Somalia: Cry the Beloved Country

Published on 21st August 2012

Part of Dadaab camp
I represent over 500,000 refugees living in Dadaab camps. I appreciate and commend the Kenyan government for hosting us in Dadaab, Kakuma and Nairobi.  I express gratitude to the TFG, international community, Somali nationalists and the head of Somali-embassy at Nairobi, his Excellency, Ambassador Ali America.

Our ancestors committed their souls, shed their blood to achieve independence and give birth to the republic of Somali. Moreover, our brave men fought and endured hardship so that we may live a better life. Unfortunately today, our country is in the midst of crises, civil war, violence, and crimes against humanity. Famine and drought have heavily weakened our economy as a result of our greed and irresponsibility. Tribalism has been our source of conflict and led to the mess of today’s stage.

As a nation of the same color, race, religion and  language, let’s put our differences aside, bury tribalism and re-affirm our historic sprit of patriotism as we prepare the Somali nation for a new age and era. The time has come to carry our nation forward through good governance, equality, transparency, integrity and accountability. A journey of one thousand miles begins with one step. In every aspect of our country, a country ravaged by civil war for over two decades, the agricultural sector is dilapidated and the infrastructure is of low standard.  This calls for mass action in rebuilding the nation’s economy.

For those of us who are pessimistic, let me ask: Do we really doubt ourselves as a nation? Are we up to the hard task? How many of us prefer to be refugees forever? The unique blue-star flag is crying.

I honor the diligent work done by the current TFG government in ensuring security, rebuilding one united Somalia and amending our proposed constitution. It’s a great sense of collective responsibility, honesty, hard work, tolerance, courage and patriotism. I also appreciate the extended hand of the international community, neighboring African countries and any other stakeholders. I look forward with the wish of the almighty Allah that the August Election produces the kind of leadership that Somalia has been craving for since 1991 in the light of democratic, free and fair election.

There are over a million of Somali refugees across the world that are fed up with lack of freedom of speech and movement, unemployment, lack food and water, less medical services, rampant deaths of mothers due to anemia and the high mortality rate for children.  Majority of Somali asylum seekers have been eaten by sharks in the seas or died on their way since 1991? This must stop.

Being a refugee is a situation every human being would not prefer. This must however not subordinate our mind from leading our country back to peace and stability.

I appeal to the international community; fellow African countries, well-wishers, donors and other stakeholders to assist in re-establishing our nation and making our dreams come true. As Dadaab refugee population, at this defining moment, we look forward for the new president’s arrival to Dadaab in the first week of his election in August 2012. Our repatriation to Somali remains a priority. East and West, Home is the best, I urge all Somali citizens  to unite and rebuild the abandoned nation. Forward ever; backwards never. God bless the people of Somalia.

Abdullahi Hassan.


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