Africa
Somali Nationalism: A Dead Concept?
January 9, 2012 · 30 Comments
By Peter Lockwood
What are the prospects for urgently needed national unity?
Nairobi, Kenya:
Since 1991, Somalia has undergone a tumultuous process of geopolitical reconfiguration. Some have termed this the ‘balkanisation’ of Somalia, where regions and states have sought varying degrees of autonomy from central government in Mogadishu. After Somaliland’s unilateral declaration of independence in 1991, other regions followed, such as the Puntland State of Somalia, which declared its autonomy as part of a federal State of Somalia in 1998.
At first glance, these moves have been vindicated. By fencing themselves off from the wider environment of political instability, Somaliland and Puntland have been able to create internal environments of relative peace. Without the spectre of Al Shabaab that the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) has had to compete with in South and Central Somalia, the Somaliland authorities have successfully expanded their capacity, and developed their economy, largely due to the healthy state of livestock exports from the northern port of Berbera. Next door, in Puntland, post-conflict reconstruction has likewise benefited from internal stability, and the more effective state apparatus which that has allowed.
Social mechanisms for ending conflicts within these societies have remained strong. Elders, religious leaders and politicians notably came together towards the end of last year to end conflict in Galkacyo, Puntland. That is not to say that the regions are without serious problems. As security concerns related to armed conflict fade away, other more social and cultural concerns have arisen in these areas, such as gender inequalities, urban poverty, and the plight of the large numbers of internally displaced persons who have fled the south.
However, as Puntland and Somaliland move towards reconstruction and development, South and Central Somalia has been left behind. Caught in the mire of insurgency, famine, and now foreign invasion, many Somalis in the region can only dream of the peace that their northern brothers and sisters have been able to secure.
Echoes of nationalism
For many Somalis, the concept of reunification is out of the question. The inter-clan warfare that precipitated the fall of the Siyad Barre regime, and continued long afterwards, remains embedded in the country’s social memory.
Despite this, for some intellectuals national identity, and some kind of nation-state remain the most logical and practical ways for the betterment of the Somali people. In his 2010 book Understanding the Somalia Conflagration, Afyare Abdi Elmi argued for a national federal system, but which would be flexible enough to accommodate regional autonomy and clan differences.
Such a prospect looks extremely unlikely when one looks at the current situation, and yet more than ever Somalia requires the strength that a national identity, and national political structures could bring. In his book, Abdi Elmi continues to advocate for the unity of Somalia, and its need to defend itself against neighboring powers such as Ethiopia and Kenya.
There is no doubt that the state has failed in Somalia, and that the Somali people are divided by clan, and ethnic identity. However, these divisions see some Somalis prosper, whilst others must live under foreign occupation.
The Kenyan invasion of 2011 saw the international media abound with talk of the creation of a buffer zone, a move that would further divide Somalia, and render it a pawn of other regional and international powers. A fundamental way of reversing this process would be the realisation that Somalis from all regions and states have a common identity and a related duty to protect one another. The politicisation of clan identity at national level has thus far hindered this, but a change needs to occur. Northern regions cannot sit by whilst the South is torn up according to the interests of other regional powers.
The need for national identity, national politics
Islam will always provide a unifying identity for Somalis, and it is in this spirit that a national identity ought to be resurrected. Prior to the collapse of the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) government in 2006, its chairman, Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys, stated that: “We will leave no stone unturned to integrate our Somali brothers in Kenya and Ethiopia and restore their freedom to live with their ancestors in Somalia.”
When faced with foreign occupation, and incursion, the need for Somalis from the north to assist their brothers and sisters in the south has become more important than ever. Whilst clan identity remains potent, Islam can provide the blueprint for a wider concept of Somali identity that can include the protection of all Somalis, especially those living in the South.
Think Africa Press
Monday, January 9, 2012
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By Mo Guled
Tags: Puntland, Somali Nationalism, Somalia, Somaliland, South Sudan
Readers Comments (30)
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Not interested in involving Somalilanders in the problems of Somalia proper. Not willing to risk our meager resources and the lives of our people for those that dont have any respect for the lives of their own. We need our young men and women to be in our schools and our work force not battling to bring Somalia into order.
