TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM IN SOMALIA

Mobility is a basic human need. From the times immemorial, everyone travels either for food or leisure. A closely associated need is the transport of raw materials to a manufacturing unit or finished goods for consumption. Transportation fulfills these basic needs of humanity and plays a major role in the development of the human civilization. For instance, one could easily observe the strong correlation between the evolution of human settlement and the proximity of transport facilities. Also, there is a strong correlation between the quality of transport facilities and standard of living, because of which society places a great expectation from transportation facilities. Transport in Somalia explains the transportation networks and modes of transport in the country. They are highways, airports, seaports and various forms of public and private vehicles, maritime and aerial transportation.  This article will examine the modes of Somalia’s transportation system.

Land Transport

Somalia has more than 21,000 kilometers of roads, of which about 2,600 kilometers were paved, 2,900 kilometers were gravel and the remained were improved earth. The country's principal highway was a 1,200-kilometer two-lane paved road that ran from kisimayu in the south through Mogadishu to Hargaysa in the north. Buses, trucks, and minibuses are the main means of transport for the population. In rural areas camels, cattle, and donkeys are still used for personal transportation and as pack animals.

Since there is no real functioning railroad system, most traveling within Somalia is done by bus or minibus few people can afford to travel by air and even less can afford a car, so going bus is the only option for many Somalis. Bus rides in Somalia can be very entertaining, lively, socially and good experience, but it can also be exhausting, frustrating and very crammed. Busses are sometimes quite old, and they encounter engine problems or breaks which can delay the trip for hours.in addition to, since the central government of Somali was destabilized in 1990, the country turned into state of anarchy and bloodshed which resulted most of the roads to be in bad condition due to lack of repair and authority protection, so even short trips can take a very long time.

Moreover, Somalia’s bigger cities and towns are now recovering from more than a quarter century civil war destruction. Many roads are being rebuilt and reopened. The movement of the people from place to place are becoming much easier than before.There are a very handful local car rental companies in some cities, but individually owned Minibuses are the most commonly used mode of public transportation. ‘The next most frequently used public vehicles in the cities like ‘Mogadishu’ the capital city of Somalia are auto rickshaws (Bajaj). They number around 3,000 units and come in various designs. The auto rickshaws represent a lower cost alternative to taxis and, typically charging half the price for the same distance, with flexible rates. Due to their affordability, capacity to negotiate narrow lanes and low fuel consumption, the three-wheeled vehicles are often appealing investment opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs. They are generally preferred for shorter commutes.

Air Transport

At independence, Somalia inherited a poorly developed air transport mode consisting of a handful of usable airstrips. During the next three decades, some improvement was made with the help of substantial foreign aid. By 1990 eight airports had paved runways, and regular domestic air service also was available. But During the years of war and devastation, virtually all of the Ministry of Transport’s infrastructure and technical capacity were destroyed. The Ministry took a hard hit in the areas of human capital, with many qualified experts forced to leave the country and the aviation school became non-operational for a long period of time. In the area of infrastructure the devastation was even greater. Most of the air traffic management infrastructure was destroyed as the result of the civil war.

Since then, with the help of the International Community, there have been huge efforts to rebuild the aviation infrastructure and to train a new cadre of aviation professionals. Major projects have been successfully undertaken to rebuild Aden Adde International Airport and other major regional airports. In December 2011, the Turkish government unveiled plans to further modernize the Aden Adde international airport as part of Turkey's broader engagement in the local post-conflict reconstruction process. Among the scheduled renovations were new systems and infrastructure, including a modern control tower to monitor the airspace. In most major airports the basic air traffic management infrastructure is now in place. As of January 2015, the largest airline services started using Aden Adde International Airport include the Somali-owned private carriers such as Jubba Airways, Daallo Airlines and African Express Airways. In addition to UN charter planes, Turkish Airlines, and Felix Airways (Al Saeeda Airlines). The airport also offers flights to other cities in Somalia, such as Galkayo, Berbera and Hargeisa, as well as to international destinations like Djibouti, Jeddah, and Istanbul. The state-owned Somali Airlines ceased operations in 1991 after the government collapse. “There have ongoing efforts to bring back the Somali Airlines” says Omar Somali minister of transport and civil aviation. On the other hand, Aden adde international airport has recently started a night time public transit officially after three decades.

