Editor's letter: Who owns the economy of Somalia and Somaliland — and where did the middle class go?

Dear friends, there is a question every Somali should ask: how did countries rich in livestock, fisheries, farmland, natural resources and hard-working people remain trapped in widespread poverty?

Today Somalia and Somaliland show a very wide economic gap. On one side sits a small number of people holding a large share of trade and wealth. On the other side are millions living on low incomes or depending on money sent home by relatives abroad.

The question is not whether private business is bad. Business is the backbone of any economy. The question is this: does the economy serve the whole society, or only a small group?

When competition weakens, when job opportunities shrink, when investment and credit reach only a narrow circle, it becomes very hard for young people and small traders to advance. That is how a society loses its middle class — the most important pillar of stability and economic growth.

Every developed country in the world built a strong middle class. It was achieved through quality education, laws that protect fair competition, accessible finance, sound infrastructure and clean public institutions.

If we want a better future than today, we must invest in people, not only in assets. We must create an environment where small and medium businesses can compete fairly. Young people must find dignified work, rather than depending only on remittances from abroad.

It is equally important to strengthen accountability, transparency and the rule of law, so that every person gets an equal chance to progress.

The future of Somalia and Somaliland cannot be built if wealth and economic opportunity remain confined to a few. It can be built when every person has the chance to work, trade, learn and build a dignified life.

This is not a war on business or on the wealthy. It is a call for economic fairness, open competition and a society whose progress reaches everyone.

If we want a strong society, we must build a strong middle class. If we want a lasting economy, we must create equal opportunity. If we want a bright future, we must work for an economy that serves all the people rather than a narrow group. Thank you. — A. Basha Sanyare, Chief Editor