Dr. Abdurahman Baadiyow

Although I have traveled to many countries across different continents, I had never visited China until November 6, 2024, when I had the honor of attending the *Think Tank Seminar on Security, Governance, and Development in the Horn of Africa*. Organized by Zhenjiang Normal University and held in the city of Jinhua, Zhejiang Province. The seminar brought together 14 experts, scholars, and practitioners from 8 countries in the Greater Horn of Africa—Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, and Kenya. The event aimed to foster dialogue on security, governance, and development in the Horn of Africa, with a special focus on how China’s experiences and strategies in these areas could provide valuable insights and lessons for addressing similar challenges in the Greater Horn of Africa.

Throughout the seminar, participants engaged in in-depth discussions with Chinese scholars, policymakers, and experts, who shared valuable insights into China’s strategies for managing security challenges, implementing governance reforms, and driving economic development. The event included visits to various towns and private companies involved in security, governance, and development sectors, offering a firsthand look at China’s approach to urbanization, industrial growth, and its broader efforts to build a more stable and prosperous society. These site visits provided practical examples of how China addresses key challenges, which were particularly relevant to the discussions about the Greater Horn of Africa. The scholars also delved into the pressing issues facing the Horn, emphasizing the complex intersection of security, governance, and development in the region. This trip was a valuable opportunity to explore the synergies between Chinese policies and the challenges confronting African nations. It fostered a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives. Additionally, the seminar provided an opportunity to engage with Chinese scholars on the country’s modernization philosophy and the challenges and opportunities it faces in promoting development and prosperity, offering lessons that could inform similar efforts in Africa.

One of the most striking observations I made during the seminar was the stark contrast between Western and Chinese approaches to modernization. In the Western model, modernization is often framed as a process that diminishes the role of tradition, viewing it as something to be overcome or discarded in favor of progress. In contrast, the Chinese approach to modernization is grounded in the philosophy of *Multiple Modernities*, which seeks to harmonize modernity with traditional values and cultural practices. This perspective embraces the idea that modernization does not have to come at the expense of tradition; instead, the two can coexist, each enriching and strengthening the other.

This concept of harmonizing modernity with tradition is a practical lesson that many developing nations, especially in Africa, are in desperate need of. For countries like Somalia, where clan structures and Islamic traditions are central to the social fabric, the idea of harmonizing modernity with these deep-rooted cultural elements is not only relevant but essential. For years, I have advocated for this very approach, urging that modernization in Somalia and similar nations should not entail a rejection of tradition, but rather a careful balance and harmonizing—one that respects and incorporates traditional values, including clan-based identity and Islam. The Chinese experience offers a compelling example of how this can be achieved in practice, providing a potential roadmap for countries like Somalia to navigate their own path of development without sacrificing the cultural foundations that define them. This is an approach that could help create more inclusive and sustainable development models, ones that are tailored to the unique historical, cultural, and social contexts of each country.

Another notable observation during my time in China was the remarkable discipline of the Chinese people and the striking cleanliness of the streets. Everywhere we went, we were impressed by how orderly public spaces were, with well-maintained streets, parks, and public areas. This level of civic responsibility is not just a reflection of government policy but also of the cultural emphasis on respect for the collective good. People were conscientious about littering and maintaining cleanliness in their communities, a stark contrast to the challenges faced in many developing countries where public spaces can often be neglected. The Chinese commitment to cleanliness is deeply ingrained, with regular cleaning efforts by both authorities and citizens, creating an environment that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also conducive to public health. This sense of discipline and order in public spaces is something that other countries, including those in the Greater Horn of Africa, could look to as a model for fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility, and a stronger sense of community.

During my trip to China, I also had the valuable opportunity to meet with Somali students at Zhenjiang University, as well as engage with the local business community in the cities of Yiwu. Somali businesses are concentrated in the cities of Yiwu and Guangzhou. The baseness community offered a welcoming launch to the deputy Ambassador in China. Me and Prof. Yahye Amir were also invited to this occasion. These interactions provided a unique perspective on the growing ties between Somalia and China, particularly in the realms of education and trade. In 2022, China became Somalia’s largest import source, accounting for 18.1% of the country’s total imports. China’s key exports to Somalia included woven fabric, coated flat-rolled iron, and rubber tires, which play an essential role in Somalia’s infrastructure and industrial sectors.

As Somalia continues to rebuild and modernize, these goods are critical in supporting both its manufacturing industries and the broader economy. The exchange with Somali students and the business community allowed me to explore how these trade relationships are evolving, as well as the potential for further collaboration in sectors such as education, technology, and trade, which could benefit both China and Somalia in the long run. The strong presence of Chinese imports in Somalia also highlights the growing interconnectedness between the two nations, offering opportunities for Somali businesses and professionals to engage more deeply with China’s economic model and development strategies.

