There is a saying “Bad Government better than None.” Since Somalia had no functioning government for 21 years.It is fair to argue we learned some thing about it.! Because if you go to school for one day without doubt at least will learn a word. So how about more than two decades of empirical learning.
Now, we need to emphasize the advantages and disadvantages of this topic,while starting with the disadvantages.
A-Day one Since Somali people believe fighting for their tribe is fundamental rights, many men (and boys)eagerly went to enlist to defend their tribes instead of their country. Although more losses were reported in the tribal carnage as warring militias were not as trained as professional soldiers.
B- The communities adopted unwritten law that stipulated the right of ownership to property. This order stated that anyone who occupies a property that does not belong to him, it is his as long as he claims ownership. This unholy law become defacto ordinance after loss law and order.
In reference to the above law, all public properties such as hospitals, schools, parks, and all public good spaces became under sole proprietorship of the occupiers while they were arguing quote “This constitutes my entire belonging”. wonderful! I think nothing is wrong with that because of substituting a right and wrong with anything goes. i mean unruly.
From that on, everything works contrary even common senses. Although Somalis had strong beliefs with their Islamic teachings that forbids usurping unlawful things. Thus, desirable cultural history that often appeals everyone,but that don’t jibe well at all.
Consequently, all basic needs had totally extincted and the journey of destruction had continued till now. Perhaps, concerned elite of Somali people could had predicted this Tsunami,but they choose to remain silent. while the livelihoods of Somali people have been destroyed and affected every aspect of individual as well as community life.
Although, I couldn’t mention in a paragraph what Somalis have been through the last 21years. However, I wish I could draw your attention the broader picture than these few lines. But let me skip another prospects which is the advantage of the collapse of the central government. I don’t want to talk in detail the reason of collapse, but Siyad Barre regime was functioning only in big cities likes Mogadishu, Hargeysa, Kismayo and its surroundings. if not the absence of central government, had ushered in the start of building other towns and villages that the previous regime had neglected.
The rising of fiefdoms most of Somalis were very appreciative because they stood to help themselves instead of seeking help from others, that is what makes different those who claim regional autonomous like Somaliland, Puntland, Galmudug and the rest of it.
To be continued
By Mustafa Haji