Salah Rashid
It didn’t come easy. It took blood and sacrifice. So many brave young men and women sacrificed their lives. It required lengthy, mutually beneficial, heartfelt negotiations, with voices from every corner—state and federal. It demanded the wisdom of elders and the stubborn hope of ambitious youth.
From the very beginning, there were doubts. Some said the revolution in Las Anod wouldn’t last, dismissing it as passing clouds and claiming the people lacked the resolve to see it through.
I’m glad those voices have been proven wrong.
Somalia’s newest Federal Member State is not just a name on paper—it’s a political reality. It brings the promise of unity and the potential of untapped wealth beneath its soil: oil, minerals, and more.
If any region has the will to turn raw land into real opportunity, it’s the North-East. The people have already proven it with grit and determination. Our selfless elders have played their part, and we will forever be grateful for their resolve, wisdom, and leadership.
Our young men and women have shown extraordinary determination, paying in blood and sweat to reclaim dignity and defend our people and land.
But now, the moment calls for something different. It’s time for the youth to rise—not just in spirit, but in structure. This is the time to be pivotal in state-building efforts.
Today, we need those degrees at work. We must channel our skills and professional expertise into building strong, transparent, and responsive institutions.
I come from the finance and accounting sector, with nearly two decades of experience in program delivery. I’m ready to relocate and contribute wherever my skills are needed to strengthen our emerging institutions.
And I know I’m not alone. There are lawyers, teachers, doctors, engineers, journalists, developers, and entrepreneurs.
Imagine what we could achieve together.
And yes, as a footballer and coach, I promise we’ll have fun on the pitch too. In the process, we’ll train the next generation of players, ready to compete and represent at the national level.
It’s our turn to step forward. Let’s build what we’ve bled for.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Somali Stream.
