Prof. Sulaiman retires from public service

Prof. Sulaiman Ahmed Gulaid, president of Amoud University retired today from active public service after five decades. He also steps down from university leadership after he delivered 25 years of solid performance with style. He was appointed as university president in 1997, when Amoud was an infant tertiary-level education, shortly after its set up. He then led Amoud towards institutionalization and turned the dream of its founders, supporters and well wishers into reality.

Unlike the modus operandi of today’s many learning centers, Sulaiman and his team created hope for thousands of otherwise despaired generations. The harsh circumstances, unforgiving environment and limited resources at their disposal only solidified their selfless resolve. Amoud University under the leadership of Sulaiman Ahmed Gulaid, as a result, saw growth in every aspect, and came out a leading and celebrated institution of higher learning.

Prof. Sulaiman, the former Dean of Faculty of Education of the Somali National University in Mogadishu, won almost immediately, the hearts and minds of the university stakeholders- students, teaching staff and partners- primarily through his leadership style, exceptional eloquence, ability to persuade and more importantly, self discipline.

Prof. Sulaiman and his team proved wrong to all naysayers, who unceremoniously argued university can only be run and sustained by entities with vast resources. In contrast, they exposed how committed individuals -no matter how resource-constrained-could make difference.

As Amoud University alumni and later a faculty member, I had the privilege to work alongside with Prof. Sulaiman. I witnessed the difficult and bumpy road he steered in a never faltering resolve. I gained first-hand experience of the way he tackled issues, often heads on and always putting the interest of faculty and students first.

He will forever be remembered as a talented, admirable teacher and a formidable leader!

September 11th, 20 years later

Today, exactly 20 years ago, Twin Towers - among other targeted government installations in the US - were either completely destroyed or seriously damaged, using hijacked planes, turned into flying bombs. Al Qaeda, the outlawed extremist organization; a terror group as designated by many, under the leadership of Usama Bin Laden, it’s Saudi-born founder, hosted by Taliban regime and hiding in Afghanistan was blamed on this deadly attack. The world since then drastically and irreversibly changed and hence the war on terror intensified in many fronts.

As a result, Taliban rule in Afghanistan was toppled and the country was literally destroyed in the process. Western-leaning new administration, headed by Hamid Karzai, was installed.

Still a student at Amoud University, I vividly remember this day as I learnt the breaking news from the BBC Somali Service, just minutes after I finished my classes at Al-Aqsa Primary School, where, as a part-time teacher, I taught English and Science. In the evening, all our eyes were glued to TV channels, chiefly Al Jazeera, BBC and CNN in Khadar Hassan Caateeye’s center in “Doqonka”, downtown Borama. TV sets were not available in private houses for satellite dishes were by then amenities and privileges available to a handful of well-off families. I remember that night, political analysts, likening reaction of the US as that of a wounded lion “ الأسد الجريح”. When retired home late at night, still eager to learn the implications of this attack, I recall listening to BBC Arabic daily program  “حصاد اليوم”, all night examining intensity, scope and time of the would-be reaction from the states.

20 years fast forward, today, as 20th memorial anniversary of that attack is underway, it’s strikingly worth to note, that Taliban is back. Not only back but is effectively in control of Afghanistan. Allied forces spearheaded by the US left that country weeks ago so rapidly and so unexpectedly.

As the famous saying goes, “The illiterates of the 21st century are not those who can’t read or write but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”

In today’s vastly changing geopolitical dispensation, to remain relevant, one should relearn that mass killings of thousands of unarmed and innocent civilians, anywhere in the world, will not do good in this world and hereafter. Equally, aggressive, and self-centered regimes should unlearn the norm of installing puppet administrations overseas, often forcefully and against the will of the local people. This has consistently and repeatedly failed everywhere anytime since immemorial. All should learn negotiation table is the way forward and what many finally returned to and accepted, sadly only after so many innocent lives were lost so needlessly and so unnecessarily!

Abdirahman Adan Mohamoud

E-mail: abdirahman.adan@gmail.com

 

 

A look back at 2021

 

The last two years were tough to humanity in general given the COVID-19 complications, the resultant fatalities, and restrictions. But thank God, 2021 fared better than its predecessor as many countries opened up and hence economy- although still struggling- reignited. Here in Kenya, the country saw much ease and greater recovery in the later part of the year. School-age children resumed classes, physically this time, but still under careful and cautious environment. Any child with the slightest flu-like symptoms was asked to stay at home. International schools continued to offer a hybrid learning/teaching modality. In other words, a blended approach where students could attend classes in person and still those from either vulnerable or extremely prudent parents, could get connected remotely at the comfort of their homes.

 

Back home, there was no much restrictions in the first place and the pandemic continued to hit periodically but all along slightly. In one month, you would see high mortality rate, but the unfortunate reality is the absence of reliable pathological diagnosis. No one knows for sure the cause of such deaths, but one would assume it is related to the global pandemic. Imposed restrictions failed to work in this part of the world even in the peak of the disease.

 

The new ‘Omicron’ variant, however, sent shocking waves, pushing many western countries to reimpose containment measures, some aggressive, regressive, and selectively applied to certain countries. Nevertheless, scientists finally confirmed that this variant is so contiguous but, plausibly for the relief of many, less disastrous.

 

Furthermore, glad that I became double-jabbed mid last year; and booster shot will soon be rolled out. Yet, as much as I understand that vaccine is a lifesaving necessity, I am still not a big fan of the series of jabs as some are now even talking about a fourth shot. It turns out as open-ended thing, not to mention vaccine nationalism and all the associated disparities.

 

Combined elections

 

In Somaliland, local council and parliamentary elections took place in May 2021. Both elections delayed and incumbents overstayed, some over 15 years. Combining the two elections was a good move, strategic and probably saved millions of dollars from personal, communal and national coffers. However, the outlook of the new parliament is not inclusive and doesn’t look good. It has no single women parliamentarians, zero representation in some regions of the country and still worse, the vast majority of the new MP's hail from one block, effectively rendering representation, legislation, resource allocation and accountability not only compromised but badly skewed. The winner takes all approach isn’t healthy and poses a serious threat to social cohesion. An immediate structured remedy, possibly towards revised legislation is needed to offset election fractures.

 

Nonetheless, still there were heartening and inspiring takeaways from this election. The landslide victory of Barkhad Batuun, a candidate from traditionally marginalized community, is a testimony to changing attitude, a long overdue ethical reparation to past eras and moral failings. Equally, Abdikarim Mooge, the current mayor of Hargiesa’s sweeping victory, with a youth-focused, non-tribal platform ushers a new era where personality, leadership and individual quality matters most.

 

Similarly, at a personal level, this election was like no other as the largest number of acquaintances, distant relatives, close friends and former classmates, all vied for different seats both at parliament and local councils. This means my engagement or at least the perceived involvement was much greater than all previous voting.

 

Brink of war

 

The situation in Mogadishu was close to brink of war in April, following intense and almost violent disagreements between president Farmajo and prime minister Roble. This came after Farmajo audaciously tried to extend mandate for two additional years. This, however, was met with strong resistance to the level of an armed one. The country has never come so close to a bloody civil war for decades than those tensed and unpredictable days. Hundreds of residents left their homes and moved to the relative safety of other areas within Mogadishu. The prospect of an all-out civil war was never greater in those days and people in Mogadishu were slightly spared from another deadly civil strife. Concerned citizens and other political stakeholders, both domestic and foreign players exerted pressure on parties, urging them self-restraint and to avoid bloodshed and work towards a peaceful resolution. This has somewhat worked, but the conflict is back, fear is still real, and this could develop into a full-blown violence unless local sustainable solution is reached, credible elections are held, and power is handed over or legitimacy earned through legal and consensus-based avenues. 

 

Back in the sky

 

As situation improved, I started once again to fly and visit many different places for personal and work-related trips. Interestingly, for the first time in many years, I spent quality time with my family for 15 consecutive months- a very unlikely and unimaginable scenario for a person like me- a frequent traveler, with a roughly two and sometimes triple trips in a month. Yet, with all the hassle and inconvenience associated with travel, I was still longing for this moment; being in the sky, closing my eyes for around 10-15 minutes, for a much-needed self-reflection and refreshment- a ritual I maintained lately each time I fly.

 

To this end, I flew to Rwanda and spent splendid days there. See the Rwanda reflections in this link https://wardheernews.com/soo-rogaalcelinta-ruwaanda/. I also visited Addis Ababa, Mogadishu (twice), Hargeisa, Garowe, Borama, Berbera, Gabiley, Sheikh and Buroa.

