Jubilance of recognition

In January 2013 the U.S. government officially recognized the Somali government, following 21 years of no recognition. This is big news because it opens the way for increased engagement in Somalia by the U.S., international financial institutions and, ultimately, many other countries that will follow the U.S.'s lead. By recognizing the Somali government, the U.S. has essentially granted legitimacy and placed a degree of faith in the new Somali government to deliver for Somalia. Thus, the recognition is a major policy success for the Somali government, and will open many doors.

More importantly perhaps, it is a symbolic success. I say it is more important as a symbol because a key reason for the failure of multiple Somali governments is the lack of legitimacy and trust in the government by the population. President Hassan Sheikh's government, however, has so far maintained a high degree of popularity, cutting across clan and regional differences. As many Somalis both inside and outside the country already supported the new government, they saw the U.S. decision to recognize the government as another example of success by the government.

President Hassan Sheikh went to Washington and met with President Obama and Secretary Clinton, just as they announced the recognition. He subsequently held multiple events in Somali diaspora communities, including Minnesota. A friend who attended the President's event in Virginia said it was a huge event, with roughly 400 people in attendance - an unprecedented turnout. She said she met some Somalis who came from as far as New York and North Carolina to see the President's speech. She said as Hassan Sheikh spoke, he was frequently interrupted by a jubilant audience as they broke into patriotic songs. Songs that she said many Somalis had not heard in years, including Qolaba Calankeey. They also sang the national anthem, Soomaliya Toosoo, multiple times during the presidents speech. Flags were waving and there was an overwhelming sense of hope in the air. People liked what Hassan Sheikh had to say, particularly his pledge to focus on security and justice.

Interestingly Hassan Sheikh mentioned in his speech that rumors about his government should not be given credence, and he said some elements seek to destroy the popularity of the government through false reports. Maintaining the popularity of the government is important but if President Hassan Sheikh really seeks to maintain it, his government will need to show tangible successes. Because if history tells us anything, its that the Somali population can easily lose faith in an official or system if it does not deliver.