Somaliland's growing political arena

[Jacaylbaro]

I have found it amusing that every time a political, economic or a social issue

occurs in Somaliland, some 'unnamed" diplomat says, and I quote "This event could

hinder Somaliland's efforts for international recognition". On the one hand, as a

Somalilander, I am honoured that my country is held to a high level of

accountability, but on the other hand, I am perturbed that all of Somaliland's

efforts are to be judged one incident. Talk about a double standard.

 

This situation regarding the arrest of Dr.Gaboose, Inj. Maxamed Xaashi and

Mr.Caydiid should be settled at the judicial level. It is imperative that due

process should be followed.

The accused have been asked to appear before a court, they did so, and the court

remanded them for seven days. Not even all the queen's counsel in the inner courts

of London will argue with that procedure. They weren't beaten Mugabe "style", they

weren't massacred on a deserted beach, they were not put before a military

tribunal with a soldier in the background polishing the execution stake. This is

Somaliland, not some banana republic.

 

These politicians are charged with bringing "instability to Somaliland with their

political actions which contravene the Somaliland constitution". In Somaliland,

everyone will have their day in court. Whether the court rules in favour of the

government or not, is something we all have to wait and see. The real question, is

not whether the government is right or wrong, whether these politicians are guilty

or not, whether some people will support or oppose these events. No, the real

challenge is whether Somaliland justice will follow due process and whether all

parties will be satisfied with the decision.

 

After all, the last Presidential election was decided by less than 80 votes and to

the credit of all concerned the decision of the supreme court was accepted. I

anticipate a similar scenario which will once again show the political maturity

of Somaliland and its people.

 

So, all those "unnamed" diplomats, please don't judge Somaliland on the latest

political or social intrigue, but look at the bigger picture. Somaliland favours

the broadminded analysis over the narrow minded opinion.

 

 

 

Ahmed Kheyre

London, UK