Moreover, the ministry is now focusing on building human capacity in order to be able to regulate civil aviation in accordance with international standards and it has reopened aviation school with the help of Turkey agency called Tikka. At lastly the government is taking a keen interest in the expansion of civil aviation not only for its importance as a means of transport but also because of its strategic value.

Sea Transport


Possessing the longest coastline on mainland Africa, Somalia has a number of maritime transport facilities across the country. In total, there are over 15 seaports. Four ports handled almost all of Somalia's foreign trade. Berbera, Mogadishu, and Chisimayu are deep water ports protected by breakwaters. Merca, just south of Mogadishu, was a lighterage port that required ships to anchor offshore in open roadsteads while loading and unloading. Mogadishu is the principal port of entry for most general cargo. Berbera received general cargo for the northern part of the country and handled much of the nation's livestock exports. Increasing Demand for Somali Meat Export and Bilateral Trade Agreements with Countries Such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, Kuwait, Iran, Qatar and Oman has increased the export of Livestock in the Mogadishu port as an exit destination of livestock trade from Somalia. In 2015, Somalia exported a record of 5 million livestock animals a 6% increase from the year 2014 due to the relative stability and investors confidence in the country. UK and EU have invested in the Somali livestock health.



To sum up,  following the above facts justifies the conclusion that the transport system of Somalia is making good progress. The government is providing all reasonable facilities for the development of the country’s transport. It is for the people to take advantage of the facilities offered and to step up the country’s progress in the way we desire.


Written by: Abdulkadir Hassan Ahmed          Edited by: Mohamud Shawul Abdirahman
E-mail:       Daada240@gmail.com                 E-mail: Mshawul114@gmail.com

Dabshid or Istunka- A festival of the beginning of Somali solar calender.

Culture is a symbol of societies in the world, it speaks up the identity of every nation. As a Somali we have a golden heritage and culture such as poets (Some scholars call us " The nation of poet"), folk dances and architecture. But, now I wanna to give a beautifull illustrations on   "Dabshid or Istunka" which has a feature of interesting and part of our folk dances.

Dabshid or Istunka is a yearly mock fight known as ‘Istunka’ or ‘Dabshid’ which takes place at the river-side town of Afgooye, situated on the bank of the Shebeele River about 30 kilometers south-west of Mogadishu, the capital city of the Somali Republic. And also the Mogadishu itself.

Dabshid (lighting of the fire) marks the beginning of Somali solar calender. The calculation of the start of the solar year is made by weather and traditional experts and has a realistic values for stock herders and farmers.

During the "Dabshid" a small bonfire is lit in the evening and everyone is supposed to try to jump over it. Burning sticks are thrown into the sky. This indicates that they are throwing and jumping over all the difficulties in the year to come "SHAR XIJAAB" at the end of the festival, the members of the festival embrace each other with joy, love and happiness.

On the hand," Istunka" or "Dabshid" is a same festival held annually in the town of Afgooye. But,  Istunka was originally performed in full combat gear, with battle-axes, swords and daggers. For safety reasons, today, performers replaced those weapons with a large sticks. Istunka is still last as a traditional battle in Afgooye. Performers who reside on the western bank  of Shabelle river in Afgooye intersects the town confronting others on the eastern bank. The purpose of this festival is to mark the beginning of crop and livestock production. They believe that no rain will come if the practice of Istunka stopped.

Finally, "Dabshid" or "Istunka" is a festival which is usually held on 27 July or early August and lasts 3 days in Afgooye and Benadir region including Mogadishu. The main aim of this practice is to mark the beginning of harvesting season and free from failure of crops followed by famine and plague.

Written by:  Mohamud Shawul Abdirahman

Somali youth should embrace entrepreneurship skills

Somalia has suffered civil war, consecutive droughts and poverty for the last quarter century. It became a home of political instability, unemployment and tribalism. Somali youth were dismayed by these problems and many others. However, I have a solution... I have a solution.. the solution to make Somalia a better place is that Somali youth should embrace entrepreneurship, - become entrepreneurs. - This will lead Somalia and Somali youth to become independent, it will give them enjoyment and- financial rewards,  while reducing unemployment  and stimulating economic development.

