Somaliland and its path forward..

[Jacaylbaro]

As the ship of state that is Somaliland sails smoothly over turbulent waters,

there are still several challenges ahead for our country.

 

Somalilanders must see to it that nothing hinders the upcoming local and

presidential elections. The government of Somaliland must enable all of its

citizens to express their elective preferences. It is also imperative the people

of Somaliland use their votes in a mature and responsible manner.

 

The international community has a moral obligation to assist Somaliland in

conducting these up-coming elections. This assistance must constitute both

monetary and logistic support. The onus is on the international community to make

sure that Somaliland continues on its path towards democratic maturity, which will

in the fullness of time lead to international recognition.

 

It goes without saying that Somaliland must remain on its course unhindered or

distracted by the countless meetings taking place across the globe with regard to

Somalia. Somalilanders must be self-confident in their ability to determine their

own destiny.

 

We, Somalilanders, have many challenges to overcome, in terms of economic and

social development, employment, poverty and other environmental issues. We can

only overcome these challenges if we remain united and focused. Somalilanders must

exercise self-examination and self-accountability, we can't afford to rest on our

laurels.

 

Let us not forget that politics are just for today and tomorrow, but a nation, a

state can last forever. Somalilanders have been trying for more than seventeen

years to convince the international community of their intentions, and finally, it

seems the world has acknowledged the reality of Somaliland.

 

Somalilanders understand that world opinion had been focused on other pressing

issues in the region,but we are proud of our achievements, our struggles,

victories and set-backs, and to the world we say, "What has taken you so long?"

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Ahmed Kheyre

London, UK