Baashi Posted December 23, 2003 This is a good read as it is written by a group of Somalis who actually went there. It is an old report and a lot have changed since...nevertheless it has some relevence. The role of Islam is acknowledged in this one...awesome ----------------------------------------------- Removing Barricades in Somalia. Somalia and the Somali people are an enigma to much of the world. How can the Somalis have journeyed to the eve of the 21st century and have no modern state “no laws, no government, no courts, no taxes, no social services, no trash collection, no public schools, no post office, no official currency, no means to settle defaulted business contracts, no public health system, and no police? Do they exist, as Robert Kap lan's ”The Coming Anarchy’ would have us believe, in the depths of anarchy or even nihilism. There are many opinions about Somali identity. Our 1997 fact-finding mission heard them all. Read on.... Enabling conditions upon which sound governance for Somalia can be built include: 1. Local autonomy. A spirit of local autonomy pervades Somali society and ought to be enhanced and formalized. 2. Powersharing. People seek broad-based powersharing both as an echo of the past and as a key to a more participatory future. External groups should join with local communities to reinforce quests for powersharing. 3. Decentralization. People favor decentralization and devolution of power. Many examples have already emerged in local settings. These models should be examined for possible adaptations to other situations. 4. Role of women. Women are playing an increasingly prominent role in Somali civil society. These initiatives have won respect among men and women alike and offer a means to build bridges between hostile clan groups. Women÷s groups require special support and consideration for any lasting peace. 5. Islam. An Islamic revival is evident. It reflects core values, based on Somali tradition rather than on the fundamentalist political forms seen elsewhere in the Middle East. Somalia÷s Islamic revival promises to strengthen institutions of civil society and should be reinforced. 6. Market economy. A free and unregulated market economy has emerged and its growth should be encouraged. 7. Local adaptation. Somalis have been ingenious at adapting external technologies and management systems to meet needs at local levels. The spirit of innovation and creativity ought to be encouraged at regional and national levels as well. 8. Traditional institutions. Somali culture is rich in traditional institutions evidenced in systems of land management, agricultural and grazing systems, conflict mediation, legal adjudication, and many related functions. These traditional practices are part of the support system needed to make any new settlement effective and sustainable. 9. Free press. Somalis have a tradition of speaking frankly on any issue. At present, several informal newspapers, mostly in Mogadishu, present various perspectives on the current situation. Many of these views are highly critical of established political authority. Free speech and open debate need to continue if there is to be a lasting peace. 10. Regional links. Relations with neighboring states are improving and need to be nurtured. Read on.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
