BRAIN GAIN | Somalia | Videos & Stories

[Xusein]

I know someone here who is going to Mogadishu in October and starting a business. I'm not going to out him or myself but I actually think this is for real. This is an amazing time for people to start fortunes and help develop their country.

[Constantine MMX]

^Anything related to the below story, your neck of the woods, right?:

Conn. Attorneys Take On the Challenge of Opening Office in Somalia

Abdul Abdurahman -- Ryan Bausch
--

Abdurahman was told that things are starting to change for the better in Somalia. In September, there will be a presidential election, as the country hopes to set up its first stable government since 1991. That president-elect will then pick a new prime minister.

Abdurahman said many Somalians fled to Canada, England or the United States, became highly educated and are now giving up their comfortable lifestyles to return to Somalia to help rebuild. "They were there when it was dangerous and risked their lives," said Abdurahman. "It's gotten better and we have them to thank."

'RECONSTRUCTION AND HOPE'

The only thing missing, government officials told Abdurahman, was a legal presence. So Abdurahman talked it over with Bausch and they decided to visit Somalia and see it for themselves.

Even though family members and friends told them "don't go, it's very dangerous," the two lawyers left in July and visited Mogadishu. The Sahafi Hotel, where they stayed, provided the men round-the-clock security, especially for Bausch, who as an American was a potential kidnapping target.

Despite the warnings and danger, Bausch saw something else. "I saw reconstruction and hope," said Bausch. "I didn't see crime on the streets. I didn't see guys with guns. Open rebuilding is what I saw."

Abdurahman and Bausch met with six government cabinet members in Mogadishu and the public officials expressed their desire to have the Connecticut men come to Somalia and open a law office. The two lawyers wouldn't be handling criminal or immigration cases but other areas important to an emerging nation -- oil and gas law, maritime law, international trade and writing legislation.

As an example, the lawyers said, as Somalia opens back up to international business, American companies that have previously drilled for oil in regions with large petroleum reserves will likely try to reclaim their interests. "These companies will need someone to interpret these [new government] regulations and how it affects them," added Bausch. "Our focus is on getting business back to Somalia."

The two lawyers extended their stay in Mogadishu from four to eight days and registered with government officials so they could legally practice law there. Their American legal training and qualifications were sufficient. Abdurahman is licensed to practice in Connecticut. Bausch has been admitted to the bars of Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York.

The two men intend to visit Somalia again in the fall and register to practice law in the Hargeisa region, which is in the northern part of the country and still has a separate government. Ultimately, Bausch and Abdurahman plan to open an office in a business district of Mogadishu. They plan to relocate there anywhere from six months to one year from now. -- Source

[Xusein]

YES that's the one!

[Vakai]

Originally Posted by Ras Siyan

Encouraging news! Somalis of the diaspora are doing a great job, I'm sure when lasting peace and security are achieved, much more will be done.

+1.

[Constantine MMX]

Originally Posted by Xusein

YES that's the one!

Well I'm glad he's taking the plunge, the legal aspect of potential enterprises back home was always a small pessimistic voice in the back of my mind, at least now I know who to contact in the future, Insha'allah.

[Xusein]

There's much more optimism than a year ago though. Some are trying to plunge in before it becomes too late, this is the time to make the big bucks. What I wonder though is how it's possible to correlate US common law with that of Somalia where the legal system is totally different.

[juzme123]

Liban Egal, 43, banker

THE GUARDIAN

Leaving behind his ex-wife and three children, he returned to Mogadishu a year ago and set up the country's first private bank, along with an internet service provider – now the biggest in Mogadishu, he says – a software company and data collection firm.

"I left before the civil war, when the city was beautiful," he explains. "I loved it and always wanted to come back. The question was always when. I'm a risk taker: I've always had a level of tolerance about risk taking.

