Land_Soldier Posted September 6, 2010 Uganda: Was Somalia Worth It? Ba-Hoku Barigye 5 September 2010 Going through the internet-based media daily, and especially since the 7/11 tragedy in Kampala, one gets a sense of despair on the long Somali conflict. The feelings and signs of frustration and hopelessness are visible. Conspiracy theories have been weaved by 'experts on Somalia' to deceive and convince the world that the Somali one is a special and different conflict from any other known conflict elsewhere in the world. Good thing though, is that sane voices of reason and hope still exist. The Somali conflict may have some uniqueness. But conflicts and wars have occurred on the Africa continent and elsewhere and have been resolved. Liberia and Sierra Leone are the most vivid examples but were ended through the ECOWAS regional initiative working with international partners. The 'experts' will quote all types of sources to justify their theories. Sometimes, they even call their writings "Intelligence Briefs!!" In extreme cases, they even create imaginary enmity between the Transitional Federal Government and AMISOM forces. In all this dirty design to create despondency, they are driven by hypocrisy, their poor knowledge about Somalia and wishful thinking. Most of the formulators of these conspiratorial theories may have never set foot inside Somalia. Their theories are based on hear-say and lack of in-depth analysis. Such theories ignore one fundamental fact: Somalia is a threat not only to itself and the region, but to the world. The theories range from abandoning the Somalis to their own schemes, mischief and fate; to maintaining the status quo where the current repression and oppression can continue and humanitarian catastrophe is looming; to "constructive disengagement" where ties with the TFG and African Union Mission in Somalia are cut. This theory itself ignores two vital facts: (i) TFG and AMISOM are the only forces working towards bringing genuine national political, social and economic rebirth, reconciliation, peace and stability to Somalia today; (ii) the Somalis have not been able to sort out their problems for the last 20 years. What guarantees are there now that this miracle will happen? The most targeted victim has been AMISOM. Why? The mission is currently the only force stopping the armed violent groups, especially Al-shabaab and Hizbul Islam, from ascending to power in Mogadishu. Their intentions have been thwarted with heavy casualties on their side over the last three years. June/July of last and this year have been specifically significant. Such losses have often times led them to halt their operations and withdraw from Mogadishu. Other times, like now, they have got involved in forced recruitment, including of children as young as 10 years to replenish their ranks. Their war effort is now focused on extortion and illegal collections of all sorts of money, including sakha (alms/donations to the poor during Ramadhan), which is supposed to be given voluntarily but is now being enforced at roadblocks in areas controlled by the militants. To what use this money will be put remains a good guess. But the apologists and sympathisers of these extremists are oblivious of such facts. Our approach puts smiles on many a Somali face: free medical care to over 12,000 people per month and over 1.8 million litres of clean water distributed to the Somalis who live close to our camps. Who will help consolidate such efforts so that many more smiles are seen on their faces? Their intention is also to deny support to the Transitional Federal Government. They believe they will easily achieve all these because there are no independent voices to counter theirs. They have uprooted and looted media houses and forced independent journalists to flee the country. They have intimidated and blackmailed all sections of society into acquiescence. These groups have been evolving into a more overtly internationalist organisation. Al-shabaab formally announced its alliance with al Qaeda on February 10, 2010. Such an alliance has undercut some of its appeal and support base within Somalia. Their hard line interpretation of Islam (i.e. imposing religious uniformity on Somali society at the expense of traditional clan structures and beliefs) does not resonate with many Somali citizens. In addition, their brutal operational tactics, especially suicide bombings and roadside bombs targeting civilians, cause public outrage and alienate supporters. Ironically though, it is such tactics that have temporarily enabled them to retain territory in Southern and Central Somalia. The international community needs to put to shame those who think that peace is a luxury. The international community must equally prove to these warmongers and the doubting Thomases, the pessimistic and skeptical wrong and demonstrate that we care. The UN continues to provide logistical support to AMISOM as a proof to this. Further proof to this is the useful support provided by the EU, US and all other partners to AMISOM and TFG. Relevant Links East Africa Uganda Somalia Conflict Arms and Armies Conflict The genuine experts on Somalia should, therefore, help in providing suggestions and proposals on how the suffering of Somalis can be brought to an end. What plans can be put in place to resettle and rehabilitate a society that has been so fractured and whose three generations have known nothing else but war and violence? What can be done to avoid a recurrence of such a situation? How about the criminalised economy (including piracy), attendant greed and cynicism, and above all, impunity and violence against the weakest? Does anyone anywhere in the world today want a situation where negative forces are allowed virtual control of Somalia? Do we want to provide these forces with a secure base from which to carry out terrorist attacks? We will wait to see whether the time, effort, blood, sweat and tears will change life for the greater majority of the Somalis. Maj. Barigye is AMISOM Force Spokesman Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
