Background: After two years of backbreaking negotiations in neighboring Kenya Somali warlords, with the help of our neighbors and the International Community, have finally formed a much needed government. But instead of being positive and proactive some cynics and bystanders are already wishing on this interim government's failure; thereby smashing the hopes of a whole nation of men, women and children, whose only wish is to live in peace and dignity.

Seeing how Somali women had suffered following the destruction of their nation, I honestly believed, to function at all, a woman needed stability and governance more than her male counterpart. Fourteen years of instability have proved me wrong. Going by the sheer strength Somali women displayed as they struggled to keep the family together, fed the household and devoted themselves to their kith and kin have shown the world that the Somali woman is a much stronger person today. She proved her mettle that she can stand her ground and take care of her own, with or without government.


Unfortunately, her male counterpart veered towards a less admirable tendency. With the break-up of the Somali nation, we saw Somali men buckle under the pressure. While women proved to the world they can survive by being gentle and co-operative, the men seem to thrive on the opposite. It’s as though they get a kick out of destroying themselves.

Except for the few actors on stage, the Somali conflict has reduced the bulk of Somali men into pathetic bystanders; sitting on the side lines and blaming everyone else but themselves. There is a lack of confidence all around and even though they speak the same language, share the same culture there is a complete breakdown of communication. It is apparent from the way they jump at each other’s throats that the conflict has not spared even their sense of humor. This is a bizarre Somali phenomenon and is not confined to any one single clan. All the tribes are suffering from this complex. And the sooner the Somali male looked at himself in the mirror the better for the Somali nation; and the quicker he re-joined the world scene.

While women kept busy nurturing the family, going about their business quietly, the men excelled each other in killing their time. Like tribalism and guns, Qaat has taken its toll on the psyche of Somali men. Prior to our nation’s total collapse, Qaat was limited to certain individuals and areas, the aftermath of the civil war has brought with it a dramatic rise in the consumption of this narcotic plant. Time, wealth, dignity, now all is lost to Qaat. Somalis used to pride themselves on their good looks, thanks to Qaat, that too seems to have disappeared from our men. Like all drug users these people have neither the time nor the inclination to look good. This is a serious social problem and one which is just as bad as the guns, as it feeds on and adds to the present situation of helplessness and anarchy. Muslims are supposed to make good use of their time and they should look good and be well-kept at all times. Teeth, hair, cloth, body, nails, every part of the Muslim human body are important. Qaat spoils the body as much as it spoils the brain. A brainless person with a wasting body is a walking dead. By using Qaat as a means of escape (from problems they should be solving) Somali men are killing their conscience and dulling their brains.

While Somali women’s hair turned gray from worry and anxiety due to their country’s situation, Somali men seem like they’re enjoying life to the full. They crowd tea houses, coffee places, or wherever they can put feet…The word is out that UAE government is keeping a close eye on Somali men’s gatherings in the Dubai Souq area. Our men have created colonies of human pyramids in the narrow streets standing in threes or fours talking themselves hoarse. Their loud voices can be heard fifty meters away. They’ve also this funny habit of staring at women shoppers; a rather un-Islamic thing to do. Muslim men are supposed to lower their voices and gaze. Telling these guys to stay home with their wives and children is like telling Sharon to stop building on stolen land. Some of these guys can’t even tell who is who of their flesh and blood. But you will bet they know the names of each and every clansman and Qaat buddy.

Even though they are responsible for the anarchy and desolation that engulfed our nation, Somali men are still wandering in mind. They can't understand that they are men and that a whole nation is waiting for their return. It is therefore in their best interest to come down to earth and pray for and be part of a viable State where all Somalis should enjoy freedom and healthy living. Somali men need guidance and skills to survive in the real world, and they won’t get that until they returned to Allah, laid down their arms and picked up books. As it is, life in Somalia is a nightmare for most people today, thanks to our men. Men need to get off the street, go back to work, sit in classrooms and do what normal men should be doing for their nation and families.

The problem we Somalis have isn’t just the warlords, majority of Somali men are a part and parcel of that beautiful land’s demise. Should men not brighten up soon Somali women might just give up on them. As it is, the women have developed a mechanism for survival and they have the strength to sustain it. The great need Somali men have for governance can not be exaggerated.