As much as I want to start writing about ideas and potential for economic development in Somalia, I can't. Not when the country is engulfed in war and a humanitarian crisis. All I can think about is the need for basic necessities- like food, water and shelter- regardless of how the provision of these goods harms long term development goals.
The political situation is simply frustrating, and as an American i'm further frustrated by our governments inability to comprehend that funding one side of the conflict simply fuels the conflict. Guns cannot end this battle. Rather what is needed is mediation and compromise on all sides.
The best policy option for the US and other nations to do at this time, if they truly seek a stable and safe Somalia, is to help improve the livelihood of the population. By improving the standard of living, young boys wont turn to piracy and insurgency. By showing people tangible ways in which the internationally backed government improved their lives, the government will gradually gain legitimacy and support.
But beyond the government, the international community can work with any local legitimate entities to help them provide for the population. The world should not approach Somalia as a project in state-building or they will fail. They must focus on peace-building. An important way to foster peace is to create opportunities and livelihoods for the population so that people are not driven to criminal or insurgent activity. Whether or not a central government exists, there can be investment in education, economic development and improving livelihoods.
The country may not be a democracy, but the Somali people have a strong voice in determining who they allow to govern them. (Hence the fourteen failed warlord-led attempts at establishing a government) Somalis are tired of conflict and are desperate for peace. The next leadership to provide them with peace and positively impact their lives will be rewarded with supporters. The US and international community must play a role to help foster that peace so as to salvage their image, an image greatly harmed by support for the brutal Ethiopian occupation.
Now is the time to foster peace not fuel war.
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