Upon the conflict-ridden states of Africa, none are such a
potent example of the violence in the region than Somalia. Considered a failed
state, Somalia is infamous for its pirates who sail the coastal waters of the
Gulf of Aden. However, the visit of Wendy Sherman, the under secretary of state
for political affairs (ranked No. 4 in the State Department), to the
still-dangerous region, reflects some positive change for the country. She spent six-hours in the capital, Mogadishu,
meeting with Somalia’s new president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Mohamud, a
political newcomer, recently came into power in September and is the first president
in two decades.
Although Mogadishu is nowhere near a prosperous or even safe
city, the fact that such a high profile visit was possible is a positive step
for the country. In addition to selecting a president, Somalia has also adopted
a provisional constitution and selected members of Parliament. These may be the
first steps towards rebuilding the failed state, after decades of civil war. So
far, this is the first effective government since 1991 and though parts of the
country remain lawless, the capital is somewhat secure.
The UN still has troops stationed in the country, and though
the capital is free of rebels, other parts still remain under rebel control.
During our class, we have talked about the instability and conflict found in
many African countries. Somalia stands as an example of what other African
countries could fall into, specifically a land with no government or state. The
fact that Somalia now has a President, Prime Minister, and several members of
Parliament are a strong and forward step towards becoming a state once again.
Ms. Sherman’s visit last week is international confirmation that Somalia is
making strides in the right direction.
Sources
Gettleman,
Jeffrey. “State Dept. Official Visits Somalia Amid Signs of Recovery”. NY Times. 5 Nov 2012. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/06/world/africa/state-dept-official-visits-somalia-amid-recovery.html?ref=africa
Karimi, Faith.
Somalia President Appoints Prime Minister. CNN.
7 October 2012. http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/07/world/africa/somalia-new-pm/index.html
There is a positive outlook for Somalia who would have guess? The fact that the completely failed country is starting to make strides for a somewhat democracy, is great news. It seems that the Somalian nation is finally done with fighting and want more out of life than violence. When i think of Somalia i think of the movie "Black Hawk Down" where there was no goverment just rebels, and poverty. This, I hope to be, a new era in Somalia, free of violence. I'm not about to go that far saying free of conflict but maybe violence can stay out of the capital city Magadishu.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this is a very positive step for Somalia. It seems like in the media it is always negative and violent reporting on crime and the pirates in this country. This is refreshing to hear positives in a war torn nation.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really positive step for Somalia. In addition to its growing government, Somalia is also effectively fighting the terrorist organization that has polarized its people. I agree that this visit shows the positive change the country has been facing because this would not be possible just last year.
ReplyDeleteThe US has expressed fears in the past that due to Somalia's lack of central government and failed state status that it would become a safe haven for Islamic extremists such as Al-Qaeda. Though Somalia still has a long way to go on the road to prosperity, it is in American long term interests to support the development and growth of Somalia and the SOmali government.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great step for Somalia but what else is the new Somalian government doing to combat the many issues the country faces? What about the areas still controlled by rebels? What about their poverty and famine? What is the new government doing to keep the government officials safe and the government growing?
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