BEIJING (Somalilandpress) — Breaking new ground in Somaliland’s foreign relations and starting a new phase in Somaliland-China ties, Somaliland aviation minister, Mr Ali Waran Adde, on Thursday led a delegation to Beijing, the Chinese capital for an official visit.
According to local reports, Mr Waran Adde, whose traveling with the mayor of Hargeisa is believed to be in China to sign contract with number of Chinese firms who would refurnish and expand Hargeisa’s main airport – Egal International airport.
The Chinese government, who has been engaged with African states in recent years, has rolled out the red carpet to welcome the Somaliland officials.
Once upgraded, Egal international airport will be one of the largest airports in the Horn of Africa and will meet international standards according to the minister.
The mayor of Hargeisa, Mr Hussein Ji’ir is also expected to sign a number of construction projects with the Chinese including the rehabilitation of Hargeisa’s neglected roads. The Chinese are also expected to deliver construction equipments to Somaliland.
Many analysts believe this is a new beginning for Somaliland-China ties and could lead to an era of solidarity and cooperation between Hargeisa and Beijing.
China’s investment in Africa has grown rapidly in the first three quarters of 2009 to 77% and the volume of projects in Africa by Chinese firms grew by 42% which is said to be worth $20 billion U.S. dollars.
Mr Waran Adde is also said to be welcoming Chinese businesses to make investments in Somaliland.
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Mr Waran Adde is seen by most Somalilanders as one of the few competent and active ministers in the Rayale government. Since taking up the aviation portfolio he has rehabilitated most Somaliland airports and is currently working on expanding not only Egal International airport [Hargeisa] but also Berbera to ‘ease the pressure on Egal airport’ according to him.
He brought also fire trucks and installed proper lights for night operations. He was also responsible for connecting Ethiopian Airlines, which is considered one of the best airlines in Africa to Egal Airport. However Ethiopia airlines suspended it’s flight in October 2008 after twin-suicides rocked Hargeisa.
Below you can see designs the Chinese companies have presented to Mr Waran Adde in August of last year.
On this week’s video, we have University of Hargeisa’s chancellor and author of ‘Politics of Cain: One Hundred Years of Crises in Somali Politics’, Professor Hussein A. Bulhan.
Prof. Bulhan is a Harvard University graduate and later taught at Boston University and served as the Director of the Family Therapy Program at Boston University Medical Centre. He eventually started a health consulting firm whose annual revenue quickly grew to US$25-million.
HARGEISA, 23 January 2010 (Somalilandpress) – Speaking to a crowd in Ufurow district in the Bakool region, Mahad Omar Abdikarin, Shabaab’s governor for the Bay and Bakool regions in southwestern Somalia, recently announced that the al-Qaeda-backed group will attack Puntland, the semi-autonomous state, and the breakaway republic of Somaliland. Abdikarin is a prominent leader who has publicly flaunted Shabaab’s link with al Qaeda and has urged foreign fighters to flock to Somalia.
Having consolidated its power in the Deep South along the Kenyan border, Shabaab has launched a terror offensive in the northern self-declared state of Puntland. It is a Mexican drug gang-style campaign, with an aggressive string of targeted assassinations and low profile bombings in a Somali region that had been relatively safe and prosperous.
In the last two months, Shabaab gunmen have killed two Puntland lawmakers as well as a prominent judge who was responsible for jailing some of Shabaab’ s supporters; executed senior police officers; targeted an infantry division general with a roadside bomb attack; and even shot a number of clerics on the doorsteps of their mosques, accusing them of preaching moderate sermons opposed to Shabaab’s hard-line extremism.
Shabaab has also demonstrated in the past that it has the capacity to conduct a coordinated suicide bombing campaign in the North. On Oct. 29, 2008, five suicide bombers struck four compounds in the semi-autonomous regions of Somaliland and Puntland, killing 28 Somalis and wounding scores more. In that assault, three suicide car bombers struck the presidential palace, the UN Development Program compound, and the Ethiopian Consulate in the city of Hargeisa in Somaliland; and two more bombers targeted an intelligence facility in the city of Bosasso in Puntland.
