Struggles in Central Somalia: A Glimpse into the Lives of Families

In a quiet corner of Dusamareb, Somalia, Mohamed Mahmoud Hussein stands in his metal workshop, gripped by the unsettling reality that his doors may soon close for good. His concern, however, stretches beyond the confines of his business; it envelops his family. Five of his children have faced expulsion from school due to unpaid fees, a heart-wrenching consequence of his current struggles.

“I owe $150 at Waabari School, where my daughter was scheduled to take her high school exams this year,” Mohamed explained, a trace of despair in his voice. “The teacher collects the fees at the end of each month, and if they remain unpaid, the children are chased away from class.” His tone conveyed a profound sense of helplessness as he recollected a moment when one of his children had asked for something as simple as a pen—an innocent request that broke his heart, as he simply could not comply.

For the past 15 years, Mohamed’s craftsmanship in metalworking had sustained his family, producing everything from pots to knives. However, since November, after a flood of cheaper imported goods invaded the market, his sales have dwindled. “I’ve been unemployed since then,” he shared, his voice barely above a whisper. “I sometimes earn just half a dollar for sharpening items, barely enough to feed my family of ten.”

Imagine returning home without the means to provide for your loved ones. “When I enter my home with empty hands, I descend into thought and desolation,” he continued. “We eat the pancakes my wife made that morning—sometimes, that’s all we have.” This stark image reveals the depth of their distress. The pancakes, once a comforting staple, now epitomize their struggle, feeding children just enough to send them to bed. This, to Mohamed, is a testament to how dire their situation has become.

Once, he relied on earnings of $100 to $160 a day, a sum that allowed him to support his household. Now, he finds himself drowning in debt—$2,500 owed for essentials like food, water, electricity, and school fees. His workshop, filled with 400 handcrafted utensils awaiting buyers, serves as a bittersweet reminder of a flourishing past now overshadowed by the dominance of factory-made products. “My previous life was good, but now… it’s the lowest level of human existence,” he lamented, a sentiment echoed by many in his industry.

The Broader Impact of Economic Downturn

Mohamed’s plight mirrors that of many others in central Somalia, where debilitating economic downturns, exacerbated by drought and the displacement of pastoralists, have wreaked havoc on local businesses. Abdiweli Mohamed Farah, who once operated a small shop, now faces an even bleaker reality. After closing his business last November, he’s been reduced to relying on sporadic manual labor.

“When work is scarce, I often take food on credit just to feed my family of 14,” Abdiweli shared, reflecting the precarious nature of their daily existence. The uncertainty he described felt almost tangible: a cycle of debt and desperation, with children’s education hanging in the balance. In years past, earning $10 a day sufficed. Now, he struggles just to get by.

Similarly, Nur Ahmed Diiriye, who once sold goods in the regions of Mudug and Galgadud, faces his own set of challenges. With three of his children forced to drop out of primary school due to financial constraints, he feels an overwhelming burden pressing down on him. “I couldn’t afford my children’s education,” he lamented. “It’s painful to admit that circumstances have rendered me powerless.” His struggle is not just economic; it taps into the core of parental anguish as he reflects on his children’s inability to even learn the Koran due to unpaid tuition.

At 40 years old, Nur finds himself trapped. Suffering from kidney disease and lacking skills to seek alternative employment, he grapples with the looming threat of eviction, a reality if he cannot pay his rent. His story is a stark reminder of the most human of fears: the fear of failing those we love the most.

Human Resilience Amidst Struggles

In examining these stories, one cannot help but ask: what does resilience look like in the face of overwhelming adversity? These individuals illustrate an extraordinary spirit, fighting to provide for their families despite seemingly insurmountable challenges. The road ahead may be uncertain, but their desire for a better future remains unwavering, filled with moments of hope amid the struggle.

As communities work together to confront these difficulties, perhaps there lies an opportunity for solidarity and innovation. Could local craftspeople unite to champion their trade against the tide of globalization? How might new skills and cooperative efforts empower them to reclaim their livelihoods? The answers aren’t simple, but one thing is clear: stories like these remind us of the shared humanity that binds us all.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.