In Conversation with Abshir Aden Ferro

Good Afternoon Mr Aden Ferro, thank you for taking the time to speak with me concerning the current situation in Somalia and your candidacy for the Presidency of Somalia, under your political party The Alliance For The Future Party.

May I start by asking you to educate us a little on the history and diversity of Somalia as most western readers know little other than the troubles reported by the international media.

First of all I would like to wish you and all who read this interview, a very happy new year, while also extending my best wishes to the people of Somalia during these troubling times.

Let me start by offering some background on Somalia as a country, covering its geography, history and social and ethnic makeup.

Somalia is situated at the tip of the horn of Africa, with Africa’s second longest coastline. It extends from just south of the equator and northwards to the Gulf of Aden and occupies an important geopolitical position between sub-Saharan Africa bordering Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti. The Gulf of Aden cuts between Somalia and Yemen flanked by the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea, making it a vital waterway for shipping, especially from the Persian Gulf. One of many statistical points probably not known is that over thirty percent of Europe’s energy requirement passes through the Gulf of Aden, past the coastline of Somalia. This along with other sea trade makes Somalia one of the busiest and most important trade routes in the world.

In fact, Somalia has been a centre of commerce since ancient times enjoying lucrative trading relationship with ancient Egypt and Mycenaean Greece since the second millennium along with the Phoenicians, Babylonians, Indian, Chinese and Romans. In the late nineteenth century the Italians and British occupied parts of Somalia before achieving independence, now comprising of modern day Somalia and Somaliland.

As for the Somali people, we are the most homogenous country in sub-Saharan Africa with a population of almost 13 million, of these more than 85% are ethnic Somalis. The clan structure still plays a significant part in the lives of Somalis with Somali society remaining ethnically endogamous. My country also has a proud Islamic tradition with vast majority of the country being Muslim.

Somalia has a large youth population, what role do you see them playing and what opportunities for them going forward?

Although the youth of Somalia are offered scant opportunity from the incumbent government, they remain a driving force in the country’s future development. They show a remarkable resolve and are ready and eager to embrace change and to improve their own lives and those of all Somalis. As a Somali this gives me immense pride and hope for our countries future.

The rights and roles of women in society are often spoken of, what are your views on women in society in Somalia?

I personally have huge respect for Somali women and from a personal perspective I have been surrounded by strong women in my family and extended community. As in many African countries women are held in high regard, occupying an integral part in Somali society, historically and to this day. Their maternal strength, will, moral compass and intellect give not only their families, but Somali society as a whole a binding resolve, which has become all too apparent in the last 30 years of troubles in our country.

You may not know that there is a statue in Mogadishu of the martyred warrior Hawa-tako, she was mortally wounded, yet continued to fight against the oppression inflicted on her people. This represents a powerful symbol of strength and patriotism.

Mr Aden Ferro you are yourself have deep-seated roots in Somalia but come to the election with a high level of international experience. What role do you see for the widely scattered Somali diaspora?  

Well there is estimated to be well over three million Somali diaspora worldwide. Many left to escape the troubles of our country, yet settled in their adoptive countries and prospered, while at the same time holding close to their hearts the memory and love of their homeland. Many new businesses and initiatives in Somalia have been started by my fellow countrymen from every corner of the world. They do, and will continue to play a very important part in our countries future development. As President I would actively promote their inclusion into the renaissance of our country.

I myself run for the Presidency with a multifaceted perspective, being able to see the issues of Somalia as a Somali living in our nation, as well as those living internationally. Living in Somalia, United Arab Emirates and being educated in France and United Kingdom does offer that significant advantage. An advantage I have been able to utilise while dealing with issues concerning Somalia for over fifteen years.

Prior to this meeting I was pleased to have read your book “My Life for Somalia”. What drove you to write the book?

Well firstly I’m honoured that you took the time to read it. The book was important to me, as I wanted to document to people the reasons for my wanting to lead my country. It documents my childhood, upbringing and deep-rooted love and affection for Somalia and my people. But not just that, it outlines a clear plan something no other Presidential candidate has ever done. I wanted to be frank and honest by outlining the issues we face with real tangible solutions. Naturally I would encourage everyone to read it. (Available for purchase on Amazon here).

Let me now move onto current affairs and the current state of Somalia. What major challenges do you think Somalia faces?

After 30 years of foreign intervention and a succession of failed governments following the overthrowing of Siad Barre in 1991, Somalia is still seen as one of Africa’s failed states. Today although marginal change has been brought about corruption is endemic and terrorism is at an all time high, with the government ground to a halt and the country is terminal decline.

But in answer to your question, Somalia must simultaneously face up to two major challenges. Firstly to fight and eliminate terrorism on its soil. Secondly to work tirelessly to transform the country from a failed state, to that of a democratic state, governed by the rule of law, and to better the lives of my through social change and economic development.

What would be your policies on working to combat terrorism within the country?

