WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE SOMALIS? WHY DON’T THEY AGREE TO PUT THEIR HOUSE IN ORDER?

Good questions? But, it is easier to ask than to answer. Why?  Mainly because of the following factors or reasons:

1. Somalis have failed to reconcile after the Civil War and horrendous human rights abuses in Mogadishu, Hargheisa, and elsewhere. Mass human rights atrocities, looting, plunder of public, and private properties in Mogadishu and other major South-Central regions haven’t been addressed yet.
2. The provisional National Charter to end the Civil War and rebuild Somalia on the basis of decentralisation of power (federalism) has been violated repeatedly by opportunistic politicians devoid of national spirit and vision to build a better Somalia.
3. Lack of accountability and transparency in public affairs.
4. Regional and international power plays meddling into Somali internal affairs, some bent on undermining Somali sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity.
5. Constitutional gridlock caused by dictatorial tendencies of political leaders unvetted for positions of power and public trust.
6. The rise of Al-Shabab and other extremist militia, mainly in South-Central Somalia.
7. Most importantly, the Civil War isn’t yet settled. Secession of Northwest Regions (Somaliland) is a major obstacle to Somalia’s settlement.
8. Persistent contradictions of two schools of thought: City-state mentality vs decentralisation of power play a significant role in Somali political crisis.
9. Overall, poor leadership at every level of Somali society.
10. Absence of developed, enlightened, and proactive civil society.
11. Divisive Somali diaspora community members playing opportunistic roles, exacerbating and exploiting socio-economic problems at home.
12. Tariqa or religious factionalism in the country is getting worse than clan rivalry.

The list could go on. However, we believe that these are the main impediments to Somalia’s potential reconstruction.

What do you think? Have your say.