Differences in the Evolution of Bantu and Cushitic Somalis
The purpose of this lecture is to compare the development of Bantu and Cushitic Somalis across time. Bantus and Cushitic Somalis are two ethnic groups living in Africa. The original homeland of the Bantu is Cameroon, Central Africa. For the Cushitic Somalis, their original homeland is Sudan, North Africa. Despite the fact that both groups originated on the African continent, their evolution over time shows significant differences. In particular, the Bantu are civilized, prosperous, likable, and peaceful. On the other hand, the Cushitic Somalis are hostile, cruel, ungovernable, and unstable. These differences are not obvious to a foreign observer but separate the two sides. In that case, the evolution of the Bantu and Cushitic Somalis over time has been characterized by significant differences in their nature, activities, and civilization.
While the Bantu people have a peaceful nature that transcends their lifestyle, the Cushitic Somalis are hostile people with a warlike history. After the Bantu left their homeland about 3000 years ago, they traveled to southern and eastern Africa. The Bantu mixed with the groups they met freely, promoting strong ties wherever they went. That created language and cultural exchange and led to the development of good relationships. As a result, the Bantu people increased greatly and prospered. On the contrary, the Cushitic Somalis have a hostile nature that can be traced to their origin. Many left their homelands due to clan wars that persist to this day. Still, in the present home, the Somali nation, the Cushitic Somalis, are known for hostile criminal activities. For instance, they engage in piracy and crimes such as highway robberies. They hijack ships from traders and steal their goods. In addition, they kidnap people and demand ransom. In recent years, the Cushitic Somalis have also started to participate in terrorism by committing suicide bombings and massacring their people. Thus, the Bantu have maintained a peaceful nature, while the Cushitic Somalis have become even more hostile over the years.
It is also worth noting that Bantu activities over the years have made them prosper and become prestigious people on the African continent, while the Cushitic Somalis’ activities have made them remain backward. Bantu activities can be traced back to the Iron Age. In this era, they transmitted technology across Africa. Specifically, the Bantus introduced expert iron smelting in Africa as well as agricultural know-how. In addition to their agricultural work, the Bantus also engaged in hunting and fishing to supplement their diet. They used traditional methods such as traps, spears, and nets to catch animals and fish in nearby rivers and forests. Furthermore, as they spread in Africa, they built strong kingdoms such as the Kongo Kingdom, the Mali Empire, the Benin Empire, the Ajuran Empire, and Great Zimbabwe, to mention a few. The Bantu influence was felt throughout the continent. Unlike the Bantus, the Cushitic Somalis’ activities include camel-herding in the desert. In the pre-colonial era, Cushitic Somalis slept in caves butt-naked at night like the animals and roamed the desert with their camels during the day; some still do that to this day. Because of their backward lifestyle, they have remained an uncivilized nation. Again, instead of participating in progressive economic activities, many turn into criminals. Very little has changed about them over the years, making them primitive. Therefore, while the Bantu people engaged in prestigious and progressive activities, the Cushitic Somalis’ activities were primitive, making them a backward nation.
In addition, while the Bantu people have become more civilized over the years, the Cushitic Somalis are still uncivilized. The Bantus have formed hierarchical leadership in all the regions they occupy. The leadership has governance structures, and people are appointed or elected to lead others. These governments are stable and have continuity. On the other hand, the Cushitic Somalis have remained unable to govern themselves. Although the Italian colonizers tried to civilize them for a century and a decade of training, they still do not have a stable government. The Somali region is one of the world’s most volatile and unstable regions. It is unfortunate that from the time the colonial empire gave them independence until today, they have yet to learn how to govern themselves. Thus, the Somalis have not established stable governments for many decades after being granted independence, unlike the Bantu people.
In conclusion, the evolution of Bantu and Cushitic Somalis is marked by vast differences in their nature, activities, and civilization. While the Bantus have a peaceful nature, the Cushitic are hostile. Bantus have made strong ties with other groups and fostered relationships. Contrary to popular belief, the Cushitic Somalis still engage in clan wars and criminal activities such as stealing, terrorism, piracy, and more. Furthermore, the activities of the Bantu and Cushitic Somalis differ significantly. While the Bantu people have embraced the progressive activities of transmitting technology, agriculture, and building strong kingdoms, the Cushitic Somalis practice camel-herding and participate in criminal activities. It is also notable that the Bantus are more civilized than the Cushitic Somalis. While the Bantus have stable governance systems, the Cushitic Somalis have not learned how to govern themselves. Therefore, unless the Cushitic Somalis change their practices, they will remain a backward, unstable, and uncivilized nation with high rates of crime.
