In Somalia, Hope for Peace Grows

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Bad news makes headlines, good news less often. Somalia is a classic example.

The country is often portrayed as a “failed state,” characterized by anarchy, famine, and fighting. Just last month, a suicide bombing in Mogadishu claimed six lives and narrowly missed Somalia’s prime minister. Bad news, big headline.

But I am that prime minister, and the Somalia I know is moving forward, away from its tragically troubled past. Let me share this good news: We are laying the foundation for a new Somalia that will, once again, proudly assume its rightful place among the community of nations.

The ground is already being cleared. With the crucial support of the African Union Mission in Somalia, Al Shabab, a nihilistic terrorist group at the root of so much suffering, is on the run. These hateful, tyrannical purveyors of destruction were forced out of the capital, Mogadishu, almost a year ago. Already, the city is returning to its vibrant former self. Homes are being rebuilt, businesses are opening, and children are playing on the beach again.

Al Shabab is also increasingly losing its hold on central and southern Somalia. The government has regained large swaths of land in every part of the country.

Somalis are very proud people. We have history. We have culture. Even after two decades of internecine strife, these things remain. Al Shabab has lost the hearts and minds of the Somali people because it ignores who they are and what they yearn for above all else: peace. Al Shabab has no interest in peace – only the opposite. It has nothing positive to offer.

And, as Al Shabab retreats, the government is determined to fill the vacuum and offer the on-the-ground security that people need in order to feel confident of a better future. They also need proof of a government that works for them, which is why we are working to create an institutional environment that functions efficiently, free of corruption. Institution-building is of paramount importance.

Equally, we are working to reconcile internal regional divisions and clan rivalries. If these communities can establish their administrations then we can finally defeat Al Shabab.

The bedrock of this new Somalia is a constitution that, this August, will bring to a fruitful conclusion the work of the internationally recognized Transitional Federal Government. Framing a constitution is a momentous task. It cannot be imposed. It has to be founded on consensus. Thus, the process has been informed by inclusive consultation not only with the people of Somalia, but also with input from people in the Somali diaspora who look forward to returning to their homeland, and who will be important in the country’s reconstruction.

This constitution will protect the rights of individuals, the rights of minorities, and the rights of women. It will be a constitution that is compliant with Somali law and Islamic religion, and that protects civil liberties and political freedom.

The international community sees with its own eyes the progress being made in Somalia. There has been progress in security, in good governance, in reconciliation and bridge-building, in establishing administration, and in ratifying a new constitution for the whole country. The United Nations’ decision earlier this year to move its core staff in the Political Office for Somalia to Mogadishu after 17 years in Nairobi is indicative of this growing international confidence.

Nobody is pretending the transformation of Somalia is going to come about overnight. Progress will be incremental, step by step. But each step is one that moves Somalia forward to a brighter future. And, after so many years of chaos and misery, this is truly good news.

Abdiweli Mohamed Ali is the Prime Minister of Somalia.

THE MARK NEWS