THE HIDDEN COST OF SOMALI DEPENDENCE
Somali society is built on unity, family, and mutual support. This culture of helping each other whether through remittances, emotional backing, or community-based aid has allowed the Somali people to survive decades of war, displacement, and poverty. There’s no denying that this solidarity is powerful and has kept the nation standing where systems have failed. But while everyone celebrates the strength in togetherness, it’s time to talk about the other side, the part we often ignore. Too much dependence on each other, especially in modern times, is creating hidden problems that hold individuals back and slow down Somalia’s national progress. In many Somali families, when one person succeeds especially someone living abroad, they’re expected to carry the entire family. This can include sending money for school fees, medical bills, house rent, weddings, and more. The pressure is constant, and for many young Somalis in the diaspora, it beco...