Is political unity in Somalia achievable? | Inside Story

Somalia has long been one of the world's most divided nations.
Government leaders in Mogadishu have struggled for decades to assert authority in many parts of the country.
The power vacuum has left Somalis with little help as they suffer from drought, famine and armed groups.
Now, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has called a meeting of regional leaders aiming to confront the challenges.
So what are the main obstacles preventing the country from coming together?
And can they be overcome?

Presenter: Mohammed Jamjoom
Guests:
Abdi Ismail Samatar, Somali Senator for Somaliland.
Afyare Elmi, Research Professor, City University of Mogadishu.
Omar Mahmood, Senior Analyst for Eastern Africa, International Crisis Group.

#Somalia #SomaliaPolitics #SomaliaGovernment #SomaliaParliament #SomaliaConstitutionalChanges #Somaliland #Ethiopia #SomaliaEthiopiaTensions #EthiopiaSomalilandPortDeal #Berbera #BerberaPort #HassanSheikhMohamud #Puntland #Mogadishu #AlJazeeraEnglish

[dahirdubow]

As long as the Halenle Camp is functioning, Somalia will never see or sense stability because it is the center of holding somalia back to the side of anarchy

[farhiyajeyte]

Somalia went through a lot in the past 30 years, including war, famine and other problems. We must move forwards as a nation though it is apparent that some regions are less willing to work together than others, or else we will take many steps back. We cant look away from our problems and we need to discuss things to deal with it.

[adila]

Many Somalis in the West would be willing to relocate but skeptical about Somalia.

1 person 1 vote is needed

Get rid of corrupt leaders representing foreign interest

Join BRICS.

The Arab nations need to focus on isreal and Iran condlict.

The USA, Arab nations, Ethiopia have less ability to interfere right now - this is the best time for Legislative change.

We need to start encouraging return of Somalis to rebuild.

[ADIFU]

I applaud and thank Al-Jazeera for not bringing Matt Bryden in this topic of discussion!

[kemalkemal]

Allah make easy for them the most smart people to see them like this it hurt .

[osmansaladahmed]

I wonder why do most world media use worst pictures and videos from somalia when they reporting somali essue, that picuters and videos was 15 years ago,

My dear reporters use the approperiate pictures and videos that represents how somalia is giong now

[Aadane]

Hassan Sh Maxamuud is the biggest liar he put the power to his family daughter, wife, son in law his clan

[dahirnurjama]

Somalia's problems in depth are Hassan Sheikh, him self 100%, no doubt that.

[habonhajiabdi]

Senator Samatar's statement saying "Omar Gelle of Djibouti is the only leader of Somalia's neighboring countries who want Somali unity" isn't far from the truth!?

[abdifatahahmed]

the biggest somalia problem is foreign interference and foreign forces bases in somalia and somali politicians who are serving foreign countries like UK USA E.T.C

[galoolconsultinggrp]

Somalia will never stand on its feet as long as foreigners are running its affairs!!

[suleimanmohamedibrahim]

Although Puntland was not included for this important discussion about current political situation in Somalia but overall it's good dialogue and all participants contributed greatly.

[alifarah]

Djibouti is the worst neighbor we have!

[jamahusseinmohamud]

Funny some of those pictures aren’t even Somalia

[hallaali]

Af Yare and samantar well done . Somali people all of across the world believes (one single Somalia policy. )

[AbdulMajid-bcxf]

It's high time to see that Somalia take care of their own country. Work together to be united for goodness for all.

[habibj]

Like stated in the discussion. Somalian unity can be achieved by focusing on a handful of common interests amongst ALL SOMALIS.

Food security, infrastructure development, health security, education, anti-corruption, security in general.

Intelligent leadership would rally around these topics.
Somalia has the potential to become on of east africa's power houses in the upcoming decades.
Why?

Here are some reasons...

1) Coastal key geographical access to growing markets alongside the BRICS+ main routes. (Asia-Africa).
2) Demographics
3) Highly educated diaspora in various sectors like IT, economics, health (Knowledge and Skills Transfer).
4) Numerous natural resources such as iron ore, uranium, copper, tin, bauxite, gypsum, salt, and natural gas and oil.
5) Untapped potential for tourism.

Let me just stop here. The list goes on btw.
Unstability and internal conflicts perhibit the manifestation of a new golden somali era. Archaic clan rivalry amongst self centered "leaders" is something to be left in the past if Somalia really wants a prosperous future for ALL SOMALIS.
Africas problem with weak and corrupt leadership doesn't exclude Somalia but we have seen that multiethnical nations can grow and change course effectively. Several african nations have shown that in the past.

A good recent example would be the west african coastal country of Senegal. The predominantly muslim nation is multiethnic (Wolof, Pulaar, Sereer, Mandinka, Jola, Soninke and more).
Around the same population like Somalia they now democratically elected a 44 year old former tax inspector who openly published his assets (His bank accounts hold roughly $6, 600) beforehand.
The election itself went peaceful and the results have been accepted by all participating parties.

Current economic growth rate around 8, 5 %.

Guess what they don't have?
Clan rivalry and tribal partisanship.
Somalia is blocked by self induced hardheadedness and backward sectarianism.
The moment these problems dissolve the horn of africa will see another golden era. Insha'Allah.

Salaan my beloved brothers and sisters.
❤

[abdimusaabdimusa]

The prof in all fairness shud have been the president and we will be rallying behind him given the chance. Our country needs your wisdom now more than ever.

[Land_of_Punt]

Ordinary Somalis from all Somali lands not not just Somalia are united ☝🏾❤️🇸🇴

[dulmidiiddhagaweeyne]

There's something weired and unusual here.
Why didn't Al-Jazeera invite all concerned sides of the matter rather than inviting unilaterally those who are well-known for their blindly opposing views on anything/ everthing that the current regime does?