SOMALI DIASPORA RETURNEES - HOMELAND COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Transcription

1 SYMPOSIUM REPORT SOMALI DIASPORA RETURNEES - HOMELAND COMMUNITY RELATIONS BRIDGING THE GAP 28 June 2017 Jazeera Palace Hotel Mogadishu, Somalia

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3 SOMALI DIASPORA RETURNEES HOMELAND COMMUNITY RELATIONS: BRIDGING THE GAP 3 INTRODUCTION The outbreak of the civil war in the 1990s destroyed most of the Somali Institutions as well as the fabric of the society. The enduring underdevelopment of the country as a result of the protracted civil war created social environments conducive to crime, violence and radicalism that pose difficult challenges for successive administrations. It has earned Somalia the title of the longest-running example of a failed state in post-colonial history. The civil war forced many citizens to migrate separating families apart; upending the traditional Somali way of life but most importantly, robbing the country of its institutional memory and manpower. It is said, that most of Somalia s trained professionals and civil servants from the 1980s era fled the country during the prolonged civil war. Nonetheless, there is no comparable data about the exodus that produced the Somali Diaspora. However, according to Menkhaus (2009), it is estimated that roughly some 14% of Somalia s population lives outside Somalia. This is a sizable portion of the population making Somalia a truly globalised nation. Most of the Diasporas are concentrated in the neighbouring countries of Djibouti, Ethiopia and Kenya but also Golf countries, Europe and North America. Somalis in the Diaspora have always maintained their ties to the motherland, even during the height of the civil war and the devastating droughts; in which the Diaspora community played a pivotal role in supporting families back home. Therefore, the Diaspora community are praised for their philanthropic and developmental initiatives in the country. Prof. Ken Menkhaus stated that Few countries in the world possess a Diaspora community with as much economic and political importance to their homeland as does Somalia. In the past decade, with the improving security situation in Somalia since the intervention of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), there has been a considerable number of Somali Diaspora returnees. This increased visibility of the Diasporas marks a new phase of their engagement in Somalia. But not everyone sees this new trend as a positive development. There is indeed unreported undercurrent amongst local Somalis, mainly the youth, who allege that not all Diaspora returnees are contributing to the country positively. These Somali youth are also claiming that Diaspora returnees are favored in the job market and are taking jobs away from the locals. This is creating frustration among the locals who stayed behind and did not have the same opportunity for education and work experience as the Diaspora returnees. One of the reasons AMISOM is supporting this great initiative is because cooperation and partnership between Somali diaspora returnees and homeland community is critical for the stability and long-term development of Somalia ~ AMISOM Political Officer, Dr. Walters Samah

4 4 SOMALI DIASPORA RETURNEES HOMELAND COMMUNITY RELATIONS: BRIDGING THE GAP CONTEXT The Office of Diaspora Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; and the Save Somali Youth Organization (SASOYO) with support from the AMISOM Political Affairs Office hosted a two-day symposium aimed at forging closer relations between the local Somalis and the Diaspora returnees. Officials from the federal government and the regional states, academics, local Somalis and Diaspora returnees attended the symposium. The event took a participatory and interactive approach, leading to a healthy debate on the main issues. OBJECTIVES OF THE SYMPOSIUM The purpose for the conference was to provide a platform to examine and discuss how to forge a better relationship between Diaspora returnees and local communities. It was also to capture and document the expectations and experiences of the returnees as well as those of the local communities while fostering healthy dialogue, social cohesion between the two groups. Furthermore, it was aimed at formulating a set of recommendations towards enhancing cohesion and cooperation between Somali Diaspora returnees their local communities. Finally, the ultimate objective of the symposium was to encourage the government to develop and implement programs and policies that facilitate the socio-economic reintegration of Somali Diaspora returnees.

