Philo Somalia: Thursday, March 23, 2023

The First Settlers

Sofala is a coastal region in Mozambique that was once an important trading center. The region was first settled by Somali merchants in the 10th century, and it later became a major center for the trade of gold and other commodities. The name Sofala is thought to come from the Somali word "Sofal", which means "go and cultivate". Sofala was also a major center for the spread of Islam in the region. Sofala was also home to a number of important Islamic scholars and theologians, including the 11th-century jurist al-Shatibi.

The Mogadishu Sultanate was the main power in the region of Sofala during the 12th and 13th centuries. The sultanate controlled the trade routes between Sofala and the interior of Africa, and it also had a strong military presence in the region. The sultanate's influence on Sofala can be seen in the city's architecture, which is heavily influenced by Islamic styles.

The Kilwa Takeover

The Kilwa Sultanate took over Sofala in the 1180s. The Sultan of Kilwa, Suleiman Hassan, sent a fleet of ships to Sofala and captured the city. The Sultan of Kilwa then installed his own governor in Sofala and began to collect taxes from the city.

The Kilwa Sultanate took over Sofala for a number of reasons. First, Sofala was a major trading center, and the Sultanate wanted to control the gold trade from the city. Second, Sofala was a center of Islamic learning and culture, and the Sultanate wanted to spread Islam to the city. Third, Sofala was a major center of Somali culture, and the Sultanate wanted to bring the Somali people under its control.

The Arrival of the Portuguese

The Portuguese ruled Sofala for over 400 years, and during that time they had a significant impact on the region's culture and economy. The Portuguese introduced new crops and technologies to Sofala, and they also built roads and bridges that connected the region to the rest of the world. However, the Portuguese also exploited the region's resources, and they often treated the people of Sofala with violence and cruelty.

In the 20th century, Sofala became a part of the Portuguese colony of Mozambique. The Portuguese continued to exploit the region's resources, and they also suppressed the people of Sofala's efforts to gain independence.

The Portuguese arrived in Sofala in the 16th century, and they quickly established control over the region. Sofala was a major center of the gold trade in the Middle Ages. The Portuguese built forts and trading posts in Sofala, including the Sofala Castle, and they began to exploit the region's resources. The city was also a center of the slave trade. The Portuguese also began to convert the people of Sofala to Christianity.

Somalia’s Role in Mozambique

Somalia helped Mozambique get independence by providing a base of operations for FRELIMO, the Mozambique Liberation Front, and by providing material support, such as trucks, tractors, and medicine. FRELIMO was founded in 1962 by Eduardo Mondlane, who was inspired by the success of other African liberation movements, such as the Algerian FLN and the Kenyan Mau Mau. FRELIMO's goal was to overthrow Portuguese rule in Mozambique and establish an independent socialist state.

Somalia's support for FRELIMO was essential to the success of the Mozambican War of Independence. Without Somalia's help, FRELIMO would not have been able to launch its attacks against Portuguese forces and would not have been able to maintain its base of operations. Somalia's material support, such as trucks, tractors, and medicine, was also essential to FRELIMO's success.

In 1964, FRELIMO launched its first attacks against Portuguese forces in Mozambique. The war for independence lasted for 11 years and resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people. In 1974, Portugal's Carnation Revolution led to the overthrow of the Salazar dictatorship and the end of Portuguese rule in Africa. FRELIMO declared Mozambique's independence on June 25, 1975.

However, supporting FRELIMO was not without its risks. It had angered Portugal, which was a major economic partner of Somalia. Portugal retaliated by cutting off Somali aid and by closing its embassy in Mogadishu. It also angered South Africa, which was a major ally of Portugal. South Africa retaliated by launching a series of attacks against Somalia.
Despite the risks, Somalia's support for FRELIMO was a courageous and selfless act. Somalia's efforts helped to bring about the end of Portuguese rule in Mozambique and the establishment of an independent socialist state.

Present Day

Beira, Sofala, Mozambique

Sofala is now a relatively poor region, but it is rich in history and culture. The region is home to a number of important historical sites, including the ruins of the old Portuguese trading posts. The people of Sofala are also known for their hospitality and their strong sense of community.

