VOICES OF THE NEW WARYAA REVOLUTION

[OLOL]

THE SEVEN MEMORANDUMS: OUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE.

 

 

“Our country is as young as the first days of its independence. Life in Somalia is still to be discovered and named: the land of the empty is waiting to be inhabited and possessed by us.â€

 

Introduction.

 

With this document the Somali students group and youth launches a new and intensive effort towards the renewal of the Somali people first and then the creation of a peaceful federal Somalia.

 

Somalia and its people have recently entered a period of reappraisal. Somalis feel that the time has come to reconsider what we are and to determine what we want to become. From the North to the East, and to the South, we have been discussing our history and our future.

 

This memorandum sets the agenda of a new action to begin a revolution to bring back our society from the brink of extinction and to create a new Somalia.

 

To begin a revolution requires a clear vision and undying commitment to a common cause, and a strong believe to a common shared destiny.

 

We,young Somali students in the diaspora, propose the following seven memorandums to be the foundation of our revolution and we will keep the doors open for the addition and removal of any of the goals.

 

(1) Renewing ourselves:ORGIVING ONE ANOTHER.

 

This test must begin with a form of exorcism. Too many outdated myths and old hang-ups persist in various parts of our society. The hands of every Somali are stained with blood and our hearts are filled with guilt and sorrow. We must begin our revolution with the message of forgiveness. We must begin by encouraging the guilt to come forward to be forgiven. What happened the last 45 years is going to be part of our history but we can’t afford to dwell on them forever. We have to begin the process of healing by encouraging our people to forgive and the accused to repent. They are like milestones around our necks; we must break the chains that bind us to these horrific events in our past. The experience in the past 15 years gives us a unique opportunity to reshape our national destiny and to reshape it as we see fit. To accomplish it, we require a political framework, we require much more -- a new openness of spirit, a new dedication stirring and moving in the hearts of Somali people.

 

It is the goal of our new revolution to start and propagate this new spirit, values, openness and dedication to every Somali wherever they are. It is the collective will of all Somalis, which will ensure our people’s survival. This collective will can assert itself only if the Somali people become fully aware of their identity and understand what it means to be part of it.

Over the course of their short history, our people have developed their own identity based on clans, their own conception of government is based on their experience of the past regime and society, and their own world perspective based on their clannish exposure to the outside world. The principles of the renewal proposed by our revolution must be based not on this identity, we need a a new conception and perspective. But with the spirit and understanding that we are still Somalis, one people with the same destiny regardless of clan and regional affiliation.

 

(2) Affirmation of the Somali Identity.

 

“Our country is as young as the first days of its creation. Life in Somalia is still to be discovered and named: the dim face and the silent heart of our country, all of it’s landscapes from before the coming of man, waiting to be inhabited and possessed by us, and that indistinct cry uttered in the night by victims of injustice, all of this calls forth the day and the light.â€

 

The renewal of our society does require some basic change in the character of the Somali people. In order to bring about a revolution, we need to be more consistent and more faithful to idea of Somali-ness than in the past.

The revolution of Somali students and youth must encourage our people to a new national personality, new national characteristics, pronounce our distinctive cultural traits, whoever we are or wherever we live in Somalia.

 

Our revolution must assert the Somali identity, establish once and for all what this identity consists of and encourage our movement to express it through our actions, both as individuals and as collective entity.

 

The current crisis in Somali forces us to be more needed movement. but we must be surer and more aware of what we are and what we can become.

The future of our society, I believe, depends very largely upon the cultivation of a new values and new movement. We must find some common ground on which to unite, some common aspiration to be shared, and I think it can be found alone in the cultivation of that new revolution to which I have referred.

 

"A nation is a group of persons who have undertaken great projects together in the past and present and, who hope to accomplish great things together in the future", said historian Frank Underhill.