5 SOMALI DIASPORA RETURNEES HOMELAND COMMUNITY RELATIONS: BRIDGING THE GAP 5 DAY ONE ACTIVITY REPORT The day one session started with speeches given by the panellists, with the common theme of their speeches being how to bridge the gap between the Diaspora returnees and their local communities. Initially, Prof. Abdilatif Egeh, an academic who came back from the Unites States, gave brief remarks on who can be classified as being a member of the Diaspora community. While leaving the final definition to the participants, he shared the academic definition of the term Diaspora. According to him, the Somali Diaspora refers to expatriate Somalis who reside in areas of the world that have traditionally not been inhabited by their ethnic group. The civil war in Somalia significantly increased the size of the Somali Diaspora, as many Somalis moved from Greater Somalia mainly to the Middle East, Europe and North America. Prof. Egeh then described the historical Somali migration. The first migrants were Somali seaman who lived in the red sea coastal towns; they travelled far and wide, reaching as far as Europe and the Americas in merchant ships. Secondly, Somali laborers who went to the Gulf during the oil boom in the 1970s; followed by the middle class, students, businessmen and women and diplomats who did not return to Somalia, and became refugees due to civil war. The fourth groups are the exodus refugees who fled and continue to flee from Somalia due to prolonged civil war, droughts and insecurity. The last groups are those who were sponsored to travel mostly to Europe or North America to reunite with their families and relatives. The Professor, challenged youth participants to find solutions to challenges facing the nation. He encourged the youth to contribute to finding solutions to Somalia s challenges., The majority of people here are youth, and you will benefit from this country especially if solutions to the challenges facing Somalia come from you. There s a famous saying that when we pull together, we can achieve more (united we stand). I urge you to maintain that position. Speaking at the opening of the Symposium, former deputy mayor of Mogadishu Iman Nur Ikar, who lived abroad before returning to Somalia, agreed with Prof. Egeh on the historical migration trends. He observed that Somalia had business communities based in the Gulf or Italy, but they were not refered to as being part of the Somali Diaspora. The term Diaspora is new to Somali literature. Iman Ikar shared the example of his family who migrated in the 90 s, but who took long to come back home. He reiterated that both the Diaspora and local communities are important for this nation; and urged both groups to work together to rebuild Somalia. Mohamed Abdi Abdullahi, HirShabelle Minister of Planning and International Cooperation and Diaspora Relations, emphasised the need to resolve the differences between the Diaspora returnees and the local communities in stabilising the country. Mr Abdullahi made a point of addressing the need for support to all areas in Somalia, not just Mogadishu. The word Diaspora has been used to mean people returning to Mogadishu, but I also want Diaspora returnees to invest and develop the regions since that is where the real needs is. The issue of Diaspora or Homeland Community doesn t matter to me. There is no difference between a citizen in the country and one out of the country. Furthermore, Mr Abdullahi urged both the Homeland Community and the Diaspora returnees to dispel the wrong perceptions that The majority of people here are youth, and you will benefit from this country especially if solutions to the challenges facing Somalia come from you. cause conflict, and rather create a positive environment that our people can work together in, in rebuilding the country. Ali Abukar Ali, of SomaliPlus, a pan-somali organisation that works across Europe said Diaspora returnees and the home community need to work hand-in-hand to rebuild the country. They need to cooperate and guard against anything that can start conflicts. He said the country could only develop if the two groups trust one another and treat each other fairly.

6 6 SOMALI DIASPORA RETURNEES HOMELAND COMMUNITY RELATIONS: BRIDGING THE GAP Naima Aden Elmi, the Chairperson SASOYO, urged the participants to take advantage of this event; and bridge the gap between homeland community and the Diaspora returnees in order to overcome differences, for the betterment of the country. Ms Elmi noted, This is a chance for us to get to know and understand one another. We need each other. Let us exchange contacts and have open and honest discussions. Ms Elmi acknowledged Amigo s continuous support for the Somali people. She further showed her gratitude for the funding support, which made this event possible. Many Homeland Community members voiced their frustration with Diaspora returnees, who they claim are the first choice for any lucrative jobs in Somalia, based on their experience. This in turn, perpetuates the cycle of unemployment for the local youths, who are willing to work but lack the global exposure. Talking about what they referred to as Diaspora favouritism, some members of the homeland community pointed out that even the highest positions in government are occupied by Diaspora returnees. While recognising that Diaspora returnees have the financial muscle and professional experience, the local community argued that many do not understand the political and socio-economic context of presentday Somalia, as they have lived outside the country for more than two decades. During this conversation, it became apparent that some participants felt that individuals born and raised in Somalia had more rights to Somalia than Diaspora returnees. Equally, some Diaspora returnees think they can contribute better to the peace and stability of the country since they are educated and have professional experience, gained while living overseas in developed countries with developed economies and industries. Diaspora returnees also argued that they have made tangible contributions towards the development of Somalia socially, economically as well as politically over the past decade. Acknowledging that they could have done more in communicating with the local community, the Diaspora returnees advocated for dialogue and reconciliation among the different groups, regions, clans and communities, as a means of dealing with Somalia s problems. Mohamed M. Sheik, one of the Diaspora returnees said that all their differences could be resolved through dialogue, and by developing an appreciation of the role each group has to play in rebuilding Somalia.

