Editorial
The binary of hero and villain in Somalia
By
Jun 22, 2008 - 11:00:45 PM

SUNDAY EDITORIAL | No longer is the conflict in Somalia a "Somali problem."

It boggles the mind that the homeland of such an enterprising people remains stuck in the cycle of violence that, ironically, started after the masses overthrew a 21-year military dictatorship to end injustice. Somalia, at the corner of Africa's eastern gate, is perched at the crossroads of global trade routes and is rumored to have unproven reserves of oil. Historically, this country blessed with a 3025km-long coastline, has attracted the attention of major powers seeking local allies during the Cold War – and presently, the "war on terror."

No longer is the conflict in Somalia a "Somali problem." After years of neglect, international attention refocused on the country after the Islamic Courts movement – a Somali Islamist group – liberated Mogadishu from the clutches of warlords who thrived in chaos. For the first time since the fall of Gen. Siad Barre in 1991, Mogadishu's children could play soccer on the streets with no drug-induced militiamen around, who were accused of committing heinous crimes against civilians with impunity. Some of Mogadishu's residents have referred to the Islamists' six-month reign in 2006 as the "nasteexo" – or, the harmony.

The U.S.-backed Ethiopian occupation of Mogadishu has ushered in a new chapter of violence, and like a domino effect, spread chaos across the country. Nearly four years after its formation, the interim government of President Abdullahi Yusuf is nowhere near accomplishing major tasks, including preparing the country for national elections next year. The elections tidbit is emphasized here because, as supporters argue, President Yusuf's government is in Mogadishu to promote a "constitutional democracy" as an alternative to Islamic rule.

But what good is an alternative if it cannot offer peace? Following the Ethiopian army' s historic takeover of Mogadishu in the last days of 2006, lawlessness returned to southern Somalia and affected the relative peace of the northern region of Puntland. Clashes between armed clans in the countryside resumed; extortion roadblocks made a comeback reminiscent of the warlord days; pirates staged daring attacks and netted millions in ransom money; and well-known community members were targeted and killed, including aid workers and journalists.

Many of these criminal acts were carried out by gangs who thrived during the years of warlord rule – who were back in business when the Ethiopian invasion recreated a chaotic situation on the ground. Many such groups have no intention of ever seeing peace return to Somalia. Their selfish appetite for illegal loot and property has blinded them from ever understanding the true value of peace.

The evident relations between chaos and the presence of Ethiopian forces on Somali soil should not be taken lightly. The destructive polices of the "war on terror" era have further sunk hopes of restoring nationhood in Somalia and contributed to the creation of a humanitarian crisis. Under such scenario, one wonders who the hero and the villain is in the Somali tragedy.

Garowe Online Editorial, editorial@garoweonline.com