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Shabaab’s short-term objective is not conquering and controlling Puntland. Although the group is besieging the Transitional Federal Government in the capital Mogadishu, it is not yet capable of deploying the large number of fighters required to take over Puntland.
At this stage, Shabaab has more modest goals: asserting its presence in the North, demonstrating it can strike at its enemies even in the safest regions of the country at will, and showing it is poised to take power. It is unclear if Shabaab is conducting the current Puntland campaign using local cells or operating from more remote bases in central and southern Somalia.
In its quest to overrun Puntland, Shabaab will have to confront two strong groups. The first is Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a, a pro-government Somali Islamist militia that follows the religious tradition of Sufism. Shabaab has targeted Sufis for practicing a different strain of Islam, and has destroyed Sufi shrines, cemeteries, and other symbols. Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a is strong in the central regions of the country and has fought back against Shabaab’s incursion on its turf.
The second group standing in Shabaab’s way is the Puntland security forces. Puntland’s security services are much better organized than the poorly trained and corrupt army that backs the weak Transitional Federal Government in Mogadishu, which only controls a few small pockets in the capital.
A Shabaab victory in Puntland has dire strategic implications for the region. If Puntland becomes a failed state like the South, there will be a greatly magnified threat to the shipping passing through the Red Sea, the Bab al Mandeb waterway (the narrow strait between Somalia and Yemen), and the Gulf of Aden. In an April 2008 statement made in an al Qaeda-linked journal, al Qaeda described the Bab al Mandeb and the Gulf of Aden as “of supreme strategic importance” in their plans to control the region. With the strengthening of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula in Yemen, gains by Shabaab in Puntland and Somaliland will plunge the region into crisis.
LONDON, (Somalilandpress) — After holding successful meeting with American officials and Somaliland Diaspora in the US, KULMIYE’s top diplomat, Dr. Mohamed A Omar, has arrived in London on Friday and said his party is best placed in advancing Somaliland’s interest on the international stage.
Speaking to the media on his arrival, Dr Omar stated that the delegation led by KULMIYE’s Chairman, Mr. Ahmed Silanyo, of which he was a part of, was warmly received by the Obama administration, Congressman Donald Payne, US aid agencies and institutions in Washington.
He added that the discussions they had with the US officials mainly focused on Somaliland’s need for economic and political support and finding a viable solution to the security issue in the region – Horn of Africa.
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KULMIYE’s Foreign Affairs Spokesman said that their delegation had presented their foreign and security policy initiatives to the US officials ahead of Somaliland’s upcoming presidential election and had asked for increased US aid to Somaliland.
“In a well attended conference held in Washington in honour of the delegation, Mr. Silanyo has talked about Somaliland’s achievements as well as challenges ahead, and requested the international community to double the support it gives to his country,” Dr Omar told reporters.
While in Washington, the delegation has met with the former US Assistant Secretary of State, Hon. Princeton Lyman, Congressman Donald Payne, Mr. David Shinn, former US ambassador to Ethiopia, senior officials from US-AID and State Department as well as members from the Foreign Relations Council and the National Endowment for Democracy.
In a concluding statement, Mr. Omar said that he was astonished by President Rayale’s accusation of the American administration and Congressman Payne of being anti-Somaliland. He completely rejected the accusation and said both the US administration and Donald Payne are friends of Somaliland.
He added that Kulmiye party has ties of friendship and cooperation with the United States and the international community and thus Kulmiye foreign policy is best placed in advancing the interest of the Somaliland people regionally and internationally.