 

Home Leave

 

Once every two years, the family and I travel back home to spend quality time with family members and friends. But this time, the visit came after nearly 15 months, I have not traveled, mainly due to COVID-19 restrictions. Normally, I visit my mom particularly once in two months, but this was an exceptionally prolonged absence. Finally, I was so excited to be back home and grateful to have spent there a restful and joyful break. See this link for the observation during my stay there http://horusocod.blogspot.com/2021/08/fasax-iyo-fiirsasho.html.

 

At a personal level, I continued to do pretty good stuff, professionally and socially. Likewise, I maintained my self- discipline of reading as much books as possible, producing aftermath book summaries and occasionally publishing articles and short stories. This year, I have been reading with a Kindle; and have experienced a renewed enthusiasm on written work. Thanks to my nephew Abdihakim Omar for sending this device.

 

Finally, I remain grateful to the Almighty Allah for granting us good health, peace and prosperity and equally looking forward to a much more peaceful, healthier, prosperous and blessed 2022!

 

By: Abdirahman Adan Mohamoud

abdirahman.adan@gmail.com

 

Ha soo dhawaysan lahaydaa!

Nin karti iyo dadaal badan baan ku ogaa. Nin faraxsan oo weji furan baan ku aqaanay. Ha yeeshee maalin dhawayd baan la kulmay isaga oo wajigiisa murugo badani ka muuqato. Welwel buu qabay qariyey wajifurnaantii looga bartay. Bariido ka dib, siday wax u jiraan haddaan warsadayna sheekadan buu iiga dhacay. 

“Xafiiska soo dhaaf, muftaaxanna iska wareeji iyada oo la i leeyahay uun baan ku war helay.” ayuu ku bilaabayaa. “Maamulaha guud ee shirkada ee sidan ku dhawaaqaya, waxa barbar taagnaa wiil kuray ah oo markan u diyaar ah inuu shaqada igala wareego.” ayuu ku sii daray. 

Afartii sanno ee u danbaysay ganacsi gaar loo leeyahay ayuu mas’uul ka ahaa ninkan ii warramayaa, waana lagu badhaadhay. Muddo markii ganacsigu furnaa balse dhib badan laga la kulmay la qabsiga suuqa ayaa xilka ninkan loo tiriyey. Inkasta oo suuqxumo badani jirtay, mas’uulkani ma dadaal yaraysan. Shaqo badan, tacab, karti iyo aaminaad ayuu soo bandhigay. Shaqada ayuu dardargaliyey, shaqaalaha ayuu tayeeyey, macmiil badan ayuu soo xidhay, faa’iido fiicanna waa soo saaray. Horumar fiican ayaa la xaqiijiyey. Waa lagu reeyey, isagunna waa ku reeyey.

Toban bilood ka hor uun buu guursaday; ilmihii curad ayuu naawilayaa oo dariiqa ku soo jira. Shaqada oo meel fiican haysata, ayuu maamulaha guud keenayaa kurayga cusub oo marka hore lagu sheegay gacanyare, shaqada inuu bartana la rabo.

Ninkan oo aan aqoon fiican isku leenahay ayaa ii balballaadhiyey sida uu shaqadiisii ku waayey. Waan ogaa marka hore in shaqo wanaag astaan u ahayd, isla markaana laga jeclaa goobaha shaqada. Balse, kuray uu tababaray ayaa haddeer lagu beddelay.

Kurayga laftiisa, jeer oo aan shaqo xumaan laga ga soo caban, saa tababarihiisa ayuu la dhaqan yahaye, sida la sheegay, dadka warka badan ayuu ahaa. Inta badan sheekooyin iyo war ayuu kala gudbiyaa. Dabakaayo meheradda ku xidhnaa muddo dheer, ha yeeshee markii danbe kuwo kale u wareegay, inuu isagu u sheekoxumeeyey ayaa gadaal laga soo ogaaday. Go’aanka shaqo ka fadhiisinta ee maamulaha guud qaatay waxa la isku raacay inuu salka ku hayo warxumo is urursatay, inteeda badanna dhinaca wiilkan ka tagtay.

Ninkii ganacsiga hore mas’uulka uga ahaa amakaag ayaa ka soo hadhay. Waxa isku qaban la’ sida uu u soo dhaweeyey shakhsigan, u tababaray, ugu hagarbaxay iyo dhabarjabinta uu ku kacay. Mar aan dheerayn oo xaalad dhaqaalexumo la soo gudboonaatay kurayga, taageero dhinaca saaxiibkiisa shaqada ka timi, jirtoo aanu wax buuran ku dhaamin, inay dhiidhida ka saartay ayaa la soo weriyey. Kii sidaa ahaa ayaa dabin kuu loogay oo in dibadda laguu tuuro ka danbeeyey ayuu la dhakafaarsan yahay. Ha soo dhawaysan lahaydaa! Booraan haddimo ha qodin, haddii aad qodanna ha dheerayn, ku dhici doontaanna mooyee, ayaa maankiisa ku soo dhacday. Kuraygu inuu booraan haddimo qoday way u muuqataa, inuu ku dhici doonaana wuu u badinayaa. Kaliya goorta uu ku dhici doono ayuun buuna hubin.

Markii aan dhegaystay warkiisa, xog hore oo aan hayayna ku darsaday, hadal waano iyo dejin u  badan ayaan dabada u qabtay. Waxaan xasuusiyey mar haddii uu shaqadiisa sidii ugu wacnayd ee suurtagal ahayd u gutay, shaqoxumo iyo tuugonna aan lagu soo eedayn, waxba inaanay ka xumaan doonin, gaar ahaan imika oo uu aad u fahmay sida suuqu u shaqeeyo. Waxaan ugu daray inuu yahay nin dun fiican oo dadnimo wacan, sidaas darteedna uu liibaani doono. Haa sidaas ayaan ugu qalbiqaboojiyey. 

“Wanaag aad ruux kale u samayn kartid, waligaa ha yaraysan. Dhib aad dadka ka dhawrto ayaa adigana samaan oo dhan kuu horseedaysa ee ogow” ayaan ugu sii daray.

“Ruux aad wanaag u fashay, balse isagu xumaan kuugu doorshay, wax uu isyeello ma ogiye, wax kale taransan maayo” ayaan mar kale caloosha ugu sii adkeeyey. Tusaalayaal tiisa la xaal ah, goobjoog aan u soo ahaa oo waayoaragnimadu i bartay ayaan isku daba galiyey. Dareemay inuu hadaladaas ku diirsaday oo yididdiilo cusubi ku dhalatay. 

In kasta oo kuraygu xumeeyey, shirqool shaqo ka saarid ahna u soo maleegay, mas’uulkii hore hadeer ma niyad xuma. Dabcan wuu ka xumaaday in ruux uu ku soo tabcay sidaa abaal laawe u noqdo. Abaal laawe kaliya maahee, waliba xaasidnimonna ku darsado. Balse wuxuu ku niyadsan yahay in mustaqbalkiisu iftiimayo. Anna waxaan ugu sii daray, inaanay la yaab ahayn, in mararka qaar, ruux dadaalkii xagaldaaco, laakiin aanay inta badan dhicin in ruux hungoobo inta daacadnimadu mabda’a aan salguurayn u tahay dhammaan hindisayaashiisa iyo habdhaqankiisa ba.

Isaga oo farxadda iyo dhoolacadaynta wajigiisa ka muuqataa aanay qarsoomi karin, ayuu ii xaqiijiyey inaanu hadda wixii dhacay  isku sii shuqlinayne, hore uu uga sii soconayo. Wixii horena uu ku dhaafayo; sida kuraygu ku danbeeyo, ciddii waqti ku simo, sannado way ka sheekayn.

WQ: Cabdiraxmaan Aadan Maxamuud 

Email: abdirahman.adan@gmail.com

Halka sare ka hayso

Iyada: Magaalo heblaayo ayuu ka soo jeedaayoo qoladiisa ayaan u raadinayaa. Waxay farta ku fiiqaysaa wiil yar oo 2-3 jir aan ku qiyaasay. Waa ruux dumar ah oo wiil yar daadihinaysa. Labadayaduba socoto ayaan nahay oo madaar baan ku kullanay. Waxay ku sii dartay, “Anigu waxaan ka soo jeedaa magaalo heblaayo”. Magaalo tii hore ee ay sheegtay aan ahayn ayay magacdhabaysaa. Way sii waday oo sidii wax ay ii sii xaqiijinayso ayay af Ingiriisi ku tidhi “He is from xx” 

Aniga: Yaa walaal maxaad tidhi? Ma fahmin. Qofkan aanan hore u arag, bariido ha danbaysee sidii wax sheeko hore noo socotay uun waxan oo dhan isku kay dhex dhigtay ayaan sixi la’aa.

Iyada: Koonfur Afrika ayaan ka imaaday, cunuggan ayaa ka soo jeeda meel hebla. “Hooyo sow adi xx kamaad imaan?” Yarkii ayaabay waydiisay. Isaguse warkaa ma hayo ee masaasaddiisa ayuu iska jaqayaa. 

