Monday January 19, 2009 - Welcome. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, thank you for joining us today for this very important event. This event is organized by Horn of Africa Community Development (HACD), but would not have been possible without the wide support from Toronto’s Somali community. My speech today will mainly consist of the support for the Somali Peace and Reconciliation Summit in Djibouti and the withdrawal of the Ethiopian troops from Somalia as it was a major obstacle for establishing peace and stability in the country. Moreover, my speech will also focus on the significance of Somali unity and nationalism in obtaining peace, stability, and keeping the Ethiopian troops out permanently.

As you may know, Somali politicians and patriots have been in war with Ethiopian troops for over two years. The Somali Diaspora has also played a pivotal role in these efforts. From Canada, America, and all over Europe, there have been mass demonstrations for this very cause. Finally, such efforts have led to the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops as they have made the international community more aware of Ethiopia’s humanitarian rights infringement (as was discussed in the last summit in Djibouti).   

The outcome of the Ethiopian troops has been sheer brutality and disaster. They include rape, murder, torture, famine, and the displacement of over two million people. The bombings from Ethiopian troops have been indiscriminate and have seemed to destroy everything they came into contact with. The Ethiopian coalition has also taken part in efforts to undermine Somalia’s future. It has destroyed important infrastructures such as hospitals, schools, factories, mosques, and government institutions, such as courthouses. In turn, this poses as a great obstacle for Somalia’s economy that has already been weakened by nearly two decades of war. 

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Now that it seems that the Ethiopian troops have left the country, they are using other tactics to uphold their abuse of power. Mainly, this consists of pinning ourselves against one another. This is the old divide and rule tactic that the European colonists have used long ago. It is still as powerful and sufficient today in dividing us. Hence, as it was done in the past, Ethiopian troops are now using this tool to escalade tribal warfare, especially by sending Somali militias to cause mischief and war in regions they do not live in.

Here is a list of the following things I believe is crucial to obtaining peace and stability in our great nation. 

• We must bring an end to the clannish mentality that has set as back for so long.

• We must become a unified front. This includes defining ourselves as Somalis first before anything else (for example, tribes).

• We must start a trend towards forgiveness and reconciliation as hatred and vengeance only breeds more hostility and war.

• We must also break the culture of greed that has begun to replace our culture of hospitality as Somalis. This is the great disease from war that we have contracted.  The only disease that goes on to blind us from our Islamic principles of kindness and compassion for the children, poor, sick, and the elderly.

 

Mohamed Farax Aliyow

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Executive Director

 

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Toronto,s Somali Community Event Gust speakers.

1. Louis Brown-Conservative Party MP (New Market Aurora).

2. Bob Saroya-North Etobicoke Federal Conservative Candidate.

3. Mohamed Farah Aliyow-Executive Director of

   Sponsoring Organization the Horn of Africa Community Development in Toronto.

4. Amina Sharif-Women on peace initiative.

5. Hilowle A. Mohamud (Shiino)-Committee.

6. Said Dhafuuje- Community Activist.

7. Shiikh Abdirizaq

8. Shiikh Hussien Nuradiin

9. Mohamoud Tootow

10.Haji Boobe

11. Said Farh Duale-Event Coordinator.

12. Maryan Farah Sindiko-Community Mobilizer.

13. Fadumo Ali Nakruuma-Hoyadii Fanka.

14. Hirsi Sahal Ali-Committee Member

15. Mohamed Ahmed-Communications Coordinator.

16. Mohamed Ibrahim Ulusow-Event Lead-Hand.

17. Aden Addow (Jikaago) - President of the Sponsoring Organization-Horn of Africa.

We will continue like this event in the future and we are gladly inviting everyone to share ideas & contribute his valuable time.

Thank you All.

Sunday, January 18, 2009.