Djibouti, 22 January 2010 (Somalilandpress) – The other day a friend of mine sent me an email about a new internet-based Radio station about two weeks ago: www.lavoixdedjibouti.com. (The voice of Djibouti). The message of this Website announce: ‘a group of young Djiboutian Diaspora opens up a free and independent Radio station. It doesn’t say where exactly this Station based at and who’s financing it. To make the matter worse; it’s difficult to reach them. But when I tuned in, though with their last two programs the actual broadcast says otherwise –despite of what the young Announcer claimed that la voix de Djibouti to be. It was indeed far from impartial nor is the voice of all Djiboutians.
It speaks on the language of the so-called Djiboutian oppositions –I say so-called because it becomes a custom that a Djiboutian nowadays turns a political opponent against the President Ismail O. Guelleh’s government; only when he/she loses their jobs, government contracts or thrown out the train: elite. Also usually what motivates half of these self-proclaim political opponents unfortunately is tribal animosity-or- personal vendetta against the President of the Republic itself; not with his policies? Needless to say Djiboutians certainly needs an alternative voice than the Government-run Radio and Television in Djibouti.
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For example, it’s funny when one hears a person like Mr. Abdulraman Borreh, the home-grown millionaire, who despises the Djiboutian- when he publicly called the Djiboutians ‘lazy and don’t want to work’; and brought foreign workers for the construction of the new Port, Doraleh and the Kempeski Palace, the new five stars Hotel. And yet, today he joined the opposite camps as well just because he has a personal problem with his old friend: President IOG. Not long ago he was die-hard Guellehism and even his new found allies used to label him of being business partner of the President – today his arch enemy.
And also, Mr. Ali Abdillahi Iftin, self appointed leader and mouth-piece of pretentious opposition party in Belgium-was once the privilege class-when he was demoted from his previous position as a Presidential Guard for the former President, Mr. Hassan Gouled Aptidon; he then switches as political opponent and fled to Europe. Mr. Iftin was recently interviewed on “Hormuud.com, Radio Station”; he advocated violence and claimed there’s a civil war already into Djibouti. Upon verifying with this fabrication –there’s no such think. That’s typical Djiboutian political opponent of the day: (If I won’t get the lion share, let the entire country be doom). And sadly no one condemns this sadist, especially by his peers. He definitely reminds me the reactionary and monologue, Mr. Ali Couba; and the demagogue, Mr. Daher Ahmed Farah.
Since when these guys and their likes realized things are bad –only when they lost their privileges? What’s so disturbing about these phony individuals is their naked arrogance. They think that the Djiboutian people are stupid. Or blind! They actually believe they could use the Djiboutian as a latter in order to gain the power and the wealth of the nation. It’s seems they are grossly underestimating the Djiboutian Citizens. Interesting enough these individuals the only thing they have in common is- their hatred towards the President of the Republic.
It’s true that Djibouti needs an independent voice; and at the same time responsible and constructive opposition parties that challenges the current Administration inside the country; and sacrifices their lives for their people. And present to the Djiboutian Citizens alternative policies and inspire the people to a better life: bring to the end of this constant blackout of the electricity and the current lack of water, especially the largest and Capital city, Djibouti-city. And more so putting to the end of the foreign working visas of the Indians and Yemenis taking the jobs for the young Djiboutian into the private own-businesses; and speak against Mr. Guelleh’s policies to sponsor Philippines, Indians and Chinese workers while the Djiboutians themselves are qualify to do the jobs into the Ports and large constructions projects. And expose the Ministers, MP’s and higher Military and Police Officers-who are snatching the transportations, constructions and other Government contracts away from the local contractors.
“La voix de Djibouti.com has an especial responsibility and opportunity to inform, educate and defend the national interest and integrity of the Republic of Djibouti and his Citizens. I hope they will be fair and balance; if they want to be part of the family of the professional Press.
Written by: Mohamed Awaleh, freelance writer
awaleh@consultant.com
London, 22 January 2010 (Somalilandpress) – A new book named “Politics of Cain: one hundred years of crises in Somali politics“ written by Prof. Hussein A. Bulhan was recently launched in London. The event which was organized by Kayd Somali Arts and Culture was attended by a number of people who came from different places.
