The Echoes of a Generation: Somalia from 1987 to 2023
By. Ibrahim Sultan
First
Published on Oct 24, 2023
In the waning
moments of the 1980s, Somalia’s flame of civil democracy had been extinguished,
replaced by the embers of military socialism. As armed tribal groups began to
rise, the nation’s fragile structures collapsed by 1991, leaving these agroups
to claim the remnants.
Those of my
generation bore witness to a series of harrowing events, the most formidable
being the Somali Civil War. This conflict, which officially spanned from 1990
to 2012 but lingers in pockets of the nation, was less a battle for territory
and more an assault on the very soul of Somalia. Families were torn apart by
tribal allegiances, with members from the same household often pitted against
each other. As warriors moved regionally, they left behind trails of
indiscriminate violence and devastation.
Civilians, once the
heart of the nation, found themselves trapped in a relentless storm. Both
Islamic principles and Somali cultural norms seemed to vanish, replaced by
unfathomable brutality. While adults faced direct threats, children experienced
a subtler, yet profound form of trauma. They were confronted with questions far
beyond their years, struggles their innocence should have never encountered.
Most wars have
discernible objectives—territorial gains, economic advantages, or ideological
dominance. The Somali Civil War, however, seemed to have no higher purpose than
chaos. It was a platform for anarchic forces to assert dominance, only to then
turn on each other.
The specter of
famine from 1991 to 1994 further amplified the nation’s suffering. Unlike
natural disasters, this famine was intensified by man’s cruelty, proving that
sometimes humanity can be even more merciless than nature. The scars of this
period run deep: the very name “Somalia” became synonymous with hunger and
despair in global discourse.
For many, escaping
this nightmare was the only recourse. They embarked on perilous journeys,
braving treacherous roads and unforgiving terrains, seeking refuge in
neighboring countries. Life in refugee camps, particularly in the early days,
was a grim testament to human resilience. Basic necessities became luxuries,
and survival was the only agenda. Yet, with time, international interventions
brought incremental improvements. Some Somalis managed to migrate further,
establishing lives in distant lands and even influencing the political
landscapes there.
Today, as we find
ourselves in our thirties, my generation has become an integral part of
Somalia’s fabric. Many have assumed pivotal roles in politics and trade. Some
have even achieved ministerial positions at a notably young age—a rare feat
globally. Yet, there are concerns: a few seem more invested in consolidating
power than uplifting society. It’s a tragic irony that some are now fostering
an environment reminiscent of the one they once suffered under.
In the realms of
trade and education, our generation has made strides, though challenges
persist. Some have tragically succumbed to darker paths, while others have
emerged as thought leaders in communal spaces.
As I pen this
reflection, my appeal to my peers is simple yet profound: to embrace national
responsibility. To remember our past, but also to forge a brighter future for
the younger generations, ensuring they inherit a nation healed and rejuvenated.
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