Aniga: (Oo hadda yara fahmay waxay ujeeddo, walise hadalkeedu igu taagtaagan yahay). Oo heedhe wax ay isku sinji yihiinba dhawr qof baan meesha hadda ku joognaaye, halkan miyaad qoladiisa ka raadinaysaa? Maxaad cunugga nolosha ugu soo koobaysaa? Imika ahaan, halka sare inaad uga gurto ayay ahayd, meesha aad sheegtay markaad dhex gayso, kolay ehel badan waad u heliye. “Awal halkeed ku socotay” ayaan u sii raaciyey;

Iyada: Kampala aan u socdaa. Maya waxaan ka waday tolkii ha barto. 

Dad 200 oo qof aan ku qiyaasay ayaa meesha fadhiya. Goortii aan diyaaradda fuuli lahayn ayaa dhaw. Dadku wada aamusan oo wada mashquulsan. Mid moobaayl ku foorara, kuwa buug/joornaal isha marinaya, kuwo dhegaha wax ugu jiraan oo dhegaysi ku mashquulsan, qaar indhaha isku haya, fikir ama nasasho maskaxeed mid uun ku maqan. Iyadu waa qofka kaliya ee telefoon ku sheekaynaysa. Dhawaqeeda dheer meel fog baa laga maqlaa. Dadka qaar baa hadba daymo diidmo leh ku fiirinaya. Qaar hoos bay ugu qoslayaan. Iyaduse qosolka iyo sheekada ka dhacaysa, kama duwana inay labada boqol ee qof u wada sheekaynayso. 

Safar wada indhaindhayn ah buu ahaa. Awal waxan ka damqaday wiilal jirran oo aan diyaaradda kula kulmay. Toddobaad gudihii ayaan sii socod iyo soo socodba xaalado isku mid ah ku arkay. Hal wiil uun baa dhaawac jajab ah qabay oo socodka la gacanqabanayey. Inta kale ma qarsoonayn in dhibtoodu, xaga dhimirka la xidhiidhay. Dalka dibadiisa kuwo laga soo celiyey ama lagu celinayey ayay u muuq ekaayeen. Kolay Quraansaar baa loo waday ama laga soo celiyey. Hooyooyin iyo hablo walaalahood u muuqday ayaa waday. Wiilasha oo aan ismaamuli karayn, ama ilaalo joogto ah u baahnaa, waalid iyo walaal ayaa saacidayey. Aan idhaahdo asturayey. Wiilasha qaar, maalin ka hor waxaan iskugu nimid goob baadhitaanka COVID19 lagu sameeyo. Saacadihii aan baadhitaanka sugaynay, dhibta ay wiilashu qabeen, iyo haweenkaasi waxa ay rafaad la muteen, goobjoog baan u ahaa. Haweenku samir badnaayaa! Laakiin maxay kale ayay ba horta samayn kari lahaayeen? 

Wiilashan, raggii dhalay ama ay la dhasheen halka ay ku maqan yihiin ayaan iswaydiiyey. Ma qayilayaan, miyay iskaga tageen, ma u maqan yihiin oo u soo shaqaynayaan. Mooyi meel ay jiraan!

WQ: Cabdiraxmaan Aadan Maxamuud 

E-mail: abdirahman.adan@gmail.com

Soo Rogaalcelinta Ruwaanda

Ruwaanda, dal yar oo aan bad lahayn, isla markaana dhaca bariga badhtamaha Afrika, dacalka koonfureed ee dhulbadhaha. Inta badan dhulku waa barwaaqo, cagaaran oo ilqabatin leh. Dadka dalkaas, waxa lagu sheegay 12.6 milyan, halka caasimadda oo Kigaali ah ay ku nool yihiin kaliya 1.1 milyan. Waa mid ka mid ah dalalka Afrika ee cufnaanta tirada dadku ugu sareyso.

Xasuuqii Ruwaanda

In badan ayaan dalkaas dhinacyada ka dhaafdhaafay, ka hor inta aanan dhawaan safar gaaban ku gaadhin. Dadka xog-ogaalka ahi, marka ay magaca Ruwaanda maqlaan, laba shay ayaa maskaxdooda ku soo degdega: xasuuqii raadgurka ahaa ee ka dhacay dalkaas sannadkii 1994-kii iyo soo kabashada la yaabka leh ee dalku sameeyey. Dhawr sanno ka hor ayaan akhriyey labada buug ee “An Ordinary Man: The True Story Behind Hotel Rwanda” iyo “Left to Tell,” Laba ruux oo dalkaas u dhashay ayaa hororkii ay goobjoogga u ahaayeen dunida u soo wariyey. Ka hore, sheekada buugga filim laga jilay oo caan noqday baa jira, dunidana ku baahay. Ta xiisaha lihi waxa weeyi ninkii buuggaa qoray Paul Rusesabagina, maxkamad ayaa dhawaan isla dalkaasi ku xukuntay 25 sanno oo xadhig ah. Argagixiso ayaa lagu helay baa la yidhi, iyaga iyo ku Allahoode.

Ruwaanda, goob kasta oo aan maro, dhacdooyin la yaab leh oo labadaas buug aan ka akhriyey ayaa maskaxdayda ku soo dhacayey. Buugga Left to Tell ee ay qortay Immaculee llibagiza, inkasta oo sida ka hore aanu u ahayn shaacsane caanbaxay, haddana maskaxdayda aad buu uga dhex guuxayey. Gabadha buugga qortay qoyskeeda oo dhan ayay ku waayaysaa xasuuqan, marka laga reebo hal wiil oo walaalkeed ah, kaasi oo waxbarasho ugu maqnaa dalka Siniigaal. Sida ay ku badbaaday ayaa ah qiso aad u xanuun badan. Saddex bilood oo dhuumasho ah oo ay ku noolayd musqul guri Baadari leeyahay ayaa bixiso u noqotay. Balse waa saddex bilood oo cadaab nafsaani ah oo aan la suuraysan karin ay soo martay. Waa ayaamo inta ugu badan ay kadalloob ku dhammaysatay. 91 maalmood oo waxay ahayeen aan dhinacna loo nuuxsan karayn, ilayn dhuumasho ayay ku jirtaye. Iyada se waxay u noqotay waqti ay ruuxdeeda dhisto, is hesho oo ay nafteeda la shawrto.  Inta jeer ee xagjirka xasuuqa horboodayay guriga yimaadeen ee baadheen tiro ma lahayn. Maalmaha qaar, dhawr jeer oo baadhis culus ah ayay guriga Baadariga ku galalafi jireen.

Sheekooyinkii buuggaa ayaa maskaxdayda mar walba ku soo maaxanayey. Geedaha waaweyn marka aan arko, waxaan iswaydiinayey, haddii laga hadlin lahaa, waxa ay xog hayaan. Waxa ay dhacdo murugo leh warin lahaayeen. Qof dheer markaan arko- dadka dhaadheerna meesha ku badane, waxaan maskaxiyan u milicsanayey muuqaal maskaxeedkii Emaculee ay noo sawirtay. Waa kooxihii xagjirka ahaa oo ku guda jira waalidii xasuuqa iyo googoyntii dadka. Si aanay uga kala cararin, horta waa inay dadka ay gummaadayaan gaagaabiyaan oo lugaha ka gammuuraan. Dad wada dhantaalan oo cagaha laga qoomay, markoogana sugaya in si arxandarran faash loogu silciyo! Tani waxa ii sii xoojiyey markii la ii sheegay in mulkiilihii huteelka aan deganaa; isaga, xaaskiisa iyo carruurtiisiba xasuuqaa lagu cidhibtiray. Laba hablood oo ay walaalo ahaayeen, midna xasuuqa ka badbaaday, midna markaa dibadda ku maqnayd ayaa hadda meheradda dhaxlay.

Xasuuqaas iyo raadkii uu ka tegay xarun weyn oo lagu soo bandhigo ayay Kigali ka sameeyeen. Dadkii la gummaaday qaarkood lafahoodii iyo madaxyo qalfoof ah baa meesha yaal. Hubkii xasuuqa loo adeegsaday: rayfal, midi, faash, gudin, waran iyo walxo kale oo la soo ururriyey ayaa tusaale ahaan meesha ugu kaydsan. Sannad walba xus gaar ah ayay u qabtaan. Dunida meelo badan ayaa looga yimaadaa si cashar looga barto. Ujeedadu waa in tii la soo maray aan lagu noqon, dhacdooyinkii shalayna cashar laga barto.