The world doesnt understand that Somaliland is like what America was when the founders were building it, something new is happening in this corner in Africa and you cant just cut it at the knees when its just getting started by making it get involved in situations that are only going to make it weak!
Somaliland cant be captain save em!
This article is 20 years too late.If the people of Somalia will not help themselves, then nothing on earth can help them. The last vestiges of pan-somalism died in 1991. Like Somaliland, other Somalis in the region must chart their own course. The defunct "Somali Republic" was a fail experiment consigned to the history books.
The Author may be feeling humanly touch with Somalis, but there is no light at the end of the tunnel for Somalia for another decade or so. We Somalilanders do not wish to have anything with Somalia and their problem. Let them solve it and bring peace to their country. People like Afyare and others who earn money from overseas should go back to their native country and do something. Afyare belongs to Mr. Sheikh Sharifs family who reside in Mogadishu and its suroundings. Let him go there if he believes in Nationalism. He always mis-informs the Arabs about Somaliland and what our people did to concur the peace and stability we have in our land, he is someone who is against our endeavor and our statehood.
He [Afyare] denied our rights at Aljazeera Arabic TV interviews and yet talks about Nationalism and the betterment of Somalis. Wicked individual and our people should be careful people like him.
The author of this article is not only hidding his head in the sand but he also sounds like an Islmist. This is clear from the fact he is, of all Somalis, quoting Sheikh Dahir Aweys , one of the most brutal and ignorant fundamentalists Somalia has ever seen.
He is also not up to date with the reality in Puntland. From where did get the idea that peace has been broken in Galkacayo where assassination and killing is the order of the day. The same also goes for Puntland.
In fact, it is people like Sheikh Aweys who got Somalia's neighbours worried and we all know the result of that provocation – Ethiopia's invasion of Somalia.
What he also needs to understand is that Somaliland is not part of the Somalia that he is talking about. Somaliland reclaimed its independence and you will never see it making the mistake it did in 1960. Period.
Let them [Somalia] sort out their problems.
Akhii Ahmed, what is wrong with being an Islamist the root word of which is Islam? Please, be advised that he who likens themselves a people is of them. I hope you repent for your derogatory reference to Islam the same way the unbelievers do. Just brotherly advise that you remain mindful that if lucky enough, we will all be very soon laid and left alone in a dark hole of a few feet squared.
The fact remains Somaliland as a political entity has been an abject failure. No country has even shown any sympathy for recognition. Trying the same thing over and over agai and expecting a different result is insanity. As a model for local governance, it's a shinning example not just to Somalia but to Ethiopia as well
I thnk the author was/is a junior consultant at UNESCO in Nairobi; he proves his novicity by citing Afayer's "research " works.
@Omer Hussein Dualeh,
Yes, everyone knows that Afyare has a deep seated hatred for Somaliland. He is a devious character who hides behind the banner of Islam and Somali "unity" to justify his odious hypocrisy.
Somalis need each other. That is a fact. Without a functioning,effective government in in Somalia economic and human development is unlikely. I agree with the writer that Islam can create a common identity and a solution for the ongoing conflict. With the ruse of Arab-spring it is even more likely that a social revolution to take place. Somalis where ever they are need justice and equal income distribution not devision and denial for the other to exist and live in peace. We always lived together in peace and I believe a united Somalia is stronger and more resilient. The question is do we have the political will or are we more interested in preserving tribal interest and influence and keep denying the other?
Yahya , Northampton
TO YAHYA
Do you think we were not Islam when the government of Somalia was killing our people? Islam has nothing to do with what is happening at your door steps. Bring something substantial that relates to the problem you have out there. We are Muslims, and we made our mind and will never ever have anything to do with you.
BEERLAXAWSI WUXU DHAMAATAY 20 years ago.
@Yahya,
Somalis in Djibouti and Somaliland have got functioning governments of their own. So I guess you are referring to the Somalis in Somalia. We, Somalilanders, wish the Somalis in Somalia well.
You guys make me laughter as @Kayse dose always.
Nothing to add but just reading and look the strong the meaning of some random phrases and the realities of these guys expressed on this topic.
