November 14, 2017

The hope of a new Somalia is in its youth

located:	Somalia
editor:	Bob Koigi

For a country synonymous with anarchy, bloodshed and turmoil, and whose young have little to live for, news that two of Somalia's youth have won the prestigious World Bank #Blog4Dev competition is music to the ears of many. It also reaffirms the hopes that Somalia can indeed rise from the ashes; but this renaissance can only be successful if the country's young will be steering it.

The two youths, Abdishakur Ahmed and Awil Osman, won the competition for their cutting edge innovations in clean energy and ICT, key sectors necessary to propel the country forward while offering jobs to millions struggling to make ends meet.

The country's desperation has been tapped by the Islamic militant group, Al Shabaab, that has heavily recruited Somali citizens while injecting radicalisation across the nation, all for the promise of quick money.

Those who cannot join Al Shabaab have turned to piracy, making the Indian Ocean waters the most dangerous world over.

Yet Somalia was one of the most peaceful and prosperous nations in Eastern Africa before the civil war broke out in the 1980s. Now, hardly a week passes without news of bombing or hijacking.

When Somalia enjoyed relative peace, the young people were at the heart of its growth and prosperity, with a booming young middle class opening a world of opportunities for the country.

Neighbouring nations and regional bodies like Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) must be proactively involved in pushing and steering Somalia into lasting peace and stability, because the Somalia is unable to do this on its own.

It is in the best interest of these countries to have a stable Somalia, as neighbouring nations have experienced – firsthand – the spillovers of the Somalian mayhem, including some of the most brazen terror attacks.

And even as the new president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo tightens his belt to put the Somalia house in order, he continuously needs unwavering support from the global community. Farmajo's elaborate and ambitious plan to have the youth as a central agenda of his administration is laudable and requires full backing to actualise it. Somalia can return to its former glory, but the hope of that dream lies in its young people.