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Since 1991, Somalia, a country in the Horn of Africa, has witnessed varying conflicts which continue to this day. Being a poor African nation, Somalia suffered while the world did not come to its rescue. Recently, this country was brought to our attention once again through news broadcasts. With Islam under attack in other parts of the world, here too it is the "Islamists" who are being targeted by the US.
The current battle is between the Transitional Government of Somalia (TGS) and the Islamic Courts Union (ICU). Ethiopia, which is supported by America, intervened in late 2006, to prevent the ICU from gaining full control. And recently, America officially became involved when it conducted air strikes in Ras Kamboni, claiming that those targeted were Al-Qaeda operatives working in the ICU. America's role stinks of the fumes of burning oil.
In 1993, UN troops, led by the US, landed in Somalia to provide relief and establish "peace." At that time it was pointed out that in 1991, just before the downfall of pro-US president Siad Barre, almost two-thirds of Somalia's land had been granted as oil concessions to four American companies — Chevron, Amoco, Conoco, and Phillips (these last two are now ConocoPhillips).
Somalia is ravaged, and a large number of the population has fled as refugees. South Africa is seen as a welcoming haven for Somali refugees, and they have established vibrant communities in different parts of the country. I met with two young Somali men living in Mayfair, Johannesburg, and asked them to speak frankly on their views on Somalia's war-ridden history.
Youth 4 the Future:How and why did you come to live as a refugee in South Africa?
Sa`id:My country is in turmoil and it has been in turmoil for the past 16 years. There is no hope of a decent education or a job. There is no hope for the future. I left Somalia in 1999 in search of a better life, so I decided to come here to South Africa. I was a young man, low on cash and without having proper permits crossing illegally country into country. It was not an easy journey, but I made it and I thank Allah for bringing me here. I live fairly comfortably and have hope for a better life.
Ibrahim:I came to South Africa three years ago. I came here because I wanted to live in peace. The war in Somalia did not seem like it would end, and so I feared for my safety.
Youth 4 the Future:Why do you think Somalia is always at war? Who is to blame for the current conflict?
Sa`id:First, I would blame the Somalis themselves for the conflict. There is hatred between them because this one belongs to this clan and that one belongs to that clan. This mentality is killing Somalia. Second, there are foreign countries that do not want Somalia to progress as a peaceful country and as a Muslim state. They want Somalia to be lawless and ruin itself for their own benefit.
Ibrahim:I think it is because of foreign countries' intervention and some selfish people who are working for their personal interests. They want to keep Somalia in a state of lawlessness as it has been for the past 16 years.
Youth 4 the Future:What is the solution to the conflict?
Sa`id:The solution is that Somalis have to abolish this clan mentality which is dividing them into these fragments of enemies and to think about their country. Conflict will not solve anything — it only fuels the flames of hate. So many Somalis have lost their lives and homes. Foreign countries should stay clear of Somalia's affairs and leave the Somalis to solve their own problems. One country is passing arms to this group and another country is doing the same to another group. They do so to fulfill their own interests.
Ibrahim:The solution is to keep out all foreign intervention and leave the Somalis to sort out their own issues. Somalia belongs to the Somalis.
Youth 4 the Future:What do you think of America's role?
Sa`id:Well, we all know about America's role in Somalia. America does not want to see any Muslim country in the world, and Somalia is a Muslim country where 100 percent of the population are Muslims. So they just bomb an entire village and say they are looking for three men who allegedly have bombed embassies, and they do not care who dies.
Ibrahim:The American government is clearly an enemy of Islam and does not want to see Somalia establish itself as an independent Muslim state.
Youth 4 the Future:If peace comes to Somalia, will you return to your homeland?
Sa`id:Of course I will. I would like to see Somalia be part of the world scene and not be known as a conflict area. But I do not see that happening for a long time because of the current events in Somalia. For now I would rather stay where I am and hope for peace to return to Somalia.
Ibrahim:No, I will not return to Somalia. I will not return because my country holds too many painful memories. I witnessed people being murdered, stabbed, and tortured — it is too traumatic. I will remain here and build a better life.
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