> " Author is junior consultant at UNESCO in Nairobi" >
> " we were not Islam when the government of Somalia was killing our people"
> "So I guess you are referring to the Somalis in Somalia"
> "unity" to justify his odious hypocrisy"
> "This article is 20 years too late.If the people of Somalia will not help themselves, then nothing on earth can help them. The last vestiges of pan-somalism died in 1991"
> "The Author may be feeling humanly touch with Somalis"
> "We need all our energy and resources to build our institutions "
> "The author of this article is not only hidding his head in the sand but he also sounds like an Islamist."
it was the old generation which destroyed somalia and somali natiomalism, but we the young generation will rebuild our beloved somalia we will forget tribalism and support the somali national unity, I am 17 years old I don't have any responsibility for the somali peoples sad condition, but I change the future of my people! we the young somalis who lives in the diaspora and having racism aganit us every day dont care about silly things such as qabil, for the rest of the world we are just somalis. Long live somali unity! my people will regain the dignity and nationhood we lost when brothers fougth aganist each other.
The only way Somaliland can involve in solving the crisis in Somalia, is when the World communities recognize the sovereignty of Somaliland. Otherwise, way do we need to blood our nose with no appreciation and we are always told you are part of the problem.
People in Hargeisa do't want Somalia, people in Sool and Sanaag don't want you. What is the solution?
I agree with Kayse
I think Kayse has made a good analysis by assessing the authors level of his education by using Afyare and Awys as a reference. Afyare is wicked man who often attempts to misguide the public opinion as Samatars my cousins.
ARTICLE BY PETER LOCKWOOD
ignorance is a bliss so true i'm sure peter lockwood has somalia's best interest at heart.
Somali nationalism only truly existed in Somaliland, the rest were always tribalists and clan minded people.
From day one, it was Somaliland that demanded all Somalis unify without asking any self interest but the South and other clans had other ideas. The flag, freedom, strong army and slogans for national pride all came from Somaliland. The south was one Italian military camp now under the leadership of UN Trusteeship because the south were not capable of ruling themselves.
As soon as we demanded that they be liberated and we formed the fake union in July 1960, the South right away carried out a massacre as they always do in the southern town of Wanlaweyn in Lower Shabelle region. In 1961 again the Somaliland army was tested again when the South warlords tried to assassinate the Somali president…nine years later we couldnt save the country because by then the South Warlords replaced the well respected Somaliland army with their tribal militias known as Somali National Army but infact was just a tribal militia—couldnt save the country nor defeat Ethiopia…just a poor militia with cheap Russian arms.
We, Somalilanders call them "Wanlaweyn" because they hide the atrocity and genocide they committed there. Again it was the Somaliland army that restored order after that unrest. The army was brought from Somaliland who were well trained, equipped and served with the regular British army in places such as Burma against the Japanese, in Somaliland and Somalia against the Italians…
The South had nothing just a pretty town called Mogadishu which was built by the Italians and few plantations in Shabelle.
They never had a government of their own, they didnt know how government, parliament or civilian army functioned. All they saw was the Italian fascism from a tiny window in their huts while the Italians lived in white mansions overlooking the clean Indian Ocean.
So when we brought all these to them, they did what they do best, destroy it and until today they are destroying each others.
The region has to keep them at bay and keep them within their borders otherwise they will destroy Somaliland, Kenya and Ethiopia–the three neighbors because destroying is what they know best.
It looks like Somali nationalism came with Somaliland and left with Somaliland. Maybe this is why they want us back so badly hmm
Ethiopia, Kenya and Somaliland have to divide the south between themselves so the Horn of Africa can have stability for once.
Somaliland wants Puntland region and Lower Shabelle, Ethiopia which needs a port can have central Somalia including Hobyo, Harardheere and Mogadishu, while Kenya can have Kismayo and the south end.
This is if the Horn of Africa is to exist, we have to remove the cancer and sometimes the best treatment of cancer is removing the cancer cells. By removing the south and giving them a new identity, rule, government, the Horn will become the most progressive, the most stable and the most developed region in Africa.
Today the Horn is held back by two factors, a cancer called Somalia and drought. Both have cures.