Having met with Prof. Bulhan in Hargeisa, I was privileged to have the opportunity to meet him once again, only this time in the United Kingdom. Among the guests were Dr Mohamed Abdilaahi, a special Somaliland ambassador with useful comments about nation building and Dr. Sa’d Ali Shire as well as the Somali Mayor of Tower Hamlets, London, Mr. Ahmed Omar.
The launch was opened by Ayan Ashur and chaired by Mr. Mohamed Mohamoud. Introducing Prof. Bulhan, Dr. Mohamed Aboker gave the audience some background information and set the scene for the book itself.
Mr Abdiqani Saban gave a brief but insightful review of the book explaining the meaningful content of the book and how it sheds light on some of the issues that are still affecting our nation and its people around the world. Mr. Mohamoud Sheekh Dalmar headed the discussion that led to the audience interacting with Author and having in depth discussion about the book.
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This book and Professor Bulhan’s words will be no doubt be quoted for years to come in order to help understand the disruptive affect elitism within the clan system has had on Somali society. The book gives those who wish to understand the causes of this cataclysmic explosion of violence & implosion of rage must delve into Somali history from the late nineteenth century to the end of the twentieth century. If I look into the message of the book from an anthropological perspective, having in mind that Professor Buhan’s previous publication mentioned the kinship and clan system, this book certainly goes one step further in explaining the loss of social organization that Somali society has undergone due to the rise of elitism.
Professor Bulhan was received well and made welcome by the audience. He shared his experience both in the USA and now in Hargeisa, the capital city of Somaliland. Professor Bulhan also encouraged people in the Diaspora to get involved in supporting and developing the country.
Professor Bulhan spoke about the fact that we need to bring change ourselves stating “we have to look at the situation, we need to do critical analysis, we need to look into the clanship that we are using, we have to do the change ourselves”.
The audience commented and got involved in the discussion and in particular the women that attended gave their perspectives of the political and clan based issues that are affecting the Somali youth in the Diaspora. Mr. Ali Senyo made a valuable comment regarding the breaking up of communities and the clan borders that are affecting us both in society and in terms of applying political choice.
I certainly gained great knowledge by attending this event and I am sure it will be seen by both the Professor and the audience as a milestone on the road to healing a fractured nation.
The Author:
Professor Bulhan studied at Wesleyan University, Boston University, and Harvard University. Following service as a tenured professor at Boston University and the Director of the Family Therapy Program at Boston University Medical Centre, Prof. Bulhan started a health consultancy firm whose annual revenue quickly grew to $25M USD.
He returned to Somaliland to mediate conflicts in 1994-1996, subsequently remaining in the country to help in socio-economic rebuilding and trauma treatment. At present, Prof. Bulhan is the President of the University of Hargeisa and the Chief Clinician of the Maan-dhaye Clinic.
(SomalilandPress)-How would you feel if a man responsible for the rape, torture and murder of thousands of people was living freely in your community? That’s right — parking next to you at Costco, sitting next to you at the movie theater, or waiting in line behind you at the dry cleaner. If you live in our nation’s capitol, one of your neighbors is Mohamed Ali Samantar, the former Minister of Defense for Somalia under the brutal Siad Barre regime.
Samantar, who currently lives in Fairfax, Virginia, oversaw the military for a regime that tortured, imprisoned, and summarily executed civilians during the 1980’s. Teachers, students, and nomads were accused of supporting an opposition campaign and were slaughtered. Samantar was in command of the Somali forces engaged in these indiscriminate attacks upon the civilian population and personally oversaw the 1988 aerial and land attacks on Hargeisa, the nation’s second largest city, which killed over 5,000 residents.
After the fall of the Barre regime in 1991 Samantar fled to Europe and then to the United States. He is one of many former foreign government officials who have committed horrific human rights violations and are now living freely in the United States just like you and me. If that makes you cringe, how do you think the survivors of their crimes feel?