 

These new values (forgiveness, repentence, identity, and unity) that we want to propagate in our people, will motivat our behavior as individuals and determine our personality as a society. They will govern the relationships among the various groups in our society and determine the character of our social institutions. They will define the form of our future and prescribe the rules that will be governing our political, economical and social institutions. They will shape our aspirations, forge our ideals and provide direction for our future. In short, these values determine what we may call, without undue pride but also without false modesty, the Somalia model.

 

This synthesis of Somali values is not fixed or unchangeable and hopefully will never be so, but back to our basic culture and belief.

 

The new values are based in our religion and positive culture and won’t be hard to propagate to our society.

 

(3) Introduction and Advocacy of the new vision.

 

Our guiding principle as revolutionary movement requires first of all that we become aware of the values which we need to share, regardless of the clan to which we belong or the region where we are from.

Somali culture has molded us and has made us much more alike than we generally think. With our tendency to emphasize our distinctive characteristics as members of one clan, inhabitants of one region or another that unfortunately we must often be reminded by foreigners how much we have in common.

 

We are all too prone to reduce culture to language or ethnic origin and, consequently, to underestimate the cultural values which we share.

The Waryaa movement which we the students and youth will spearhead must believe in the pre-eminence and fundamental freedoms of the individual, an equal opportunity for all, in democratic islamic values and respect for the rule of law.

We must believe in the dynamics of individual enterprise, in the effective use of government institutions to serve our collective development, and in the sharing of the country's wealth and income among individuals and regions. However, we must all work for developing it and making it prosperous without becoming the world's basket case.

 

Our movement must come with constant efforts to achieve a better integration of these values in Somali society, and the advocacy of new system of governance that provides an opportunity to every somali.

We may be of different minds as to the means to be used, but we have no difficulty in agreeing on overall goals since consensus truly exists in these areas. However, other values must also be enshrined in our national consensus.

They concern education, equality, peace, justice and and the dignity of our peoples and the self-development of our country.

 

The current crisis demands that we make the efforts necessary to entrench these values and to accept their practical consequences.

Basically, all that is required of us in this movement is to accept that what we ask for ourselves be extended to others.

 

We must assert our right to speak the Somali language, which is ours by birth and to feel comfortable talking to each other in that language. We all insist on our right to preserve our cultural heritage. We all wish to see our language develop and our country develop, and expect to be able to choose, with those among our fellow Somalis who are closest to us, the lifestyle, which we prefer.

 

The Creation of this Movement must lead to the recognition by each of us that all other Somalis have aspirations similar to our own. We must go a little further: we have to create in the hearts of our people not only to accept that other Somalis and their communities are not different from our own and don't want to be different; we must respect each other for who we are...which is SOMALIS.

There can be no place in a renewed Somali Society for arrogant, domineering or contemptuous attitudes toward other somalis.

 

Friendship, solidarity and respect among our similar communities are important values of the Somali identity. Dedication to these values will enable us to achieve much more than the mere survival to which our more pessimistic thinkers would limit us; we will be able to grow, to develop, to fulfill our great potential.

 

Once these visions have been well integrated into the national consensus, we will at last be able to devote ourselves, serenely and without compunction, to the cultivation of Somali unity and diversity if it exists. Each clan, for its own betterment and to some extent for the good of others, will be able to develop its region and its cities and its regional characteristics, whatever these may be. In all other respects we will be able to choose the values that shape our attitudes, our aspirations and our lifestyles, and to resist in all good conscience pressures from those who would impose on us, in the name of tribalism, a sterile and pointless uniformity.

Uniformity, where everyone "belongs", uses the same clichés, thinks alike and behaves alike, produces a society, which seems comfortable at first but is totally lacking in human dignity.

 

Real unity tolerates dissent and rejoices in variety of outlook and tradition, recognizes that it is human destiny to unite and not divide, and understands that creating proletariats and scapegoats and second-class citizens is a mean and contemptible activity. Unity, so understood, is the extra dimension that raises the sense of belonging into genuine human life.

