By Kilemi Mwiria

This is the perfect opening to once and for all liberate millions of innocent Somalis who have been at the mercy of warlords for decades. We had the chance in 1989 but instead, chose to shelter the deposed President Siyad Barre and his close family friends but cared little about the people of Somalia. If we had done something then, we would be having much fewer arms, refugees and Al Shabaab to worry about. By our inaction, we have created the monster that is eating us. Remember that were it not for Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s intervention, Uganda would probably be another Somalia.

We are much better placed than the UN or African Union forces to perform this liberating role. And we have the most to benefit from a stable Somalia. As the most advanced country in the region we have to be our brother’s keeper by riding Somalia of warlords, pirates and religious extremists. By so doing, we will liberate thousands of Somalis who know no human rights and give millions of Somali youth the opportunity to exploit their full potential. Moreover, our business community, including Kenyan Somalis will have a larger market. Once in Somali we shall be opening opportunities to North Africa and the Middle East. The marine wealth of Somali is largely unexploited; except by isolated cases of Japanese and Chinese traders. The long Somalia coastline would be great for organized tourism and sea transport. We already have seen how enterprising Somalis are; how much potential is left unexploited because of lawlessness?

By liberating Somalia, we shall only be doing ourselves a favor; Somalis are an integral part of our population. Creating stability in the neighboring country would relieve pressure on Kenya’s limited natural resources and urban infrastructure. It would free many Somalis and non-Somali Kenyans to a new frontier that is yet to be fully exploited and would give them the chance to contribute to the country’s development.

An orderly Somali would be great for our miraa and horticulture farmers while our expanding university sector can serve as convenient destinations for youthful Somalis in search of higher education. The international community should partner with Kenya in efforts to restore peace and stability, resettlement of Somali refugees in Kenya and facilitation of the business community and Somali professionals in and out of Somalia, who would like to return home. If the world truly cares for this long suffering county, it is time to rebuild Somalia by investing in large infrastructural projects. This will keep youth gainfully employed and along with the business community, will check the excesses of Al Shabaab and religious and clan bigots.

Our entry and that of the international community should be long enough to guarantee permanent stability. Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Djibouti (which all host the Somali community), as well as the independent Somali states of Somaliland and Puntland (which have managed to ensure stability within their borders) should be part of a deal to work with Somalis in the Diaspora to form an acceptable government that is representative of the warring clans. Creating a buffer zone to safeguard our border is selfish and an inadequate response in the long term.

—The writer is MP for Tigania West and Assistant Minister for Higher Education, Science & Technology

Source: The Standard

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