Today, there are probably Somali merchants back in the region of Sofala, where their ancestors have established centuries ago, without knowing the true history behind its establishment. It's important to know and to learn our history in Africa and beyond.

By: Abdirahman Dahir (Samawade)

Entrepreneur | Activist | SpacesHost

@AbdiSamawad

What is a blue economy?

The blue economy is, the economic activity that takes place within and around the oceans, the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs. Somalia has a long coastline and a rich marine environment, which makes it well-positioned to benefit from the blue economy. It includes activities such as fishing, shipping, tourism, offshore energy development and marine research.

Somalia has a long coastline, rich marine environment and a large exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The country's waters are home to a variety of fish species, as well as coral reefs and other marine life. This means that Somalia has a lot of potential to benefit from the blue economy. These resources could be used to develop a sustainable blue economy that benefits all Somalis.

Some of the ways Somalia can benefit from the blue economy include:

Fishing and aquaculture:
Somalia has a large and untapped fishing industry. The country could develop its fishing industry by investing in modern fishing vessels and equipment, training fishermen, and building processing facilities. The country can export fish, lobster, and other marine products to other countries. Somalia could also develop its aquaculture industry by building fish farms and hatcheries.

Maritime transport: Somalia is a major shipping hub in the Indian Ocean. The country could develop its maritime transport industry by investing in port infrastructure, improving port efficiency, and developing a coastal shipping industry.
Offshore oil and gas: Somalia has significant offshore oil and gas reserves. The country could develop its offshore oil and gas industry by investing in exploration and production, building a pipeline infrastructure, and developing a gas processing industry.
Tourism: Somalia has a beautiful coastline and a rich marine environment. The country could develop its tourism industry by investing in coastal resorts, developing dive sites, and promoting its natural beauty.
Research and development: Somalia could develop its research and development capacity in the blue economy. The country could establish a blue economy research institute, fund blue economy research projects, and support blue economy entrepreneurs.

The blue economy can help Somalia to create jobs, boost its economy, and protect its environment. The country can also use the blue economy to improve its infrastructure, such as its ports and roads. The blue economy can also be used to improve Somalia's security. The country's coastline is a major smuggling route, and the blue economy can help Somalia to combat smuggling and piracy.

Building Strong Partnerships

The resources of the blue economy could be shared among federal member states in a number of ways:

Create a national blue economy fund: The national fund would provide financial resources to support the development of sustainable blue economy projects. This fund would be used to finance projects that benefit the blue economy, such as projects that improve the country's infrastructure or that support the country's fishermen.
Create a blue economy council: The council would bring together federal member state representatives to discuss and coordinate blue economy development.
Create a national blue economy strategy: This strategy would outline how the country's blue economy resources will be used and shared.
Creating a national marine management plan: A national marine management plan would identify the resources of the blue economy and how they can be used sustainably.
Developing a system of marine protected areas: Marine protected areas would help to protect the marine environment and the resources that it supports.
Providing training and support to fishermen and other marine workers: Training and support would help to ensure that the resources of the blue economy are used sustainably.

Growth Throught Export Opportunities

Somalia can export fish to other countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa. The country's ports are located on the coast of the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea and they are well-positioned to export fish to other countries in the region.

The country's fish exports are currently limited by a number of factors, including the lack of a strong fishing industry, the lack of infrastructure, and the lack of access to markets. However, there is potential for Somalia to increase its fish exports in the future.

The first step is to improve the fishing industry. This could include investing in new fishing vessels, training fishermen, and providing access to markets. Another thing is to improve infrastructure. This could include building roads, bridges, and ports. This could include negotiating trade agreements with other countries, or by participating in trade fairs. Another way is to export fish to processing plants in other countries, where the fish can be processed into products such as canned fish or fish meal.

The blue economy has the potential to create jobs, boost economic growth, and improve the livelihoods of Somalis. By investing in the blue economy, Somalia can unlock its potential and build a more prosperous future.