Maanta iyo Ruwaanda

Is cidhibtirkaas iyo waxa ka dhasha, nin ay ku hadhay dhibi haysataaye, iyagu si la yaableh ayay uga soo kabteene, ku soo noqo Ruwaandada maanta. Bilawgiiba, daaqadda diyaaradda markaan ka milicsaday harooyinka sida teelteelka ah isku dabayaalla, waxaan u garaabay culimada sayniska dhulka ee arladaas u bixisay “Gobolka Harooyinka Waaweyn”. Magac been uma baxo.

Madaarka marka aad ka soo degtaba, isha wax u fiirsanaysaa waxaanay seegayn sida tiknoolajiyadda ay uga faa’iidaysteen ee ay nolosha qayb weyn uga tahay. Shaqaale carbisan oo ‘iPad’ wada sita ayaa saf loo galaa. Saddex shay waa inaad tustaa, iyaguna sugnaanshaha saddexdaa walxood aaladda ay sitaan ay ku hubiyaan: 1) inaad ka bedqabto Koofidh-19, 2) caddayn muujinaysa hoteelka aad degayso iyo 3) fayl elektaroonic ah oo xogtaadu ku dhan tahay, ‘Locator’ ayay yidhaahdaane. Sida wadamo badan imika ka jirta, qof kasta oo dalkaa u safrayaa, inta aanu dhoofin, qaab online ah inuu xogtiisa ku gudbiyo ayaa qasab ah. Waxaan iswaydiiyey haddii diyaarado waaweyni mar soo wada degaan, sida rakaabka ay u kala horrayaan, waxase la ii sheegay inay kartidaasi leeyihiin.

Koofidh-19

Talaalka Koofidh, Afrika guud ahaan, dad lagu qiyaasay ilaa 2.6% ayaa la sheegaa in la talaalay. Qaaradda marka hoos loogu sii dego, 14 wadan oo gaadhay bartilmaamedkii ahaa in 10% dadweynaha talaalka la gaadhsiiyo, dalalka xaqiijiyey ayay  Ruwaanda ku jirtaa, sida ay sheegtay Hay’adda Caafimaadka Adduunku. Cabdirisaaq Abaadir oo dalka iiga xog-ogaalsani wuxuu ii sheegay, in dalkaasi qorshaynayo inay talaalka gaadhsiiyaan 60% dadka dalkaas sannadka 2022. Mas’uul dalkaas ah oo shaqo na dhex martay ayaa tan ii sii xaqiijiyey. Wuxuu ku daray haddii gaar loo fiirsho dadka ilaa hadda talaalka hal mar qaatay, in boqolleydu ay gaadheyso ilaa 25%.

Mas’uulkaasi wuxuu iigu daray, tiraba saddex jeer oo dalka bandoo caam ah la geliyey, in dawladdu ay xil iska saartay daboolida quutaldaruurriga dabaqada ugu hooseysa ee bulshada. Ciidamada milateriga ayaa la hawlgaliyey oo raashin ayaa qoys walba guriga loogu geynayey intii uu socday amarka ah inaan qofna guriga ka bixi karin.

Bilicda iyo Nadaafadda

Nabadgelyada magaaladu way sugan tahay. Habeenkii xilliga aad doonto ayaad iska socon kartaa, waloow imika, Koofidh dartii, bandoo kow iyo tobanka habeennimo ahi ay jirto. Kigaali, waddooyinku way wada dhisan yihiin oo calaamdsan yihiin.  Bilic, gacankuhayn iyo daryeel baa ka muuqda. Ta ugu cajabta badan lihi, waa nadaafadda. Way yar tahay amaba dhici mayso wasakh meel taal inay ishaadu qabato. Magaaladdu aad iyo aad bay nadiif u tahay. Aad bay u cagaaran tahay. Bil walba, Sabtida u danbaysa, olole bulsho oo nadaafadeed ayaa jira. Waa ha is caawiso iyo iskaaashi bulsho oo ay u yaqaanaan “Umuganda”. Maaha mid carruurta uun loo diree, madax ilaa mijo waa laga wada qaybgalaa. Bacda inaga meel walba taal ee hadda laguba sheego “Ubaxa magaalooyinka,” sannadkii 2008 ayay mamnuuceen. Nadaafadda hirgashay, dadaalka dadka iyo dawladda marka laga yimaad, mamnuucidda wasakhdhaliyaha ugu weyn- bacda- ayaa loo aaneeyaa.  Tukaamadda iyo meheradaha aad wax ka iibsataa, warqad ayay wax kuugu duubayaan. Dersiga ugu weyni waa sida ay nadaafadda iyo ololeyaasha bulsho u joogteeyeen. Magaaladda markii ay nadiif ka dhigeen, hadda “Umuganda” waxa loo adeegsadaa in dariiqyada lagu dhiso, dhirna lagu beero. Imika, cabsi laga qabo fiditaanka Koofidh-19 ayaa hakad loo galiyey hawshan.

Dalkii Kunka Buurood

Magacyada dalkan loo yaqaan waxa ka mid ah, “Dalkii kunka buurood”. Kigaali horta waa wada jar, waraq iyo buuro yaryar. Magaaladdu juqraafi ahaan aad bay u kala saraysaa. Waa mar aad dalcad ka baxayso, iyo mar aad nusuul ka soo degayso. Huteel aan u casho tagnay ayaa meel hoose ku yaallay. Markii aan ku daadegnay baan Cabdirisaaq ku idhi, hadhow soo bixida, qofka waliba gaadhi manual ah wata, xirfadiisa dirawalnimona aanay adkayn, inyar haddii la horjoogsado, wuu gacan galayaa! Qosol inta uu u dhacay ayuu iiga warramay rag liisanka dirawalnimada buurahaa lagaga qaaday oo tobanaan jeer dhacay. Waxayse ku fiican yihiin, dadka waxay u beddelaan liisankii dirawalnimo ee dalka uu ka yimid.

Maamulwanaagga

Nidaam maamul oo hoosta ka soo unkama ayaa dalkaasi ka hirgalay. Waxay qaateen oo si dhab ah u hirgaliyeen siyaasad maamuldejin iyo baahin adeegyada dadweynaha ah. Afrika, dadku caasimadaha ayay iskugu soo ururraane, Kigali kaliya waxa ku nool qiyaastii wax ka yar 10% dadweynaha dalka. Marka laga yimaado sababaha Juqraafi iyo dhaqan-dhaqaale, waxaan isleeyahay maamulwanaagga iyo adeegbaahinta ayaa keentay in bulshooyinku deegaankooga ay ku negaadaan oo aanay daaqsinraacin iyaga oo raadinaya adeegyo bulsho, shaqo iyo nolol.

Waxa la ii sheegay in miisaaniyadda dalkaas qayb weyn oo ka mid ah loo qoondeeyo degmooyinka, waayo halkaas ayaa adeegbixinta looga baahan yahay. Wasaaradaha dawladda iyo dawladaha hoose, ta danbe ayaa qoondada loo badiyaa, isla markaana lagula xisaabtamaa. Waxa la ii sheegay in mayorada magaalooyinku, marka ay diyaariyaan miisaaniyad-sannadeedka iyo qorshe-hawleedka ay madaxweynaha dalkaas, madal furan kula saxiixdaan heshiis waxqabad oo sannadle ah. Mayor walba waxa lagu qiimeeyaa, heshiiskii uu madaxweynaha la galay, isaga oo dadka deegaanka ka wakiil ah. Waa daahfurnaan iyo islaxisaabtan halkii ugu saraysay.

Sidoo kale, waxa la sheegaa in dalkaasi ka mid yahay meelaha ugu musuqa yar qaaradda. Dunida oo dhan, musuqu meelo badan ayuu galaa, waxase lagu kala tagaa, sida loola dagaalamo wax-is-dabamarinta. Ruwaanda dagaal kulul ayay dhaqankaas ku qaaday.

Soo kabasho degdeg ah

Bulshadaas 91-ka cisho iskaga dishay dadka ku dhaw halka milyan ee qof, tagtadoodii inta ay meel ku hubsadeen ayay ka lib-keenidda taaganta iyo timaaddada gacmaha isku qabsadeen. Heshiis iyo isa saamax bulsho oo beryahaa aadamuhu aanu arag ayay ku dhaqaaqeen oo si xarago leh u hirgaliyeen. Dadkii ka badbaaday xasuuqaasi, hadda marka ay ka warramayaan, riyo xun oo kale oo mar soo martay, ayay ku sifeeyaan. Qirashada, cafiska iyo run iskusheegga heerka u hooseeeya ee bulshada ka soo unkamay, wuxuu suurtagaliyey horumar muddo kooban lagu hanto. Durba dalkoodu waa hormood dhinacyo badan ah. Dalka ugu nadiifsan qaaradda ayaa lagu sheegaa, musuqa dalalka ugu hooseeya ayaa lagu tiriyaa, caafimaadka dadka caymis baa la galiyey, hawlgab qorshaysan ayaa la dhaqangaliyey, ganacsi in la furto, maalmo kooban ayay kugu qaadanaysaa, talaalkana halka ay ka marayaan, kor baan ku soo xusnay.

