Complicated Posted January 6, 2012 Al-jazeera is running a liveblog-like SMS service called Somalia Speaks, which invites Somalis still living in Somalia/land to report the impact of the war in their daily lives. Some of the texts I found interesting were: Living in anarchy Mogadishu I was 6 years old when the central government of my country - Somalia - collapsed as the civil war broke out in 1991. I grew up and finished my school and university studies in a place where no law and order prevails - that is – the war-torn city of Mogadishu. I always hear people talking about PEACE but I have never seen it. For the last 20 years, all I have seen is violence, destruction, destitution and instability that led us to anarchy. An entire generation knows nothing about peace but violence and the power of the gun. Growing numbers of Somali youth are turning to piracy and famine is killing thousands of people in the region. I work and live in constant fear. This is how the conflict has affected my life. Generations lost Kismayo I'll keep it short by just saying that destruction of Somalia has resulted the loss of generations of Somalis and continuous demoralisation of our people, young and old. I personally lost some family members and have some in Dadaab area, as well as Kismayo. I’m personally affected by the trauma and tragedy that took place and still taking place in my country. I’ve lost direction in my life, constantly feel worthless and am in depression for over two decades now. Had it not been for my faith in Allah, I would have done bad things to myself but thanks to Allah I’ve found peace in my the faith. Alhamdulillah. My life in somalia Gaalkacyo Since the civil war began, I was forced to bear arms with my father so I could protect my family. Back then, the motto was every one for themselves. Today and back then there is no difference, since there is no safe place in Somalia. I am not safe in my home. Before the war my dad owned a transport business that transported goods by sea and by trucks and planes. Since the civil war broke, out most of the boats, trucks and planes were stolen and instantly, we were poor. Confiscation of Vehicles Abudwak There was a lot of confiscation and check points near Abudwaq area by Ethiopian rat tag Army, The soldiers usually cross the border and loot local small businesses,we cannot tell weather they are telling the truth and they don't seem to have any Court Warrant to confiscate our fortune, Im a trades busniess-man and 6 of my lorries have been confiscated including the goods which was inside them lorries, I have no insurence for transporting for people and no insurence for my vehicles, what should I do know, it's either get killed by trying to get my lorries and goods back or get killed for the goods that i cant pay to my clients. In total since 2010 almost 120 trucks are missing 267099048 Burco The Somali conflict has affected all Somalis regardless where home is, although my hometown in the stable Somaliland, it is still in limbo and attached to the failed state. Although there is peace, that is not enough. There is a lack of progress. I feel Somalis feel ashamed of their identity because because of everything that comes out of Somalia - piracy, war for 21 years. And that includes Somaliland even though we like to distance ourselves. I feel I can't go back to my country anytime soon. That has caused all Somalis to be pessimistic about the future of our country. Affected by the influx of the DISPLACED Hargeisa The influx of refugees to my hometown Hargeisa and the likes of it has been enormous. While high rates of poverty, unemployment and lack of services has been associated with Somaliland, we(people/govt) still have to put up with the pressure of resettling the displaced and arranging a livelihood for them in coordination with international aid agencies and at the same time face an increased competition in almost all economic opportunities. i hope all will go well in Somalia and may they live in peace and prosperity. thanks all. http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/spotlight/somaliaconflict/somaliaspeaks.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
