The political situation in the country is relatively stable but still precarious. The country's political leaders have not yet reached a consensus on an agreeable and inclusive political arrangement. Instead, they have left the country in a state of uncertainty, with some progress in governance and occasional setbacks. The citizens have partially overcome the trauma of the civil war and are keen on having collective governance in the country. While property misappropriation, especially in Mogadishu, remains an issue, the scars of the civil war are gradually fading. Any impartial observer can confidently claim that overall clan hostilities and targeted violences are declining gradually, although occasional hotspots still exist. Al-Shabaab continues to pose a major threat to the country’s security. Economically, the country remains reliant on international support and contributions from the Somali diaspora.
The Somali diaspora consists of Somalis residing in different parts of the world, particularly in Europe and North America. They are commonly known as the Somali diaspora in the West. These groups play a crucial role in contributing to peace and reconciliation efforts in their home country. They help build trust, establish lasting peace, resolve ongoing conflicts, and prevent future violence in many communities.
Somalis are among the most widely dispersed migrant groups globally, with over 10% of the population, approximately 2 million people, living outside the republic. The Somali diaspora plays a crucial role in providing aid, relief measures and maintaining strong connections with those left behind. Remittances from the diaspora are estimated to range between US$1.8 to $2 billion annually, with around 40% of households depending on these funds to meet their basic needs. The Somali diaspora has played a crucial role in supporting peace and stability efforts in Somalia. They have had a significant impact on the Somali community and society, being listened to and respected for their innovative ideas, skills, and resources they bring. By sharing knowledge and expertise, contributing human capital and resources, and participating in the country’s reconstruction, the diaspora supports Somalia politically and economically.
Their contributions are evident in every corner of the country, showcasing Somalis at their best. Somalis, in general, are a proud people, excelling individually but often struggling collectively. In his essay “Warriors: Life and Death among the Somalis” in 1947, Gerald Hanley, an Irish officer stationed in Somalia during World War II, described Somalis as follows: “A Somali always felt himself to be twice as good as any white man, or any other kind of man at all, and still does, even when he is wrong. Of all races in Africa, there can’t be one better to live among than the most difficult, the proudest, the bravest, the vainest, the most merciless, the friendliest, the Somalis”.
Seventy-seven years later, the reality is quite different. Poor governance, the divide-and-rule policy of the Siyad Barre regime, self-destructive opposition movements, and clan-based violence have deeply corrupted Somali society. Gerald Hanley could not have imagined what has become of the Somali people today. Despite the bleak outlook, Somalia has endured the worst and emerged resilient from what could have been the end of its existence. The international community, including both foes and friends, abandoned Somalia in its time of need, expecting it to wither away. However, to everyone’s surprise, Somalis rose anew from the ashes of civil war. A crucial aspect of their survival emanates from their culture's unique peace-making mechanism, known as traditional peace-making. This mechanism includes the business community, women, elders, Islamic scholars, civil society, and the diaspora.
In this brief essay, the focus will be on the Somali diaspora and their crucial contributions to the maintenance and survival of Somalia. One significant area of their contribution is the vital and continuous support through remittances, money transfers or simply hawala services. Members of the Somali diaspora across the globe line up at money transfer networks at the end of each month, sending back home an estimated $2 billion annually. These remittances, often in amounts as small as $100, reach almost every household in the country, providing essential support. From a statistical standpoint, these modest remittances play a crucial role in addressing the country’s persistent trade deficit. It is widely recognized that Somalia’s trade balance is structurally in deficit. According to the Central Bank of Somalia (CBS), in 2022, total exports were valued at US$704 million, a slight decrease from US$717 million in 2021. Conversely, imports rose to US$6.4 billion in 2022, up from US$4.8 billion in 2021, highlighting a substantial trade deficit.
The GDP in 2022 was estimated at US$8.4 billion, up from US$7.6 billion in 2021. It is important to note that the federal budget remains slightly over US$1 billion, with almost two-thirds of it coming in the form of grants or donor support. The pertinent question is, what is the best way for the Somali diaspora to maintain their support and contribution to the local community? To address this, we must consider the priorities of diaspora communities to sustain their support for the foreseeable future. It is no secret that the second generation of the Somali diaspora may not be as willing as their parents to support their people back home. It is even predicted that the third generation’s support may dwindle due to a lack of connection to their homeland. To maintain the current level of commitment from the Somali diaspora, proactive steps need to be taken now. They should prioritize their needs first, ease their burden, engage with their families back home, cultivate a sense of connection, and guide them to recognize the importance of their support and contributions. By doing so, they can ensure that their support and commitment remain sustainable and strong.
The following steps should be taken by the Somali diaspora:
- Be law-abiding citizens in their adopted countries: Following the collapse of the Somali government in 1991 and the onset of the civil war, many Somalis have relocated and resettled in different countries, especially in the Western hemisphere, and have obtained citizenship. It is important for them to adhere to local laws and regulations and to make positive contributions to their host communities. By being responsible citizens and taxpayers, rather than relying on public assistance, they can foster mutual respect and integration. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "The upper hand is better than the lower one (the spending hand is better than the receiving hand), and begin (charity) with those who are under your care. He who asks (Allah) to help him abstain from the unlawful and the forbidden, Allah will fulfil his wish, and he who seeks self-sufficiency will be made self-sufficient by Allah".
