By Abdi Warsame

While the Somali leaders engage in the time-tested tradition of nihilistic, politic fratricide, Ethiopia has slowly been creeping back into Somalia. I must note that Ethiopia is not to blame for our sad existence; it is merely taking advantage of our own stupidity and lack of foresight.

The last few weeks have again demonstrated the incompetency and utter indifference of the leaders who we have allowed to run our country. While they have busied themselves fighting over a carcass of what was once a proud nation, Ethiopian troops, under the so called AMISOM, have positioned themselves in all corners of Somalia.

Apart from Mogadishu, Ethiopian troops are now present in Gedo, Galgadud, Bay, Bakool and Hiran. Soon, they will be moving into Lower Juba, Upper Juba and Lower Shabelle. The Ethiopian troops will be replacing the departed Sierra Leonean troops in Kismayo, They will also be moving into Barawe in order to “free up” Ugandan troops who are supposedly getting ready for the next push against Alshabab.

Ultimately, the Ethiopian troops will be in a position to encircle Mogadishu, seat of the Somali State. Needless to say, the animosity between Ethiopians and Somalis goes back centuries. The history of the conflict is one of wars, humiliation and destruction. Unlike Somalis, Ethiopians have not forgotten the defeats and humiliations they suffered at the hands of the Somalis.

Ethiopia invaded Mogadishu in 2006. It was unsuccessful effort despite the support of the Americans. During its misadventure in Somalia, Ethiopians have mercilessly bombarded Mogadishu, defecated in mosques, killed children, and raped Somali women. These war crimes are well documented.

The tragedy, today, is not that Ethiopians are back, it is that they have been welcomed back by Somalia’s political elite. We have been told that they are here to cleanse Somalia from the evils of Alshabab. Contrary to the Somali politicians’ declarations, Ethiopia has done everything but fight against Alshabab. It has only occupied strategic locations that are important to its goals.

In Ethiopian-controlled areas, parallel administrations have been setup. The Ethiopian flag is today visible in Gedo, Bay, Bakool, etc. The Somali administrators in these regions answer to the Ethiopian military. In fact, Ethiopia jails Somali officials at will. We hear everyday that the Ethiopians detained Somali officials and elders.

The system that the Ethiopians are setting up in Somalia is similar to the one in Somali Region of Ethiopia. The Somali areas are supposedly run by Somalis, but in reality, all administrative, military and political powers are vested with the Ethiopian military. Somalis are left with policing powers which they use to suppress their own people. Somali police forces will look similar to Liyu Police, a paramilitary militia that was setup by the late Zenawi.

The question now is what can be done to thwart the Ethiopians? The first and foremost thing is to realize and accept that there is a problem. It is only after that we can move on to find a solution.

The solution will not be a violent confrontation with Ethiopians though that might be required depending on the Ethiopian response. The solution is a genuine reconciliation among Somalis. It is acknowledging the crimes we have committed against each other. It is forgiving each other and trying the men who led Somalis to this unfortunate path. It is making sure we don’t repeat what got us here. Most importantly, it is sparing our children, elderly, and women the continuous suffering and humiliation. It is only then can Somalis get rid of the Ethiopians for good.

We must also realize and accept the current crop of Somali leaders will not deliver us from sad situation. There is no a visionary leader among them. I cannot think of one Somali leader that asks himself, what is good for my people and country.

Finally, I must say that the Somali psyche has been damaged. We no longer have a sense of self. We have reduced ourselves to being beggars, bystanders and mindless followers. Despite all the damages and challenges, we must remind ourselves that every great nation has been through difficult times. What will eventually define us is how we save ourselves and rejoin the community of nations.

And as far as our enemies are concerned, we should remember that they are poor African nations like us, burdened with political and economic turmoil and laying on shaky foundations. Ethiopia has never defeated Somalia on its own. It always had the help of others whether be the Portuguese in 16th century, the Soviets and Cubans in 1977 or the Americans in 2006. We should not seek to destroy Ethiopia, but we should certainly be free of its tyranny and occupation.

May God bless Somalis.

Abdi Warsame
Email:ciyaal.bilaajo@hotmail.com