"People thought I was crazy but I could see the tide was turning against al-Shabaab. Every month it was getting better. Now it is amazing to see how popular the city is. A lot of people are coming back from the diaspora in Europe and Kenya. They are trying to see what businesses they can do and are trying to rebuild their fathers' houses where they grew up. They want to come early enough to take advantage of the process."

First Somali Bank currently has 211 account holders and hosted the first TEDx Mogadishu gathering earlier this year. "I always knew this is a long-term project. In this country there are no contract laws or regulatory frameworks for banks."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012...-better-future

[Constantine MMX]

Somalis living abroad return to Puntland to invest, reconnect;

By Hassan Muse Hussein in Galkayo

Security improvements in the past few years are encouraging the Somali diaspora to return home to invest in their country and reconnect with their culture.

Seeing an opportunity for investment, older Somalis are returning to start businesses and help rebuild the country, while young Somalis who were born abroad or have lived most of their lives outside Somalia are returning to discover their roots and connect with their parents' culture.

This trend has helped create an environment of fusion and opportunity for both returning expats and the communities they settle into. Returning Somalis are able to find many lucrative business prospects and can help revitalise their hometowns by providing needed services.

Ahmed Omar Hirsi, spokesperson for the Puntland regional administration, said the government welcomes people returning to invest in the country.

Hirsi said the administration has created an awareness programme to encourage expatriates to participate in development efforts and to invest in the country through education and commerce.

"We encourage educated [expatriates] to work with the government and to invest heavily in the country to spur economic growth," he told Sabahi. "We welcome those who want to work towards progress."

Faduma Diriye Nur, 38, returned to Garowe from Cologne, Germany, where she lived from 1992 to 2011 and graduated from university. From Germany she established the Samafal centre in Garowe with the help of friends.

Samafal educates the wives of imprisoned pirates who are left to live in poverty. The centre teaches them skills they can use to attain work and improve the lives of their families.

"The strength of families lies in women, but it is clear that they do not have enough education, so I decided to establish this centre in Garowe," Nur said.

Nur received contracts from the United Nations and international non-governmental organisations to improve women's education and skills training.

"Samafal currently educates up to 200 women who study computers, sewing, cooking, hospitality and customer service so they can find employment in hotels and offices. About 30 graduates now work using the skills they gained," she said.

Ali Hassan Hariye, 43, returned to Somalia to invest in business enterprises after living in Nairobi and London since the civil war began.

"I came to Puntland in 2005 and observed that the city of Galkayo was in dire need of improving its businesses," he told Sabahi. "I opened Galkayo Supermarket, which has five employees. We sell clothing for men and women, food, assorted drinks and other small essential items. I am now in the middle of constructing a hotel, which has been in process for a year."

Hariye moved to London in 1994 and worked there as a taxi driver. His wife and three children are still there so they can finish school while Hariye works on his investment projects in Somalia. He said he encourages his friends in London to also return and invest in the country. -- Source

[Constantine MMX]

[juzme123]

Thanks for posting that vid. I've been following what that group has been up to so it'll be good watching that vid when I get the chance.

[Constantine MMX]

^The current campaign was most likely them testing the waters, which is why they only send 70 skilled individuals back to the country, instead of the 700 that volunteered. I think as their logistical capacity increases so will the number of individuals from the group going back.

[Constantine MMX]

Ottawa police officer to open school in Somalia

After leading four years of fundraising, Ottawa police Const. Mahamoud Elmi leaves Sunday to open a new school in his native Somalia.

Elmi, a police officer at Ridgemont and St. Patrick's High School, raised $55,000 with the support of students, parents and fellow police officers. Another $35,000 came from an Ottawa development agency.

The Somali Hope Academy is located in his parent's hometown of Bur Salah, in northern Somalia.

It has eight classrooms, a library and running water. Classes will be free and taught in English for 300 elementary students.

Elmi said offering a place where education was free was important to him.