Somali Chinese trade relations have a history spanning over a thousand years, marked by early interactions through exploration and trade. In the 9th century, Chinese explorer Tuan Cheng-Sbib visited the Somali city of Po-Pa-li, possibly Berbera. Later, in 1225, the Chinese explorer Zhou Qukua documented his visit to the Somali Peninsula. The most notable of these explorers was Admiral Zheng He, who, in 1430, visited key Somali cities like Mogadishu, Zayla, Marka, and Berbera as part of his maritime expeditions. Reciprocally, in the 14th century, Somali scholar Imam Said al-Muqdishawi traveled to China, representing the Ajuran Sultanate, during the Yuan Dynasty. Trade flourished between the two regions, with Somalia exporting giraffes, zebras, ivory, and other exotic goods, while receiving Chinese ceramics, spices, and muskets in return.

Moreover, Somalia and China established diplomatic relations in 1960, shortly after Somalia gained independence, with Somalia being a strong supporter of China’s “One China” policy and its bid for a UN seat. Their relationship has been grounded in shared values of sovereignty, mutual respect, and non-interference. In the early years, China played a pivotal role in Somalia’s infrastructure development, including the construction of the 1,500-kilometer *Mogadishu-Hargeisa Highway*, the longest road in Somalia, which facilitated trade and national integration. China also contributed to building key national institutions such as the National Theatre and sport stadium, and supported the creation of schools, hospitals, and public infrastructure, aiding Somalia’s post-independence modernization. High-level visits and exchanges between the two countries further strengthened their bilateral ties, fostering cooperation in politics, economics, and culture. Today, Somalia and China continue to maintain a close relationship, working together in trade, education, and cultural exchange, reflecting the enduring strength of their diplomatic and historical partnership.

This trip to China was particularly meaningful for me as it allowed me to meet Dr. Wei Xu, Deputy Director of the Institute of African Studies at Zhenjiang Normal University, who, along with Dr. Hodon Osman, the Somali Ambassador to China, played a key role in translating my two-volume book, *Making Sense of Somali History*, into Chinese. The translation project began two years earlier when Dr. Hodon requested my permission to undertake the translation during the Heritage Conference in Djibouti. Meeting Dr. Xu in person and discussing the progress of the project was a significant moment, marking a milestone in the academic exchange between China and Somalia and helping bridge cultural and historical gaps through literature. This collaboration has been a rewarding experience, built on mutual respect and scholarly exchange, and it was deeply fulfilling to witness its continued development in China.

The book has received widespread attention and acclaim, leading to translations into Arabic, Somali, Turkish, and Chinese, reflecting its broad appeal and relevance to a global audience. These translations have helped the book reach readers across different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, expanding its impact beyond the Somali-speaking world. It is now available in major bookstores and on platforms like Amazon, making it easily accessible to a diverse range of readers. The book’s availability in multiple languages has fostered greater engagement with its critical exploration of Somali history, contributing to the growing interest in Somali studies and enhancing the broader field of African history and global scholarship.

The Chinese translation of my history book offers a critical reassessment of Somali history, challenging Western modernization narratives shaped by colonial scholars and their Somali students. The first volume explores ancient Somali history, the impact of Islam, colonialism, and Somali nationalism, while analyzing the factors behind the collapse of the Somali state. The second volume focuses on the social history of Somalia, emphasizing the roles of clan elders, women in politics, civil society, and the evolving Somali identity. Together, these volumes offer a comprehensive and critical reevaluation of Somali history, emphasizing the importance of decolonizing historical narratives and presenting a more inclusive account of the country’s past. The translation into Chinese not only makes this important work accessible to Chinese-speaking readers but also fosters a deeper global understanding of Somalia’s complex history.

Translating this book into Chinese will play a significant role in promoting cultural exchange between Somalia and China. It offers Chinese students and scholars a valuable resource— a comprehensive work written by a Somali scholar that provides unique insights into Somali history and society. By making this book accessible in Chinese, it opens up new avenues for mutual understanding and academic collaboration between the two countries. It allows Chinese readers to engage directly with the perspectives and historical narratives of Somalia, which are often underrepresented in mainstream global scholarship. This translation not only enriches the academic dialogue between Somali and Chinese scholars but also deepens cultural ties, fostering a broader appreciation of Somalia’s history, culture, and people.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to Ambassador Hodon Osman and Professor Xu Wei for their invaluable contributions to the translation of my two-volume book into Chinese. Somali Ambassador Hodon Osman, with her unwavering dedication and vision, played a crucial role in initiating this project and ensuring its successful progress. Her deep understanding of both Somali and Chinese cultures, as well as her commitment to promoting scholarly exchange between the two nations, was instrumental in bringing this translation to fruition.

Dr. Abdurahman Baadiyow
Email: abdurahmanba@yahoo.com

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Dr. Abdurahman Baadiyow is a Professor of Modern Islamic History and a Senior Adviser for the Somali President on Peace and Reconciliation.