"Peace" the subject of this short article, is a precious commodity that money can not buy, in Mogadishu, the battered capital city of Somalia. Unlike other basic necessities, it is not in the market for sale, but is buried deep in our brains and behaviour. In other words, it is our choice to make peace or live without it.

For the first time in 20 years the inhabitants of the capital city are beginning to see things in the same light and use their brain. The predicament and desperate quest for "peace" unites them and puts them (all) in the same boat. We can say the long way to peace has just begun. I say long, because restoring order is not an event, but a subtle and gradual process.

The positive developments in the capital are encouraging- academics, activists, clerics, traditional rulers, Women groups, merchants, militia leaders, politicians and people from all segments of society are campaigning very hard to pacify Mogadishu and its vicinity, inculcating, pushing and preaching people on daily basis.

One of the above campaigners who was lecturing recently in one of the wildest districts of Mogadishu said "look boys, talking to young militia boys belonging to his subcaln, Peace is not elusive, but we are! It is right here infront of us- dancing, flickering and twinkling on the horizon, inviting us to accept her, embrace, reach, smell and touch! It yearns to revisit her old cradle, the once splendid Mogadishu, the seat of government, civilisation, the hub of commerce and the pride of Somalia. As we have been active in the conflict; Can`t we play a big role in the peace time" he asked.
 
"Haa" replied his audience perhaps curious to taste for the first time how sweet peace may be. All of them were born during the conflict and this smart campaigner has to re-orient them back all the way. The Muqdishu peace drive is working and gaining momentum. People are singing in the same music, in unison without distinctions.
 
 Impressive and couragious- It would have been madness several months before for a campaigner to to give such a daring speech and not pay the price. We are changing and to the right direction!

On the other hand, a fragile government called "government of National Unity of Somalia" is focused to bring order in the capital working closely with its residents; a task that has daunted previous governments. This time we can not afford to fail or falter and there are signs that we will not- a committed populace plus a legitimate responsible national government are the right ingredients for success.

Despite the scarce resources, the apparatus for law and order is being devised by the Mogadishu population and the government jointly. The general public is organising itself, the capital is using its potential to pacify itself, maintain order in collaboration with the government. This was missing during the last two decades and happening right now.

Inaddition, the government is bracing to implement sharia law as the basis of the country´s legal system, now pending aproval of parliament. It may also find a way to incorporate the opposition in the the system and therefore neutralise the armed opposition threat.  

In fact, there is no any apparent reason for the insurgency to continue the fratricidal war since their main concerns are attended.They should realize that people are tired of the war, warlordism is waning in somalia, the government is poised to maintain the Shairah and that the president is the leader of the former Islamic Union Courts to which the insurgents belong!

IN conclusion, the Sharif/Sharmarke government is on the right track to carry our broken country forward. Let us support the peace efforts for a better future for Somalia.

Ahmed Raghe Hassan
Email: raage_118@hotmail.com

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