Somali Studies: Enhancing Public Knowledge, Building Networks, and Exploring Collaborative Opportunities
- January 19, 2025
- By Admin: Osman
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Revised version of a note presented at the 15th Somali Studies Congress, Mogadishu, Sunday the 15th of December- Wednesday the 18th of December 2024.
Abdulkadir Osman Farah, PhD
When individuals engage with one another in a positive and harmonious manner, driven by a collective pursuit of knowledge, they foster beneficial cooperation and collaboration. This interaction diminishes existing and potential threats and injustices by nurturing mutual understanding and dialogue. Furthermore, a focus on shared values cultivates enduring and resourceful networks, paving the way for a brighter future that enhances opportunities and well-being for all members of society, especially the most vulnerable.
Conversely, clinging to past grievances—marked by trauma and setbacks—can paralyze society, stifling the potential of interdependent human creativity and conscious adaptability. While many find it challenging to move beyond their past, younger generations, who have inherited a legacy of challenges rather than triumphs, often look toward a transformative future. They seek to rectify historical mistakes through engaged education, transnational collaboration, and a balanced sense of hope.
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“Markaan bidixdayda eego, waxaan arkaa wadashaqeyn iyo isbarasho; markaan midigtayda eego, waxaan arkaa aqoon bilicsan oo baahday; markaan hortayda eego waxaan arkaa saadaal irmaan. Gadaalna dib uma eego” [When I look to my left, I see cooperation and acquaintance; when I look to my right, I see a beautiful knowledge that is needed; when I look in front of me, I see a promising forecast. And I do not look back]
Professor Said Salah Ahmed, Educator and Author, Head of AGA (Akademiya Goboleedka Afka, on the occasion of the 15th Somali Studies congress, Mogadishu, December 2024.
“Dardaaran kooban ee aqoonyahannada jiilka cusub, kadib 35sano in Somali Studies Conference lagu qabto Xamar…waa farxad, boogadin, taariikhdana galaaya….Shirka Somali Studies wuxuu ku saleysan yahay baadigoob, taasoo kugu qasbeysa in aad maskaxda xaarxaarato, aad il fiiqan wax ku fiiriso, si deggenna wax u baarto, 35kii sano ee la soo dhaafay fakarka umadda wuxuu noqday mid khaamud ah, soo celinta Somali Studies ee Xamar waa mid mar labaad boorka ka tumaaya, fakar cusubna u soo jeedinaaya umaddaan, dhallinyarada aqoonyahanka cusub waa in ay xoogga saaraan waxbarashada iyo aqoonta, taas oo aan ku koobneyn qof keliya, waa muhiim in dhallinyaradu ay aqoonta bartaan, kadibna ay baahiyaan, waa muhiim in la isku dhafo aqoonyahanka dhaqanka umadda yaqaan iyo kuwo aqoon casri ah oo cilmiyaysan ka bartay jaamacadaha, fikrado kala duwanna la isu keeno. Soomaalidu waxay tiraahdaa saddex ayaa tol lagu yahay; nin quman quweyntiis, nin qaldan qabashadiis, nin qatan quudintiis. Aaqoonyahanka jiilka cusub waxaa laga rabaa, aduunka aqoon fara badan, teknologi iyo fikrado kala duwan ayaa jira, adigoo aqoomahaas faraha badan wax ka baranaaya ayaa la rabaa in aad kala baxdo wixii dadkaaga anfacaaya. Marka hore in aad dhaqankaaga iyo diintaada si fiican u daristo. Aqoonyahanka jiilka cusub waxaa la gudboon “cil taraaray rag waa toli karaa taako labadeede” inta aan Sputnik iyo Apollo laga fakarin waxaa Soomaalida fakarkooda ku jiray in cirkaas haddii uu jeexmo ay toli karaan, waxaa muhiim ah jiilka cusub oo weliba heysta fursado dadkii maahmaahyadaas sameeyay aysan heysan in ay ka fakaraan sidii umaddaan la isugu soo dumi lahaa, oo la isugu keeni lahaa, waa muhiim in aan Soomaali nahay, waxaase ka sii muhiimsan waxa aan soomaalinimada magaceeda ku sameyno, aqoontu waa in ay tahay mid cilmiyaysan oo umadda wax loogu qabto, haddii kale waxay noqoneysaa tororog aan wax macnaa laheyn…
[For the emerging scholars from the new generation, after 35 years, to hold the Somali Studies Conference in Mogadishu is a source of joy, healing, and historical significance. The Somali Studies Conference is based on exploration, compelling participants to think critically, observe carefully, and study thoroughly. Over the past 35 years, the community’s thinking has become stagnant. The revival of Somali Studies in Mogadishu is a significant opportunity for new ideas to emerge. Young scholars must focus on education and knowledge, which should not be limited to individuals but should be a collective effort. It is essential for the youth to learn and disseminate knowledge, combining the ideas from traditional intellectuals with those who have modern, scientific education from universities to bring together diverse ideas. Somalis say that three types of actions make us cohesive and strong: strengthening a good person with beneficial qualities, stopping a wrong person with faults, and providing sustenance to a needy person. The new generation of scholars is expected to navigate the vast knowledge, technology, and diverse ideas available, while also being grounded in their culture and religion. They should be encouraged to think critically and creatively, especially considering the opportunities they have that previous generations did not. It is crucial emphasizing the importance of Somali identity while also ensuring that the knowledge produced serves the community effectively, rather than being meaningless or ineffective].
