Somaliland doesn't need to negotiate its sovereignty

[Jacaylbaro]

Somaliland doesn't need to negotiate its sovereignty

 

 

To Jimma Times - Jimma, Oromia

 

 

Dear Editor

 

 

You recent article entitled "Somalia=Ethiopia: Somaliland clashes complicate peace prospect" is riddled with inaccuracies and assumptions which merely highlight your lack of knowledge of Somaliland.

 

Somaliland has been at peace since 1991. Somaliland is a viable democracy with a free press, judiciary and is making substantial steps towards international recognition. Somaliland neither requires nor needs negotiations with Somalia.

 

Somaliland and Somalia were two independents nations who formed a union in 1960 with the intention of joining all the Somali territories under one umbrella. This goal had failed with the annexation of the NFD into Kenya and the independence of Djibouti.

 

For, almost thirty one years Somaliland had been short-changed in its partnership with Somalia. This sad state of affairs led to the reclamation of sovereignty on 18th of May 1991, which was subsequently endorsed by over 90% of the Somaliland population.

 

Granted there are issues in parts of Sool and Eastern Sanaag, but Somaliland has moved beyond clan politics. The recent clashes in Laas Canood are between two militias of the same sub-clan, with one side refusing to bow to Puntland authority. In order to spare more death and destruction in the region, Somaliland has always taken the high road, but let me reassure it is not because of "a lack of stomach for the fight".

 

It is a mark of political maturity that Somaliland has not interfered in the mayhem in Somalia. In fact, Somaliland has done everything in its power to promote peace and understanding in our neighbouring country. Somaliland will not become a conduit for those who are willing to prolong the conflict in Somalia. Quite the opposite, Somaliland has recently played host to a large influx of people fleeing the fighting in Mogadishu.

 

 

We are all entitled to our opinions, but it is wrong to compare apples to oranges. Somaliland is a sovereign nation with all the attributes of a fully fledged state, Puntland is autonomous region within Somalia with all the hallmarks of a regional entity.

 

Somaliland wants to live in peace with all its neighbouring countries, but there can never be of going back to old the status-quo, and furthermore more, Somaliland doesn't need to negotiate its sovereignty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Qarannews Media Natwork

www.qarannews.com