Blame game solves nothing

Members of the Edmonton Police Service and the Somali community participated in a game of soccer at the Victoria Soccer Club last spring in an effort to build trust and relationships.

Photograph by: Shaughn Butts, The Journal, File, Edmonton Journal


The recent shooting death of a young Somali man in Edmonton has created an outcry and frustration.

I am a Somali-Canadian myself and I'm upset about how things are being articulated by the community leaders.

It's disappointing and sad to see the blame game go around from the leaders who were supposed to be responsible for calming things down. A sense of responsibility is absent from the discourse.

This is a concern for both the community and the general public. There are no simple answers or solutions, but authorities and community leaders need to find a way to work together in a professional manner.

Furthermore, people should understand that no one person represents the Somali community and it's irresponsible to frame the story as such.

Many disagree with the articulation of the issue. In addition, individuals who are so called community leaders are not helpful when they use confrontational and provocative language in the media.

The community is not happy about this negative and embarrassing representation.

The media should seek community members who are moderate and have a better understanding of the situation. Only those who have the experience, training and proper education background should represent the community.

Leadership is about accepting responsibility. Leaders have a responsibility to their community. They have a responsibility to encourage civic duties and the rule of law.

To just point fingers when the community faces challenges is not responsible leadership.

Initiatives and programs that promote the participation and understanding of the justice system should be a key area of focus.

Somalia fell into lawlessness two decades ago. Somalis have come to Canada because of its security and the adherence to the rule of law. The leaders have a responsibility to create an environment in which the community has faith in the judicial system.

There is no doubt the government and the police have invested much to build bridges with Somali-Canadians. The government has extended resources and the police have created programs to develop trust and a working relationship.

The community is in fact appreciative of these supports despite the unwarranted blame being placed on the police by misguided individuals. This approach by community members is unacceptable and counterproductive.

The unwillingness of individual witnesses to come forth to provide evidence is through no fault of the police. The lack of trust of the justice system is no fault of the government. Nevertheless, with co-operation, programs could be put in place to encourage civic responsibility.

The criticism of the police by some individuals in the Somali community is a call for help and support in the face of an overwhelming frustration and a feeling of hopelessness.

These feelings are a reflection of the horrible experiences in their homeland and the breakdown of tradition, family structure and the lack of positive adaptation to the way of life in Canadian society.

The process of integration is in its infant stage for the Somali community. They have been in Canada for about two decades, compared to many other immigrant groups who have been here longer.

In time they will also integrate and become contributing members of society. The community and its leaders must ultimately accept that the initial responsibility toward social and cultural evolution lies within.

Ahmed Abdullahi, youth and family counsellor, Edmonton

Source: The Edmonton Journal