Fighting terrorism requires a will to do so and the resources and experience in the field of security to achieve pre-specified goals. As President I would deploy a highly collaborative framework to fulfil these goals, while employing tactical and negotiated resolutions to the burgeoning problems the country now faces. Terrorism is not predictable so demands quick and decisive response as a deterrent.

There must be a collective unified plan, which considers the domestic and international response to terrorism. Put simply the deployment of Special Forces, drones and air strikes will not in itself, resolve our problems. It will require investment into a strategic mix of national resources to rebuild the counties capabilities, while also rebuilding trust and regional alliances on the ground.

Partnered with this will be our strategic alliances with international allies to achieve our common goals to combat terrorism. Greater and greater reliance must also be devolved to Somalia in dealing with its own internal affairs, with less dependence on international aid and intervention. A Somali solution, for a Somali problem.

In relation to the current state of affairs with the Somali elections, what is at stake?

Somalia, everyone agrees, is at a crossroads and critical point in its future. The country is riddled with corruption, from those elected to represent the people, down to every layer of society. Corruption is now a way of life, a way of life that stifles any form of good practice or development within the country, while alienating the country from international markets and investment.

Terrorist groups align with, encourage and facilitate this corruption to their own ends with murderous consequences, depriving the people of Somalia of their voice and rightful position in the region. The country can only embrace national renewal with a united sense of purpose and determination, by overhauling and punishing through the rule of law, corruption and the corrupt. This will require strong new leadership with a clear mandate from the people of Somalia.

What could the people of Somalia expect from an Abshir Ferro Presidency?

My candidacy is based upon a government for all of the people of Somalia, representing their needs, aspirations and expectations.

My mantra has always been Hope, Peace and Security. These three things will form the cornerstones of Somalia’s resurgence from the depths the current administration has brought the country to.

My Presidency would also build on basic needs in the areas such a healthcare, which is almost none existent in many parts of the country and massively underfunded and corrupt. Take for example the case of the unforgivable failure of the government in the current covid19 pandemic. Funds and vital equipment have been flagrantly misappropriated by government officials, with donated equipment and materials being diverted to the commercial marketplace. They have blood on their hands, the blood of my people.

Transparency is the only way to fight corruption and to build a fully functioning administration to manage Somalia for Somalis.

Education is also a fundamental key to the development of Somalia, arming the youth of Somalia with the key skills as it is only by investing in our future that our goals as a country may be achieved.

The Alliance For The Future Party would allow freedom of expression, while fully embracing human rights, and reinstating the rule of law. Allowing all Somalis old or young, rich or poor to embrace what could be a new and exciting chapter in our countries history, with Somalia finding a newfound freedom, confidence and prosperity.

What are your views on the current leaderships failure to adopt a one man, one vote system for the election?

Government is there to serve the people, not the people serve the government. It must there for be the people who elect the government, it is they who must choose who represents them. All of the people, not the few who stand to gain from a rigged system.

As a nation we must embrace democracy, a point the current President has abjectly failed to deliver upon or appreciate. This was his mandate at the last election and in conjunction with the litany of other failings and broken promises, has left a once proud nation at the edge of the abyss. The people of Somalia had been promised a voice by the incumbent President, he has failed the people and undermined our constitution.

Our party is working tirelessly to achieve one man, one vote. In every province and in region of Somalia, we are talking to and doing what is necessary to convince the citizens of the important and necessary changes to our constitution. I can safely tell you that the vast majority of Somalis agree with us and would support us.

The region has experienced considerable difficulties in recent years, what would your policy be in resolving these issues?

I have worked for over fifteen in this arena dealing with issues mostly behind the scenes and always with the will to achieve negotiated and constructive outcomes. This stands me I believe in good stead to tackle such issues and play a full part in delivering results.

But in answer to your question, there is not one single policy nor is there time, or the scope in this session to address the many complex issues facing the region. The continent as a whole, faces and will face many difficulties, many are not just domestic, but effect us all. Be this climate change, floods, plagues of locusts, terrorism or more recently covid-19, but we must all stand with a unified voice, finding solutions through regional and international action. It is for Africa as a continent to step up and work together for the greater good of all of our peoples in a more collaborative and structured way.

What would you like to say as a final note to our discussion?

Under my Presidency Somalia would play its full and fair part in enhancing and building upon old alliances, offer a route to dialogue to our foes and play our full part in an ever-changing world. This is my promise to the people of Somalia and our friends and neighbours.

I would like to end on a note of hope with a short extract from a document on brotherhood and common coexistence, prepared and co-signed by the Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Mohamed El-Tayeb of Abu Dhabi and His Holiness Pope Francis, which I will read for you:

 “The relationship between West and East is an indisputable and reciprocal necessity, which can neither be substituted nor abandoned, so that both can mutually enrich each other from the civilization of the other, through the exchange and dialogue of cultures”

 Let us all embrace their wisdom as the human race.

Thank you.