The CEO of Africa's largest remittance company has called for the formation of an umbrella Somali diaspora organisation, so the world can consult formally with those who understand the "real" issues affecting Somalis.
Speaking after the landmark London Conference on Somalia at the UK's Foreign Office today, Abdirashid Duale, CEO of Dahabshiil, said: "While today's conference was a success, there is more work to be done in addressing the real issues affecting Somalia. The world must recognise the need for further consultation with Somali territories and the diaspora should have a central role to play in this.
"I would urge those involved in today's conference to consider the formation of a new umbrella diaspora organisation, with the remit to help the international community understand Somali-issues first-hand, and to support it in the development of human rights and rule of law. This process will truly help the world restore stability to the region.
"The diaspora is in a unique position to deliver skills training to local people, and to encourage them to stay within the Somali region and aid its development. The diaspora's knowledge of the situation on the ground would give the efforts of the international community increased legitimacy among Somalis. We must develop ways to train future leaders so the region can sustain and lead its own recovery."
Mr Duale stressed the diaspora's unique role as a bridge between Somalia and the outside world, and the vital contribution it has made to Somalia's increasingly diversified industrial base.
"Livestock is still the mainstay of the Somali economy, but new sectors such as money transfer and mobile telecoms have seen an incredible rise in the last 20 years. Diaspora investment and expertise have both fuelled the growth of these dynamic new industries and facilitated trade in traditional sectors, and this is how we as migrants can best drive change from within."
Asked about the insecurity and instability that still plague large swathes of the region, Mr Duale said he shared the hopes of many Somalis that this conference could mark a turning point.
"William Hague said at Chatham House last week that this conference would be different from previous events because it would 'put the needs of Somalis front and centre'. I feel strongly that the diaspora has a central role to play in the process of recovery, and that this role is primarily commercial. We must learn lessons not only from what has gone wrong in the past, but from what has gone well", he said.
The conference, attended by representatives from more than 50 governments and international organisations, focused on renewed commitment to tackling the problems of terrorism, piracy, food shortage and political failure ? issues Mr Duale said are passionately debated every day by millions of Somalis around the world, but that by themselves do not form the full picture of Somalia today.
He said: ?It?s true that for many Somalis the civil war is far from over, and this insecurity has hindered development efforts and exacerbated the current famine. Direct aid efforts and military deployments are necessary, but progress is being made and we are also hoping to see a longer term plan that plays to the resilience and resourcefulness of the Somali business community.
"The conference addressed issues that are primarily political, and while we acknowledge the pressing nature of these, I understand the concerns of some Somalis that jobs and investment may have been overlooked by comparison. They have to be part of the solution."
In response to the conference, and perhaps in some ways a reflection of these fears, the Royal African Society has at short notice organised an event entitled, Somalia: Business as usual?, to be held on Monday in the Grand Committee Room of the Houses of Parliament. The event, to involve key Somali business leaders including Mr Duale, will aim to offer an alternative debate focusing on Somalia?s booming trade, and the prospects for continued investment.
Annual remittances sent to the Somali regions by the diaspora are estimated to be around US$2bn, an essential capital flow far greater than that provided by international aid. Dahabshiil handles the majority of these funds. Recent inward investment from Turkey and other Muslim states has provided a significant further boost to the economy, some of it in areas ? such as Mogadishu ? which European investors have deemed too risky.
While identifying the need for the Somali diaspora to come together and to play to its strengths, Mr Duale was also insistent that every group has a role to play.
"To succeed, we need a coordinated effort involving Somalis both at home and abroad, in close partnership with international organisations and neighbouring countries, and with the support of foreign investors.
"The international community must recognise the political successes and relative prosperity of certain Somali territories, as well as the commercial successes of diaspora-led business. Both are part of the way forward. There is now a clear need for the diaspora to act and speak as one in the interests of us all."
