Our Call

Gobanimo was founded by four Somalis, drawing inspiration from the intellectual endeavours of the Lafoole School, a group of Somali intellectuals established in the 1970s whose influence has significantly impacted Somali literature and thought. The platform aims to foster Somali discourse free from narrow clan interests and a nostalgic, caustic nationalism for a bygone era in Somalia that has marred much of the discourse we hear. 

Gobanimo's primary focus revolves around cultivating a discerning perspective and approach, adept at refining existing interpretations of contemporary scenarios. We will publish an annual winter issue, complemented by a diverse array of content including blog posts, podcasts, and YouTube videos, among other offerings

At the onset of the civil war in Somalia, numerous Somali  intellectuals who had embraced ideologies originating in the West found themselves disenchanted with the idea of relying solely on these Western ideologies to make sense of their nation's predicament. The upheaval and conflicts shattered the perceived promises of these systems of thought and left them seeking alternative solutions for Somalia's future. Recognising the limitations of their ideological approaches, many then embarked on a journey to explore a fusion of Somali traditional philosophies and Islamic principles, seeking a more suitable and fit for purpose resolution for their country's challenges, one that would heal the spiritual, the economic and the political. 

In the midst of an environment marked by state collapse and widespread pauperisation, discussions pertaining to the intellectual and literary traditions of the Somali horn appear to be striving to uncover the underlying reasons behind its apparent stagnation. However, in this pursuit, there is a concerning tendency to inadvertently validate colonial claims asserting an inherent incapability and anti-intellectualism within Somali society. Contrary to this perception, a closer examination reveals a rich tapestry of Somali literature spanning diverse mediums such as "gabay," "masafo," and "geeraar." It is within this abundant literary heritage that we discover a profound wellspring for shaping our political ideologies and practical approaches.

We are nevertheless driven by a sincere desire for conversations that transcend the confines of "Soomaaliweyn" and a myopic view of the nation that has been further destroyed by a corrosive, illusory nostalgia. Our call is for "Gobanimo," a collective journey towards reconstructing and reaffirming the essential pride that each human being rightfully holds in understanding their significance in this global tapestry. The shared Somali postcolonial narrative has endured the impact of a historical and structural assault, orchestrated by social forces determined to impose the normative and constitutional values of Western-centric ideologies. The unravelling of this narrative, and our current standing in this complex negotiation with political modernity, stands as the core intellectual impetus for Gobanimo. 

Somali society boasts a rich history adorned with profound cultural values and traditional philosophies that once formed the very backbone of their governance systems. Regrettably, in the face of turmoil and imperialist incursions, these invaluable traditions were overshadowed, resulting in a profound disconnection from their roots. It is this disconnection that has, to a large extent, contributed to the conflicts that have plagued the region. 

The central focus of Gobanimo revolves around nurturing a discerning perspective and approach, adept at refining existing interpretations of contemporary scenarios, transcending mere reactive clan-centred analyses. By unveiling and contextualising Somali law, governance, and philosophy, the ultimate goal is to repossess the Somali essence within the world-historical context of the present. In our pursuit of a way forward, we will explore what a Somali philosophy looks like and how it can be utilised as a lens to critically analyse postcolonial political modernity, specifically as it pertains to Somalia. Through a thoughtful assessment of the influence of modern ideologies and foreign impositions, our aim is to identify the factors that have contributed to our current predicament. 

Our perspective does not involve isolating ourselves or dismissing the modern world. Instead, we advocate for blending the wisdom of the past with the fabric of a forward-moving society. By embracing our heritage and reclaiming somaliness from the clutches of western imposition, reminding ourselves of the inherent liberatory capacity of our culture, our aim is to reaffirm our identity, strengthen our communities, and promote a thriving Somali society, where the richness of tradition coexist with contemporary ambitions.