All Djibouti top authority Government Officials are Mamaasan Except four ( Two Issaqs and one other Issa and one Gadabursi ). So let all Somaliland Warriors enjoying reading this Classified Secrects at here bit.ly/wRBJY9
@Kayse
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Please try to copy this link bit.ly/wRBJY9 paste it on the Browser
There will never be harmonious and united Somalia so long as there exist malicious people who deny others justice and the rule of law, while brain washing the ignorant masses in the name of tribalism, such are the examples of the failed state, puntland and the current TFG. Somali people will always be united if there is justice, real fairness and true nurturing of their cultural and religious values so lost to the people of Somalia since the advent of Siad Barre and his cronies whose ideology still persists under the cloak of greater Somalia.
Shame on those who in the 21st century while every nation has reach the skies continue to be distracted with mass murdering of their fellow muslims and brothers in the name of Soomaalinimo, greater Somalia and like wildest failing to understand the true meaning of those ideas they invoke.
@ las anod boy
You are probably amoung the only few people who are honest or genuine about Somali unity everyone else hide behind Somalinimo and preach fake unity to us with their own twisted clan agenda. Brother it was the old generation who have caused wounds, division and killed the Somali dignity. And sadly the youths in the diaspora are no better. They go around and spread hate in the internet and make the problem even worse. Having said that Somali unity is nice but come on we have to be realistic, believe it or not I am an issaq and I have contemplated the Somali unity too i.e one Somalia but reached a final conclusion that it is no good not only because of what happened in the past but what can happen in the future and what is practical. you can't just merge two countries who had a terrible union fail together, what will the results be. Besides Somalia is not a state we want to be part of, I mean Somalia can't even unify their own clans and come up with a practical solution for 20 years of chaos what will they bring to Somaliland; nothing but destruction to our people who haven't seen violence for a long time while they were brought up with violence. You can't bury qabilism but you can manage it and that's what Somaliland is doing and Somalia can't with bunch of out of control clans and crazy so called religious ideology to make it even worse.
Somalia has reached an unbelievable stage of worry. If Somalia don't quickly find a solution the world will take an action and it might not be a pleasing one and here they talk about bringing a safe and democratic Somali country under their chaos. However, I believe it is time we Somaliland step in and assist Somalia to help find a common ground for them to settle as they failed this since 1991
inshAllah quick recovery to ill Somalia
Somalia is owned by Somalis no matter wherever and whenever they live. In the consequences of Berlin Conference, Somalia was divided into five parts and still the idea of divide and rule is the main cause of the problem. The parts are interconnected by many factors that no one denies except the enemies of Somalia and shortsighted ones who do not see, read, or understand those connecting factors. Somali scholars understand the realities on the ground that Somalis are Somalis, they like each other, fx. all Somalis in the world read Somali news in the languages they understand, WHY??????????????????
Solution to Somalia's incessant problems:
What is wrong with each state (province) managing its own internal affairs and security? The federal government's mandate, wherever it may be based, should be foreign affairs, tax collection and defense of the nation from existential threats. Each state should be responsible for its economic development (by way of the federal government sending tax revenue back to the states) and internal security. Carving up Somalia by neighboring countries is total lunacy.
One major stumbling block is the formation of a legitimate and acceptable federal cabinet. Here is my answer to that perplexing issue: Let the states/provinces choose their parliamentarians to represent them in the federal government. This works only if all states are receptive to the idea of federalism under the rule of law without coercion. Unfortunately, to my consternation, in Somalia not all regions are receptive to the aforementioned ideas.
This is just a synopsis. The entirety of my article, if allowed in this forum, would explain in greater details as to why I think federalism (as many do) is the last best hope for Somalia. I have many solutions to soothe the north's angst and the south's terrible downward spiral toward abyss. One tantalizing solution with respect to the military is the 75%-25% concept. What this entails is, 75% of all conscripts and officers come from within a state and rest from all other areas. This ensures, if anything, negating one side's overwhelming arms superiority and encourages civility in provincial and federal governments.
I confess that Roma was not built-in a day, the peace, stability,prosperity,law and oder in Somaliland is truly the hard work and dedication of the weariless defenders of freedom and good governance,however, it is
Jawaab to Jabuoti -hanoolato
The future federalism of somalia will work if Jabouti will be part of it . Jabouti is somali speaking region and it loves to help right?