A flag that once epitomized Somalis unity and inspired their in-vain dream is about to be buried and replaced with other flags favoured by different segments of the Somali people. A blue flag with a white, five-pointed star in the middle is the only recognized flag for Somalia so far, but that flag’s existence may not last long due to its antagonistic people.

The country’s flag which for many years tied the Somali people together is now becoming a symbol of conflict and cleavages. It doesn’t unify the Somali people anymore; rather, the blue flag entails wars and worrisome situations; and the Somali people keep fighting over its authenticity and implied meanings.
 
 The blue flag which has stood for Somalis identity, irrespective of their locations, was designed and adapted on 12 October 1954. This was a time when the Somali people were dreaming big and willing to move mountains despite their thin bones; it was a time when they might collide with one another but would mend their differences right away. It was a time in which common goals outnumbered individual interests; it was a time in which Somali society’s internal conflicts were resolved promptly while seated in the shade of trees.

The blue flag is crying for help, but his people are busy distancing themselves from it and its symbols; they look at it and laugh. “You don’t belong to us; please turn to somewhere else for help.” “But you are Somalis, and you won’t be recognized without me,” says the feeble flag. “I don’t identify myself with you anymore; I have discarded you and got my own flag,” says the disobedient child. “But I have been your parent for a long time; how can you easily disobey me,” says the blue, disintegrating flag, while sobbing softly. “Whether you sob softly or wail, that is your business.” My child, “I see your situation and that you are terribly against me, but how your siblings are? Do you think they will disobey me as well?” “Yes, they will follow suit; they are just designing new flags for themselves; I don’t know if anyone wants you; you are becoming too old and fading out,” says the unkind child.

The country’s flag is being shunned and abandoned by the very people who chose it and fought for it. It’s crying out, but nobody seems to be listening to its wailing; it may eventually wither and want to be buried peacefully, for its people are going in opposite directions.

The blue flag needs to be salvaged from disappearance before it’s too late. Let someone talk to its children lest they feel sympathy and show kindness to their disintegrating parent. Mother Somalia deserved to be protected and treated kindly because her children won’t lead a normal life without her. 

Mother Somalia will be happy and live longer if her children come together, talk to each other seriously and sincerely and mend their differences peacefully. Children of this afflicted mother are suffering all over the globe and are wondering when their woes and sufferings will be put to an end.

By Mohamed Bakayr
E-Mail:mohamedbakayr@hotmail.com