Dal aan wax uun laga caban dunida ma jiro. Dalkan waxa su’aallo la iska waydiiya; xorriyada hadalka, xuquuqda aadamaha, dadka la waayayo,  xorriyadda safarka iwm. Gacanbir ah in lagu maamulo ayaa la sheegaa. Ha yeeshee dersiga ugu weyni halka uu ku jiraa halkaas maaha. Halka qunyar ugu fiirsiga iyo dhuuxida mudani waa sida dadka dalkaasi mar hayaanka dunida uga hadheen, si xun u kufeen, qabkooga qoomiga ahina u qoonmay iyo sida aanay u quusan, balse sida kartida leh tartankii horusocodka safka gadaal uga soo qabsadeen, muddo aad u kooban gudaheedna, kaalin hormoodnimo ah u qaateen. Halkaas ayay cibrada u weyni ku jirtaa.

WQ: Cabdiraxmaan Aadan Maxamuud

Email: abdirahman.adan@gmail.com

Steps towards smart cities

Many energetic and tech-savvy people, mostly, youth, are now engaged in non- productive, rather self-destructive, internet-based misdemeanors. We can create a better situation where such talents can be utilized wisely and for the greater good. In a well-regulated atmosphere, when properly trained and guided, some of these youth, at the very least, would have turned out, not only adept in the use of modern technology, but also effective social entrepreneurs. Innovation and new ways of doing things, would have been the modus operandi of the industry. In the process, they would have simplified people’s lives; and most importantly, would have contributed to solving city life puzzles. They would have responded to the needs of the netizens by coming up with marketable business ideas and mutually benefitable economic transactions.  

In a slowly, but certainly changing cities and towns that are prematurely turning to smart cities, such IT-related proficiency is the new way of doing businesses and prototypes.  It is true that a single Somali city can neither earn, nor claim the definition of a smart city, in which technology is the central pillar of all city administration undertakings. But, to be fair, some have already taken great strides towards this direction, albeit unseasonably.

Mobile money payment system, for instance, has been in use for over a decade, meaning people could buy goods and services through electronic payments; school fees, hospital and utility bills have long been cleared using mobile technology. Diaspora members can send family bills back home at the comfort of their living rooms and workstations. Lately and to a lesser extent, some government taxes can now be settled using online platforms. Internet-based taxi and bus operators is about to revolutionize a business model that had been functioning in the same way for ages.  Grocery can now be ordered and delivered at your doorsteps; and ATM machines are increasingly available in designated areas in major towns. Nevertheless, progress in this front alone, wouldn’t make cities smarter.

This paradigm shift is, interestingly, happening at a time when city residents are still struggling in getting reliable garbage collection services, let alone tarmacked and well-maintained roads and provision of other basic urban services. Unregulated and uneven development, some might call it. Urban development experts dubbed this phenomenon as uncontrolled, unguided, and unplanned exponential urbanization. Unlike other African cities being built or planned as smart cities, Somali cities are taking this shape by default not by design. The common denominator of all these so called “smart cities” is the wish to solve poverty and economic stagnation problems through tech-based solutions.

You might probably be reading this note from your smartphone, but now discussion is centered around smart cities. Smart cities, generally, embrace technology to provide social services, develop infrastructure, improve transportation and city connectivity; and normally solve city problems with innovative and technology-based techniques. This is partially happening in our country, but within the framework of unregulated and not coordinated business environment. To make best use of these positive developments, some huge challenges waiting ahead need to be addressed. These include, of course among other important factors: clarity on policy frameworks, availability of affordable energy, reliable internet connectivity; efficient infrastructure system, getting and retaining qualified workers with the right camaraderie that can respond to the demands of a very competitive market, that often brims with 21st century skills.

As they say, if there is a will, there is a way. If our youth, who are now engaged in shallow, plethora tribal discourse on social platforms is seriously fed up with a mere tokenism; and ready to face world market competition, then they could be an important building block for making our cities smarter; and by extension contributing to achieving sustainable development. This is if and only if, all stakeholders; and chiefly, policy makers, are also equally prepared for the tests and trials waiting ahead and the next level of competition.

Abdirahman Adan Mohamoud

E:-mail: abdirahman.adan@gmail.com

Fasax iyo Fiirsasho

Bil fasax ah oo aan Boorama ku qaadannay, iyo laba usbuuc oo aan Hargeysa shaqo ka hayey, qoyskuna ila socday ayaa soo idlaaday. Allaa ilehe fasax iyo safar fiican buu ahaa. Fasax buu ahaa ku soo aaday, goor aan arlada ka raagay, dhulku cagaaran yahay, roobku da’ay oo Karantii curatay. Wuxuu ahaa fasax ku soo beegmay, amin loo baahnaa; mar dunidu si gaabis ah, balse ka soo raynaysa uga soo kabanayso aafadda Koofidh iyo kadeedka ku lammaanaa. Ka soo kabashadaas ayaa suurtagalisay in dad badan oo labadii talaal soo qaatay, arladana ka raagay, dalka soo booqdaan. Isla furfurnaantaas ayaa sahashay inaan la kulmo dad aanan muddo dheer is arag. Qaarkood oo aan arday hore isku ahayn, malaha 30 sanno la isma arag.

Ganacsi Xaami ah

Isbeddel weyn ayaa ka muuqda magaalada Boorama. Aad bay u balaadhatay, walina xawli ayay ku socotaa. Way fiday oo faaftay. Awal waxbarasho uun baa loo soo raadsan jiraye, hadda suuq ganacsi oo xaami ah ayaanay dardartiisu yareyn. Meel walba meherad baa laga furay, qaarkood waa casri waqtiga la socda. Habeenkii ilaa saacaddo dambe, magaaladu way cammiran tahay, subixiise, qolyaha ganacsigu gaar ahaan, hore uma furaan. Hargeysa iyada waa la iskugu yimid oo tartan kuma jirto. Xaafadaha qaarkood oo la deganaan jiray ayaa iyada mar hore suuqyo loo geddiyey. Ganacsi cayn walba leh, heersare ah oo shidan ayaa ka hirgalay. Xoogsato iyo xirfadlayaal shaqeeya, karti leh oo la isku halayn karo markii la waayey, shisheeye ayaa suuqa ganacsiga daf ka soo noqday oo aad meelo badan ugu tegaysaa. Hadda waxaynu ka hadlaynaa, dal dadkiisa inta ugu badani, inay camal la’aan yihiin la sheego. Xirfaddii loo baahnaa oo aan jirin iyo dhaqanka shaqo ee dadka oo aan la jaanqaadi karin baahida suuq xawli ku socda ayaa ganacsato badan ku dirqiday inay shisheeye xirfad iyo adkaysi shaqo leh dibada ka raadsadaan.

Kala iibsiga dhulka iyo dhismaha guryuhu waa suuq dardar badan. Ka hore, faa’iido buuran oo degdeg ah ayaa laga raadiyaa, taasina dadka nolosha way ku adkaysay. Ka danbe laftiisu waa macaash doon, laakiin guriyeyn, xoog shaqo iyo dhaqdhaqaaq ganacsi ayaa ka dhasha. Sidaas oo ay tahay, ma fududa inaad guri kiro ah oo banaan heshaa. Seeska marka la jeexo, ayaa meelaha qaarkood carbuun la dul dhigaa.

Wada Mastar!

Waxbarashadu sidii bay u dardar badan tahay. Dugsiyadda Sare ee magaaladda Boorama gudaheeda ku yaaal, waa labaataneeyo. Jaamacadaha oo Cammuud iyo Eelo ku kooban (muddadii hore/dhexe) haddii aad ogayd, maanta way tiro bateen. Toban armay ku dhow yihiin. Haddii aad awal ogayd, dadka Boorama jooga- bilaa camalku haba ku batee oo tirada jaamiciyiintu ku badan tahay, maanta la isma waydiiyo jaamici ee digriiga labaad bay sheekadu taagan tahay. Midhaa dadkii waa wada Mastar! Yacnii digriiga labaad ayay dad badani qaateen. Taas oo jirta, tayada tacliinta su’aal ayaa la iska waydiiyaa. Inay hoos u dhacday, halkii ay ka sii adkaan lahayd ayaa loo badiyaa. Se waa arrin mudan in si weyn loo daraaseeyo.

Caafimaadka.

Tiro badan oo dhakhaatiir iyo kalkaaliyayaal ah ayaa jaamacadaha gudaha ka soo baxay. Baahi weyn runtii way dabooleen, laakiin ganacsiyaynta adeegga caafimaad ayaa khidmaddan aan laga maarmin ka dhigay, mid inyar oo koobani ay goyn karaan. Guud ahaan, weli sidii baa banaanka daawo iyo caafimaad loogu doontaa. Wali sidii baa halka Addis ugu dhawdahay, Hindiyana ugu dheer tahay, adeegyo caafimaad oo qiime sara ku kaca loogu raadsadaa.