Professor Ali Jimale Ahmed, an extract from a presentation at the 15th Somali Studies Congress, Mogadishu, December 2024.
“Shirkii ugu horeeyay ee Somali Studies waxaa lagu qabtay Hotel Jubba, Xamar 1979kii. Waxaa shirkaas abaabulay Dr Mohamed Sheikh Adan oo markaa ahaa madaxa Akadeemiyada Cilmga iyo Suugaanta. Xafladdii furitaanka ayuu ku yiri martidii adduunka ka kala timid “Soo dhawaada, magaalada Xamar ku soo dhawaada, meelo fog fog ayaad ka timaadeen, dhib iyo safar dheer ayaad soo martaan, ha nalaga raalli ahaado.” Markaas ayaa hadalki waxaa qaatay Professor W. N. Andrewski (Khabiir afka Soomaaliga oo ay Soomaalidu u tiqiinnay Macallin Goosh) oo wuxuu yiri “Ceel biyo lihi ma foga.” Hadalkaas runtii waa i saameeyay. Professor Andrewski wuxuu ula jeeday in raadinta aqoonta iyo barashada afka aan lagu daaleyn safar kasta oo loo galo. Sidoo kale reer guuraagu uma arkaan safarka ay u galaan ceel biyo leh safar dhib badan oo fog” [The first Somali Studies conference was held at Hotel Jubba, Mogadishu in 1979. The conference was organized by Dr Mohamed Adan Sheikh, who was then the head of the Academy of Science and Literature. During the opening ceremony, he welcomed the guests from around the world, saying, “Welcome to Mogadishu, you have come from far and wide, you have endured hardship and a long journey, please forgive us.” Then Professor Andrewski (an expert on Somali language and literature) took the floor and said, “A well with water is not far away.” That statement truly impacted me. Professor Andrewski meant that the pursuit of knowledge and learning the language should not be hindered by any journey taken to achieve it. Similarly, nomads do not view their journey to a well containing water as a difficult and long trip].
Professor Abdalla Omar Mansur, extract from statement at the opening of the 15th Somali Studies Congress, Mogadishu, December 2024.
“I have heard that Prophet Muhammad once instructed people, ‘Seek knowledge, even as far as China.’ Here I am in Mogadishu as a Chinese scholar, doing the reverse—seeking knowledge in Somalia. I have travelled over 9,000 km to reach this place. This is my first visit to the country, but Somalia and its rich history have occupied my thoughts since childhood. We studied Somali history and geography in our school textbooks, and the beautiful images of Somalia have remained in my mind ever since.”
Professor Ye Hailin, Addressing the 15th Somali Studies Congress, Mogadishu, December 2024.
“As an expert in constitutional formation and development, I recognize that Somalia, like many formerly colonized nations in Africa, incorporated certain colonial frameworks into its constitutional processes. These efforts were not entirely successful and may have even exacerbated issues for the Somali people. Consequently, it is crucial for Somalis to establish a constitution that reflects and respects their unique culture and traditions. Such a constitution could prove to be the most acceptable and sustainable solution.”
Professor Salvatore Mancuso, at the 15th Somali Studies Congress, Mogadishu, December 2024.
Creating a Common Narrative
One of the central inquiries among Somalis revolves around the society’s capacity to forge a common narrative that resonates with and garners support from the majority. This narrative should facilitate communication among competing communities, fostering understanding, cooperation, and mutual support. Diverse groups must work collectively to enhance societal existence and well-being, addressing not only existing social, economic, and political disparities but also alleviating prevailing cruelties. It is imperative for individuals to thoughtfully consider how to construct this nation and state-building endeavor, particularly in the context of an increasingly uncertain, transnational, and globalized world.
Recently, German federal authorities (one of the most stable and powerful states of the world) raised alarm over the application and consumption of diverse social media platforms, perceiving it as a significant threat to German national cohesion and the society’s social and political well-being. Through this unfiltered and unrestricted digital landscape, individuals can express and share their thoughts and imaginations globally, regardless of their content. Societies, including Germans, Scandinavians, Indians, Chinese, Americans, Turks, Somalis, and others, are in a continuous quest to align with a common societal, sociopolitical, and cultural narrative that promotes stability and cohesiveness.
