Tribalism: the new Model of Somali Democracy

(Somalia,  September 24,  2010 Ceegaag Online)

By: Mohamud Shalab

Tribalism is an obsolescence Somali traditional system to behold our country. It is a back warded way of notion which doesn't fit in our society in Somalia and here abroad. Heinous and despicable acts of crime are committed in the name of clans based on politics. It contradicts the Islamic religion and damages basic human morals, yet it has become a part of our daily lives in almost every Somali house- hold. Tribalism shouldn’t be relevant in this modern time. It’s not constitutional to follow it. It’s a barbaric and hostile attitude regarding to our fellow country men. Instead we are unified under one roof of nationalism. We are deeply divided by something as silly as tribalism.

The four major tribes in Somalia divide into sub clans and different lineages and each bigger family tree refer to themselves as ‘one blood’. Astoundingly, they discriminate against their own subdivided clans. The stronger take advantage of the weaker. The people who suffer the most are those who belong to a minority tribe because stark economic, political, and social justice inequalities and fragmentation is the result of corrupt leaders of majority tribes ruling the country. The minority tribes have no weapons to protect themselves, nor do they have access to the government. Their equal power sharing and equal rights have been denied. There have long been an overwhelming sense of exclusion, alienation and a lose of dignity toward these minority tribes. Also, they are undermined and placed on heavy restrictions in terms of controlling their destiny. Worst of all is that this culture has victimized and humiliated the cast clans for centuries. They have no freedom what so ever, and for some strange reason they are not allowed to intermarry with other Somali clans, even though their women are very unique and attractive. It is hard for them to carry on with their respectful jobs. They would not be given jobs, unless it’s the type that no one wants.

As I remember, during the legacy of Mohamed Siyad Barre’s Presidency (may Allah bless his soul); he made sure to ban tribalism and granted privileges to the oppressed clans. They had their fair share of employment in the public sector as well as cabinet positions within the government. Unfortunately, all these groups had been hit by the anarchy following the fall of Barre's regime. When he left the country they have become victims of a wolf pack, and they faced banishment from their land, farms and houses. They also faced plundering by strong armed militias belonging to the more powerful groups. The small tribes never recovered from the trauma of being discriminated.

Today, the injustice and inequality that dates back to centuries ago still remains the same. No progress has been made yet. Tribalism has become a new model of Somali democracy. People all over the world should recognize how vital it is to resolve and put international initiatives and their efforts to end this transgression. We must protest and eradicate intentional harmful cultures in the world and preserve civil-liberty and honor of cast and minority clans. Donor countries and U.N. aid agencies should be aware about the plight that is brought upon these minority tribes and they should also make sure they have equal share to supplies especially in this difficult time with no central government in Somalia. It’s important for them to be assisted with establishing a secure environment. I am sure if we raise our voices to become a vocal human rights advocate, we could transform from this horrible culture to a peaceful democracy.

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