Koofidh oo dunida farobaas ku haya, 18-kii bilood ee u danbeeyey, Ilaahay dalka waa uga naxariistay. Beryahan danbe, cid uu ku dhacay iyo cid hadal haysa maqli maysid. Dad kooban, xirfadlayaal caafimaad u badan ayuu weli taxadir ka sii muuqdaa. Aniga ruux ahaan, bil iyo badh xorriyad aan ku naaloonayey ayay iiga dhignayd. Afsaab, heerkul la iska cabbiro, kalafogaansho iyo masaajid sijaayad loo sii qaato, wax aan muddo ka nastay ayay ii ahayd. Galladaasi waa mid Guulle arladeena ku manaystaye, yaan laga abaalka dhicine, Rabbi ha loogu mahadnaqo. Alxamdulilaah. 

Jidxumo

Waddooyinku way burbureen markii ay waayeen dayactir joogto ah. Qofkii aan xog-ogaal ahayni, is odhan maayo jidadkan ayaa hore loo dhisay. Mar bay laami ahaan jireen boholahani, is odhan maysid. Wallay ka tahay! La yaab ma leh oo heerka burbur baa gaadhay mid aan la malaysan karin.

Qashinka iyo eyda wax la qabatimay, in laga soo qaaday baad moodaa. Meel walba si basarxun ayaa xashiish loo dhigaa. Dadweynaha oo maamulka uun canaanta saara ayaan laftoodu dhaamin oo qashin basrin xilkasnimaysan aan marna laga arag. Dad Muslim ah, og nadaafaddu halka ay iimaanka kaga jirto, haddana qashinku aanu dhibin, waa Allow sahal. Biyaha wasakhda ah ee  guryaha hortooda iska dareeraya ha ilaawine ku dar foolxumadda la qaayibay. Guryo sidii sebi sankiisa siin ka dareerayo, goor walba hortoodu qoyan tahay, wax la dhawrto ka weyn. Yeelkeede, imika ahaan, ugu yaraan baraarug guud baa maamulada cusub la dhashaye, bal aan dhawrno dharaarraha.

Baraha Bulshada 

Dadku waxa ugu badan ee ay ka sheekeeyaan waa siyaasad reeraysan. Iyadba waa yaabe, waxa ugu weyn ee maamulideeda aan meel wanaagsan wali la saarina, waa isla iyada. Tamarta intan leeg haddii bahasha la galinayo, horumar intan ka weyn sow in maareynta danta guud laga arkaa ma habbooneyn? Haa laakiin, ayaandarro, sida looga hadlaa, waa ku dibirodhacsi, qofayn, reerayn iyo qaayotir.

Adeegsiga baraha bulshada, qof ahaan inaan ku haftay baan isku qabay oo aan ku danseegaye, duul iga daran baan arkay. Ugu yaraan anigu, haddii aan dad la fadhiyana ku mashquuli maayo, inta aan shaqo ku jirana waan aqaan hawshayda, masaajid haddii aan galana, telka gacanta shaqo iskuma lihin. Dad badan oo waxaan arkay intaasi aanay u kala qalnayn. Hadday kula fadhiyaan, Facebook bay ku fooraraan, haddii ay masaajid ku jiraanna, faruhu inay cuncunayaan oo salaaxidda shaashada ay ku dabiibayaan baad moodaa. Waxa ka sii daran, mid aanad hal baadi ah waydiiseen, wuxuu soo feegaray (oo naxli u badan) ayay war ama ajande, rag waaweyni kaaga dhigayaan. 

Si xun u adeegsiga teknoolajiyada casriga ah ayaa halis ku ah, is-ahaanshihii bulsho, habfikirka dadka iyo wadajirka guud. Duul aan adduunaragoogu fogayn ayaad moodaa inay hab-fikirka bulshada hadba dhan danta guud ka madhan ula caaryayaan. Dadkuna, si hogseeg iyo fiirsasho la’aan ah ayay hagardaamadaas guri-ku-korka ah, ugu lumaan.

WQ: Cabdiraxmaan Aadan Maxamuud 

E-mail: abdirahman.adan@gmail.com

Isla-shawr

Iska lugee maanta waa todobaad-dhammaad oo gaadiid socon maayee. Magaaladuba sidan bay ku wacnayd ma is tidhi. Haa waxa intaas sii dheer, qorax ku gubaysaa ma jirto. Waa diirimaad jidhku u baahan yahay, balse aan ku dhibayn.

Haddii aad maalin walba saacad-socodkaas joogtayso wacnaan lahaydaa. Sow ma ogid, jimicsi-jidheedka hadda ugu wax-ku-oolsan ee la isku raacsan yahay inuu socodka yahay. Haa laakiin sowniga inta badan ku dadaala. Waar saaxiib waan is ognahaye, nala saayir. Ma inaad niyada ka jeceshahay, mise inaad kaga dhabayso. Ta hore way jirtaa, ta danbase, mooyi.

Oo heedhe maanta socodka maxaa wehel kuu ah? Waan ogahay inaad jimicsiga kolay faraqabsi kale dhex wadee.

Waa sidaa, marba waxbaan ku ladhaa. Maanta laba barnaamij oo min 30 daqiiqo ah ayaa daawaha ii saaran. Waa Podcast-yo dhegaysi ah. Midi waa Mufti Menk oo ka hadlaya sida ay lamahuraan u tahay inaad dhaxal togan ka tagtaa. Wuxuu ku nuuxnuuxsanayaa in aqoon dadka anfacda oo qarniyaal waarta laga tago. In qofku isku dayo inuu ifka kaga tago dhaqan fiican oo lagaga daydo, xitaa marka uu dunida ka huleelo. In sadaqad kuu socota la maalgashado oo dhaxal ahaan looga tago. Dugsi, ceel iyo goobo caafimaad haddii aad itaal u waydo, geed la hadhsado ama miro laga gurto, miyaad tamar u wayday, ayuu dhegaystaha ku tirtiirsanayaa.

Isaga oo Sheekhu malaha dadkan danbe si gaar ah ula hadlaya, wuxuu leeyahay:

“Ogaada Tiktok oo kaliya, hadba sida aad u adeegsato ayaa liibaan iyo guuldaro, labaduba waara kuu horseedi kara”

Adeegsiga warbaahinta bulshada in xilkasnimo lagu ladho ayuu carrabka ku adkaynayaa.

Midka labaadna, waa barnaamij hore uga baxay idaacadda BBC laanteeda Ingiriisiga. Waa barnaamij ku dhex geynaya xaafadda Darayya oo 8 km kaga beegan Koonfur-Galbeed caasimadda Dimishiq ee dalkaasi Suuriya. Maalmihii dagaalkii sokeeye ee dalkaasi uu figta sare marayey, iyada oo ruux walbaa naflacaari ku jiro, magaaladuna go’doonsan tahay ayay dad ku fikireen inay sameeyaan maktabad qarsoodi ah. Hadda nafta meel loola cararo iyo wax lagu noolaado ayaan la hubin, markaasay dad carinta caqliga ka hormariya quudinta jidhku abaabulayaan maktabad qarsoodi ah. Waxay ku taal meel sagxad hoose ah oo daara dumay hoostood ku taal. Qarsoodi baa lagu soo galaa, laga gana baxaa, si aanay xabbadda dhacaysaa kuula tagin, ama ragga dhoogta ku talaxtagay ee daaraha dhaadheer saarani, xabbad kuula eegan. Wixii ay buug heli karayeen ayay si qarsoodi ah meesha u keeneen. Dad badan bay maktabadan qarsoodiga ahi gabbaad iyo goob wax akhris oo isku jira u wada noqotay. Goob bay noqotay, rajo abuurta, xili rajo xumo baahsani jirtay oo yididiilo beerta.

Dadka iyaga oo waayahaas ku jira dadaalayey ee aan isdhiibin uun baan agdhigay dadka iyaga oo caafimaadqaba, saacaddo aad u badan, qayil, sheeko ama internet wakhtilumis ah ku qaata. Waxbarasho ha sheegin, waxsoosaar iska ilow, waxqabsasho hadalkeedba daa. Allow aanaan dunida dulsaar ku noqon.

Isku soo duuboo, intan aad isha marisay, waa shawr iyo naf isla faqaysa. Waa isla sheekaysi nafeed oo haasaawaha maskaxeed ee ka dhex socda ina dhex qotominaysa.

Maanta halkaa ha inoo joogto.

Nooli kulante.

