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After more than fifteen years of civil war, in which some of the most horrendous atrocities were committed against innocent civilians, Somalia looks like as it is predisposed to violence and chaos forever. It has almost become an inescapable reality for many Somalis that a culture of violence had engulfed us and that everyone of us is either affected by it or to some extent is involved in it. One of the many negative consequences of this calamity has to do with how some Somalis internalized their painful hopelessness as a result of the civil war that is still looming over us. During this time of transition and confusion, what is even more alarming is the lack of confidence of how we view ourselves, of how we seem to lack self esteem, of how we are holding very low opinion of ourselves as a people not capable of making any positive change. That could be the reason why so many of us are still trapped in perpetuating the clannish culture of divisiveness and disarray and cheering for the callous warlords. Oftentimes we have the habit and conviction of saying in a sweeping fashion that we, Somalis, are no good for nothing! Oftentimes we engage debates sometimes heated, sometimes soul searching, with our friends and others of what we have became and what is wrong with us. Most people gave up on Somalia and are apparently frustrated by the awful turn of events back home. There are many of us who fell into the trap of despair and therefore believe all Somalis are wicked and clannish and that we are all responsible for the destruction of our country. Maybe that is why so many of us feel hopeless and powerless to effect any positive change. However, a fact obscured under our despair and misery is many untold uplifting stories of courage, kindness and humanity done by few unsung Somali heroes and heroines. At the height of the Somali carnage, few brave men and women stood up and did great acts of courage. Along our Somali lunacy, we had become familiar with some benevolent peace activists like Elman Ahmed, Abdulkadir Yahye, Starlin Arush and many others. These brave souls, may Allah have mercy on them, took honorable yet perilous positions; bravely risking their personal lives just to make a difference in the lives of the suffering Somali people. Because of the exemplary lives they led in championing the cause of peace and hope, these brave souls must be exalted and always venerated. Their fate, albeit tragic, must also be reflected on. It is worthy to remind ourselves that these heroic Somalis have all been victims of merciless targeted assassinations. Only in Somalia , it is ironically where a peace activist is rewarded with a guerrilla bullet and warmonger is rewarded with a government position. What does that tell you about our vicious culture of self-destruction? Peace apparently takes the backseat and violence is seen as an act of gallantry and pride. In spirit of remembering our fallen heroes and heroines, the purpose of this brief article is to pay homage to one such luminary role model of hope and peace. One such peace activist and humanitarian worker was Starlin Arush. Starlin was amongst these great Somali giants who stood up to make a change in the lives of people and was she determined to help the defenseless suffering people! Starlin gave up so much comfort and luxury in her life to work voluntarily for her people. Her activism started while in sojourn in Italy . In late 1980's Starlin took a break from her college and was an active member of the city of Turin 's local government. She was a treasured advocate for North African migrant workers, Filipino and Somali domestic helpers and was well connected to the Turin 's progressive parties. Starlin lobbied the Italian parliament to pass laws that will allow Somali, Ethiopian and Eritrean immigrants to be eligible for a preferential treatment in order to become Italian citizens due to Italy 's colonial legacy in the Horn of Africa. But a more important call came from home. Her country of birth was in flames. She gave up her medical studies and political career in Turin . She had no hesitations but to return back to her roots and to the city of her birth, Merka. With the help of Italian Charities, Starlin immediately founded the COSV organization. She fed the starving poor during the famine years, founded orphanages and clinics for mothers and babies, freed hostages, urged young men to put down the gun and take the pen. She organized soccer tournaments in the midst of fighting and was member of the Somali Olympic Committee. Starlin was always in defiance of the chaos and violence going around her. He spirit and enthusiasm could not be brought down by anyone or anything. She was well known for her spirited perseverance during Somalia 's plunge into brutality especially the times when the civil war was at its height. Starlin equally stood up to warlords, tribal chauvinists and religious fanatics. No matter the situation at the time, Starlin believed that people must hold fast to their civility and not abandon the Somali culture of dignity and decency. She believed in grassroots activism by solving conflicts through local consensus and in a peaceful manner. Starlin shunned the concept of tribalism and was an avid nationalist who believed tribalism had no place in building a modern nation. Starlin was born in the city of Merka on March 3, 1957 and her life was cut short three years ago when she was killed in Nairobi , on a very tragic day, October 24, 2002. At the time she was attending the Somali peace conference in Kenya as a member of the civil society. She was murdered by thugs and died at the young age of 45. That day we lost another selfless Somali who was a beacon of hope. History will always remember those who died for the good cause of peace and hope. Giving a tribute and remembering Starlin Arush and other peace activists like her has a symbolic significance at these difficult times in our history. The courage and honor that these brave souls, like Starlin, has bestowed on us without doubt is a profound revolt to the ruthless warlords who are still amassing weapons to create more havoc and destruction in our country. Starlin's remembering exemplifies that she is still a role model to many who are determined to follow her footsteps. Her memory signifies the triumph of good over evil. Hopefully, one day there will emerge so many peace-lords instead of warlords in the land of Somalia . But let us not dwell on the sadness of this tribute. Amongst us are few courageous men and women who are still with us, still striving to make some positive changes. The Somali professors founding institution of higher learning in different parts of the country, the women organizations repairing hospitals and clinics, the Somali doctors who refused to abandon their people and remained home instead of driving Taxis in major world metropolitan cities or consuming Qat leaves in darker places, the elders who worked out a viable peace in the North and other elders who are still tirelessly trying to resolve conflicts in the South, the numerous human rights groups advocating for minorities and the unarmed, all deserve to be encouraged and supported. The great Somali artists, playwrights, poets and novelists such as Nurridin Farah, Mohammed Ibrahim Hadrawi, Abdi Muhummed Amin and satirist extraordinaire Amin Amir to name few also deserve our respect for their positive uplifting messages of hope and peace. Another exemplary heroine that is worth of our praise is Fatima Jibrell for her efforts of protecting the environment and our arable land. Let all us pray for these individuals that they escape the bullet of the ruthless militias and the wrath of the callous warlords. Let us all emulate these deceased and living legends for their courageous stance to effect some changes in these very trying times and in a difficult situations. One day, we will have not few but so many brave men and women who will continue the work of peace and hope. One day, Somalis will understand bravery is not about hating and killing your Somali brother and sister but to work for the betterment of your own people. One day there will be so many brave men and women, who will strive to become peace activists, doctors, nurses, environmentalists and teachers. And that day, I am sure the likes of Starlin will take a peak of a peaceful Somalia from heaven and rejoice and say, we haven't sacrificed our lives for nothing, our death was not indeed in vain. And for Starlin her rejoice would be that the city of Merka will not only be known for Aw-Cismaanka festival but for it becoming the city of peace and love. Dear Starlin, May Allah bless your soul and reward you for your generous and humanitarian work.
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