The other day, our websites have reported that some 21 kids from the Awdal Region of Somaliland alone have died in the high seas of the Mediterranean Sea and an equal number was saved from imminent death but are now in jails for immigration breach!
Unfortunately, this may be not be the first time that that happens. Rather, such tragedies may continue to happen unless drastic actions are taken to combat them. In fact, rumor has it that another boat with an equal number of kids had already discharged another human cargo on the shores of Italy. But as soon as they landed, all were apprehended. And even more shockingly, reports say that another boat is poised to leave Libya for Europe within the next few days. This is tragic! It shows how desperate Somaliland kids, the leaders of tomorrow are!
So now the questions are:
- What should Somaliland Diasporas do to stop that?
- Should they watch their kids die in the high seas in droves?
- Or should they take decisive actions before other tragedies strike?
My preference is to that is the third option!
How?
A Chinese saying goes: “do not give someone a fish every day. But teach him/her how to fish and he/she can take care of himself/herself for the rest of his/her self life.” Unfortunately, this is not what Somaliland Diasporas seem to be doing! Rather, they do exactly the opposite in Somaliland to date!... and for an elaboration of that how, I refer you to read “Somaliland Sleep Walks Into Disaster” by Guled Ismail… in the Somaliland Times issue no. 335.
In Somaliland for instance, estimates say a 100,000 of its Diasporas send an average of $100 a month…a conservative estimate, to their loved ones back home for consumption purposes. And of course that alone translates to $10 million per month or an impressive $120 million a year. That sounds a lot of money, doesn’t it?
Unfortunately, had Somaliland banking and investment experts, and there are plenty of them, think smart; had they advised Somaliland Diasporas to put just half of that in investments, in agriculture, in light industries, in livestock developments, etc., for the last seventeen years, poor Somaliland today, would not lose its youth in the high seas of Europe in droves….an indifferent colonial Europe that does not care as it sees no interest in poor Africa, let alone poorer Somaliland!
Indeed, such investments would have provided wealth, development, employment and hence the whole nation would move forward. And true, thousands of our people who are desperate today, would make a living in their own home land. In addition, even hundreds of overseas Somaliland professionals, and there are plenty of them in every field, would be attracted to come home for good…. A home that badly needs them!
So, in conclusion, in my view, it is imperative that Somaliland Diasporas end this social irresponsibility toward their country! It is imperative that they change the tendency of teaching people just dependence by providing them with a welfare system!
It is necessary that the Diasporas understand that their support of their people by sending them monthly cash for consumption only will not go forever because they themselves make money the hard way and sooner or later, that itself will end!
And last but not least, it would be great if the overseas community of every town, city and village make their own development programs so that every Region and District develops. And had that been done, our children would be saved from the high seas of Europe! A Europe that does not care who you are come what may!.
By Noah Arre
noah.arre@gmail.com
http://www.awdalnews.com/wmview.php?ArtID=10309
