Somaliland, Countdown To The July Summit Of The AU

[Suldaanka]

Somaliland, Countdown To The July Summit Of The AU

 

 

The fact-finding mission undertaken by the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Mr. Patrick Mizimhaka An exclusive Interview – The Sub-Saharan Informer

 

In the beginning of May the African Union had undertaken a fact-finding mission headed by the Deputy Chairperson Mr. Patrick Mizimhaka to Somaliland. The purpose of the mission was to assess the state of affairs of the country specifically with its quest for international recognition as independent country and draw a report, which will be presented to the chairperson and so to the heads of state for their consideration and deliberations. The team visited different regions of Somaliland where thousands of crowds flocked out to the open to express their feelings. The Deputy Chairperson and his team met with all government bodies, civil society and law making bodies of both houses. They had the opportunity to talk to all sections of the community. They also had the opportunity to gauge the state of security and stability of the country.

 

The Sub-Saharan Informer had accompanied the AU mission in most of their visits and had the chance to touch base with the head of the delegation and Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Mr. Patrick Mizimhaka in an exclusive interview to talk; about what his impressions were.

 

SSI: Why did it take this long for the AU to send this delegation because we have learnt that you were supposed to undertake this mission sometime last year? What is the reason that it took so long? Was it a logistic problem or other commitments?

 

Mr. Patrick Mizimhaka: You know that this problem lasted for very many years and the wars that went on around here were not very simple. Therefore the continent had an opinion. During the Cold War Somalia become client of Soviet Union and of United States of America. So the cold war kind of muddled the waters for African countries. The OAU was stuck with a policy of preservation of member states and now the African union came into scene in 2002 and in 2003 we were able to, as the interim lasted for about four years from 1999 all the way to 2003, when the present commission was put in place and so the commission that is implementing what was set out in the constitute act, which is different form the charter. Complementing the charter but with the new mandate. So the government of Somaliland engaged in discussions with the African union during that transition period started about four years ago. When we came-in in September 2003, we started engaging with the government of Somaliland, so that we developed an approach of-course the commission only serves the member countries therefore it takes time to get to a level where you get this kind of mission authorized. So there were no problems of logistics but I would say it was just a problem of processes. We agreed that the mission to take place sometime in around December 2004 but we have been late for four months because of other commitment, we had a summit in January in 2005 to meet and so on. Otherwise, we have been preparing to undertake this mission ever since the decision was reached. So even if it said that we have taken so long, I would say still it isn't that long, Of-course for the people who are suffering we cannot claim that we came to their rescue fast enough. Generally those are the causes of the delay.

 

SSI: What are your perceptions before you landed here? What did you think of Somaliland and what did you find out that is astonishing or surprising to you?

 

Mr. Patrick Mizimhaka: I think what was really amazing is that for somebody who doesn't visit or live here will be amazed to find out the way these people have been able to recover from the still very visible devastation of their villages, cities and facilities. But they have been able to keep the country running in normal fashion. Not only that, but in the institutions of government, particularly in the area of governance, if you look at the scenario in the other parts of Somalia, people understood War-Lordism as an ideology and one finds it difficult how this has been handled. Here, these have settled and new institutions, based on different approaches have established. Somalilanders have been able to stabilize the country that way; they have been able to enter democratization process and that is very robust. This is very obvious from the houses of representatives and the parliament, its obvious from the local councils, and its very obvious from the community organization. So we found that are very astonishing, there is advancement in those directions and also recovery and rehabilitation from the devastations. Something you cannot be able to see when you go to the other parts.

 

SSI: Why has there been so much silence from the African countries or the west on the issue of Somaliland and its achievement in maintaining peace and stability without any external assistance? Some intellectuals argue that in Europe when things did not workout, specially in the former eastern block, the international community had to reconsider the borders of the countries whose unity did not work, and let each one of them go their own directions and he asked why that could not be the case with Somaliland/Somalia affairs. What do you have to say about this?

