Experts have told Somalis their inclusive cultural and Islamic values cannot underpin rebuilding democracy

Evidence

On another plane and for over thirty years, Somalis have been told by experts that they cannot dream of rebuilding their democratic republic based on their inclusive cultural and Islamic values. My hope is that when young Somalis read Africa’s First Democrats, they will be inspired by the dedication of those first Somali democratic leaders and their supporters, whose commitment embodied the hopes of a proud people and the essence of liberation. — Abdi Ismail Samatar, Africa’s First Democrats, 23

Categorization

• SEED: The claim that Somalis were told their indigenous and Islamic values disqualify them from democracy is a provocation worth unpacking — could anchor an essay on how ‘expert’ tutelage discourse denies non-Western peoples the right to self-govern.