SolutionsAs Somalia and its government struggle to cope with al-Shabab and poverty, the rest of the world has been the constant answer to their call which has made Somalia fully reliant on external help, and has made them unproductive in building their infrastructure up. However, it has saved countless lives by doing so, making it the only option Somalia has.
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Short Term Solutions
International Aid
This aid is a very good thing because it is keeping al-Shabab out of control of all of Somalia, and many lives have been saved by this aid. AMISOM was a response group created by the African Union, and authorized by the UN to al-Shabab’s rise and have been fighting them ever since. The UN has been the main response team for crises in Somalia since the 90s. They provide funds and resources for Somalia, and has been running longer term programs for Somalia which could be good for Somalia’s ability to self sustain, so there is no question they are doing more good than harm. The most recent intervention they have had is with the famine and fixing the refugee camps. They helped to relocate 281 Somalis last year, putting some of them in Slovakia who would later be relocated to the US. One man gives his account, as shown on the right. The US helped Somalia until the 90s until they declared Somalia a failed state, but have recently picked up diplomatic relations with them. (Modici, 16)
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Shukri Abdi Quasim
Shukri Abdi Quasim is a refugee who was driven out of his hometown of Luuq due to clan warfare. After escaping to a refugee camp in Eritrea, he spent 20 years of his life here. Finally, the UN scooped him and his family up and relocated them to Slovakia where they would then later be relocated to the US. Shukri tells how “Life wasn’t easy as a refugee,” and that he and his family “...were receiving the rations and all services from UNHCR and ORA, but [they] still went through difficult times.” Shurki's story clearly shows how hard life is as a refugee and how much the UN is doing to help people like him. (Modici, 16) |
National Aid
The Somali government is not doing much for their people other than evicting refugees and giving al-Shabab full control over them, which is a huge factor in why Somalia is having trouble recovering and getting back on its feet. They control only a small portion of Somalia that is surrounded by al-Shabab, which leaves the country lawless and without order. ((Hansen, 13)
Non-Government Organization (NGOs)
MSF has had a huge presence in Somalia until in 2013 when they were kicked out by al-Shabab who brutally killed and maimed many workers. Despite this, MSF has been arranging to return to Somalia with their utter devotion to help anyone in need. MSF has been with Somalia since day one, until being kicked out by al-Shabab. They are close to getting back into Somalia, and have met with officials in Mogadishu to do so. When they were in Somalia, they had a huge impact on treating disease and giving refugees medical attention. Also, Somali refugees who have been relocated and have started new lives are raising money and support for their fellow Somalis back home. Most Somalis go to Minnesota to start new lives, and in doing so are sending money overseas to their friends and family who are still in refugee camps. (Asalanian, 16)
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Long Term Solutions
Long term plans to strengthen Somalia’s government, economy and social problems will see Somalia in a better state over a longer period of time, as they, with the help of the UN, Kenya, Ethiopia, and the US have been constantly trying to fix their infrastructure throughout the past two decades. Fixing these various aspects of Somalia’s infrastructure will fix the biggest problems in Somalia, and help to prevent further issues of this magnitude. While different ideas coming from different cultures on how to mend this country have been proposed, the people trying to fix it are on the same page with some universal ideas on how to make Somalia a better place.
Political
Politically, the Transitional Government that transitioned into a Parliament four years ago has been gaining importance as they have recently had their first election, showing how they are making progress in this field of their infrastructure. Also, defeating al-Shabab with the help of AMISOM is the next stepping stone for the Somali government as it will give them room to grow and develop. They want to leave Somalia once al-Shabab is defeated, and want to do so in a way which will allow Somalia to fend for itself when they are gone. This will give the new government more power and control over Somalia, which is the first step in fixing their infrastructure. This will help Somalia eliminate al-Shabab and clan warfare in Somalia, as well as future threats that would resemble these uncontrollable groups. (CultureGrams, 16)
Economics
Somalia’s economy starts with its government gaining more power, specifically the power to distribute and print money. This would allow for a federal banking system, which would make transactions more official and also lower the larceny rate if everyone has their money in the bank versus using cash. Also, if the UN fully gets the Somali government out of the aftermath of the 2011 famine, and combined with the fact that if AMISOM defeats al-Shabab, Somalia could have a clean slate to work with. There have been proposals to boost port imports and exports, but again, this starts with federal funds coming from the government. Large corporations would help Somalia grow as it would create jobs and create more circulation of the money, however this starts with a federal banking system, created by the government. This would help to prevent crises such as the famine, because if Somalia starts to import, they don’t have to be as self sufficient with their farming. Clearly, a stable and more productive government will play a big role in fixing Somalia’s economy and preventing the problems that face Somalia today. (Ni Chonghaile, 12)
Social
Going back to the government, if they gain more power and al-Shabab is defeated, it will discourage other jihadist groups from turning to war, and will revert the Muslim community in Somalia to a whole, peaceful, and unified body, which has a good chance to fix the faults in this society. This may also destroy the social norm to join a clan because this is a large part of why Somalia is such a violent country. Again, if the government gains power it can outlaw tribalism or the existence of clans, which would drastically change the social structure of Somalia. (CultureGrams, 16)
Action
These problems that Somalia faces today may seem insurmountable and impossible. Well they are not, because you can do something about it. The first step is speaking out and raising awareness. Speak for the voices who cannot be heard. Speak out against Travel Ban(s), or injustices in the camps because you are the only one who can do so. These refugees have absolutely nothing and need your help. Denying aid to those who need it is unconstitutional and immoral. Refugees need to be allowed opportunity and new lives in compensation for the ones they have lost. Your voice is priceless in speaking out against those who seek to deny those who are in need of aid. Many people do not know of many of the problems Somalia faces today. By conveying information, you are helping. The second step is donating and charity. Many of these problems in Somalia are as bad as they are because of a lack of funds. Even in small amounts you could be saving a life by donating enough for a malaria vaccine or extra rations for a refugee in need. Each day Somalis are coming to the US, especially near Minnesota. You can help them, even if it is just a smile or an extra dollar that makes their day. You are the only chance these refugees have, and you need to act now. (Hohmann, 15)