Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Somalia: Residents of Mogadishu Vow to Take Back Their Security

For the first time in recent years, the residents of Mogadishu are venturing out to enjoy the relative improvement of security in the city. After recent Al shabaab pull-out from Mogadishu, the city pierces new area of uncertainty of what is going to happen next. A city that has been under siege fro years, people are quite eager to take advantage of this rare opportunity.

"Mogadishu has seen a moment of stability before to see it dissipate again, in 1990-93, there were few months of unfettered security, and 1995 Mogadishu resident enjoyed similar experiences and 2006 under Islamic Sharia Courts, Mogadishu resident benefited from 6 months of security, it is imperative that this should not become another lost opportunity" Said Jabril Ibrahim Abdalle, the head of the Center for Research and Dialogue -Somali (CRD).

Center for Research and Dialogue-Somalia (CRD) in partnership with the Somalia National Reconciliation Commission held public forum on Security and Reconciliation. The meeting had brought together over 130 of Mogadishu district commissioners, community leaders, artists and other key opinion makers. "Peace and security cannot be achieved without genuine reconciliation among people, the reconciliation and forgiveness has to trickle down in the district, village and branch level in order to move forward" said the Chairmen of Somali National Reconciliation Commission.

The meeting was intended to encourage the residents of Mogadishu to take their security back and began the process of healing and reconciliation. Keeping security and rebuilding communities requires collective will and commitment. Military force alone cannot bring security and sustained it. Building viable Institutions is corner stone of the rebuilding Somali's security sector.

Somali experience indicates that forces alone is not enough to create a safe and secure environment in the absence of systems and mechanisms to safeguard personal and community security. "Across the city you will see people renovating and rebuilding their houses, sense of hope is emerging , but there is also equally a concern about the lack of government institutions or leadership helping maintain security" said Fathima Ali one of the participants. She added, "Where is the TFG leadership? It seems as though they are not interested in peace and security"

If Mogadishu security and stabilization to endure, it will clearly be essential to involve leaders and civil groups from communities in designing practical and realistic solutions for Mogadishu security and stabilisation. In the past, Mogadishu short lived security achievement was followed by a devastating and deadly conflict. Without systematic engagement of Somali people, external forces alone cannot bring about lasting peace.

Source: AllAfrica

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