Af Moulid Hujale
Det var en drøm at kunne gense mit hjemland, men alene vejen ind fra lufthavnen åbnede mine øjne for en ganske anderledes virkelighed – og så gik skyderiet ellers løs.
MOGADISHU, 27 August 2013 (IRIN): My journey back to Somalia, my home country, was a dream and a choice I always wanted to achieve.
I wanted to live on the soil of my ancestors (forfædre) away from the congested refugee camps of Dadaab and far from the tall buildings of Nairobi that hosted me temporarily and offered me an opportunity to be a citizen in a second home where I grew up and studied peacefully.
After almost two decades in Kenya, I finally decided to return to the country of my origin after getting an exciting opportunity to work with the Ministry of Education in order to bring hope to the next generation and give back my skills and knowledge to my community.
I arrived at Aden Ade International Airport in Mogadishu on 26 July, a Friday morning. Almost all the passengers in the plane I was travelling in were Somalis, mostly returning from abroad.
The small airport and its facilities were very busy and chaotic. It was far from international standards – with all the signs of the wreckage of war and unfinished reconstruction under way.
“I could not believe my eyes”
I was driven by a colleague in a taxi through many checkpoints with heavily armed guards comprised of AMISOM [African Union Mission in Somalia] and Somali troops.
We drove along the airport road, one of the city’s most dangerous, with heavily armed security personnel at frequent road blocks.
There was a high security alert. I was extremely scared and could not believe my eyes. I thought they were clearing up the aftermath of a fight in the city, but little did I know that this was the order of the day in Mogadishu.
That day was unique in particular because it was the 17th day of Ramadan, a day on which every year [militants] are known to carry out deadly attacks to commemorate (mindes) one of the Islamic holy wars that took place on this day in history.
We turned onto another highway that was also very scary for newcomers like me, but normal for local residents.
It is Maka Al-Mukarama road, known for nearly non-stop hooting (dyttende) vehicles – mainly small shuttle buses with overloaded passengers, some hanging onto the doors and windows while the conductor clings to the rear side as he shouts for more passengers.
“Stay calm, this is normal”
This road is also one of the busiest roads in Mogadishu; it directly connects State House and the airport.
The traffic is hectic and it is controlled by traffic police, military and administration police. Gunshots, I was told, are used as “traffic lights” to disperse jams and as warning shots.
Surprised at my anxiety and restlessness, the driver said: “My friend, stay calm, this is normal.”
I smiled to respond positively but did not say a word. I was speechless until we reached Taleh residential area.
This area was relatively calm. Residents were busy with their daily activities during the Ramadan fast.
I stayed indoors on advice from family and friends in Kenya. I was told to minimize my movement in the city and avoid crowded areas.
Gunshots all day
However, I felt very insecure even inside my room because I was traumatized by the deafening sound of gunshots outside.
I hear gunshots all day, like I hear the call to prayer, and it makes me sick.
I could not understand why there are all these gunshots in the streets.
Then I recall the guys I saw along the airport road and the other young men in government uniforms hanging onto the sides of vehicles speeding up Maka Al Mukarama road all with firearms pointing at the pedestrians (fodgængerne) and other passing vehicles, their fingers on the trigger.
The following day was another unpleasant experience. The Turkish embassy was attacked. I could hear the blast not far from where I was staying.
The thought of going back to Kenya came to my mind but it eventually faded away later that night when the commotion (opstandelsen) ended and I saw the story on TV.
Meanwhile, the locals are fully engaged in their day-to-day activities, indifferent to what is happening around them.
Besides the gunshots, explosions and chaos, there are parallel constructions, business transactions and celebrations on the eve of the Eid festival after Ramadan.
Toy guns
Læs videre på
http://www.irinnews.org/report/98650/my-journey-back-to-somalia