At the Center for Justice and Accountability, a non-profit organization that seeks to bring human rights abusers like Samantar to justice, we help survivors of human rights abuses hold their perpetrators individually accountable through litigation.
In a few weeks, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear the opening arguments in a case that will decide whether or not former foreign government officials like Samantar — who come to America and enjoy the benefits of being and living in America — are above the law in a way that nobody else in this democratic country is. The case is Yousuf v. Samantar and it is the first human rights case filed addressing the abuses committed in Somalia during the Barre regime. In this case, the Supreme Court will decide whether foreign government officials, after using their power to torture, rape and kill, are truly subject to U.S. law or whether they are above the law and can avoid responsibility for their actions.
The plaintiffs in this case are courageous survivors of egregious human rights abuses. Bashe Abdi Yousuf was a young business man who was detained, tortured, and kept in solitary confinement for over six years. Aziz Mohamed Deria represents his father and brother, who were abducted by officials during the attack on Hargeisa and never seen again. Today, Bashe and Aziz are U.S. citizens living in the United States.
The remaining plaintiffs are so fearful for retribution that they are listed as Jane and John Doe’s. Jane Doe was a university student detained by officials and sentenced to life in prison after a trial where she was given no legal counsel. In detention, she was raped at least 15 times and kept in solitary confinement for over three years. John Doe I was arbitrarily detained by Somali government forces and threatened with death. He also represents his two brothers who were summarily executed by soldiers. John Doe II, imprisoned for his affiliation to the Isaaq clan, was shot by a firing squad, but miraculously survived by hiding under the dead bodies of others who had been killed.
On November 10, 2004, the Center for Justice and Accountability and pro bono co-counsel Cooley Godward Kronish LLP filed this lawsuit against Mohamed Ali Samantar under the Torture Victim Protection Act (TVPA) seeking damages on behalf of the 5 survivors. The TVPA, passed by Congress in1991, states that foreign government officials who torture — including those who torture U.S. citizens — are not above the law and must be held accountable for their actions. According to the act, when the alleged torturer has chosen to live within U.S. borders and an effective judicial system is unavailable in the country where the crimes were committed — as is the case in Somalia — the torturer is then subject to the laws of the U.S.
Samantar responded to the complaint by arguing that he is protected under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA), which provides a foreign state with immunity from lawsuits in the U.S. On September 30, 2009, the Supreme Court announced that it would review whether Samantar — as an individual — is immune from civil suit here. And today, we filed our brief with the court on behalf of the plaintiffs explaining why Samantar is not immune — and why our case should go forward in the lower court.
By seeking to dismiss this case, Mohamed Ali Samantar, having chosen to move to the United States and enjoy the benefits of living in this country, seeks to override the laws of this country while simultaneously taking away the Congressionally given rights of U.S. soldiers, prisoners of war, and citizens to hold those who have inflicted the gravest human rights abuses against them accountable.
For the five plaintiffs of this case, a decision against Samantar will bring much needed justice for themselves and for survivors of human rights abuses everywhere. And it will send a message to war criminals that the U.S will not provide them with a safe haven — and that they will be held responsible for their actions under U.S. law. To learn more about the case, visit
(SomalilandPress)-Kayd Somali Arts and Culture is pleased to invite you to the presentation of new book; ‘Black Mamba Boy’ by Nadifa Mohamed. Join us to discuss this new novel with the author on Friday,12 Feb. 2010 at 6:30pm -9:00pm, Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, Bethnal Green, London E2 6HG http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8E7HLUaRF4&feature=player_embedded
The story begins in Aden,1935; a city vibrant, alive, and full of hidden dangers. And home to Jama, a ten year-old street boy. When his mother dies unexpectedly, and he finds himself alone in the world, Jama is forced home to his native Somalia, the land of his nomadic ancestors. War is on the horizon and the fascist Italian forces who control parts of east Africa are preparing for battle.. Yet Jama cannot rest until he discovers whether his father, who has been absent from his life since he was a baby, is alive somewhere. And so begins an epic journey which will take Jama north through Djibouti, war-torn Eritrea and Sudan, to Egypt. And from there, aboard a ship transporting Jewish refugees just released from German concentration camp, across the seas to Britain and freedom. It is a unique tale, based on the experiences and life of the author’s father, which also tells us the story of the many people of his generation who did not survive.
