Somalia between a rock and a hard place – Part 2

Article written by Mr Abdi Musse –Somali Scholar, commentator of global geopolitics.

This incident alone manifests the rock and hard place Somalia is now in and the ever growing foreign actors who now include the Gulf Cooperation Council countries who brought their internal disputes to the shores of Somali politic.

With all these jigsaws in place and Somali politicians who do not have space to make meaningful political manoeuvres, the situation is getting harder and harder for the country. Coupled all these with the real terrorist threat that is constant in nature and continues in succession, which to many Somalis’ intuition also have foreign actors elements into it.

In my recent meeting with senior official from US Embassy in London I argued “countries can and must have interests from each other big or small, what however Somalis are confused if not frustrated with is what for example USA wants from our country” I challenged with the official if you make me understand what USA wants from Somalia I will even by using public relation technique lobby on your behalf so that to make the Somali people accept it and therefore you will reach your goal and you will easily grasp your interest. I said to my meeting partner but if you fail to convince me sitting with you inside the Embassy compound how can you sell your ideas to the average Somali man and women in the streets of Somalia.

This was legitimate question which I would like to ask all foreign actors to clearly tell us their ambitions and intentions so that we will negotiate with them and possibly discuss with them how we could accommodate their interests including natural resources development negotiations-rights verses responsibility, distribution and so on.

Conclusion

In my humble opinion a word of wisdom to the neighbouring regional leaders could be; for them to show political maturity and should promote a united, prosperous Somalia that’s a flourishing trading partner and utilise its marine 3300 km or so long coast resources rather than promoting disintegrated and chaotic Somalia policies.

To the other foreign actors I would say; it would have been wise not to dismantle Somalia but rather because of its strategic location and its rich natural resources keep it together and develop its resources so that economic growth will be reality. With growing economy and poverty eradicated through real investment, job creation and utilisation of all potential resources the country will adjust itself and thus many of today’s problems including terrorism minimised if not eliminated.