The last series in our dossier on 50 years of African independence is slightly different. We spoke with three Somali people who fled their country and are now living in neighbouring Kenya.
Unlike the three generations in other countries we spoke to, our Somali interviewees are not related. Civil war has taken its toll on family life and freedom of speech. Nonetheless, we found three people who were willing to share their views on independence.
“Somalia would definitely be safer if it still were under colonial rule,” contemplates 25-year old Anab Abdi Ahmed.
She believes that the next 50 years will bring stability and a country they can proudly call Somalia, “because currently we have none.”
Mohamed Issa, a father of 14, tells a similar story: “I wish there could be peace so that we can practice whatever we learnt in Kenya and give things back to our society in Somalia.”
73-year old Ahmed Sheikh Ali vividly remembers the day Somalia gained its independence. “It was like we had broken ourselves from the chains of slavery. Our country became one of the best in East Africa.”
But 50 years down the road, Ahmed is forced to live in exile in Kenya. “My country is burning.”
Listen to Ahmed, who is praying for peace and prosperity.
Bookmark/Search this post with:
Email this Article
Printer-friendly version
I really love this series on independence. Its touches my heart and this stories of these Somali brothers and sisters makes my heart bleed for dialogue.We want a peaceful Somalia please international community help us to achieve that. I like all the ideas of what the 3 generations have said.Bravo Radio Netherlanfds for this informtive stories.It reminds me of my days as a young girl in the streets of Mogadishu.I LOVE SOMALIA AND my prayer is all will be well soon.
Thanks Ghali. We enjoyed bringing you this series on independence. So many different stories, so many different views.
It is very interesting to hear Somali's relishing colonial days. It reflects badly on Africa's desire to be politically and economic independent. Perhaps the call for secession by various factions should be heeded but whether this will be accepted by vesting interests remains the ultimate test. Already three have some form of internal control of their territories but all receive constant threats from the Al-shabaab. It is unfortunate local leaders do not form solutions to the challenges but exacerbate the already fragile conditions for personal aggrandizement. Of great importance is the role of AMISOM and its inability to perform its functions as per its mandate and whether their is need to heed Museveni's call. History will judge harshly those who given an opportunity to strike gold, decide to let misery be the order of the day. Ultimately, whether the Al-Shabaab should be allowed to take over the Republic of Somalia and control it or Islamic Law should be entrenched in full to restore human dignity posits opportunities and threats to Somalia and the Universe at Large.
Post new comment
Please be reminded all comments must be in English, short and to the point - guideline 250 words. Abusive and inappropriate comments will be removed.