Nadifa was born in Hargeysa, Somaliland in 1981 and was educated in the UK, studying history and politics at St Hilda’s College, Oxford. She lives in London and is working on her second novel. Please join us for this exciting discussion with a new author. For more information contact: Ayan Mahamoud on 07903712949 or ayan_mahamoud@kayd.org
(SomalilandPress)-Somalia itself is now dissolved as a state or country while Somaliland has reverted to its post July 1st, 1960 status as an independent nation.
In the northern part of Somalia, which for nearly 20 years been a country called Somaliland. And Somaliland is not Somalia – rather the contrary.Somaliland has led a bitter and bloody liberation war to regain its historical autonomy, and have managed to create a country and state. A border, resting on historical experience and divisions are also located between Somalia and Somaliland, and it is now well protected by security forces from Somaliland, which has had luck and skill to intercept terrorists from Somalia who want to destabilize the government in Hargeisa, capital of Somaliland.
And one must remember that although Somaliland is only a small part of the former Greater Somalia, however, it covers an area the size of Great Britain minus Scotland. It is thus a major task to protect the border between Somalia and Somaliland, and Somaliland solve this problem themselves without outside assistance.
The war that ravaged Somalia in the 1980s and early 1990s, was also the beginning of the end for the Greater Somalia, from the beginning was an artificial construct, created by the colonial powers and with no internal consistency, and has never posed any nation. The war raged since 1982, with enormous human and material casualties, but the people of Somaliland wanted autonomy and freedom from the various regimes that succeeded one another in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Somaliland declared itself (again) independent in 1991 as a response to the deteriorating political, security and social realities, not least after strong public pressure. Somaliland had and has a strong and united people desire to be an independent country and in particular to escape from the reign of terror in Somalia. The country has had a democratically elected government, political stability and good protection of human rights.
The boundaries of Somaliland, follows the former British protectorate borders, and the British presence in the area is not the prettiest example of good governance – the area was grossly neglected and starved, and on top of this neglect must Italiano historical ravages and neglect in this area certainly highlights. There should be a bill to pay for the former colonial powers, but it does not happen, and it should not discourage others from contributing!
Without going too deep back in history, it sadly noted that while enormous sums from the international community are posted in Somalia, hoping to bring this’ country on its feet, the international community have turned a blind eye to the fact that there now exists a well established and legitimate and peace-loving country, based on historical roots in the northern region, Somaliland. It has neither received international recognition or been accepted as a partner in international development cooperation. Somaliland survives because of transfers from citizens with a background in Somaliland, which sends money home to their families and villages, which far exceeds what the UN make contributions in the development, even with small grants from some donor countries.
Somaliland has a constitution and other key legislation that fully meets international standards in terms of good governance, democratic rights of the people and the rights and opportunities for all groups in society. There is a democratically elected parliament and their democratically elected councils in districts that are comparable to our municipalities. There are always important reforms are underway to improve the systems and to try to create better living conditions, including reforms of municipal autonomy. These reforms are advanced and good for all parties to draw lesson from.
Throughout Somaliland national budget is much smaller than for example the municipality of Roskilde social spending. Here, Denmark could make a difference.
It is at all interesting to observe that for the visitor in Somaliland, which looks at the social and political environments, it is obvious that Somaliland on a range of issues is far ahead of its neighbors. This is particularly true for legislation and political institutions, and not least in terms of social stability. One can perhaps argue that the isolation, Somaliland has experienced for many years, have contributed to the development of the particular political institutions, which combines a modern form of government with the traditions and experience from Somaliland history.
The problems in the country is all about extreme poverty, the series of droughts and water shortages, threats from Somalia as well as obstacles to international cooperation with other governments.
