Somalia: A Migrant’s Hope for Improvement in their Country

Bordering the Gulf of Aden, the Indian Ocean, and the Bab al-Mandab strait, Somalia, an African nation, possesses significant wealth due to its extensive coastline stretching roughly 3,333 kilometers from north to southeast. This coastline is the longest on mainland Africa, second only to Madagascar's 4,828 kilometers. It offers abundant fish, opportunities for strategic ports facilitating international trade, and recent discoveries of oil and gas deposits. Additionally, Somalia's livestock population is among the largest globally, with the country holding the distinction of being the world's leading camel exporter.

However, since the 1991 overthrow of Siad Barre's government in a tribal coup, Somalis have not been able to fully capitalize on this wealth. The ensuing civil war triggered a mass displacement, with nearly half the population fleeing to neighboring countries, Europe, America, and Australia. Today, an estimated one million Somalis reside in the Global North, with 380,000 in the United Kingdom alone. Yemen, to the north of the Gulf of Aden, hosts another million, while roughly 2 million more are scattered across neighboring countries and safer regions within Somalia.

Somalia's long history of migration, further accentuated by its coastal location and historical significance as a trading hub, predates the hardships of the past thirty years. Somalis, with their deeply ingrained connection to the sea and boasting skilled and experienced sailors, have established communities outside Somalia since the 18th century, likely due to trade routes.

These strong social ties are evident in the crucial role Somali migrants have played in alleviating the hardships of the past three decades. Their unwavering support for their families, particularly during droughts and famines, is commendable. In fact, financial remittances from Somali immigrants have surpassed international aid and even exports generated by merchants and the state.

Somalia has made significant strides towards political stability in the past decade. Recovery efforts and the pursuit of a new democracy have yielded tangible improvements, with a marked decline in terrorist activity. Mogadishu, the capital, enjoys unprecedented stability following the dismantling of numerous terrorist havens in central and western regions. Somalis are filled with hope for building a state based on order, law, and social justice.

Omar, working in Djibouti.

In recent years, a portion of Somali migrants, particularly those in Yemen, have returned to contribute to the reconstruction and development of the new Somalia, while others continue to support their families back home with monthly remittances ranging from $50 to $250, with some sending as much as $500. However, this newfound hope should not mask the ongoing challenges that Somalia faces. The scars of war and its aftermath remain, with three decades of destruction leaving the country struggling to rebuild. Inadequate international support is just one of the hurdles Somalia must overcome. Climate change, particularly recurring droughts, poses a significant threat, potentially jeopardizing Somalia's chances of reconstruction and extinguishing the embers of hope. A large portion of the population lacks access to safe sources of nutrition, suffers from hunger, and is forced to migrate in search of food.

Driven by a desire to support his family back home, Omar, a young Somali man, migrated to Djibouti, seeking job opportunities. He hoped to alleviate their struggles with food security and provide his brothers with an education.

However, the challenges of migration proved steeper than Omar anticipated. The success stories he had heard from relatives in Europe painted a different picture. "The hope I had on the way here has dimmed," he said. "Things haven't been easy."

Despite the setbacks, Omar remains determined. He left his loved ones to find work and support his family. While he has not yet found the right opportunity, a job that aligns with his skills, he is holding out for a chance to fulfill his responsibilities. Omar also expressed his concern for Somalia's future. He believes the country needs international aid to recover from the devastation and rebuild a future as prosperous as it is past.