History about Somalia
Somalia is a country located in the horn of Africa, stretches from Ras Asair North Down to Ras Kamboni to the south and inland boarders Ethiopia to west and Kenya to the south and south west.
The question about the history of Somalia is very important. Therefore, it goes into a little far back and is based on two major subjects, one is historical, and philosophical, the most knowledgeable Somali scholars was Professor Ali Abdirahman whom I did not know were he is currently. He estimated that the Somalis were originally came from a mixture of Kushitic, Rindela and some other parts from Pantus and some from Arabs. We can deep dive back to history until the time of the Pharaohs who had trade with Somalia.
The second can be said to be from the 13th century when the spread of Islam was strong and many scholars emerged until the decent century. Scholars can be said to be from the Qadiriyah, Ahmadiyah, Salihiyah and many others.
In its history, there are governments that the Somali people had before the invasion. Like the kings of Puntland, Lower Shabelle Ajuuraan, South West, Geedi Baabow and so many others.
Before the resistance to the use of imaanin, Somalia had a very high level of governance, well coordinated from ras camboni to Zaila, very liberal, now very mature. Based on religion.
But from the 15th and 16th century, resistance against foreigners arose, the struggle independence. One of these struggles, was the struggle of the southern destiny. To mention one like the struggle of the Bimaal family in the south, an other is the Sayidka in the northern and eastern regions. The struggle of Ahmed Gurey in the western Somalia, the struggle of all Somalis, organized by the Somali youths club, The SYL and the movement that arises from the Somalis in DJIBOUTI and Somali GALBED.
Hence, from here we can figure the identity of the Somali people.
The identity of Somalis is the Somali language & Islamic religion, they also belong tribes as a Residential Permit. They, the Somalis are counted as one of the first nations who took Islam as their unique faith as long as 8th or 9th century or even before.
Before the colonial powers came to Somalia the living conditions were well established. Socioeconomically, they namely consisted of:
1. nomadic/pastoralism life
2. Farmers communities
3. Fishing communities
4. Smiths such as gold, silver and irons
5. Garments/clothing facilities
6. Merchants export import etc
7. Construction of buildings etc
8. Carpentry
9. Making shoes, traditional chairs, beds and accessories
10. Knowledge learning groups called religious schoolers.
As regards to governance during the pre colonial era, Somalia had its own governance institutional framework basically we can mention. For example disputes between individuals or groups there were always the chief of the tribes and groups of elderly people who intervene and give counselling and resolve issues at any level acting as police station, prison or decision making levels. All decisions are based on the ethics of the community and according to the Islamic shari’a.
And as regards to education starting at the age of 4 to be enrolled at the Dugsi Quraan. So all children must attend this schools and be there until they graduate. During this time they are also taught how to guide the whole country. In the Quranic schools during the end of the day before the Maqrib prayers throughout Somalia wherever they are the recite the sovereign Du’aa the SHAAFIIN praying Allah SW to protect themselves and the people of Somalia. In kaashaba Alloow kaal.
After completing the Basic Quranic Schools, by the time they reach at the age between 11 to 13 years, they are promoted to go to the Mosque and start the second stage of learning, which is THE SALAH, cleanliness and civic codes of rights and duties within the broader community. And after completing Safinat Alsalaah, they are promoted to get into higher education starting Fiqi and Shariia and later they are graduate able to join whichever philosophy of Islam they want to Sufisim etc. At this time youths are supposed to work, marry and join the broad community and get ready for joining broadersociety.
These were the living conditions of the Somalis before the colonial powers came to Somalia. Hence after the colonial powers came to Somalia they started to introduce new strategy with their objectives. Starting formal schools, introduced new technologies as regards to farming, fishing etc. Thus gradually some or most of the basic practices of the communities diminished or deviated.
As a result of constant resistance three of the Somalis got independence from the colonial powers and tried to keep the lessons learned from the Italian, British and French colonial powers.
As a consequence of the nature of politics Somalia erected a modern state with all institutional framework with strong army perhaps the most powerful army in Africa at the time in 1977 and stood to liberate the rest of Somalia. Eventually while it was supposed to move ahead unfortunately the system collapsed and since for nearly 40 years recovery is still on the way. One of the most ugliest problems it is facing is armed insurgents who are hired by foreigners.
During this 40 years of lack of governance, Somal's political leaders are trying their best to maintain norms of governance institutional framework which they have succeeded but needs re-assessment and raise qualities.
Thus; it is an issue which needs to take review by Somali experts whom they know their culture and not by an expert outside Somalia. Since most of the institutions are held by young Somali , they absolutely need capacity building and institutional reform. These trainings, seminars to be horizontal as well as perpendicular.
Somalia although it seems that it has taken a choice of free market, which is capitalism thus the living conditions of the masses are far a part. Nonetheless, this gap can be narrowed, should the proper planning system start.
Thus in summary, the author of this essay have the opinion to raise awareness of all especially among the Somali workers through Somali Federation Trade Unions, Youth groups and women groups and professionals like doctors, teachers, farmers, fisheries etc.
By : Professor Ahmed MASSUD
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