"In Somalia, if you want to send your kids to school you have to pay for it, and that's hard for most families," said Elmi. "Twenty years of war; you have entire generations missed going to school. It's not right to be left behind."

Grade 12 student Sharif Ibrahim, who played basketball in fundraising tournaments, said it was important for him to help others who were less fortunate.

"Some people don't have the privileges we have," said Ibrahim. "You can't take it for granted. We're all humans, we're one, we're together and we have to help each other out."

Fundraising events will continue to help pay the staff of one principal and five teachers, and purchase books for the school.

The official opening of the school is next Thursday, and Elmi says 100 children have already pre-registered.

Elmi said he hopes the school will serve as a symbol of hope for the people in the area.

"A place where they feel welcome to learn without being discriminated [against] because of their financial background or whether they're male or female. Everyone deserves an education," he said. -- Source

[Constantine MMX]

Somalis return to their homeland

[PharaohLiban]

I went to Somalia this year between July and August. While I was there, even though I couldn't explore all of Mogadishu because my mother is white which makes me half only, I saw many buildings being restored, a lot of projects beginning and high security during daytime. During night we heard one or two grenades near our district at least once a week and police shooting thereafter. So at night times you aren't even really allowed to leave home for now, if the police sees you they will capture you and detain you for a few hours. This was also during Ramadan so I dont know if there are more projects and work going on the other months.
I even saw white people going through Liido Beach but with high security, I could walk there alone but like I said it was Ramadan and I didn't go on the days when people would go and the beach would be crowded as it is not 100% safe at least for me.
Now I think Mogadishu is safer then ever, they have an active police force with stations situated all over Mogadishu and businesses are thriving, crowded with people and even the markets are always crowded during day.

[Waaberi]

I've been following the activities of this group for sometime, if our country has any chance of rising from the ashes it must be lead by the youth, and WWS&P seems like the best forum to bring scatter somalis together and i wish them all the best.

[Khadar]

PharaohLiban welcome to SSC. Please share some pictures you took while you were there if you have any.

[Xusein]

Originally Posted by PharaohLiban

I went to Somalia this year between July and August. While I was there, even though I couldn't explore all of Mogadishu because my mother is white which makes me half only, I saw many buildings being restored, a lot of projects beginning and high security during daytime. During night we heard one or two grenades near our district at least once a week and police shooting thereafter. So at night times you aren't even really allowed to leave home for now, if the police sees you they will capture you and detain you for a few hours. This was also during Ramadan so I dont know if there are more projects and work going on the other months.
I even saw white people going through Liido Beach but with high security, I could walk there alone but like I said it was Ramadan and I didn't go on the days when people would go and the beach would be crowded as it is not 100% safe at least for me.
Now I think Mogadishu is safer then ever, they have an active police force with stations situated all over Mogadishu and businesses are thriving, crowded with people and even the markets are always crowded during day.

Great stuff and welcome to the forum. It's great to see insider accounts in Somalia itself anytime, and if you have any pics of buildings, development, and scenery, that would be great. We also have EvolvingPrimates who is in Xamar I think but he hasn't posted recently.

[juzme123]

Originally Posted by Khadar

PharaohLiban welcome to SSC. Please share some pictures you took while you were there if you have any.

+1. And welcome to the forums!

[PharaohLiban]

Originally Posted by Khadar

PharaohLiban welcome to SSC. Please share some pictures you took while you were there if you have any.

Originally Posted by Xusein

Great stuff and welcome to the forum. It's great to see insider accounts in Somalia itself anytime, and if you have any pics of buildings, development, and scenery, that would be great. We also have EvolvingPrimates who is in Xamar I think but he hasn't posted recently.

Originally Posted by juzme123

+1. And welcome to the forums!

Mahadsanid! I dont have any good pictures or any of the constructions going on, I have one on the 'Tomb of the Unknown Soldier' though. I will try and find the pictures my cousins took because they were with me and had a digital camera In shaa allah

[Khadar]