From the Executive Director:
This is just my observation. I actually think Somalis abroad are less informed and aware of the principles of democracy. Most seem to be driven by their emotions than reason. The fact that they only react to the extreme action of the government is an evidence for their lack of commitment to build democracy in Somalia . It takes dedication, hard work and sacrifices to build a democratic society anywhere, let alone in Africa. If Somalia's are lacking the interest to participate in the building of democracy in somalia when it is relatively peaceful and only react when things are in chaos, it seems to me that somalia do not understand the basic steps in building democracy.
If you would like to know whether I know the answer to the political problem in Somalia , I don’t know. I also think no one knows the right answer to this question. But I know what would lead to the answer, an open dialog among all the stake holders. I also believe that this would not happen till all Somalis think they are Somalia first and however they want to describe themselves second. If one is only defined by by tribe or region, it is hard to compromise for the good of all. So, it is hard to believe that the Diaspora know the answer to somalia complex political problem when they can’t even see beyond their tribe association.
Clear-cut democratic issues like unity, individual freedom, individual rights and obligations, justice and equality for all are but bitter and sour pills for tribal political epistles and disciples. In the name of this or that liberation front, these misguided tribal political groups have already stained themselves with and washed their hands by the blood of innocent somolis, ICU Islamic Courts Union's , SDN (Somali Diaspora Network), WSC/USC, elders of the Hawiye clan and others who carry the trade marks of so-called liberation fronts (LFs) hate democratic language and democratic preconditions. They are not willing to forge the noble wisdom of unity that serves as a pillar for peace, prosperity; they forget that democratic tradition is the pathway that brings society towards the fulfillment of democratic rights, freedom of individuals and freedom of groups. those groups are undemines the development and prolongs our position as one of the poorest countries in the world. As long as we continue to hate one another within, how can we hope to compete globally?
