The answer to war is not war. It is love.

As you all know, Somalia and Somalis have suffered a lot. In the past 25 years, there has been a lot of death and destruction and there is still a lot of death and destruction ongoing. A lot of preparations are underway for more violence and war all over Somalia as I write this. Yet there is no talk of peace and peaceful means of resolving conflict. There is no respect for our different opinions and freedom of speech. There is no encouragement for peaceful negotiations, for conflict transformation, for prevention of conflict, for teaching non-violent techniques to children and youth, no sense of civic duty and communicated respect nor messages of love for mankind. Why is peace building not a priority for a people who have been traumatized by conflict for over 25 years? Why are nonviolent means of resolving conflicts not taught in schools? Why is it not a subject of the curriculum in all schools in Somalia?

Somali men in particular need to be taught this skill. In Somalia it is encouraged that young boys act aggressively towards each other and demonstrate warrior-like fighting. Two men start an argument, it becomes a fight, one takes the knife, the other the gun. It becomes a war, families kill each other. Escalation. Bloodshed. The entire country is ruined. We need to break the cycle. Just as the gun is reachable and in our hands, so is peace also reachable and in our hands.

I have been thinking really hard about these questions and about how I, as an individual, can contribute with my own input in creating the change I seek on fundamental matters such as peace in Somalia. There is an urgent need for understanding the benefits of peace. There is a need for creating and visualizing the benefits that peace will bring in Somalia. There is a need to speak a language of love and harmony that is inclusive of all ethnic groups. There is a need to have more role models and peace builders. There is a need to think of the greater good and contribute to it in Somalia. There is a need for dialogue and commitment. There is a need to include more women in these talks. Constructive by nature, women are natural builders/multipliers. There is a strong need for urgent change in Somalia. Why don't we have a Minister for Peace and Non-violent Resolution of Conflict? It would seem logical to have one or even 2 after 25+ years of war and violent conflict! We need to go to schools, community centers and preach peace, compassion, dialogue and love. There is a need to create a Ministry for Peace and Conflict Transformation.Peace therefore is in our own hands.

I think PulseWire could serve as the platform where awareness can be created about the issues i mention above. I think people who believe in the power of peace can share resources here and then pool their efforts and experiences in order to make a bigger impact. I have seen some very outspoken young and vibrant Somali woman from Somalia here on this website and i am sure that together we could brainstorm, share best practices, policy outcome, global activities. Together we are stronger.

Sahro Ahmed
Garowe, Puntland, Somalia