Counting down to when I get to fly back home to the good lands of Britain, I miss home. Looking forward to resting, spending quality time with family and friends and a break from the mayhem known as Somalia.
Another disaster struck the country today as militias reported to have links to Al-Shabab waged a war against Puntland security forces not too far from the Bosaso side of Puntland. Fighting ensued throughout most part of the morning coming to a halt in the early afternoon but casualties continued to mount, most of them civilians.
I did a crossfire discussion based on this latest incident which followed up on several security related incidents that were occurring in Puntland and given the fact that Al-shabab has spread its wings towards Uganda and more locally Puntland, it is undeniable that they are a force truly underestimated by most authorities. Furthermore the untold story of Al-shabab is that they have a lot of support from many Somalis, especially those living in the areas under their control where they have secured its peace and stability.
We often overlook the fact that when a people haven't had any sense of stability for almost 20 years, they'll appreciate the minute things we take for granted such as the ability to go to the market and buy food without fearing a grenade landing on your head, children going to school and establishing a means to support your family whether it is trading in the local market or having a farm whose produce you can sell. The chopping of limbs and terrorist attacks is what we see whereas those on the ground have a different image of Al-Shabab. This is where they have masses of support and that's where the real danger can come from as a civilian upheaval is one of the most detrimental things that can happen especially if it is in support of a group like Al-Shabab.
Gearing up to go back to school I have been studying for the GRE exam which I am due to take this coming Saturday. I've been studying for the past three months so I am somewhat confident but I can feel the build-up of butterflies in my stomach as the exam date draws closer.
Wish me luck:)
My Dear Friend and Colleague Idil Adey. It is good to hear that you are flying back to London very soon and cannot wait to spend some quality time with your family and friends. I just want to tell you that we will miss you.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck for the Exam. I am confident that you will pass it.
Yours
Said
Idil,
ReplyDeleteAs we all know Ramadan is a very excited time to spend time with family and friends, and I am very excited for you to be able to take time off for this special occasion.....I am sure you'll have great time with them! Ramadan is also a time to ask God for his forgiveness and blessings......so let's all please keep our fellow Somali people in our prayers and ask Allah(swt) for his blessings and mercy.
I will make my du'as for you Idil to As the exam Insha'allah!
Best of luck Idil!
Mac salaam,
Dhagaxtuur
I am surprised that you left good ol' London for DC! I have been away for a while and it seems that I've been away for decades...
ReplyDeleteAs a journalist living in Mogadishu, I can tell you that there are many untold stories in Mogadishu. the image protrayed in the media often seems concoted when on the ground, but hey, this place is dangerously beautiful.