Jacaylbaro Posted February 17, 2008 hadhwanaag 2008-02-17 (Hadhwanaagnews) The quest for international recognition is practically legit, as it is known world wide that Somaliland historically existed as a separate country with internationally recognized borders. It gained its independence on June 26, 1960 and existed for five days as a sovereign state. Somaliland voluntarily entered a union with southern Somalia on July 1, 1960. During that time, the sentiment of nationalism were all time high and Somalilanders were so enamored with the idea of bringing all ethnic Somali speaking communities under one nation (NFD, Djibouti and ******). The euphoria of nationalistic tendencies that existed in the 1960s – creation of greater Somalia - influenced Somalilanders to rush to the ill-fated union. Considering the contemporary geo-politics as relates to international terrorism and the opportunities available for Somaliland, I intend to articulate the following four items: - 1. Internal Critics of Somaliland. 2. External Critics of Somaliland 3. Geo-politics and the rise of international terrorism. Internal Critics of Somaliland The source of the internal critics, envious dislike as it could be, tends to spread from Southern Somalia. The factional leaders in Southern Somalia were unable to lift their country from the chaos and anarchy, which are the hallmarks of Mogadishu. Likewise, the UN-backed transitional government is also failing miserably, as some major clans refused to support the leadership of Abdillahi Yusuf. Therefore, the leaders of the south were not successful to map out a viable political agreement intended to rebuild the fundamental foundations of civil society. Ironically, the only known agreement the factional leaders in Southern Somalia have in common is not to allow the restoration of Somaliland independence. Understandably, the binding clue that used to counterbalance and keep the defunct Somali Republic together suddenly vanished from the scene. They desperately need a new strong molecular structure capable of replacing the missing link. For that matter, the argument of internal critics to oppose the restoration of Somaliland independence is utter non-sense, as they invoke the sacred nature of Somali unity. This pro unity block tends to ignore two fundamental historical instances. Somalia and Somaliland were two separate entities before the union with internationally known demarcated borders. In addition, these two entities were colonized by two different Europeans powers. Somalia was administered under the Italian trusteeship, while Somaliland was a British protectorate. Furthermore, the so called union between the two Somali states was unlawful and never enacted into the law, since the parliaments of Somaliland and Somalia did not ratify it as a single act of union. External Critics of Somaliland Most of the external critics are from Africa and the Arab world. The crux of their argument have been all along that the recognition of Somaliland could set a precedent for other secession movements seeking to change colonial-era borders, opening a Pandora's box in the region. This line of reasoning, imaginative as it is can no longer withstand the afore-mentioned historical facts. Somaliland also meets the Montevideo criteria for statehood. It has a permanent population, defined territory, a government and capacity to enter into relations with the other states. Therefore, its endeavor to secure international recognition conforms to generally established international law Geo-politics and the rise of international terrorism In light of the so-called global terrorism, the international geo-politics have been going through a radical transformation. It is no secret that the USA is determined to establish its military presence in Africa, with the objective of putting at bay the spread of Al Qaida in the Horn of Africa. Even though the American forces are operating at neighboring Djibouti , the facilities available there are no match to that in Berbera, not to mention the hostile climate and the rough terrain they are faced with. Consequently, the Americans are fully aware of the strategic importance of Somaliland, particularly the giant airport at Berbera costal area. The international communities can no longer ignore the ongoing progress of Somaliland. It is an entity that works, despite its meager economy; all government organs are functioning adequately. Stability and peace is prevailing through out the country, while southern Somalia is plunged into gun-fuelled anarchy. Every citizen is guaranteed political freedom, personal security, the rule of law, freedom of expression and equality of opportunity. Democracy is flourishing through multi party system. Elections were held at presidential, parliamentarian and municipal levels. These elections were monitored by foreign observers and were declared as being conducted openly, fairly, honestly and in accordance with internationally recognized elections procedures. Somaliland certainly demonstrated all the attributes of viable and vibrant state, and this earned her to be referred as Africa’s best kept secret. This state is definitely enjoying a highly accelerated momentum to achieve its recognition, that is why the nations of the world including USA, Europe and Africa are becoming receptive to its case. The African Union continues to deliberate on this issue of Somaliland recognition. In May 2007 the European Parliament called upon the Council and Commission to investigate Somaliland's request for independence. In addition, the United States of America commenced to engage Somaliland to establish working bi-lateral relations. Lately, the international media have been speculating that USA is about to recognize Somaliland, due to the fact that some members of the US congress introduced a draft bill that could pave the way for recognition of Somaliland as an independent state by the United States of America. As a result, the external constraints in the pursuit of its goal appear to be losing significant grounds to the viability and rightfulness to restore its independence and eventually become a fully recognized nation. Without a doubt, the much-awaited recognition of Somaliland is finally on the horizon, as the officials of the government intensified their diplomatic lobbying to achieve the objective of its indigenous citizens. Recently the president of Somaliland and high-ranking delegation paid an official visit to Great Britain and United States of America. Apart from other issues of mutual interest, rest assured that the question of awarding diplomatic recognition to Somaliland was raised and thoroughly discussed during the meetings the president had with the officials in UK and USA. Conclusion Since the interest of sovereign nations is the determining factor of their geo-political and economic relations; the government of US decided to engage Somaliland to enhance its strategic interests in the region. Therefore, the ramifications of these bi-lateral relations will be conducive to the advancement of Somaliland aspirations, both politically and economically including the recognition issue. Even though the United States policy would like to defer to the African Union as the appropriate forum to address the recognition issue, but it clearly indicates its willingness to follow up the developments of the issue. Furthermore, the recent visit of Dr. Jendayi Frazer the Assistant Secretary of State for African affairs on Hargeisa the capital city of Somaliland attests to US determination to encourage African Union to address the recognition of Somaliland. Dr. Jendayi Frazer stated that the United States would like to see an African Union to send another fact finding mission to Somaliland. Finally, the day of reckoning is fast approaching if it didn’t already arrive. Somaliland is poised to reap the fruits of its efforts in nation building and good governance. The mind set of the international community is on its side to grant recognition. Therefore, the internal critics ought to understand that it is inherently unnatural and contrary to the cosmic forces of nature to quarrel with an indigenous community set to repossess its rightful belongings. The restoration of Somaliland independence is that it gained from Great Britain; regretfully, it is that we shared and united with you for the sole purpose of achieving Greater Somalia. Our people paid a humongous price to repossess their sovereignty. It will be defended very fiercely to the last blood. Let those who entertain the foal’s game be aware. By : Adam Mohamed Egeh “Mardaadi” Toronto, Canada. February 17,2008 Email: run13@netzero.net Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fabregas Posted February 17, 2008 quote:In light of the so-called global terrorism, the international geo-politics have been going through a radical transformation. It is no secret that the USA is determined to establish its military presence in Africa, with the objective of putting at bay the spread of Al Qaida in the Horn of Africa. Even though the American forces are operating at neighboring Djibouti , the facilities available there are no match to that in Berbera, not to mention the hostile climate and the rough terrain they are faced with. Consequently, the Americans are fully aware of the strategic importance of Somaliland, particularly the giant airport at Berbera costal area. Translation: we'll serve Uncle Sam better than our African Cousins? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
