Interview with Ambassador Brook Hailu Beshah

[Jacaylbaro]

IAR:

Speaking of recognition of a free nation, Somaliland has illustrated a high level of sovereignty and stability over the past 15 years. In a country plagued by lawlessness and in a region known for instability, Somaliland has proven to be an island of stability in a sea of chaos. Why have Ethiopia, the AU, the UN, the US, and Great Britain refused to recognize its independence as a free and sovereign nation?

 

Amb. Beshah:

Somaliland, with its capital in Hargeisa, used to be called the British Somaliland and was ruled by the UK during the colonial period. The Italian Somaliland, literally the rest of Somalia, with its capital in Mogadishu, used to be called Italian Somaliland. The people living in both areas are of the Somali ethnic group; they speak the Somali language, but come from different clans. In the case of Somaliland, the ***** clan is predominantly found there, while the *****, Hawiya and other clans live in the rest of Somalia.

 

The ways and means of colonial administration had its own impact on both territories.

The British style of colonial rule—as can be observed in Anglophone Africa, countries like Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya just to cite a few—had allowed limited form of political participation, limited form of self-rule, and local government. Generally speaking, these had positive impacts at time of and in post- independence period.

 

This was a blessing in disguise for the Somaliland Somalis. It made them more open to contending political views, to different political parties and to a young, yet vibrant press. They are more prone to modern democratic discourse--not fighting with weapons, but fighting with words. So there is a tradition of tolerance and of being tolerant. In the case of Italian Somaliland these factors were unfortunately absent, and hence its consequences were felt right after independence and to this day.

 

In 1960, both colonies gained independence and agreed to form one political entity with its capital in Mogadishu. Free elections were held and there was a legitimately elected government in place. There were also different political parties. Unfortunately, the democratic process in Somalia was short lived. It ended with the assassination of the Somali head of state which consequently led the country to authoritarian rule culminating in the coming to power of General Siad Barre whose reign lasted till 1991.

 

This led to frustration for the people of Somaliland who had resented since independence the ‘unbalanced relations’ they have had with the Italian part. The ‘South’ dominated the ‘North’ by holding and controlling state power and the political landscape of the country. After a long and protracted civil war which was also undertaken in Somaliland, the rule of Siad Barre came to an end. Now, after almost 20 years, Somalia still has no strong central government and has become a “failed state”.

 

The northerners, the former British Somaliland, organized themselves, and formed a new state called Somaliland and declared themselves as a free nation totally separate from the rest of Somalia.

 

They declared to the world: If they ever were to be part of Somalia, it would be under an open, tolerant, democratic Somalia. But given the current reality and condition, they argue they would rather exist as a separate country.

 

Their effort to gain recognition and be accepted as a sovereign and independent state has not yet borne fruit. They have approached neighboring countries, African states; the AU; EU; the USA to give them recognition. Even Ethiopia, it seems the neighboring country they counted on, refused to recognize them. There were reports in the 1990’s that the leaders of Somaliland were considering some kind of loose political association with Ethiopia. Hence there was no “de jure” recognition.

 

However, Somaliland has received “de facto” recognition. Several states, especially neighboring ones, have recently begun direct relations with the Hargeisa government. A case in point is Ethiopia. Addis Ababa has opened a diplomatic mission in Hargeisa and has named an Ambassador.

 

It is unlikely that Somaliland will come back to Somalia under the old conditions. It looks like the Somalis [in Somaliland], have tasted how sweet independence and self-determination are. Time and time again the leaders of Somaliland proudly declare their achievements: peace, tranquility, and economic progress. Hargeisa and the port city of Berbera are booming. Berbera has become an additional outlet for the export and import of landlocked Ethiopia and are expanding the port facilities. In addition to the roads that link Jijiga, Ethiopia with Hargeisa and onwards to Berbera, there is a regular air link between the two.

 

We live in the 21st century where self-determination and independence of peoples is respected. My expectation is Somaliland will be accepted—recognized by African, the USA and by the European countries in the immediate future.

 

FULL INTERVIEW

[Juje]

Originally posted by J.a.c.a.y.l.b.a.r.o:

We live in the 21st century where self-determination and independence of peoples is respected. My expectation is Somaliland will be accepted—recognized by African, the USA and by the European countries in the immediate future.

[Jacaylbaro]

No celebration ,,, YET