Somaliland’s Domestic Progress And International Opportunities

[Jacaylbaro]

Since the government and the opposition sat down together to find a way out of the serious problems related to the elections and the extension of the president’s term, the political temperature in Somaliland has dropped considerably and things are moving in the right direction. It was a smart move that the parties involved in the discussions started by tackling the problem which was most amenable to a solution, namely, setting a date for the elections. The only potential problem here is that now that the opposition parties have committed themselves to the dates of the elections, the government might be less forthcoming on other issues. But despite the government’s bad record when it comes to keeping its word, at this point, we do not want to prejudge the issues under the discussion, and like the rest of the country, we will on the bright side and hope for the best.

 

The elections were not the only areas in which forward steps were taken. Other areas of progress include:

 

1-The passing of the budget

 

2- The addition of a representative of the biggest opposition party (Kulmiye) to the electoral commission and the election of a vice chair for the election commission.

 

The domestic sphere is not the only one where things are moving in the right direction either. Internationally, too, Somaliland has had some good news this week with the revelation by the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi E. Frazer, in a lecture at the University of Washington, that the US is considering opening diplomatic representation in Somaliland.

 

Given this auspicious international environment, it is imperative that Somaliland’s political elite settle their differences and have credible elections, as soon as possible, so that the country can benefit the most from the international opportunities in the horizon.

 

 

Editorial: Somaliland Times

[Ibtisam]

Do they ever give details of meaningful allocations for social and economic development in the budget? or is it the same as last year; a narration of salaries of civil and military staffs?

[Jacaylbaro]

They give a full explanation of everything but only to the parliament members in hard copies.

 

The discussion was too long and tough as some websites posted but they are all in Somali.

[Ibtisam]

Damit. What happened to Transparency?/ hard copy :rolleyes:

[Jacaylbaro]

I don't think most of them don't have computers and internet access ,,,,,,

 

They know sida loo qayilo, sida loo qayliyo and don't forget about the oral society we are.