WQ: Cabdiraxmaan Aadan Maxamuud

E-mail: abdirahman.adan@gmail.com

 

Buunka Istoosinta

Halka dadka dal iyo dawlad wadaaga lagu sheego dhinacyo heshiis bulsho ku wada jira, una wada hoggaansan xeerar ay isla qaateen, innagu tamar badan waxaynu ku bixinaa tororrogta aan ku xiiqno, maalinta magac ahaan mid reerka ahi mindida daabkeeda hayo; manfac ahaanse laga qatan yahay. Marka laga yimaad adeegbixinta lamahurraanka ah ee ay tahay in dadka laga haqabtiro, maamulada mas’uulka ahi waxay xaqiijiyaan sugnaanshaha wadareed ee bulsho. Waxay dadkooda u abuuraan is-ahaansho guud iyo baadisooc dhaxalgal ah. Waa kuwo dadka iskudubarida, haga ee hadba hawl cayiman, waqti muddaysan ku jiheeya. 

Innagase guuli waa wali inta adiga oo difaaca qolyaha guudka u baxay ku ambaday, haddana shaqo walba socodsiinteedu madaxaaga saaran tahay. Qashinka basrintiisa lacag gaar ah baad ku bixisaa; wiilkaagu garoonka uu kubadda ku ciyaarayo, lacag inaad ka shubto weeyi; dugsiga uu tago iyo agabka waxbarashada mid walba adduun baad dhaafsataa. Biyo si aad u heshid, ma firixfirix yarid ee addimo isdhaafay baad ku oonbaxdaa. Caafimaadku waa bayc, ruuxii dalka lagu dabiibi kari waayana, dibadda ayaad ula daaduuntaa; adduunkaas oo dhammina adiga dumaddaada weeyi. Hadda xusuusnow oo intaaba nabadgelyada kow baad ka tahay, qarandhiska qeyb baad ka tahay, sharciga waad u hoggaansan tahay; cashuurbixiyana waad tahay.

Wiilkii aad tacliintiisa shillin kasta oo ku baxa aad dusha u ridatay, ayaanta uu jaamacad ka soo baxo, shaqogeyntiisu wali adiga ayay ku sugaysaa ee la soco; saa ma jiro hanaan shaqogalin loo siman yahay, banaanyaal ah oo awood u leh meelayn micno leh. Hagarbax ma muuqdo, adigana saddex kuuma kala qalna: itaaldarro, gaabis iyo xilgudasho la’aan. Marka xaal sidaas yahay, hawlgalinta wiilkaasi waa dushaada. Tukaan u furtayaa, ina adeerkaa u baryo tagtayaa, tahriibisayaa, waa yeelkadaa. Waa halkaad isdhigtay!

Adeegyadii ay ahayd inaan helitaankooda gorgortanba la gelin, balse haddeer hadii la helo in badan iib ah, haddana aan iskaga iimaan qabno, waxaaba ka sii daran micnotirka iyo maydhaanka aan xilgudashadii badnay. Innaga oo sidaas cidlo u taagan, kana faramadhan intii aan xaqa u lahayn, misana, iyadba waa ibtilee, mar haddii kursiga mid reerka ahi ku fadhiyo, waxba inagama maqna. Inay kalkeenii tahay kaliya ayaa inaga farabadan. Warkeenu waa dhammays inta aan maqaaxiyaha iyo goobaha fadhikudirirka, intan danbena baraha warbaahinta, ka botorin karno. Ayaamahaas tirsan, wax walba waxa inooga mudan difaaca kursiga uu ku fadhiyo ruux aan hayb wadaagnaa. Magacaas guud iyo difaacaas aan la inoo ogayn ee aan ku xiiqnay, inteena badan waxba inoogama hooseeyaan. Waxa inoo dheer, marka ninka rakada fuuli raba uu damac wado ama dantiisa teena lagu deday difaacanayo, jeebkeena ayaa lagu soo noqonayaa, innaguna diyaar baan u nahay, hanti wixii aan hayno inaan u hurno sugida jiritaanka hanka reerka! 

Haddii xitaa kuraasta ay buuxiyaan kuwa maanta aan u aragno inay ‘kursigeena’ duullaan ku yihiin, adiga iyo aniga nolosheena waxba iska beddeli maayaan; aan ka ahayn, dhammaadka faankii aan meelahaa ka shubi jirnay iyo is-hafarkii aan iska dhigi jirnay in talada dalku gacanteena ku jirto. Sidii uun baan halganka nolosha kelideen ula xarbiyeynaa. Sidii uun baan adeeg aan xaq u lahayn helidiisa, haddiiba uu jiro, adduun door ah ugu doorsanaynaa. Mid sideenii oo kale danseeg ah, balse daanta kale ahina, mar kale iskugu xilsaari doonaa faan iyo difaac, midna aan loo miidaan dayin. Midkaasi oo inala duruuf ah ayaa isna markiisa, sideenii oo kale, ku if iyo aakhiraba seegi deedafaynta fikir iyo la xisaabtan cid isaga iyo aniga uga baahi badan aan la arag. Xaalkeena muhmalka ahina sidaasi ayuu iska ahaanayaa. Cidda ugu weyn ee ku hogseegtayna waa adiga, aniga iyo wadarta bulshada.

Wax ma beddeli karnaa?

Hadii aan habfikirkeenna iyo adduun-arrageena hagaajinno, wax weyn waan beddeli karnaa. Haddii aan maanka ka shaqaysiino, runta xaqiiqsanno oo hagarbaxno, wax way hagaagi karaan. Waliba kalkan maanta ah ee aan hebello talada qayb ka noqon raba kala xulanaynno, kansho mar la-arag ah baa ina hortaal. Jirtoo ay dhinacyo inaga madaxbanaani- xisbiyo, maamul iyo dhaqan- u muuqdaan inay iyagu shaxda degeen, misana kaalinteenu duljoogto kaliya ka badan, midhaa ugu danbaynta fartaada weeyi ta farqiga abadiga ah dhalin kartaa.

Asalkaba, goleyaal doorasho toos ah ku yimaadaa inay kaa wakiil noqdaan waa horusocodnimo. Waa awoodqaybsi iyo fursad aad kaga qaybgali karto samaynta berri maanta ka fiican. Ha yeeshee, doorasho aan isbeddel aayoleh keeni karini, waa tacabkhasaar iyo daal la taransaday uun. Doorasho aan dhaafsanayn baratan beeleed, waxtarkeeda, waxyeeladeeda ayaa ka badan. Sidaas oo ay tahay, oodo dhacameed siday u kala sareeyaan ayaa loo kala guraaye, bal heer shakhsi ruux walowba ugu yaraan, ayaanta ay kala doorasho joogto, hal su’aal oo masiiri ah uun jawaab waafi ah u raadi. Ayaa mudan oo aan doorkan maanta ah bilikeediyaa, mustaqbalkayga ku aaminaa oo nolosheena raad lagu reeyo ku yeelan kara? Ayaa codkayga sida ugu fiican iigu meteli kara? Ma ka aynaan hubin wuxuu gudo iyo wuxuu galo, amaba aan hore u soo tijaabiney ee aan la mahadin, mise ruuxa karti aan ku tuhmayno, markii uu banaanka joogaynna dhawrsanaa, imikana, ugu yaraan u muuqda mid fahansan waxa laga rabo?

Halkeen higsan karnaa?

Hadii dhaqankeena xulashada ama doorashada aan si dhab ah uga fekerno. Haddii caqligu cugashada hago, caadifadana aan xakame adag ku qabano. Haddii aan dad iyo dawladba ismoodsiiska ka gudubno, geeddi guryasamo horseeda raadkiisa waan ku joogsan karnaa. 

Waxa la joogaa amintii doodu noqon lahayd sidee loo abuuri karaa jawi qof walba shaqo heli karo, ganacsi abuuran karo, hoy hanti ahna degi karo, is-ogolaansho bulsho iyo qab ahaansho laabaha dadka buuxin karo. Si fudud, jawi ruux walbaa carruurta ku korsan karo cabsi la’aan, caafimaad, uursamaan iyo yididiilo. Sirta fahanku waa ka go’naan, wax isku geygeyn, is aaminaad iyo dhinac u wada guur. Allow garansii nin moog.

WQ: Cabdiraxmaan Aadan Maxamuud

E-mail: abdirahman.adan@gmail.com

Soonka iyo Ferenjiga

 

John iyo Olol waxay ka wada hawlgalaan shirkad ka shaqaysa soo saarida shidaalka. John ayaa madax ka ah. Shaqaale door ah ayuu maamulaa oo la shaqeeya. Qaar badan oo ka mid ahi way sooman yihiin, maadaama lagu jiro bishii barakaysnayd ee Ramadaan. Olol isagu waax buu madax ka yahay, si dhow ayayna John u wada shaqeeyaan.

