SOMALIA'S WORSENING CRISIS AND A REJOINDER TO DR MEGALOMMATIS
Kanini Evans Kariuki
May 27, 2009
CAUGHT between a rock and a hard place, disillusioned Somalis are positing that neither the West nor East are demonstrating sympathy or compassion for the catastrophes befalling them, the wanton destruction of Somali State resources, and the plight of Somali refugees fleeing the on-going ugly and bloody confrontation between the Transitional Federal government and the Islamists.
The UN which organized the Djibouti conference sometimes back, had promised that if Sheikh Sheriff and his group were elected, peace and stability would be restored in the troubled Horn of Africa nation.
The Somalis are hysterically asking why peace and stability has become elusive, after Sheikh Sheriff ascended to the chair of the presidency and adopted Islamic religion as the state constituency.
This notion has been shrugged off by the Al-Shabaab and the Islamic party, accusing Sheriff of contemplating to deceive the Somali citizens on the proclamation of the Muslim religion as a constitution; they regard Sheriff as a traitor and a stooge of the West and Ethiopia.
In reference to the article published by the American Chronicle on May 24th 2009, by one Dr. Muhamad ShamSaddin Megalommatis, I do respect the writer of the article for his impressive academic credentials and experience, but I feel that the words used in his write-up are derogatory or disparaging and not appropriate to be used while addressing a Head of State.
Note: "Immoral, cynical Sheikh Sharif turns Somalia to bloodbath, serving only the Somalis worst enemies",Quote, as the headline of the said article which was both offensive and in bad taste, screamed.
I am not defending President Sherrif blindly, as I regard both him and the opposition as being embroiled in a detestable scenario that has unfortunately culminated in the killing of their innocent citizens who have suffered for the last 19 years from civil war, drought ,man- made starvation, lawlessness and many other disheartening and dehumanizing conditions.
It is indeed spine-chilling to note that starting from May 7, 2009, the death toll of Somalia citizens and soldiers has now risen to more than 300, while over 1000 have been maimed, and over 60,000 consigned to pathetic and deplorable circumstances in the outskirts of Mogadishu without any proper shelter and food, after having been displaced.
The present fighting in Somalia will definitely spill over country´s adjacent to Somalia and will inflict pressure on the Red Sea and Indian Ocean waters which has already been felt globally.
The West was reluctant to iron out the crisis and it is also apparent that the Superpowers are currently still not prepared to solve the Somalia conflict.
They have massed big navy forces at the Somalia waters and organized conferences on the sea piracy without consultations with the Somalia government. The Western powers held conferences just recently in Malaysia, and this week in Cairo.
The nagging problem of sea piracy can be tackled conclusively by establishing Somalia former navy forces and rehabilitating the youth who are currently engaged in the vice.
The Somalis are frustrated by the foreign non-governmental organizations and others who are clearly opposed to Somalia having a legitimate authority.
They encourage corruption, mismanagement and promote anarchy, while at the same time disregard the authority of Somalia institutions.
Dr Megalommatis whom I think is a Muslim, should see sense and speak honestly on the noble ways of how Somalia can be pacified.
Somalia people are victims of irresponsible power-seekers, foreign interventions, organizations and personalities bent on making a kill or fortunes at the expense of the plight of Somalis.
It is a known fact that the Al-Shabaab group has caused great concern to the Somali neighbors and already, some countries feel that Al-Shabaab has infiltrated the circles of their youngsters.
My advice to Al-Shaabab and the Muslim party headed by Dahir Sheikh Awes, is that they should cultivate a spirit of responsibility and stop fighting with Sherrif´s regime and opt for reconciliation.
Unless otherwise, you will create a leeway for the enemies of Somalia to capitalize on your mistakes and destroy the remnants of Somali people and State.
I wonder why the Arab and the Muslim world are reacting with moral consciousness on the Somali conflict.
Are they not harboring any feelings or concern over the tragedy of Somalia which had touched the hearts of even the non-Muslims who had provided them with assistance and sanctuary?