- Acquire relevant skills and professional expertise: Acquiring relevant skills and professional expertise in specific areas is essential to improving job opportunities, employability, and overall quality of life. While academic qualifications are important, it is equally beneficial to receive training in a range of practical skills. Indeed, Prophet Dawūd (peace be upon him) was known for earning his living through his labour, exemplifying the value of hard work and self-sufficiency. A hadith states: “No one has ever eaten food better than that which his hands have earned. Indeed, Prophet Dawūd (peace be upon him) used to eat from the earnings of his own hands”. This emphasizes the value of self-reliance, diligence and hard work. They should all strive to emulate this admirable example.
- Invest in children’s good manners, education and learning skills: Your children are your greatest investment. Prepare them for the real world by spending quality time with them and building a strong, friendly relationship. Regularly take them on vacations or family picnics, and consider taking them to Umra. Never take their presence for granted, and always prioritize their moral and educational development. Certainly, in Islamic teachings, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of family and the grave consequences of neglecting one’s responsibilities towards them. being responsible towards family and fulfilling our duties to them is essential in Islam. Neglecting these responsibilities is considered a grave sin.
- Be yourself. Don’t be judged by others: Many individuals are susceptible to peer pressure and try to conform to the mainstream or societal norms. However, it is important not to let others dictate your life or manipulate it for their own ends. Be rational and open-minded, and avoid being judgmental. One of the key principles in life is the doctrine of “Do No Harm.” Remember that every story has two sides; don’t take a side without listening to the other. The Somali diaspora should not be intimidated by the new “warlords” of social media—TikTokers, YouTubers, and Instagram users—who breach privacy or generate money through insults. These individuals often have their own issues and seek attention through likes and shares. Islamic teachings, particularly those of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), emphasize the principles of justice. Refer to the story of Prophet Dawūd (peace be upon him) and always seek the whole truth before reacting to any story.
- Avoid creating dependency: The Somali diaspora must ensure that their support does not create dependency in the country. Sometimes, their assistance is misused. A notable example is the case of six sisters in a household with a paid servant, Khat (Qat) subsidies, and investments in violence and armed groups, which contribute to tensions among neighbours and local disputes. It is crucial to provide support that empowers and fosters self-sufficiency, rather than perpetuating reliance. The prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Whoever aids someone in killing a believer, even if with merely one word, he shall meet Allah Mighty and Glorious on the Day of Resurrection with the following phrase inscribed on his forehead, (In complete despair of Allah’s mercy).” [Sunan Bayhaqi]. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “The believer will have some leeway [on the Day of Arising, despite his sins], as long as he never spills unsanctioned blood of a single soul.” Sahih Bukhari.
- Be part of the Reconciliation Process: The Somali diaspora must actively contribute to the country’s peace process by facilitating dialogue, bringing together conflicting parties, and investing in reconciliation conferences and community efforts. They should build on their history as key participants in previous reconciliation processes, which led to the grassroots formation of Somaliland, Puntland and later the Federal Government of Somalia. Despite challenges, the diaspora remains a crucial driver of economic recovery in the country. Somali-led peace processes, rooted in local traditions, have proven more effective than externally driven efforts. The Somali diaspora continues to play a significant role in shaping the country’s future.
- Invest in TVET centers in the country: During the height of the civil war, nearly two million Somalis, including many government civil servants, skilled workers, and qualified professionals, left the country. This exodus resulted in a significant brain drain, leading to a shortage of skills in the country. Currently, nearly 70% of the youth, who form the majority of the population, are unemployed. By establishing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres, you can help create a skilled and professionally qualified workforce. Training centres empower youth by increasing their employability and enabling them to lead decent lives. Somalia is full of employment opportunities, but the people, especially the youth, often lack the necessary skills and are not always ready to acquire them. Supporting TVET centres, paying tuition fees for students, or creating family groups to collectively sponsor students at the university level can significantly contribute to addressing this issue. In Somalia, there is no shortage of employment opportunities, but there is a significant shortage of skills among the youth. For example, the former manager of the Grand Hotel, which employs 37 servants, confirmed that none of the workers are from the city. The hospitality industry in the country offers numerous job opportunities, yet many youths avoid these positions to maintain their social status. However, other constraints also contribute to youth unemployment. For well-paid jobs, many factors come into play, including the need for relevant skills and training. It is fair to say that, in Somalia, young graduates are bearing the brunt of a lack of jobs due to rampant corruption, nepotism, insufficient job prospects, and favouritism. Additionally, as an expert noted, “the lack of required skills traps youth outside the labour market”. As a former Minister of Education, during my tenure, I tried to channel my efforts into establishing parallel TVET centres and skills secondary schools.
- The Final Thought: In his 1947 essay, “Warriors: Death and Life among the Somalis”, Gerald Hanley described Somalis in the following way: “Their natural intelligence is second to none and when the education factories start work among them, they should surprise themselves and the rest of Africa”. “They are a race to be admired, if not hard to love”. The narrative that Somalis are open-minded and capable of rebuilding their lives and country should always be emphasized. Cultivating a “we can” culture should become the norm. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “If the Final Hour comes while you have a shoot of a plant in your hands and it is possible to plant it before the Hour comes, you should plant it.” This hadith highlights the value of perseverance and hope, encouraging people to contribute positively to the world, no matter what the circumstances are.
