SOMALILAND: Next Chapter, the Diaspora Model

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Farhan A Suleiman Oday“Diaspora a tried politician in Somaliland”

By: Farhan Abdi Suleiman (Oday)

Somalilandsun – Looking back in my student years, I remember loving memories of my teacher a man who was interested in contributing his ideas and values to his country. It was a stiff time to undertake such work where almost social sectors were dead and functionless. Somaliland is now recovering from the decay that affected nearly all of its public infrastructures, starting from obliteration to the doors of nationhood followed building.

Today, Somaliland people are charming in a democratic process that brought peace, stability and relative prosperity.

Now this young nation enjoys all requirements of modern sovereign state; A definite boundary, internal and external security, and independence and effective judicial system, and free press, Somaliland dramatically improving security situation and modest of political progress. The citizens of this peaceful country either inside or outside sought high and low to attest their country’s development as an evitable matter.

What are Diasporas?

A diaspora can be defined as a group of persons who have migrated and their descendants who maintain a connection to their homeland. The African Union defines its diaspora as “consisting of people of African origin living outside the continent, irrespective of their citizenship and nationality and who are willing to contribute to the development of the continent and the building of the African Union.”

Being contributor and insightful to your society is not an easy chore, but needs handwork, dedication and commitment. Many Somaliland professionals living abroad are seeking ways to contribute to the development of their country. The UNDP and IOM started in 2010 as a part of the QUESTS-MIDA Project initiatives that are targeted medical doctors, nurses and engineers and other highly skilled people in returning Somaliland to assist public institutions in the country.

Some Diaspora qualified nursed from Filand, Norway and Sweden was making it easier for them to provide services to patients within the hospitals in Somaliland. Others are return voluntary to support their country for their own skills; there were large figures that chose to invest their capital to their personal businesses.

Diaspora investments can be seen more than other local investments because of their huge working capital of financing in the private sector. Those who are well established and have secured a solid income are most shareholders in private companies in Somaliland. Real state is the most common investment, because of diaspora see investments in housing as one of the best long-term replacement of remittance sending obligations.

But perceptions are changing, the diaspora model in politics has examined and unsuccessful. I consider it every diaspora’s duty to engage in politics. But that is nonsense. Politics has a number of special requirements that are relevant only to it. Some diaspora meet these requirements; mostly don’t. We need diaspora intellectual politicians willing to rise above their personal demands and act in accordance with the fundamental interests of society today. Diaspora a tried politician in Somaliland.

During the wars of struggle a huge number of Somaliland professionals slant to migrate Western Europe and North America as means of getting security and better life. Migration from developing countries to developed one has speed up time after time due to the liberation and civil wars existed many African countries in the continent. Somaliland Diaspora is discouraged from returning home by the self-doubting political issues. Failing economies, high unemployment rates, the lack of adequate social services, such as health and education, are some of these factors.

While migration to the western was persistent act for Somalilanders in search of job opportunity and better life, it was a key challenge facing for Somaliland who already countenanced a staid of human resource shortages. The Somaliland human resource was persistently pooped as their highly skilled and non-skilled prefers to emigrate and apply their skills and force abroad owing to the hardship circumstances in the country. Rather than blame departing professionals in Somaliland. Many people views these highly Skilled Somalilanders located abroad as potential asset. A study made in Somaliland highlighted that 95% of people back home are living remittances send by relatives in overseas. The study is also tinted that 98% of them are females while the other remaining 2% are men.

Until recently, Somaliland government had expresses little concern about the loss of skilled people, while president Silanyo setting up diaspora agency to address the challenges of the brain drain. This diaspora-centered government agency operate only how government ties with their diaspora, But the proposal of how organized diaspora can help their birth country of Somaliland is still missing. Mr. President it is time to call the scattered seeds “Diaspora” to think their country to map Somaliland’s Next Chapter.

Finally, what worries me is the second generation diaspora who grew up socially and had a stable life in the west; they lack the intent of supporting their relatives back in the country, because of they have little knowledge to the country where they come from, and the culture which define them self.

Written By: Farhan Abdi Suleiman (Oday)

Email: oday1999@yahoo.com

Phone: 252 – 2 -4401132

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Farhan is a Social Worker and Youth activist in Hargeisa. He holds a BA in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Hargeisa and also postgraduate Diploma in Peace building & Conflict Management at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) in University of Hargeisa.