By Said M. Shidad Hussein

Editor’s note: This article was previously published on August 4, 2013, however this is a revised version with more in-depth analysis about the challenges facing Somalia to reemerge from its current abysmal state is added.
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Introduction

In a rapidly changing world, Somalia has been characterized for more than three decades by destruction, despair, and dreadful human tragedy. After the formation of an official government, the country is not still on course. The hope that accompanied this government has apparently now evaporated. The pervasive, persistent tragedy is not yielding yet. The era of agony and aberration is not getting over.

Within this situation, what needs now to be focused upon is why cannot this problem be ended? Why cannot Somalia be fixed? Why cannot a solution be found? There must be answers for these questions. But there are more.

There is something momentous happening in Somalia today. But we don’t know its direction and dimension because our destiny is not in our hands. The fact that the Somali authorities cannot so far make an agreement without pressure from outside shows that they are not still relevant in the current process. Are we supposed to accept that?

Somalia might be helped by the process. But there is a risk in that help because there is no free horse in the politics. In fact, there is deep concern about the process’s reluctance to support transforming the informal Somali forces, which have played an important role in defeating the discredited militants, to a formal security force.

It is also fact that the world order is occasionally reshaped by human actions in the favor of some nations and at the expense of others. That change cannot usually be reversed. For example, the colonial legacy left Somalia as a leading loser, and we know what that costs for us. Do we want to be passive spectators of another mortal loss?

I should hasten to point out our problems emanate from our leadership and educational practices, and our character. Some further questions may indicate the legitimacy of this view, and if that isn’t the case, why do not our educational system or educated people contribute to making difference in our national cause? Why cannot we uphold a good character when we end up in a leadership position? Why do not we have an ability to recognize our mistakes? Why do we always feel our leaders don’t make a difference except that they divide us?

(For leadership, I don’t mean only the one at national level but at all levels, ranging from presidency through branches and regions to a supervisor of office, chief of clan, and administrator of school or masjid).

Read more: Why Somalia Cannot Be Fixed_Said

Said M. Shidad Hussein
Email:sacidx@yahoo.com