 

(4) Learning to live with our differences.

 

Why do we tend to complain about the distinctive character of other Somalis, while clinging so fiercely to our own? Why do we criticize, despise, hate, other clans, while insisting that ours be respected and celebrated?

 

In many respects, Somalia is a country, which is still unaware of itself; it is therefore in many respects a country still afraid of itself.

 

In spite of all our "Likeness"--our politicians, our intellectuals, our ordinary Somalis, our journalists--we are all too often unaware of what we have in common; we are so distrustful of each other, so we fear that we may be too different to remain united as a country and as a people. There can be no doubt that we are all the same; but we don't quite know to what extent and in what ways. Thus we fear some mythical clan bogeyman.

 

Our forefathers have left us many stories and myths concerning aspects of regions and clans other than our own. But we are still too often unaware that things have changed and that these myths are false. How can we dispel these outdated myths? How can we become aware of all the values and experiences we have in common? How can we establish the “Waryaa†identity while learning to live with our minor clan differences?.

 

Our movement must learn first this identity, and then educate our communities on these newly found values and principles, which can unite us into one Somalia.

 

(5) ADVOCATE FOR THE CREATION OF NEW SOMALIA.

The strength of Somalia and the rationale for Somalia is founded upon each of the regions complementing one another and balancing their weaknesses and strengths. These conditions change over time and sacrifices are involved but the commitment to one country is essential if the benefits of unity are to endure over time and through all circumstances.

 

A fundamental introduction of a Federation into Somalia is needed to resolve the crisis threatening the existence, stability, unity and prosperity of Somalia. The great debate on national unity has clearly indicated that most Somalis understand the need for Federation and are determined to carry it out. If it is to be successful, the federation must be built on fundamental principles reflecting the basic realities of complex and changing society.

 

It is our obligation as students, Somali youth and the “waryaa†movement to advocate and teach this philosophy to our society and to the average Somali.

 

(6) Pre-eminence of citizens and of their freedoms.

 

“The establishment of the Federation must confirm the preeminence of citizens over institutions, guarantee their rights and freedoms, and ensure that these rights and freedoms are inalienableâ€

 

The introduction of the practice of federalism, of its institutions, and of the Constitution must all be determined by the spirit and will of Somalis themselves.

 

No laws of any Parliament can of itself develop understanding and friendship among Somalia's communities or reinforce their solidarity. The people themselves must give life and form to the Somali identity through their individual and joint actions. But we have to understand first, and then teach our average Somalis.

 

A federal system, the Constitution through its protection of rights and freedoms must serve the ultimate basis of national unity. The supremacy of the Constitution necessarily follows from this first principle to the extent that the Constitution records the rules of democratic life, protects fundamental rights and liberties, provides for the distribution of powers and guarantees the independence of the judiciary. I will not discuss the constitution here, but will leave it for a latter discussion.

 

The form of the federal system is not discussed in detail here because we will discuss it separately in another venue.

 

(7a) The self-development of regions.

 

“The creation of the Federation must, in all fields, promote the self-development of regions by avoiding excessive centralization.â€

 

Somalia has always been, and still is today, a country of clans and regions. Our geography dictates this and the people demand it.

 

The federal structure of our new system of government must make it possible for regional identities to develop and determine the nature and operations of social institutions to a much greater extent than our neighboring countries.

 

The creation of the Federal system, while strengthening our unity, must therefore enhance the self-development of its regions. This can be achieved through a more functional distribution of powers between the federal government and provincial governments. A commitment to reduce regional disparities is also required if all regions, and not only the more affluent, are to have the ability to develop in their own way and preserve their particular identities and cultural traditions.

 

(7b) Fostering economic integration.

 

“The creation of the Federation must lead to closer economic integration between the regions of the country and make it possible for all to share its benefits more equally.â€

 

The free movement of goods, services, capital and workers must always be adequately assured.