Statistics indicate that the number-one reason entrepreneurs start their own business is independence. Entrepreneurship offers people the chance to be their own boss, make meaningful decisions and answer to no one but themselves. " -I was tired of making others rich, tired of asking permissions, tired of saying 'Yes sir'. I started my own business because I have freedom to do what I want and when I want. I am responsible to one person -me- and I love it," says Jerome Turner, a young entrepreneur from Canada.

Entrepreneurs thrive on the enjoyment of being in business for themselves. In countless interviews with successful and unsuccessful entrepreneurs, the vast majority state they love being a business owner.

There is an old saying , " -Nobody ever becomes rich working for somebody else".- This sums up one of the most common reasons given by business owners when asked why they left traditional employment for entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs are often motivated by the possibility of earning a higher salary than the one that they would traditionally earn as an employee.

Pre  and post civil war, unemployment had become increasingly the biggest problem facing Somali youth, which resulted in mass migration and crime. To address this problem, Somali youth should become entrepreneurs who overcome these challenges of unemployment, start-up their own business and be  their own  boss.  There are  young Somali entrepreneurs who can be role models for Somali youth such as Zakaria Hersi, the owner of Efritin.com an online classified platform that provides a market place for buyers and sellers to exchange their items that is based in Nigeria.

The crucial role of entrepreneurship in economic development involves more than increasing per capita output and income; it involves initiating and constituting a change in the structure of business and society. This change is accompanied by growth and increased output, which allows more wealth to be divided by the various participants.

To sum up, Somali youth should become entrepreneurs in order to reduce unemployment and poverty. so, Somalia can become a place of prosperity and development.

The controversy of Federalism in Somalia

The controversy of Federalism in Somalia

It is the most talked subject in my country, it is the  curse of Somalia, it is a modern political system which started in the last few decades. It is a system which is applicable, a country of different ethnic groups, religions, cultures, languages and so on. But not applicable in a country with homogenous society such as Somalia.

What is that? It is none but federalism. Some thought that federalism would bring stability and development. Other people strongly believed that it will bring disunity, conflicts, lack of accountability, lack of patriotism and contested power.

Somali has been in civil war for the last quarter century.  -Every clan has it's own fighting factions that defend its own so-called dignity. -There is hatred between Somali brothers. More reconciliation is needed to reunite Somalis. But Somalia doesn't need a system that enhances their disunity.

Conflict is one of the major problems that accompanies federalism. Currently, there is on-going conflict between two states (Gal-mudug and Puntland) in the city of the two states-Galka'yo.  According to the BBC, this has led to the lose of lives of many, injured a large number of people and even those who dwell in Galka'yo have fled to outskirts of the city. Therefore, federalism seems not suited in Somalia.

Accountability is the most significant thing in states. Citizens need to see a transparent state so they can know wether sectors are riddled with corruption or not. Today the central government of Somalia has no power to see how the income from Kismayo port in Jubbaland state is managed.

These days the number of national patriotics are falling due to federalism. Because they have opted for regionalism over patriotism. For example, a person who lives in or is from Puntland is a Puntlander rather than Somali.

The centralization of power is weakened by both the former and newly built states. Every state has it's own administration with little or no intervention by the central government of Somalia. For example, the leaders of the states have the power to sign an agreement with foreign governments. Likewise, some states create anarchy in to the central government causing political instability in government institutions. In addition, they sometimes independently attempt to become a free government. All these are arguments from opposers.

Some argue that federalism is more democratic and will get rid of tyranny by a separation of power, justice and development in terms of economic and social life. They also say that the public will have a chance to criticize the government.

In conclusion, federalism is a new strange system of governance for a homogenous society threatened by civil war. Unfortunately, citizens are unable to restrict the spread of federalism that corrupts and undermines the value of Somalism.

                               Written by:- Mohamud Shawul Abdirahman

                                 E-mail:-      Mshawul114@gmail.com

Inspire! - Portrait of an inspiring Somali youth

FATIMA ABDI ALI

Fatima Abdi Ali, aged 23, lives in Mogadishu. She one of a very few young women activists pushing for progress for Somali youth and also Somalia as a whole. She has been leading social works for 3 years in Mogadishu. This led her to became Ambassador to Somali youth nominated by Nicolus Kay, former  UN ambassador to Somalia.  " I enjoy volunteerism" Fatima told me in an interview.

