Somali Business Community Should Lead “Feed the Needy” Campaign

E D I T O R I A L
HIIRAAN ONLINE
Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Traditionally, businesspeople played - for good or far bad - a pivotal role in the affairs of their homelands and at times, events that rattled the globe. In the past twenty years, the Somalia business community demonstrated great deal of resilience and ingenuity. They survived the fire that engulfed and consumed the rest of Somalia, albeit many thrived under the extreme and daunting Somalia environment.

Thinking about the success of the Somali business community, however, brings about twin shock and awe emotions. For one, one might ask how could they stomach / dare to do business in the rubble of their burned house (Somalia) where they could see day in and day out the literal charred corpses of their fellow citizens.  On the admiration part, it is obvious that the success of the Somali businessmen (and yes, they are mostly men) is due to their unmatched courage, steel determination and extraordinary stamina, for how else could they have survived the truly unsafe Somalia scene.

Overall, many Somali businesses matured over the years; many others enjoyed two decades of freedom from taxation and government regulations; mostly are currently relatively rich, if not super rich.

It is high time therefore that the captains of business take the social responsibilities that go with being wealthy. It is unacceptable, un-Somali and inhumane that Somali businesspeople remain aloof and oblivious to the suffering of the Somali people. We all know that millions of Somalis are on the verge of starvation. The UN Resident Coordinator, international news agencies and ordinary Somalis all attest that millions of Somalis are dying, as we write, for hunger and lack of water.

Why is the Somali business community silent about this grave and looming disaster? Why are they not leading the efforts to feed the poor? Why are they not mobilizing the Diaspora Somalis who would not mind adding extra fifty dollar to the monthly remittance money they send to the loved ones back home?   

The Somali business community has the street smartness to create wealthy in the rough Somalia terrain. They also have the trust of the Diaspora Somalis who use them to send money to Somalia. Hawala companies also have the infrastructure (offices and personnel) in every city and every town, so they could easily reach those who need help.

There is no reason why the remittance corporations cannot organize assistance to the sufferings compatriots in their midst. Failure to take the lead and feed the needy will be unforgivable transgression. This is the time for action, for millions of our fellow citizens are in dire humanitarian situation. The business community, particularly the remittance / Hawala industry had developed immunity to the deadly and epidemic tribalism virus in Somalia and because of this unique characteristic, they should spearhead the national campaign desperately needed to avert mass starvation in Somalia.

To discharge our collective responsibilities, Hiiraan Online proposes:

• That major remittance / hawala companies jointly form a not-for-profit Feed the Needy Committee.
  
• That every Somali business, small or large, inside the country or in the Diaspora, to contribute to the Feed the Needy funds.
  
• That the remittance / hawala organizations to consider donating and/or giving  Zakaraat money to the Feed the Needy Campaign.
  
• That remittance / hawala firms to inform Diaspora based clients to consider donating $50 to the Feed the Needy operation.

•  That remittance / hawala companies to equitably distribute the funds to all  districts of the country;

• That hawala enterprises use their local offices in every city and town to buy food and assign volunteers who would distribute FAIRLY to the unfortunate citizens in each locality;

• Hiiraan Online is ready to shoulder its responsibility by helping the publicity of this worthwhile and DOBALE responsibility:

• We are also ready to contribute the first $500 for this cause.

When calamity befalls, responsible communities rally around their compatriots. It is high time we stand up for our suffering people.

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