Dr Megalommatis, let you and me sound an impassioned appeal to the Somalis in the name of God, to exterminate or stop the bloodshed of their own brothers and sisters, so as not to besmirch the image of Islam. Thank you.
The UN which organized the Djibouti conference sometimes back, had promised that if Sheikh Sheriff and his group were elected, peace and stability would be restored in the troubled Horn of Africa nation.
The Somalis are hysterically asking why peace and stability has become elusive, after Sheikh Sheriff ascended to the chair of the presidency and adopted Islamic religion as the state constituency.
This notion has been shrugged off by the Al-Shabaab and the Islamic party, accusing Sheriff of contemplating to deceive the Somali citizens on the proclamation of the Muslim religion as a constitution; they regard Sheriff as a traitor and a stooge of the West and Ethiopia.
In reference to the article published by the American Chronicle on May 24th 2009, by one Dr. Muhamad ShamSaddin Megalommatis, I do respect the writer of the article for his impressive academic credentials and experience, but I feel that the words used in his write-up are derogatory or disparaging and not appropriate to be used while addressing a Head of State.
Note: "Immoral, cynical Sheikh Sharif turns Somalia to bloodbath, serving only the Somalis worst enemies",Quote, as the headline of the said article which was both offensive and in bad taste, screamed.
I am not defending President Sherrif blindly, as I regard both him and the opposition as being embroiled in a detestable scenario that has unfortunately culminated in the killing of their innocent citizens who have suffered for the last 19 years from civil war, drought ,man- made starvation, lawlessness and many other disheartening and dehumanizing conditions.
It is indeed spine-chilling to note that starting from May 7, 2009, the death toll of Somalia citizens and soldiers has now risen to more than 300, while over 1000 have been maimed, and over 60,000 consigned to pathetic and deplorable circumstances in the outskirts of Mogadishu without any proper shelter and food, after having been displaced.
The present fighting in Somalia will definitely spill over country´s adjacent to Somalia and will inflict pressure on the Red Sea and Indian Ocean waters which has already been felt globally.
The West was reluctant to iron out the crisis and it is also apparent that the Superpowers are currently still not prepared to solve the Somalia conflict.
They have massed big navy forces at the Somalia waters and organized conferences on the sea piracy without consultations with the Somalia government. The Western powers held conferences just recently in Malaysia, and this week in Cairo.
The nagging problem of sea piracy can be tackled conclusively by establishing Somalia former navy forces and rehabilitating the youth who are currently engaged in the vice.
The Somalis are frustrated by the foreign non-governmental organizations and others who are clearly opposed to Somalia having a legitimate authority.
They encourage corruption, mismanagement and promote anarchy, while at the same time disregard the authority of Somalia institutions.
Dr Megalommatis whom I think is a Muslim, should see sense and speak honestly on the noble ways of how Somalia can be pacified.
Somalia people are victims of irresponsible power-seekers, foreign interventions, organizations and personalities bent on making a kill or fortunes at the expense of the plight of Somalis.
It is a known fact that the Al-Shabaab group has caused great concern to the Somali neighbors and already, some countries feel that Al-Shabaab has infiltrated the circles of their youngsters.
My advice to Al-Shaabab and the Muslim party headed by Dahir Sheikh Awes, is that they should cultivate a spirit of responsibility and stop fighting with Sherrif´s regime and opt for reconciliation.
Unless otherwise, you will create a leeway for the enemies of Somalia to capitalize on your mistakes and destroy the remnants of Somali people and State.
I wonder why the Arab and the Muslim world are reacting with moral consciousness on the Somali conflict.
Are they not harboring any feelings or concern over the tragedy of Somalia which had touched the hearts of even the non-Muslims who had provided them with assistance and sanctuary?
Dr Megalommatis, let you and me sound an impassioned appeal to the Somalis in the name of God, to exterminate or stop the bloodshed of their own brothers and sisters, so as not to besmirch the image of Islam. Thank you.
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