Somaliland: A UN political office free zone

[Jacaylbaro]

Written by Ahmed Khayre

Sep 11, 2009 at 12:28 AM

Reading about the visit of the UN envoy to Somaliland and Somalia's visit to Hargeisa made me laugh. This same gentlemen wouldn't even give Somaliland the time of day in more settled days, and now he wants to wedge himself in a place where he is not wanted, respected or needed. This typical of the UN Political department. I have lots of time for many of the other UN agencies, such as UNDP, WHO, UNESCO, FAO, UNICEF, and UNHCR, because they do sterling work across the globe. But, the UN political department is a flawed and weak office. It reminds me of one those pathetic people who desperately want to be liked and made to feel important. Somaliland has been and will continue to overcome any internal issues, through the winning formula or dialogue, discussion and consensus. It doesn't need a toothless and discredited "diplomat" attempting to muddy the waters. This is the same envoy that in a previous meeting with the Somaliland administration requested that the Somaliland forces be used as a proxy in the anarchy in Somalia. When this proposal was rejected, like Representative Donald Payne, he went off in a huff, like a rejected lovesick teenager.

Today, he wants to be seen as the "peacemaker" in Somaliland, when, all he wants to do is justify his staggering budget, and attempt to create the image that the current political stand-off in Somaliland is somewhat akin to the total anarchy in Somalia.

 

But, we Somalilanders are gracious hosts; we will welcome him, marvel at his total lack of shame, and listen to him politely, before resolving our own issues without any external interference. Somaliland has never had a government made overseas, in hotels and cafes around Nairobi or Djibouti, in which, millions and millions of dollars were spent to grease the palms of brigands and murderers. If the UN envoy to Somaliland and Somalia wants to be taken seriously, then perhaps he can explain where all the billions spent on Somalia went.

Thanks for coming, Mr. Envoy, enjoy your stay in Hargeisa, but we don't need you. We are fine and will remain fine. This is a family matter, and you aren't even a distant, distant, distant, cousin.