This fragmentation and uncertainty is not just about the current or emerging of vulgar social media platforms, but can also be traced back to the increasing delegation of public social and political responsibilities to particular isolated groups and individuals. Anthony Giddens describes such frameworks as “Life Politics”. A sociopolitical structure reflecting a societal expectation for individuals to manage problems generated and sustained by the wider society, as their own. While these challenges may superficially appear private, a deeper analysis reveals them as public issues, necessitating a committed collective narrative, action and problem-solving approach. Increasingly, for example, whether in politics or not, there is an expectation from the society (also from those in government) that struggling Somali mother with many children should provide welfare and education for her family, often singlehandedly.
Historically, scholars viewed the creation of common social and political narratives as a linear process, where emerging narratives progressively replaced earlier understandings. Societies advance by weaving new narratives that enhance and build upon existing ones. However, the great sociopolitical scholar Ibn Khaldun challenged this notion, proposing that people do not necessarily follow a linear developmental path. Instead, they navigate complex, circular situations, addressing emerging issues through a shared understanding of managing existential challenges both private troubles and public issues. This process is not merely repetitive but interpretative and creative. Through cooperation, individuals can forge new, alternative formations that cater to their current needs and well-being, creating dynamic platforms to tackle pressing societal problems that hinder freedom, respect, and security.
Societies can respond negatively to challenges, perpetuating negative aspirations and narratives for future generations. Conversely, they can engage positively with these challenges, nurturing new generations with aspirations and capabilities that are equal to or surpass their own.
Attempting the Creation of Common Somali Narrative
Throughout history, many Somalis, whether intellectuals or not, have endeavored to craft common narratives for the Somali people. In modern times, following the establishment of a relatively functioning state, the late author and sociopolitical critic Hussein Sheikh Kadare highlighted the narrative of “Warsame iyo Waasuge,” which called for the realignment of nomadic and non-nomadic societies sharing a common destiny. Similarly, Faarax Jaamac Cawl, in his book “Aqoon Daro waa u Nacab Jaceyl” (Ignorance is the Enemy of Love) emphasized the significance of a common linguistic narrative, not only for the purpose of collective communication but also for the process of building national identity and unity.
During the Cold War, Somali Studies contributed to this collective narrative-making, as the world was divided into two main adversaries: the West and the East. Many Africans, Asians, and Europeans faced the dilemma of choosing which narrative to embrace. Somalis, however, remained skeptical, initially aligning with one side and later protesting by joining the other.
The collapse of the Somali state led to the diasporization of Somali Studies, which severely struggled in exile. Edward Said’s book “Out of Place” as well as Nurrudin Farah’s book “Yesterday, Tomorrow: Voices from the Somali Diaspora” encapsulates the experience of being in diaspora; one can never be fully grounded, always yearning for one’s own homeland, regardless of contentment in a new host society. Fortunately, Somali Studies now returned to its birthplace, Mogadishu, where the late scholars Dr. Mohamed Aden Sheikh and Professor Hussein Mohamed Adam- Tanzania (aun) convened one of the first large gatherings of Somali scholars and scholars on Somalia.
The Prospect
While the future remains unpredictable (Mustaqbalka waa laga digi karaa oo loo diyaar garoobi karaa, laakin lama saadaalin karo) individuals can prepare and warn one another and discuss about looming dangers, striving to avoid repeating past mistakes in hopes of better outcomes. Somalis can approach their challenges through cultural awareness and wisdom, as referenced by Professor Ali Jimale Ahmed in his remarkable presentation at the 15th Somali Studies Congress.
- Qumane la quweeyo (Strengthening the righteous): Somalis must strengthen and support research initiatives that transform and consolidate their existence and well-being in all forms. Establishing a nationwide research council could provide opportunities in accessing funding and support for emerging scholars.
- Qaldane la qabto (Restraining the irrational and the wrongdoers): Moreover, Somalis need to confront and refrain from participating in irrational, ignorant, and academically detrimental platforms that foster suspicion and societal gaps through false and unverified information.
- Qatane la quudiyo (feeding and supporting the needy ones): It is essential to recognize that sustenance extends beyond the physical; the mind and heart also require nourishment. Maskaxda iyo qalbigu waxay u baahan yihiin quudin gaar ah oo joogto ah. The late Somali literary figure Cismaan Aadan Askari (aun) once alerted us to such significance “Maskaxdaa laga abaaroobay.” The heart and the mind can also suffer from drought and starvation. Therefore, Somalis must educate and cultivate a new generation of scholars capable of addressing the challenges and demands of an increasingly digitalized, trans-nationalized, and potentially globalized society.