On Nov. 1, 2015, she became one of the ten most prominent youths in Africa and received her award  in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, due to her talent and hard work.  " -Being a young person in Somalia today is a golden opportunity," says Fatima, who is also political student at City University of  Mogadishu.

 She has attended international conferences about youth, women empowerment as well as public policy in and outside of the country. " -I want to say that every country has young people like me - they should be appreciated. We need to encourage youth everywhere to start acting, to start doing great things to create the world we want," says Fatima.

Prior to her leadership, she served two years as president of student government at City University. She is also one of the founders of Somali Universities Student Association, an organization that works in student affairs in Somalia. She later became the Chairperson of this organization and served two years. " -This has broadened my outlook" says Fatima.

 She is a good writer and blogger of local and international issues, She has written a fascinating book entitled, Isticmaal Awoodahaaga "Use your powers" that was released Mogadishu International Book Fair, which held annually. She has also written many interesting, inspirational- and great articles in both the Somali and English languages such as Ciidanimo ma ceeb bay noqotey "Is it shame to be Soldier", Tiigsan maayo Tahriib "My ambition is not illegal migration", Patience pays and Thanking our young change maker. These articles are all published on local and international media.

To sum up, Fatima is a proud, strong, fearless, young woman. " I have an ambition to be a leader, I believe that change is needed from anyone who wants to restore hope to a disintegrated society," Fatima says. She is now part of Somali Youth Vision, an organization that works on youth issues, and is currently working with an independent Committee of  Local borders and Federalism.

                                  

                           Written by: Mohamud Shawul Abdirahman

                            Edited by: Rick Boychuk

YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT IN SOMALIA

Youth Unemployment in Somalia

More than 70% of Somalia’s population is under the age of 30 and statistics show that the youth are mostly unemployed. Unemployment has long been a major problem in Somalia, particularly to the youth. The unemployment of the youth has increased after the collapse of the Somali government in 1991, because most of the infrastructure in the country has been destroyed and public or private sectors that offers job opportunities have been riddled with corruption. Youth grumbled about these factors which eventually led to some of them to take on the treacherous journey through the Mediterranean Sea seeking for better opportunities abroad and even caused some to join the Islamist militant group ‘Al-Shabab’.

The lack of job opportunities amongst the youth leads them to look for other options to gain an income; these options include crime and migration. The youth have at times resorted to crime as a means to obtain an income due to the circumstances that prevailed at the time and are still present today, and the failure of the state also led to the failure of the education sector meaning that a generation was plagued with illiteracy not considering other alternatives they decided to turn to crime. The other option that youth took was migrating to Europe in a bid to find a better a life beyond the unforgiving sea which has resulted in many dying in their quest to reach Europe.   

Unemployment has had an impact on me personally. The difficulty of finding employment is a frustrating that I understand too well, and one year ago I attempted to find employment in an organization and was unfortunately denied on basis of clanism. This is another problem that contributes to the widespread youth unemployment because each candidate for a job is not selected based on merit but rather selected on their clan affiliations, this creates an unfair standard for getting employed. The mass migration to Europe has directly affected me primarily due to losing close friends and hearing their heart-breaking stories of their demise, and sometimes I would hear of friends that wanted to migrate to Europe by crossing the Mediterranean Sea. I would try to convince them against it but at times without success they wouldn’t listen to the warnings.

Nevertheless, the another major causes of unemployment in the discourses is that lack of quality education in the country. This resulted the youth lacking the required knowledge, and the skills necessarily to work. This accompanied with  the country cannot attract foreign investments  because of the security situation in the country.

The solution to fix these problems is to produce our abundant resources that can easily be produced mainly Livestock, Fishing and Farming in collaboration with United Nations, educational institutions, government, youth, private sector, NGO’s and international partners. Youth who have a high quality education, the training and the skills may be attractive to employers and this will eventually reduce the number of youth seeking opportunity abroad.

Unemployment is widespread problem among the Somali youth. Since we are the future of Somalia’s prosperity the fact that employment is hard to come by is truly a troubling thought. Despite all, that the future looks brighter than ever before as the peace that Somalia is currently experiencing has not been seen for the past 2 decades and peace will bring development, and development will change the course of Somalia for the better.

                        Written by: Mohamud Shawul Abdirahman

                           Edited by: Rick Boychuk