In recent years, the geopolitical landscape of Africa has been increasingly influenced by external powers, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel. Their involvement has raised serious concerns about the sovereignty and stability of African nations, especially in the wake of the civil unrest that has plagued Somalia. The aftermath of the military regime’s fall in Somalia led to chaos and civil war, where the notion of “peacekeeping” morphed into a new colonial strategy that aimed to exploit Africa’s resources while deepening ethnic divisions.
The civil war in Somalia was not just a local conflict; it was a manifestation of a larger plan orchestrated by foreign entities. Under the guise of peacekeeping, international forces were deployed ostensibly to stabilize the region. However, these forces were, in reality, enforcers of a colonial agenda that sought to dismantle existing military structures and foster tribal conflict. This strategy was particularly evident when the international community turned its attention to Liberia and Sierra Leone, only to find that the chaos in these nations served as a precursor to the turmoil that would engulf Somalia and Sudan.
Somalia, with its intricate tribal divisions, became the focal point for this new imperial strategy. The plan involved not only the assassination of trained military leaders but also the deliberate incitement of tribal warfare. By exploiting these divisions, foreign powers aimed to weaken Somalia’s national identity and facilitate their control over the country’s vast resources. The tragic irony is that Ethiopia, a nation with over 50 ethnic groups, was enlisted to play the role of enforcer for these foreign interests, violating Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The establishment of regional states in Somalia, each led by a governor carrying the title of “President,” marks a significant shift in governance that further entrenches tribal divisions. This new political landscape has seen the emergence of tribal militias, which are misleadingly referred to as the national army of these regional states. The manipulation of tribal identities and the funding of bloggers to propagate division highlight the extent to which foreign powers are willing to go to achieve their aims in Africa.
The African Union (AU) and its leaders face a critical juncture. Their inaction in the face of Ethiopia’s violations of the African Union Charter and the UN Charter’s Article II is a glaring omission that history will not forget. The consequences of allowing these external forces to dictate the terms of engagement in African affairs could lead to the further disintegration of nations and the resurgence of violent ethnic conflicts.
Somalia, with its rich history and resilient people, has endured centuries of hardships. The Somali nation, comprising over 55 million individuals spread across Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, and Somalia, will not easily surrender to foreign domination. The lessons of history remind us that oppressed peoples often rise against their oppressors, and the Somalis are no exception.
In conclusion, the dangers posed by the UAE and Israel’s involvement in African affairs extend beyond mere resource exploitation; they threaten the very fabric of national identities and sovereignty. The international community must recognize the implications of these actions and work towards a more equitable and just approach to African governance. The Somalis, resilient and united by their shared history, will undoubtedly remember those who sought to undermine their nation and will seek justice when the time is right. The future of Africa rests in the hands of its leaders, who must choose to protect their nations from the clutches of a new colonialism disguised as peacekeeping.
By: Askar