Somaliland: Kulmiye Chairman Meets With Rt Hon. Tony Baldry MP at Westminster

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

Somaliland: Kulmiye Chairman Meets With Rt Hon. Tony Baldry MP at Westminster

Tuesday, 06 March 2012 19:50

 

The two politicians during their meeting at WestminsterBy: Mohamed Aden Hassan

LONDON (Somalilandsun) — Kulmiye Party Chairman, HE Muse Biihi Abdi, met with Rt Hon Tony Baldry Conservative MP for North Oxfordshire. Among several MPs, Baldry shows great interest in matters concerning Somalia and Somaliland and looks determined to find an enduring solution for the challenges facing the Somali people in the Horn of Africa. Ahmed Adare, a party member and a businessman, was also present at the gathering.

The meeting was organized as part of Muse's efforts to promote the Republic of Somaliland as a democratic state and attract foreign investment/ors to the country. With that in mind the discussion concentrated on the following key areas:

Investment

It is no secret that Somaliland has many investment worthy resources ready for utilization. As pointed out by Baldry, "there are obvious straightforward investment opportunities in oil and gas, mineral resources as well as the port of Berbera". The question remains what is holding Somaliland back in exploring these natural resources? Eager to understand how Somaliland can capitalize on these prospects Muse asked "what is expected from us as a government to attract investors and interested parties"?

Baldry suggested "the government of Somaliland has to have a process of engagement and inclusion in place, which allows local people to benefit from the developments in their own area and have a say during consultations to avoid potential dissent". Baldry continued, "foreign investors would like to know what the criteria for investments are, such as necessary investment capital, skills etc?" If these do not exist at the moment the

government needs to put them in place "to ensure that it is safe to invest in Somaliland"

In total agreement with Baldry's suggestions, Muse reassured the North Oxfordshire MP that "Somaliland has gone beyond the territorial clan disputes". The chairman insisted "our government needs investors with huge amount of capital who can "cook the dish" earlier without wasting a lot of time".

Formal international registry

Another important aspect that deserves a close attention is the great need for a formally constituted international registry that ensures access to minerals to national or foreign bidders in Somaliland, which has yet to be implemented. Such a registry will ensures that potential investors meet certain financial and technical capabilities and knowhow to be entitled for obtaining a permit to explore or a concession to exploit oil and gas for example. Bardly pointed out that a formal registry is important as it further addresses "force majeure claims, which were granted under the Siad Bare regime" that need to be dealt with adequately.

Joining the Commonwealth

The possibility of becoming part of the Commonwealth was discussed at the meeting. It was agreed that Somaliland should consider joining the Commonwealth Nations and put in a formal application to the organization. Given the historical ties with Britain and its commitment to peace and democracy over the past 20 years, "I see no reason why Somaliland cannot become a member" said Baldry.

The meeting highlighted some common themes, which need critical attention. A safe and friendly enabling business environment, which is conducive to international standards that not only attracts foreign investment but also includes and engages the local people, appears highly desirable. Somaliland must address these matters urgently and build on its strong foundation and institutions. By joining the Commonwealth, Somaliland could enter a new era of establishing new links and strengthening existing ones with its 54 member states. Admission could perhaps also be a gateway to its long cherished ambition of becoming a sovereign state.