 

The two levels of government have to succeed in reconciling to their mutual satisfaction the imperatives of national economic integration and of regional self-development.

It will be necessary to take these matters into consideration when the drafting of new legislative powers is undertaken.

 

In addition, the new federal system has to ensure, all of the regions benefit equally from access to the national market because differences in location, size, scale, resource endowments, infrastructure and economic organization, may place a region at an advantage or disadvantage. Future federal and provincial policies must be designed to correct these imbalances and should be effective.

 

An old proverb says that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. The same is true of human societies, particularly ours. Competition between regions can be invigorating; but it must be tempered with stronger and more extensive bonds of national solidarity.

The freedom and self-development of individual citizens, regions or communities can only be realized to their fullest extent with the occasional support of others.

[Tuujiye]

OLOL..tnx for the article sxb..

Us Youth and in general us Somalis usually talk about Youth Unity and how we should be doing something about back home..But honestly their is little action being taken..We need to stop talking and take action!!!

 

Don't just talk the talk, walk the walk na'mean..

 

I believe the feture of Somalia belongs to the youth and only United Youth could change the feture and give Somalia Hope insha allah..

 

Their was 13 young men who first started the SYL group that freed Somalia from 'cabiidsi"..

 

And Now we need groupo of young youth men and women who are well educated like SYL group to free our people from these sick mental old warlords and the sickness that they created in the hearts of our people...

 

 

Sxb once again..tnx for the article I liked it.

 

 

Wareer Badanaa!!!

[Kashafa]

Reviewing the declaration, I noticed the glaring omission of the role of Islam in a future Somalia. Somali nationalism maybe a potent force(potentially,) but tribalism will always hamper it's development. Islam is the only force that can cut off the ugly head of qabyaalad, the same way it did 1400 years ago in the deserts of Arabia. Pump up Somali Nationalism, and we're doomed to go through the same cycles again.

 

The "Waryaa Movement" ... cool name !

[Animal Farm]

Its hard to ponder the concept of a revolution in Somalia, the only revolution that has taken place in Somalia is inner clan protests, and separation and etc. Most of the Somali students in the Diaspora, the ones who are able to do something, hate everything that is Somali, they have neglected their culture, and to put it politely they have begun to plan their lives here, and only see Somalia as an irrational vacation spot that they must visit without any sort of reasoning.

 

I think we been milking the ‘let’s unite Somalia’ campaign for more than a decade. Somalis will unite only if there is a common enemy, a collective threat to their livelihoods.

 

It reads like a good manual based on wishful thinking, reminds me of socialism. The political reality of youths in Diaspora is as follows, if they aren’t shooting drugs, selling, drinking, killing each other, they are going to universities and aligning sub-consciously aligning themselves with their own clan.

 

Students in the Diaspora are even more separated in terms of clan politics. It’s interesting that AIDS ravaged through many African countries, especially in those around Somali, but Somalia has remained undamaged, but lets not forget there are cases there – my point is this >>>>> when we find the cure for AIDS we shall find the cure for Tribalism in Somalia.

[Caano Geel]

WERE/ WHAT IS THE ABSTRACT OR CONCLUSION MAN, I CANT READ ALL THIS ...

[RendezVous]

^^^Every Somali youth supports OLOL's vision..I am from Kenya and would surely support this..

 

We are loosing much from the scenario at the gate now.Country, culture, religion and dear Youth.

 

Let us support this thread...admin where are you guyz?

 

God thread and Jazakallah kheiran

[Animal Farm]

What would you have the admin do? How would they support this thread?

[RendezVous]

Originally posted by Animal Farm:

What would you have the admin do? How would they support this thread?

^^^ask yourself...what do u think he can't do?

 

Last resort

The admin can atleast maintain this thread as the first thread on screen in 'general'always...If he can't do more than that...

 

We are talking about a 'vision'..& you are talking about Revolutions..No wonder someone said...hacked/Packed/set/ready for burial.. :cool: