Insight Africa

Much has been said of the horn of Africa and it is appropriate to say that the commentary has always carried a deleterious narrative. Somalia has been a nation at war with itself for various reasons; nevertheless its indigenous people have shown resilience that is extremely hard to replicate. This spirit is not only evident in the Somali ability to live within a land void of governance or any genuine political structures outside of the tribal setting, but more so in the private sector that has flourished in over 20 years of civil strife. In fact with all the money the international aid agencies have or have not put into humanitarian efforts in Somalia, it barely compares with the remittance industry of the country. An estimated $1bn-2bn is sent to Somalia from the huge diaspora communities the world over annually. The second largest driving force of the Somali economy is that of the telecommunication industry. The country has one of the cheapest tariffs on the continent giving peo...

Often I shy way from participating or commenting on political matters concerning my land of origin, partly due to my lack of contextual knowledge, and partly because it is illogical to partake in something fundamentally flawed in relation to one's principles. This fault is the reason why my previous A-political stance has altered, and also due to my unwavering belief that we are each capable of becoming catalysts of positive change so long as it is truly desired. Since the civil war ended in Somalia, subsequent governments have all based the administrational structures of the country on the clan quota system.  This tribal established structure known as the 4.5 formula, which empowers the four main clans namely Darood, Digil, Hawiye and Mirifle while grouping the rest of the country’s inhabitants as the others (0.5), is what I consider illogical. Traditionally in Africa such systems have been used to unify different ethnic groups who found themselves fo...

Often during economic downturns in all human societies, those existing today and those of the past, ethnic minorities are the first targets of the majority populous and their frustrations. Foreigners regardless of how assimilated or integrated they maybe be, often bear the brunt of misguided hate. In 2012 I was asked to take part in a BBC debate on the radicalisation of the Somali youth, once again we being demonised, chastised and eventually ended up being victims of circumstance leading to a high number of hate crimes. What was even more disturbing was the other Somalis who were engaged in the debate along side myself. It seemed that they felt indifferent to the community; therefore they had no reservations in condemning an entire community for the actions of a very minute ill-advised segment of the British Somali youth. I asked one gentleman whether the average white British citizen would be able to differentiate between him and the community he was denouncing on live...

Wisdom, finally I have found you while rekindling my love in Africa’s bosom. Remembering the time my mind dwelled in utter confusion, and my heart played possum. This man made system demands absolute submission, but this soul will never willingly seek damnation. I refuse hypocrisy to use me; something forces me to swim against the currents of constructed lies, laid out bare by my people’s tearful eyes. They say the world has plenty; sweet rhetoric to deceive me, rose lips and the velvet nudity of democracy, lady liberty seeks to seduce me, such vanity only tickles the weak minds fancy. I never trust the promise of those who wish to enslave me, played the fool and ended up with my hands damaged, scared and empty. Taken was my land and sovereignty but now I am wise, it took me centuries to see beyond your suited disguise.   From morning to sundown patiently I await, knowing that once again I am to face your impending hate. If the mothers of Gaza can withstand the opp...

During the colonisation of the African continent and the subsequent years that followed the heinous enslavement and pillaging of our people and natural resources, Africans knew the difference between enemy and friend. It was this knowledge that lead to the fight for independence cross the entire continent. As a person who only knows of that time through history books, elder’s tales and documentaries, I reflect fondly on the resolve of my ancestors. Their bravery, wisdom and their undying determination to overcome and abolish the white mans rule was undeniable. They struggled and gave their lives to fight a system that was created not only to destroy them physically but also to engrave the will of the slave on their hearts, minds and their unborn children. The world is a different place today, yet I have no doubt in my heart that if our ancestors did not fight and lay down their lives for our futures, we would all be a shackled slave working the plantations. Even worse wou...