Is there any lasting solution in sight for the Horn of Africa?

“Gripped by drought and racked by conflict for 20 years, Somalia is perhaps the most challenging environment in the world for humanitarian operations”. World Food Programme 2011

Whilst there is no clear definition of a failed state, there are certain factors that are evident: loss of control of its territory; erosion of legitimate authority to make collective decisions, inability to provide basic public services and inability to interact with other states as a full member of the international community. It is clear that Somalia has been in that category for the past two decades.
According to latest figures, more than 11 million Somalis are in need of humanitarian aid due to the famine that has already claimed the lives of tens of thousands.


Now that I’m done with stating the obvious, one of the major problems in recent days has been the challenge of how to get much-needed aid to those who need it in the midst of the ongoing conflict especially when the lines between rebel fighters/terrorists (different perspectives depending on whose side you’re on), African peacekeepers and other factions can be so blurry. No-one in the international community wants to fund terrorist activity in anyway shape or form and rightly so. However, there’s a crisis on the ground now that cannot be ignored and looks set to take more lives before it’s over.

The million dollar question though is this: will the Somali crisis ever end? Will that country just become a wasteland, a diplomatic and humanitarian carcass that is beyond redemption? I know that a lot will argue that the signs are pointing in the negative direction.
I will like to think though that the resilience of the human spirit and a quest for survival can prompt change at least in certain regions of the country. It is not clear how long it will take to solve the current crisis, but needs must, a solution must be found. Neighbouring country Kenya is starting to feel the heat as evidenced by the overcrowded refugee camps that has taken more than 4times intended capacity.

I’m of the opinion that the African Union has to do more than peace-keeping in the long-term. Under such fraught and tense conditions some might argue that the AU is doing its best. I’m not disputing the fact that the AU has shown initiative and put in a lot of effort at various points over the years. I do however think that tackling specific local issues in the regions where there hasn’t been heavy fighting; equipping and enabling people to start re-building their lives and that of their children. For example, tackling the effects of drought by planting trees and investing in accessing water sources might be a way forward.

Call me an idealist or a dreamer; I do know that if you speak to the average Somali there will be that tiny seed of hope inside that has not died. Given the opportunity however small, they might just do something to improve their lot so that the next generation doesn’t grow up in a society of anarchy and destitution.

As a global community, let’s think outside the box.


Until next time………..