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“Sometimes you are a witness to history that you don’t even know or appreciate at that particular time.” By Liban Obsiye
I read Mahad Wasuge’s book twice. Once was not enough because this book is a lesson in Somali history, struggle and renewal through the life of one brave, principled and determined young man who refuses to give up on himself or his country.
When you read it for the first time, it feels like watching a television series in which the main character gradually grows older and achieves more and more in life despite the hardships he faces. Yet, all around him is the CHAOS that requires COURAGE and CHANGE simply to survive.
Since returning to work and live in Somalia in 2014, I have often wondered how different my own life would have been had I lived through Mahad’s experiences. This is why I read the book a second time: to reflect.
Reading this book reminds privileged members of the diaspora, and others who have had less exposure to violence and greater access to opportunities, how fortunate they are to have found safe refuge where they could rebuild their lives with their families and access basic social services such as education, healthcare and security.
Yet, it also renews respect for people like Mahad, who endured, persevered and ultimately achieved their objectives despite the many hurdles Somalia has faced since the collapse of the state.
The author is not bitter about his missed opportunities. From the very first sentence, Mahad takes readers on a journey through his life and Somali history while offering an intimate introduction to his family. Despite the hardships, losses and setbacks, he remains confident in his purpose and direction.
Many question why Mahad would write a biography at such a young age, while still in the prime of his life and leading a respected think tank in Somalia, Somali Public Agenda (SPA).
I believe it is both timely and important because, in Somalia, people experience various stages of life within remarkably short periods, during which everything can change completely overnight.
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There is no certainty or linear existence like that enjoyed by many public figures in safer parts of the world. Every day has its own story in Somalia. The stages of Mahad’s life thus far are so interesting and diverse that his lived experiences leave readers in awe.
I knew Mahad before he wrote the book, and we engaged many times, including when he was trying to establish SPA. I used to see him sitting alone, typing late into the night at Sayid Hotel, never quite understanding what he was doing.
Through reading this book, I now know he was blogging and working to establish SPA. Sometimes, you are a witness to history without even knowing or appreciating it at the time.
I have deliberately left out the details of the book in this review because revealing key storylines would rob readers of a wonderful literary experience.
Yet, I will say that this book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding Somalia’s history, challenges, opportunities and people through the lived experience of one very determined young man who continually sacrifices, works hard and succeeds, only to repeat the process in perhaps one of the toughest environments in the world.
Ultimately, Mahad’s journey brings us back to the three forces that define both his story and much of Somalia’s recent history: chaos, courage and change.
About the Author
Liban Obsiye is the Head of Somalia’s National Climate Fund and the Head of the Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) Secretariat.
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The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dawan Africa.