Where is your head at?

By:Abdiladiif Osman Abby

With the passing of Law No. 20 limiting Age of political participation in Somaliland, the country has witnessed a major breakthrough. If one thing came out of this development, it would be that a youth-led campaign made such a change in a country where there is a culture that strongly discourages participation of the youth in decision-making and.

While the young citizens of the Arab World are turning out in the streets, demanding their birthrights, overthrowing dictators, one after another, it took Somaliland youth, with the help of a political will and maturity, just days of dedication and hardwork to get a law long overdue passed, that could bring a change in Somaliland.

This was, without doubt, a significant breakthrough, a true success story, a small part of our potential and talent unleashed that caught the attention of so many, young and old, and got the respect and approval of the country’s policymakers and legislators. Without the political will of the latter, however, and the dedication of our youth, nothing could have been achieved. If one success came out of this, it is that our youth have finally challenged the status quo. This is a starting point, and the means to a noble end. Starting from now, we can change a whole social architecture and lay the foundations for a prosperous, developed society free of all the problems it has today. Now is the time that Somaliland youth get their voice fully and without hesitation. It’s never too late. Yes, too many could be done, but it’s never too late. We must move to the future united, and with greater insight and dedicated focus to make a difference in our society, to better the standards of living to give our citizens a privileged lives they deserve. Our youth should unite by fighting the ill-fated problems within our society by coming together and setting up ventures and creative solutions that can bridge division within our society, delay any possible, latent signs of divisions and conflict within our society, improve our economy, and hence, our lives, etc. One such move could be to organize events and debates that enhance social integration by bringing together youth from different regions and backgrounds and convene their presence and talent in one place, to raise their awareness, and to teach them the noble virtues of being of service and of being from one nation, Somaliland. Today, and more than any other time, we must have the courage to address our problems boldly and with precision, study and understand the challenges we face and their underlying causes, and bring lasting, sustainable solutions to them. We must feel greater responsibility and act on accordingly, because we are the drivers of change today, and tomorrow. It is time we should brace ourselves for a bigger duty, to shape our future and that of our children and lead this country to a better tomorrow.

As someone once said, future belongs to those who prepare for it. So far, Somaliland youth have showed responsibility and the capacity to serve with the smooth handling of successive elections in the country that gave them a reputation and a change of mind by those who were cynical of their competence and talent. However, a greater effort must be made to ensure a maturity and a lust for serving the nation. Our youth should have the responsibility and courage of addressing our society’s problems. Problems that affect and have a daily impact on our lives like, unemployment, extreme polarization of different segments of our society, clanism, human traficking, etc. In the case of unemployment, an exceptional work must be done to make sure that it is the number one problem that needs a quick- fix. Equally important is addressing the problem of unfair employment based on clan favouritism, personal acquaintances, interests, age, sex, etc, with so many creativity and talent lost because of it. Our youth should have the responsibility and courage of addressing our society’s problems.

Problems that affect and have a daily impact on our lives like, unemployment, extreme polarization of different segments of our society, clanism, human traficking, etc. In the case of unemployment, an exceptional work must be done to make sure that it is the number one problem that needs a quick- fix. Equally important is addressing the problem of unfair employment based on clan favouritism, personal acquaintances, interests, age, sex, etc, with so many creativity and talent lost because of it. One last message to our youth, serve your country instead of waiting your country to serve you. Do what you can to make a difference. Try to find solutions that can impact the whole society you live in. Try to create a job instead of thinking about taking a job. Try to come up with creative, unique ideas instead of living with the past ones created by people like you. Fight clanism and sectarian divisions within the society. By elevating your conscience and level of thinking, you can rise to a new life and build a foundation for success. Have a cosmopolitan outlook in life, bridge any divisions, heal the wounds and the future is yours; a future full of sacrifice, action, a life of purpose, altruism, love and prosperity. May you have a bright future. My heartfelt congratulations to Somaliland National Youth Organization ( SONYO) for the tireless work and efforts in the improvement of Somaliland youth.

If it weren’t for their sheer engagement and effort, nothing could be achieved. It is my fervent hopes that you serve our youth to the best of your abilities. E-mail: latifabbey@yahoo.com