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Recently, we witnessed the
atrocities that brought carnage to London’s public transport network and loss of one
of Somalia’s prominent peace activists, Mr. Abdulkadir Yahya who was assassinated in
his home in Mogadishu. It is for those who are in the why-business to explain the motives
behind these attacks, nevertheless, it is reasonable to say that these two unrelated
events have one common denominator, both creating havoc in their respective localities.
The Somali community in Britain feels the agony of these two awful events. They feel that
they may become the victims of reprisals following London’s bombings. The recent
execution-style killing of Somali peace activist also dampens the hope of restoring law
and order in Mogadishu further into the void. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said
“such acts of violence undermined the prospects for peace and reconciliation.”
July 7 was a dark day for
Londoners regardless of their background. It was around nine in the morning when London
underground train system was rocked by a series of blasts. Explosions were reported at
Russell Square, Liverpool Street, Aldgate East, Kings Cross, Edgware Road, and Moorgate
tube stations. It was not only the subway that came under attack. A bomb exploded on a
double decker bus at Tavistock Square. A spokesperson for the Police said “A series
of explosions rocked London's transport system at rush hour on Thursday morning, causing
numerous casualties and leaving millions of passengers in shock.” These blasts
paralysed London’s transport network and the capital was in a state of extreme
confusion. The bombs killed more than 50 and wounded over 700 people.
A fear of backlash against
British Muslims including the Somali community started as soon as news of the bomb
explosions spread. Although Muslims were quick to condemn the atrocities and encouraged
the government not to foster a climate of suspicion towards Muslim but that did not stop
some people to point the finger at Muslims. The Muslim Council of Britain, the main body
of British Muslims received thousands of hate mails and threats within the first 24 hours
of the explosions.
Many politicians particularly
Ken Livingston, the Mayor of London, have shown quality leadership during this testing
time. However, the sense of insecurity is not far from the surface as many Muslims
remember what happened after September 11 when there were incidents of reprisals against
visible Muslims. And the Somali women who follow the true teachings of Islam could be the
victims of reprisals because of their distinct dress.
These attacks have brought back
bad memories of atrocities for the Somalis in Britain as they experienced a prolonged
civil war which killed a quarter of a million people. Somalia is an unsafe country and the
killing of Abdulkadir Yahya is a manifest reminder.
Yahya was a victim of an
apparently political killing in Mogadishu on 11 July 2005. He was the co-founder and
director of the Centre for Research and Dialogue, an affiliate of the War Torn Societies
Project International (WSP). He was shot by unidentified hooded gunmen in his home. In
1996, when another Somali peace activist was assassinated, Amnesty International said
“Elman Ali Ahmed murder has sent a chilling message to Somalis desirous of peace and
normality -- that no one is safe.” The same can be said about the assassination of
Yahye if not more. The hope of restoring peace is somehow greater than it was nine years
ago. In a peace drive unseen in Mogadishu’s recent chaotic history has increased that
hope and the death of Yahye may dash that hope.
Somalis in Britain are victims
of a civil war and refugees in this country. In short, they are double victims. However,
to live in Britain respectfully and share common good values with the rest of the British
society while retaining one’s culture is a challenge that Somalis cannot duck.
“These evil deeds make victims of us all. The evil people who planned and carried out
these series of explosions in London want to demoralise us as a nation and divide us as a
people.” the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) said in a statement. Somalis share this
fear with other Muslims in Britain.
Unfortunately, they have a
problem of their own. They are witnessing the inability of the new government to bring
about peace and reconciliation. It is a great challenge for all Somalis especially those
who use their minds creatively and do not normally make decisions based on instincts and
emotions to save Somalia and restore peace and stability in the country. Many prominent
peace activists are tireless campaigners for peace and some like Elman and Yahye have
sacrificed their lives for it.
To bring peace is not an easy
task, however, the death of Yahya shall not discourage us from rallying around our peace
activities and we shall pick up the pieces where he left and finish his mission by
demonstrating our solid resolve. We owe him and all those killed in the name of peace to
accomplish their mission by bringing about peace and stability to our country and to the
world.
Mohamed Mukhtar
London
Email: mohamed323@hotmail.com
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Mohamed
Mukhtar Ibrahim