. Even though most of the people of Somalia, do recognize me as a well known Guitarist for one of Somalia’s most respected musical groups, the IFTIN BAND, I shall hereby recite several verses of a poem written by me for the occasion, in light of the famous Somali Song, “SOOMAALI BAAN AHAY” written by my teacher/one of Somalia’s most respected song writers, who is also a Somali Scholar, a biologist/Master of Somali literature, from the college of Education, Lafoole. Mr. Saed Salah, and this is, his literature, about Somalis and their utmost respect for their customs, and cultural behavior:

“DABEEYSHAN LA SOCOD AHAY,

SAL FUDEEYDNA UMA KOCO,

WAABAAY SUNAAN AHAY,

MARNA SAMA WADAAN AHAY,

SAMIR BAAN HAGOOGTAA.

NINKAAN TEEYDU SOLI KARIN,

UMA YEELO SUU RABO.

NINKA IGA SED ROONOOW,

SIINTAADA MAGACA LEH OGOOW KAAMA SUGAYEE.”

HANA ORAN SASABO BADOW,

DAREEN SEEXDA MALIHIYOO, SOOMAALI BAAN AHAY.”

Ninkii Aabahay Dilay
Oo adeerkeey addima jaray
Albaabkeenna Meyd Dhigay
Miyaan aaminaayaa
Ibtilaan u Barinee
Afartaan dhurwaayee
U adeegta xabashida
Allahayoow intaan jiro
Miyaan erey ka yeelaa
Ummaddii la laayiyo
Wixii iil la wada dhigay
Waa Illoow ayaa yiri
Intuu inanba noolyahay
Eedeheey dhigeen baan
Soo ururin weynee
Ma ayaan dalxiis baa
Marba iibsigeeygani

In conclusion, I believe that no one should be subordinate for anybody else, and in return nobody is blamed for anybody’s short comings. And, as has been stated by Abraham Maslow long time ago, “humans are the masters of their destiny, regardless of the Environment”. The Somali peace effort or peace keeping mission is for Somalis at large to decide, but, not anybody else. And keep in mind that, the biggest problems that the majority of the Somali people are talking about nowadays is what can “Ethiopia” do for us, and why don’t they clean their backyard first, before they even think about other people’s yard. Therefore, I am left with no option but, to sum up my opinion with one final thought, which is, flat out, why should you believe in the messenger, if you do not believe in the message to begin with.

By: Ali Attore Kusow
kusowm@yahoo.com

Gardarada Soomaliland ee Gobolada SSH

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