 

Mr. Patrick Mizimhaka: I think when you say Europe; we are talking about Western Europe. Western Europe had an interest in the collapse of Soviet Union and other communist countries like Yugoslavia. Africa has no interest in the collapse of any of its member states; we come from different points of view, it would be unfair to compare the two. Africa is actively and ideologically working for the stabilization of each of its members, in the end to facilitate a union of the people of Africa. But to be able to unite the people, you must be under a situation that works towards that objective and therefore stable countries are very important. That is where Africans are coming from, where Europe was very interested in dismantling the soviet empire.

 

SSI: It is obvious that the fate of the country is going to lie on your hands - your assessment and recommendations would definitely influence the AU head of states decision. Although you and your team may have made sincere and professional assessment of their situation and achievements and table the report in the July summit, the decision of the summit may somehow delay the recognition of Somaliland as an independent country putting some requirements and modalities. How would you feel if this happens? And what do you think the logical conclusion of the summit should be?

 

Mr. Patrick Mizimhaka: As you may know the commission is a secretariat and its staff are not decision makers on such issues. What we are doing here is to assess and compile a report to the AU commission chairperson and it is the Chairperson who would present the case as one of the agenda during the summit. There are processes that are involved in looking at the issue and they should be fulfilled at the secretariat level. The report my team and I would be compiling will without any prejudice include all that has been investigated and assessed. I think the head of states will make their deliberations responsibly and make the needed recommendations. As for the logical conclusion, it would be premature to comment and as you know, I am a civil servant of the Commission, so it would be appropriate to leave it to those who will deliberate on it to come up with conclusion.

 

SSI: Will the AU be assisting Somaliland in social and economic development?

 

Mr. Patrick Mizimhaka: The AU has clear mandate of assisting its member states and communities in economic and social development so as to alleviate poverty. Within such framework, it will definitely assist Somaliland and this mission is just the beginning of such activity. So I am sure the AU will extend its assistance in whatever aspect it may be deemed

[Suldaanka]

Looks like Sub-Saharan Informer asked most of the questions I would have asked. Nicely done.

 

Indeed it is a new beginning for Somaliland and the African Union. I liked the positive outlook of the deputy chair in regards to Somaliland.

 

All Somaliland needs is the acknowledgement of fella Africans.

[xiinfaniin]

Originally posted by Suldaaanka:

Mr. Patrick Mizimhaka: I think when you say Europe; we are talking about Western Europe. Western Europe had an interest in the collapse of Soviet Union and other communist countries like Yugoslavia. Africa has no interest in the collapse of any of its member states; we come from different points of view, it would be unfair to compare the two. Africa is actively and ideologically working for the stabilization of each of its members, in the end to facilitate a union of the people of Africa. But to be able to unite the people, you must be under a situation that works towards that objective and therefore stable countries are very important. That is where Africans are coming from, where Europe was very interested in dismantling the soviet empire.

Mr. Patrick Mizimhaka has the correct assessment of unity whose value eluded from our northern brethren. And although one appreciates the significant political progress that our fellow nomads achieved and the stability they maintained, one, however, must wonder if the leaders of the north have devised a workable plan if the bid for recognition fails. A plan short of a war, that is. How would they handle the possibility of reuniting with the south, as there is a good chance of that prospect? Will the rhetoric and insistence of nationhood in the end get some polishing truth?

[Suldaanka]

XiinFiniin

The unity that you so talk about, you put it as if its something we need to try as an option, while obviously discarding the actual facts. Perhaps 30 years of domination and destruction is not enough of an experience I guess. hmmm

 

It didn't elude us, it simply isn't an option. Somethings just don't add up, we have our freedom and it doesn't make any sense at all as to submitting that freedom to a people whom by now the whole world knows what they are, bunch of thugs. And sadly we had lived under the rule of those same Mafia like ruffians for 30 years. (I am refering to politicians here )

 

As for the recognition of Somaliland, it is a process that will take its course, and its success or failure ultimately lies on the hands of Somalilanders and no one else. Yes, it will take time, but that does not mean in anyway or form that the Somaliland people will abandon it. Simply put, Somaliland whether recognised or not, it will be here forever. That is a decision taken by the people and no one else.