7 SOMALI DIASPORA RETURNEES HOMELAND COMMUNITY RELATIONS: BRIDGING THE GAP 7 DAY TWO-ACTIVITY REPORT Group discussions: Participants were asked to discuss issues and challenges between locals and Diaspora returnees; and make recommendations for a possible solution to the challenges. Thereafter, they were split into groups. They were also encouraged to focus on social, economic and political sectors in their discussions. Below is a summary of points raised during the group discussions: One of the groups noted the need to create an open platform for dialogue between the locals and Diaspora returnees as an important first step in dispelling negative perceptions and encouraging an atmosphere of mutual respect. It was also felt that Diaspora returnees support and encouragement of the local community could be achieved by sharing experiences and building better relations through collaborations. The need for establishing a joint committee that works on awareness raising was discussed. This committee would be based on consultations in order to promote effective reintegration between all parties. This was described as the group as the winning formula. The establishment of joint investment account to fund events and awareness raising activities, was suggested as a means of increasing information sharing. Government ministries were called on to ensure equal access to job opportunities, and were admonished to hire individuals based on their qualifications and experiences, without assuming that those from the Diaspora were automatically better suited to the positions. Most importantly, local youth shouldn t be disadvantaged in the job market. Government to establish offices to register unemployed professionals, as a data base of suitably qualified The groups called for the creation of an umbrella body for the Diaspora returnees. Yusuf Hassan, a veteran Somali journalist, and State Minister for Hirshabele, concluded the final session, touching on the importance of cooperation between both the home community and the Diaspora returnees. His speech was punctuated with references to the countries forefathers call for unity to serve the interests of the nation, ahead of personal interests.

8 8 SOMALI DIASPORA RETURNEES HOMELAND COMMUNITY RELATIONS: BRIDGING THE GAP TESTIMONIES OF PARTICIPANTS: Event participants were proactive and engaging throughout the sessions. They all agreed that the symposium was critical and well time. Below are a few of their testimonies: Muna Hassan Mohamed, a local participant, Welcomed the event, saying it provided both groups with the opportunity to engage and resolve thier differences. Ms Muna said, It was an important workshop which brought together Diaspora returnees and the locals. The engagements were amicable as the Diaspora returnees and their local counterparts engaged in open dialogue for better understanding of each other. Mr. Mohamed, a Diaspora returnee, I think it is a really good point that we have reached to understand each other. I think more events like this will help further integrate the locals and Diaspora returnees. It is a matter of just talking to each other, Ms Naima, Chairperson SASOYO The outcome of the workshop exceeded our expectations and we intend to hold more discussions as requested by the delegates so that we accomplish the tasks ahead. This will be an ongoing programme. Nimco Ahmed, a Diaspora returnee, Said she is satisfied with the outcome of this event and called for more events of this nature to be held in the regions. Ms. Ahmed said I would definitely like this kind of consultation to continue because not everyone was here on both days. There is a larger section of the society within the regions and towns who probably have these concerns as well. So we should broaden these consultations.

9 SOMALI DIASPORA RETURNEES HOMELAND COMMUNITY RELATIONS: BRIDGING THE GAP 9 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Somalia has a vast and diverse Diaspora community, which is mainly found in the neighboring countries. They also can be found in the Gulf countries, Australia, Europe and North America. Diaspora remittances have been the safety net for many families in Somalia and the economic backbone of the private sector. Their role in supporting the recovery of Somalia is widely applauded. Lately, the increase in numbers of Diaspora returnees has been quite visible in the main cities of Somalia. This has caused alarm for some of the local communities where member of th Diaspora community reside. The youth in those areas are threatened by the presence of the Diaspora returnees, and blame their unemployment on them. This symposium successfully brought together members of the homeland communities and Diaspora returnees for an open dialogue to bridge the gap. The symposium also agreed to embark on an awareness campaign to highlight the importance of peaceful coexistence and the need for stronger partnerships in rebuilding the country after decades of conflict. At the end of the two-day symposium, the Diaspora returnees and local community participants came up with the following recommendations to address their differences: Hold regular symposia to strengthen relations Establish a joint committee that works on raising awareness and promoting effective reintegration Create a joint account to fund and facilitate periodic events Reorganise the government s Office for Diaspora Affairs to undertake outreach activities to reach Somali Diaspora globally

10 Report prepared by AU/UN IST on behalf of AMISOM, Reviewed by Dr. Walters Samah, AMISOM Political Affairs Office.