We cannot afford political fights when half of the country is starving

HALF OF THE country is starving, the constitutional review process in disarray, and preparation for take-over from Amisom a distant cry as economic growth stands at marginal 1.8%. The UN estimates $1.5 billion is needed to starve off famine in 2018. Such is a sneak preview of the worrying state of the nation.

Whereas the country is confronted by such humongous challenges which call for concerted efforts from across the divide to find ways address them, our political leadership is on a war path baying for each other’s blood.

Significant gains have been registered over the past years but one step forward and two backwards makes progress only a catchphrase.

The recent political developments which culminated in an unusual security take-over in the Lower House Buildings Friday evening reminds us of the nexus between Somali politics and state recovery. Between failed/fragile state status and stability, therein lie our national politics.

Out of the political squabbling comes out one strong message-‘let them fix our problems as we go for each other’s neck’. But we will still speak of sovereignty and need to reduce over-reliance on foreign aid.

Somalis have for years been treated to this theatre of musical chairs whose result is to hold the country in a perpetual state of instability. The woman who sells meat and petrol long the streets of Mogadishu is the ultimate loser in this fight while Al-Shabaab and all enemies of progress combined are making a field day.

Goobjoog News calls on all actors to refrain from acts which border on breach of the constitution, tone down political tension in the country and find an amicable solution to the impasse.