[SOO MAAL]

The clan faction of Somaliland is not an option for Sool Sanaag and Cayn Regions, for 15 years the people of Sool Sanaag and Cayn Regions choose unity and brotherhood with all Somalia, and opposed the dominion, and hostile faction of Somaliland.

 

It’s impossible that the people of Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn to give up their freedom to racist people, a group of thugs (I am referring to politicians here)

 

SSI: Why has there been so much silence from the African countries or the west on the issue of Somaliland and its achievement in maintaining peace and stability without any external assistance? Some intellectuals argue that in Europe when things did not workout, specially in the former eastern block, the international community had to reconsider the borders of the countries whose unity did not work, and let each one of them go their own directions and he asked why that could not be the case with Somaliland/Somalia affairs. What do you have to say about this?

Caqli yaraa, it just can be that way because Somaliland cannot be entity. Somaliland is unworkable idea, because Hargeysa faction is a hostile faction and waging war against other Somali regions like Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn Regions.

 

Mr. Patrick Mizimhaka: I think when you say Europe; we are talking about Western Europe. Western Europe had an interest in the collapse of Soviet Union and other communist countries like Yugoslavia. Africa has no interest in the collapse of any of its member states; we come from different points of view, it would be unfair to compare the two. Africa is actively and ideologically working for the stabilization of each of its members, in the end to facilitate a union of the people of Africa. But to be able to unite the people, you must be under a situation that works towards that objective and therefore stable countries are very important. That is where Africans are coming from, where Europe was very interested in dismantling the soviet empire.

Perfect answer, I couldn’t agree more, Africa should work toward the wellbeing, and stabilization of Somalia. Somaliland will make the already volatile region of horn of Africa more unstable. So it is not in the interest of world and Africa to accept so-called Somaliland. Because there is major regions (like Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn Regions) within the borders of former British Somaliland or the unjust and unreasonable borders that the current clan faction of Somaliland that is based in Hargeysa.

[Castro]

SSI: It is obvious that the fate of the country is going to lie on your hands - your assessment and recommendations would definitely influence the AU head of states decision.

Mr. "Patrick Mizimhaka": We believe the fate of Somaliland is in the hands of its government and its people. We have also found that Somaliland is more than worthy of recognition. We are surprised universal recognition has not come sooner. An improverished nation in its infancy that has managed to create a peaceful and vibrant democracy. Frankly, it is a marvel to behold and a shining example to the entire Horn of Africa.

 

However, we do have an issue with the name "Somaliland". We believe it is the major obstacle to a successful secession. In order to expedite the recognition of the AU, we stronlgy urge the government and the people of Somaliland to relinquish the name Somali to Somalia. The latter quasi-state has no government, economy or dignity to speak of. To prevent adding any more insult to massive injuries, it wants its name back and declines to have to share it with anyone. I mean, seriously, Somaliland cannot expect to have a democracy, peace and a decent economy and keep the name as well.

 

The AU suggests the name be changed to "The Islamic Republic of Zaire". Zaire is a name not even the original owners are using. Therefore, there will be no claims for it. It's unique, it's African and it's available. Please, use this name and I will make sure to push the decision committee to recognize you as soon as possible.

 

Best wishes.

[NASSIR]

Mr. Patrick Mizimhaka unlike Mat Bryden is a man with vision. Except that if his vision is NOT blurred by a house wife from Somali Lander just like Mat Bryden got his from Hargeisa, He would be a true AU official and African uniter.

[Suldaanka]

^^of course Mizimhaka like Bryden, will only report nothing but the truth "without any prejudice" as Mizimhaka put it. Unfortunately, I know someone who will be having problems with that. Very absurd.

 

 

ofleh

Interestingly humorous. Now you are suggesting for Somaliland to change its name altogether? That wouldn't be a bad idea afterall, knowning how the Somali name has been degraded by the warlords thesedays.

 

 

SOO MAAL

Good effort mate