Unbeknown to many people, some powerful conservative Somali clerics are strong-arming famous musicians into ending and disowning their own musical careers, on spurious claims that the music is prohibited in Islam. Music is very important in Somali culture and in Islamic traditions. Extremists must not be allowed to go on with this senseless eradication of heritage.
Al Shabab followers wake up every morning with a plan on how many lives they can take, not how many lives they would save. They read Quran and in their demented minds come up with wrong self-serving interpretations
The continued high-profile attacks by the Somali-based Islamist group are prove enough that various efforts to neutralize Al-Shabaab have not fully succeeded. More work is needed, not only by national and regional governments but also globally.
The great Somali musician Maxamad Saleeban Tubeec is ailing in Germany and is in dire need of money to undergo surgery. The Somali people and government should help – for this man’s contribution to the nation is immense
There was noticeable evidence last year that the Somali people are ready and willing to rebuild their country after many years of turmoil. External support also improved. But the government of Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud squandered a lot of opportunities
Abuse of public office by the ruling class to enrich themselves remains a major governance problem in Africa. Two recent examples of women in high office determined to end this vice are quite inspiring
Somalia is on the road to recovery after more than two decades of collapse. Now is the time for all the citizens to help the government achieve its goals by being patient and tolerant.