Maalin dheer oo shaqo ayay u ahayd Olol. Aan idhaahdo maalmo shaqo oo hawl badan, sababta oo ah, beryahaaba, culays shaqo ayaa saarnaa. Koox loo xilsaaray inay soo diyaariyaan warbixin sannadeed ayuu Olol madax u ahaa. Waxa laga rabaa inay warbixin ka keenaan waxsoosaarka shirkadda, koboca maalgashiga, saamiga shirkadda ee suuqa, tayaynta shaqaalaha, caqabadaha maamul, hirgalinta talobixintii hantidhawrka madaxabannaan, hirgalinta siyaasadda casriyeynta iyo u guurida qaabxisaabeed adeegsadaha la saaxiib ah, tartanka suuqa, iyo waayo-aragnimada sannadkaas la kasbaday.

John waxa uu mar walba iswaydiiyaa Olol iyo dadka la mid ah ee sooman, balse shaqadoodu aanay wax la sheego isdhimin. Dadkan sooman, afka aan waxba marinayn biyona ku dhahoo, haddana firfircoon ee shaqaynaya ayaa ka fikirsiiya. Wuxuu ogyahay inay sidaa ku jiraan maalintii 13 saacadood iyo saa’id, muddo bil ah. Dareenqaybsi si uu u muujiyo, wuxuu ku dhaqaaqay inaanu wax cunin inta ay la joogaan jaalayaashiisa soomani. Maalmahan, wuxuu aad u rabaa inuu ka warkeeno oo bal horta soomo, ugu yaraan hal maalin.

Waayo-aragnimadiisii soonka halka maalin ahaa ayuu maanta John ka warbixinayaa. Waa marka koowaade, waxa uu dhib aan yarayn ka mutay u kicida suxuurta. 4:30 subaxnimo inuu kaco ayaa lagula taliyey; saa habeenkii ayuu soojeedka ku raagaa oo abiidaba kallahaadda arooryaad way dhibtaa. Dhawr subax markii uu suxuurtii seegay ayuu maalintii danbe si cagojiid ah u kacay oo suxuur u samaystay.

Waa marka labaade, waxa kale oo uu sheegay inuu dareemay gaajo wax la mid ah aanu waligii arkin. Dareen iyo baahi noocaas ah abid inaanu soo marin ayuu hoosta ka xarriiqay.

“Wax kaleba ha joogee, harraadka i helay, wax loo adkaysan karo wuu ka weynaa” ayuu leeyahay isaga oo ka warramaya oonkii soo maray. Wuu sii wadaa oo waxa uu ka hadlayaa sida dadka Muslimiinta ahi ula qabsadeen.

“Idinku waxaan filayaa, yaraan ayaad ku bilawdeen oo waad la barateen oo la qabsateene, qofka aniga oo kale ah, dhayal wax uu u adkaysan karo ma ahayn”

Intaas waxa uu ku daray, casharka ugu weyn ee uu ka bartay soonkiisii halka maalin ahaa: waa adkaysiga shaqaalaha sooman, shaqaynaya ee aan haddana waxsoosaarkoogu isbeddelayn. Il gaar ah inuu maanta ka dib ku eegi doono, garawshiiyo iyo ixtiraamna ay ka mutaysteen ayuu sheegay.

Olol ayaa uga mahadnaqaya dareenwadaagga, uguna daraya inuu soo jirrabay oo ka warkeenay waayo-maalmeedka malaayiin qof oo Muslimiin ah, gaar ahaan maalmaha soonka. Sidoo kale inuu hadda wax ka malayn karo nolosha ay dadka saboolka ahi joogto ugu nool yihiin, ayuu u raaciyey. Wuxuu si kaftan dhable ah ugu sii darayaa:

“Kaliya waxaa kaa maqnaa uun dhadhanka iyo macaanka ruuxiga ah ee ay dareemaan Muslimiinta soomani, gaar ahaan carbinta ruuxda, jadiidinta iimaanka, sabirka, Alle u dhawaanshaha iyo ta ka wada muhiimsan, rajaynta abaalgud wax loo dhigaa aanu jirin”

FG: Qormadani waxay ka dhalatay wada sheekaysi na dhexmaray dhowr qof oo sifaha John leh.

WQ: Cabdiraxmaan Aadan Maxamuud

Email:abdirahman.adan@gmail.com

 

A year of restrictions: Opportunity for reflection

 

Last year late February, I was traveling to Hargeisa from Nairobi via Addis Ababa. It was weeks before World Health Organization declared COVID-19, as a public health emergency of international concern.  But considering the crowds at airports with minimum COVID-19 protocols could potentially turn as super spreader, I bought my first kit of facemasks. Onboard the flight bound to Addis, I happened to sit close to a group of Somali businesswomen. Wearing facemasks, while glasses off and deep reading a book, I could overhear one of the women pointing at me and uttering:

“This small-eyed man, now covering his mouth and nose is from those spreading the virus to the world”.

Another woman, evidently not aware of their racist remarks agreed to her instantly and even went further.

“Cover up or not, we are Muslims, and this will not affect us” she laughingly said.

In those days, some famous clerics breached that Muslims are immune from this virus. It was so early to the extent that WHO, a specialized technical agency issued somewhat conflicting statements on safe methods to effectively curb the disease.

Pretending as if am not following their conversation, just continued reading my book. I did it by purpose, though. A friend of mine experienced similar sentiments while working with an international organization. A crew from a neighboring country along with him were living in a local hotel in Hargeisa. But the female hotel staff responsible for hotel’s upkeep, naively assumed they were all foreigners. They continued to use vulgar language, albeit in Somali, to describe the team. Later, my friend, determined to put this to an end, would talk to them in the local language. They got so embarrassed and at least one of them almost fainted. That is why, I didn’t want to overreact and drive them to that level.

After a five-day trip to Hargeisa and Borama, I proceeded to Mogadishu, where I planned to work for four days. But, witnessing outpour of travelers from Mogadishu and the aggressive spread of the virus, I decided to come back to Nairobi. I didn’t want to be affected by the travel bans and other restrictive measures while outside my base and away from the family. Two days to my return, Kenya was partially locked down: all schools closed, work from home modality adopted, restaurants closed, prayers in mosques suspended and travel bans enacted.

International schools were very quick and responsive. They immediately introduced online learning platforms, where students can access classes from the comfort of their homes. But still teaching staff needed some training or at least to get acquainted with the new platforms and devices. For parents, many of whom already suffering from economic shocks of the pandemic - layoffs, salary reductions etc, this meant additional burdens. Children needed internet-connected gadgets with reliable connections to follow the online learning sessions. Still the vast majority of them remained out of schools as very few could afford this option.

Working from home modality, on the other hand, proved less dramatic. All stakeholders- team members and counterparts- all in panic, kept calling for never-ending online meetings, partly to catch up and partly, perhaps, to make sure that each other isn’t falling fast asleep but working and delivering.

For me, in addition to other restrictions, the closure of mosques particularly in Ramadan hit hard and was a big blow. A month of countless blessings and reflections, I could hardly cope with this. Simply, it was a Ramadan like no other.

As people back home first reacted indifferently, sadly many even denied the seriousness of the situation, I had a chat on this with my children. Exploring how they could possibly contribute, I asked if they would like to convey any message to the general public. Mabruka (13) at the time and Muwahib then 12, penned down a kind of advisory, in which I shared through my online platforms.

Now after almost a year, with devastating socio-economic impact, the virus with its more aggressive variants is cruelly causing further havoc. Here in Kenya, hospital beds are reportedly jammed, while ICU facilities are fully occupied. The country is again under partial lockdown, albeit stringent containment measures this time with less cushions to mitigate economic effect. Schools are once again closed, places of worship banned, restaurants serving only take-aways and curfew hours not only maintained but also extended.

Even in my wildest dreams, did I ever think of another partial yet stricter lockdown. Needless to mention the awkward timing of this, as it coincides with the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. If mosques remain closed, God forbid, it will be the second Ramadan in a row we miss the blessings and benefits associated with congregational prayers- a lifetime record that will go down in the annals of history books.

At the end of last year, I asked Mabruka and Muwahib to review and reflect the year of 2020. They wrote touching pieces entitled 2020 Rewind and 2020 Year in Review, respectively. They summarized all the year’s ups and downs, special encounters, and its remarkable remembrance. In this regard, I believe, there is nothing more beautiful than borrowing few sentences from Mabruka’s closing remarks to conclude this:

“We need more love, compassion and empathy. We need to give up fomo, comparison and jealousy. So much pain was experienced just in one year. The pain wasn’t welcome, but nothing else could have made the change occur.

The choices we make now will affect future generations just like their choices in the past affect our situation.”

Abdirahman Adan Mohamoud

E-mail: abdirahman.adan@gmail.com