EDITORIAL: Somaliland Was Right To Attend The London Conference

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

Now that the conference is over, the question many people are asking themselves is whether Somaliland won or lost by attending the conference. Let us start with the part that is easier to evaluate which is whether Somaliland lost. The reason we call this the easier part is because there were definite criteria of failure that we, and others, have mentioned before the conference. One such criterion would have been the sight of Somaliland being treated like one of the several Somali administrations. A sign of this would have been a photo of Somaliland president perched among the Somali factions. No such thing took place. On the occasion that the heads of the Somali administrations met with the prime minister, not even a minor Somaliland officials was present, let alone President Ahmed Sillanyo. When a group photo of the participants at the conference was taken, Somaliland president stood far from where other Somali leaders were bunched together. During the speeches, Somaliland’s President Ahmed Sillanyo was seated next to Qatar, not with other Somali delegates. These may seem minor points to some people but Somalilanders and Somalis put a lot of symbolism into them, and in none of them did President Ahmed Sillanyo and his delegation fail the test.

The other indication of failure would have been the prevention of Somaliland from projecting its separate identity and subsuming it under Somalia. This did not happen either. Somaliland President Ahmed Sillanyo sat with a clear sign in front of him indicating that he represented Somaliland. He also articulated Somaliland’s position clearly and cogently. Moreover, Somaliland stood out in the final communiqué which suggested dialogue between Somaliland and the TFG or its successor. By suggesting dialogue, the international community clearly identified Somaliland as an entity with its own special identity and status. So in terms of visuals and protocol, Somaliland did not lose, and in fact, made some gains.

When it comes to substantive issues, Somaliland secured the following gains:

1-Prime Minister Cameron highlighted Somaliland’s role against piracy in the conference itself and praised and welcomed Somaliland’s delegation in the House of Parliament.

2-Somaliland received a boost in economic aid from the United Kingdom.

3-The establishment of the Somaliland Development Corporation which will help Somaliland in attracting investors.

4-Somaliland widened its diplomatic contacts (met with several countries on the sidelines of the conference). Here we should note that diplomacy is not just about what goes on in public but is also about what happens behind closed doors.

5-Somaliland received good media coverage.

6-Somaliland projected an image of itself as a self-confident and positive force that contributes to peace and security in the Horn of Africa.

Of course, like most Somalilanders, we wish more was accomplished. We also think that since one of the reasons the United Kingdom invited Somaliland was so that Somaliland would share its experiences with other Somalis, they should have allowed Somaliland’s voice to come out more loudly as an example of Somalis who are neither engaged in piracy or terrorism and who are not under anybody’s protection or tutelage.

Obviously Somaliland was at a bit of disadvantage in that it was attending a conference that, at least formally speaking, was about Somalia, not Somaliland. But Somaliland’s delegation was able to maneuver around that, and the alternative, which was not attending, would have been worse. The international community, however, should not assume that because Somaliland participated in this conference, it would automatically participate in other Somalia conferences. Somaliland should reserve for itself the right to evaluate conferences on a case by case basis, and to say no if participating would hurt its interests.

All in all, Somaliland did well in this conference. Its delegation has shown excellent discipline and hardly made any slips. And since we said before the conference, President Ahmed Sillanyo will be held responsible if Somaliland’s interest were damaged in the conference, we have to give him credit for a job well done.

[The Hermet]

Indeed it was...pirate they soiling themselves these days..... ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.....baaacaaaaaac....hardcore never seen anything like it...:cool:

[Somalia]

Everyone forgot about this, the only reason you are holding on is to convince us what you can't seem to convince yourself, it was a bad move.

[The Hermet]

Somalia;801790 wrote:

Everyone forgot about this, the only reason you are holding on is to convince us what you can't seem to convince yourself, it was a bad move.

 

thanks for the laugh...:cool:

[kingofkings]

The Hermet;801791 wrote:

 

thanks for the laugh...:cool:

what's so funny:confused: didn't H. Clinton state your enclave is part of federal Somalia.

[Freedom]

Nope she did say that lol

[kingofkings]

Freedom;801835 wrote:

Nope she did say that lol

damn. how many times do we have to remind you your place in Somalia. This is getting sad right about.....now.

[Freedom]

King don't be mad get

Glad lool