A Reflective Dive into the Weaponization of Drugs
The narrative of nations leveraging narcotics to suppress or dominate adversaries is as heart-wrenching as it is complex. Historically, numerous countries have turned to alcohol and other drugs not just to weaken societies but to wield them as tools of war, control, and destabilization. “All warfare is based on deception,” said Sun Tzu, and using drugs as a weapon is perhaps one of the most insidious deceptions of them all.
Reflecting on the 19th century, the British Empire notoriously employed opium in its strategic efforts to capitalize on China during the infamous Opium Wars. The British East India Company played a crucial role by importing opium from India to China, even as China struggled to halt this toxic trade. The moment the Chinese government sought to put an end to the opium influx, the British retaliated with military force, coercively ensuring that China remained open to trade and relinquished territories such as Hong Kong. Opium became a British baton, transforming China into an opium-dependent society, which in turn, made it easier to sway.
In a parallel context, the Horn of Africa tells its own tale. Ethiopia and Kenya employed khat strategically to undermine Somalia.
But let’s take a detour back in time to 711 AD—a year that witnessed the advent of Islam in Europe, dominating for a period spanning 700 years. Yet, by 1492, European powers, notably the Spanish and Portuguese, evolved into formidable global forces. Fueled by ambitions of expansion, the Portuguese embarked on conquests ranging from Brazil to the Eastern World, while the Spanish assumed control over others.
Meanwhile, the Ottoman hand held sway over Somalia. But come the 19th century, circumstances morphed dramatically. The 1884 Berlin Conference, deciding Africa’s fate, led to Somalia’s colonization. The British took the north, Italians the south, and the French seized the northwest.
Leap to the 1950s, where Somalia found itself at a crossroads, tasked with choosing its colonial influence for the next decade, with an eventual promise of independence by 1960. Fearing the dominant British, Somalia leaned towards Italy, much to Britain’s chagrin. In response, Britain ceded significant Somali-populated territories to Ethiopia and Kenya, affording these nations status as Somalia’s perennial adversaries.
Khat—a stimulant bush endemic to the Horn of Africa—integrated itself deeply into Somali culture. Yet, Ethiopia and Kenya have harnessed it to exert influence and destabilize Somalia. By exporting khat across Somali borders, they cultivated dependency, distracting the Somali populace from crucial national issues and unity efforts. The widespread khat consumption became an appealing distraction, diverting societal focus from pressing national solidarity endeavors.
Geopolitically, Ethiopia continues its controversial grip over the Ogaden region—a Somali heartland now part of Ethiopia. Similarly, Kenya laid claim over southern Somali territories, today known as Kenya’s Northeastern Province. Here, khat served as an instrument to subdue Somalia, preventing any aspirations of reclaiming freedom from neighboring dominions. Khat, in this vein, became a weapon to weaken the Somali resistance, turning them away from their liberation struggle and self-defense efforts.
This underlying reliance on khat manifests a constant assault on Somali society, engrossing them in trivial pursuits. It is imperative for all Somalis to appreciate the intertwined history and political ramifications of khat, particularly the roles of neighboring Ethiopia and Kenya. Without this comprehension, Somalis risk losing their grip on countering external manipulations.
To upend the foreign khat intercession, three principal strategies emerge:
1. Heaving Levies on Khat: Prohibiting khat outright might birth a formidable black market, complicating control. Instead, imposing steep taxes serves multiple purposes. Elevating khat costs would naturally curb its use, and taxation revenues could stimulate societal development.
2. Shift Khat Economy to Social Support Programs: Portugal’s progressive approach serves as a guiding star. By redirecting khat-derived taxes towards health, education, and job creation initiatives, Somalia can provide its youth opportunities to steer clear of khat dependence. Establishing awareness and rehabilitation centers for those seeking recovery is equally vital.
3. Cultural Reorientation and Enlightenment: Historically, khat has entrenched itself within many Somali lives, especially among men. Thus, spearheading robust awareness campaigns that underline khat’s obstacles to progress becomes crucial. Encouraging community leaders, scholars, and influential figures to rally behind these educational crusades can reshape societal attitudes.
In conclusion, Somalia stands at a pivotal juncture to confront khat’s menace with intellect and strategy, avoiding punitive approaches on its citizens by rendering khat economically out of reach. Elevating khat taxation while channeling seed funds into societal progress could pivot Somalia off the precipice of drug dependency, echoing Portugal’s success story. Now is the time for Somalia to reclaim its intellect, economy, and future. The authentic solution lies in regulation, robust taxation, and societal enlightenment.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
