Postby Somaliweyn » Thu Mar 19, 2009 8:36 am
Demure,
You have raised very interesting points.
Like Abakar20 and you have pointed out to: Banadir is characterized by diversity. This is the core characteristic of the region, and we should not see it as a disadvantage but look at the many advantages it offers.
First, there is diversity in the group composition of the region. There are many different groups as already pointed out to earlier.
Despite this diverse group composition, we can safely say that the region is characterized by high degree of harmony and peacefull coexistence between the different groups when compared to the other regions in Somalia.
Also, the different groups who live in Banadir region never committed the crime of landexpansion at the cost of their neighbours or any other group. And there is no generational animosity between any of the groups in Banadir, as is the case in other regions of Somalia between the different groups that live there.
So in short, the groups in Banadir are characterized by their harmonious way of coexistence and their peacefull nature. You will not find any Somali who will complain about the harshness or hostile mentality of a group in Banadir. On the contrary, most Somalis appreciate and respect the calm and peacefull temper of the groups in Banadir. Above all, their hospitality has resulted in a major influx of Somalis from all corners of Somalia into Banadir region.
Second, there is diversity in the economy of Banadir.
The region is known for:
- its fertile lands and dynamic agriculture,
- its historic Banadir coast and their links to the Indian Ocean trade through the dynamic port-cities of Warsheikh, Mogadishu, Merca and Baraawe.
- its commercial activity in cities
- its pastoral economy in arid and semi-arid lands of Banadir region
This diversity in the regional economy is very advantageous to Banadir region and its inhabitants and a strong basis for a prosperous New Banadir.
Demure has also presented a sound analysis of the threats facing New Banadir administration.
You should have only called point 4, not ''other Somalis'' but ''predatory Somali groups''.
Since 1991, there were predatory Somali groups from Central Somalia who have brought disaster to Banadir region. On top of that, the main group in Banadir, Mudulood have in some instances participated in creating this disaster, and in other instances looked the other way when predatory groups were invading and occupying L.Shabelle. A prime example of the crimes that were committed by ''armed groups of Mogadishu'' and the shamefull silence and inactive by Mudulood was the terrible fate that Reer Xamar folks have witnessed post-1991. On one side, they have lost many lives and property since they found themselves amids warrying factions and could not defend themselves. On the other side, they have been forgotten in the political landscape of the city. Mudulood subclans have laid a claim on Mogadishu while conveniently overlooking their centuries-old neihgbours Reer Xamar who have equal claim if not larger claim on the city.
We have to analyze the events of post-1991 and its impacts on Banadir region, if we are serious about creating a New Banadir Administration.
Lastly, as Demure again hit the nail on its head:
Banadir region is a unique case in Somalia, and as such cannot draw examples from the Somaliland, Puntland and Galmudug models. Banadir region must have its own unique and distinctive model for regional development.