Deprivation and poverty are the major problems in this country, and unless these issues are resolved, it is feared that extremists would find better living conditions in Somaliland, than it would otherwise have been the case.
Somaliland is a Muslim nation, but in strong opposition to the more fanatical regimes and in particular the various warlords in Somalia who base their reign of terror of violence and extreme interpretations of Islam.
In Somaliland, I met with an able and competent woman minister and senior female officials, so there is absolutely also developing to see when it comes to women and gender in Somaliland. How would this image be in Somalia? It is not hard to guess.
The meeting with the people, civil servants, mayors and others is a positive occurrence, that shows the contrasts in the region. Somaliland wants peace, stability, human rights and does so strongly opposed to the way the warlords act on in Somalia, which they in any possible way.
Unfortunately, very few media or politicians interested in the people’s destiny and overlook the opportunities for positive development and strategic alliance with a well-organized country in the middle of a sea of violence and terror.
Denmark could here the forefront of an active foreign policy, not based on military intervention.
When you consider what other areas have declared themselves as independent, has received in development assistance – Kosovo is an obvious example – it is sad to note that while the so far fruitless massive military and other investments in the desperate situation in Somalia could feed a whole continent of the poor, so the international community has chosen to ignore Somaliland. I wonder why Denmark and the EU and others react so negatively in this case and why the media are their faithful followers?
Somaliland is in a way a bright spot in an otherwise depressing and negative story about how bad things can go when the colonial powers and local forces are not in harmony
Why is it apparently so important to cling to the false hope that a Greater Somalia may arise based on human rights and good governance? Somaliland has long realized the hopelessness of this and have built their own country based on law and order, security, good governance and democracy.
The general answer to why Somaliland should remain the forgotten and neglected country, is that African leaders from states that are also threatened by its democracy. Why Denmark and the EU contribute to the Somali disaster should also include areas that have chosen a life of independence from the mayhem in Mogadishu?
In addition, there are examples of breakdowns of state power in African countries has not led to chaos, but rather better conditions in the affected areas. The best example is perhaps Namibia, which South African occupation became independent and democratic in 1998 with a constitution that probably could and should inspire aspiring constitutional fathers and mothers in many countries.Another example is Eritrea. It can thus be done, and why not? In addition, a significant interest in finding stable partners in the region, and Somaliland is a good example of such a potential partner.
But why have we in Denmark, in parliament and in the media as a narrow and negative attitude to Somaliland?
What has this country but made other than to seek his freedom and development?
Why could there not at least set up a Danish representative office in Hargeisa – the capital of Somaliland?
It has indeed been made in Palestine, but it is far from meeting the same criteria for international recognition as independent state, as is the case of Somaliland.Part of the explanation is probably the media impact of focus on the violent incidents in Somalia and U.S. strategies in the area and UN acceptance of an indivisible Greater Somalia.
There has not been in Denmark any political or media-related attention to the fact that Somalia over the years has been divided into autonomous regions, covering a remaining and internally divided Somalia, where various warlords haunts and aspiring terrorists to hatch, a breakaway country , Puntland, which has not quite the same history and the democratic legitimacy of Somaliland and finally just Somaliland, which meet all criteria for international recognition.
There are many political, strategic and humanitarian reasons in the current situation to support Somaliland. On the one hand, one could thus support a very poor country and meet our international commitments to fighting poverty and on the other hand, one could support Somaliland, its institutions and preserve it without the Somali terrorist regime.
Denmark could here the forefront of an active foreign policy, not based on military intervention.
Denmark and Europe have a strategic and political interest in supporting and recognizing Somaliland. The country has a strategic location in relation to shipping in the area and are highly interested in all initiatives to support law and order in this part of the world. The country will under no circumstances be integrated in Somalia – and why should it be integrated into one of the world’s worst regimes? A strong European alliance with Somaliland would be a strategic holding.
Denmark supports indirect Somaliland, but with a very modest amount, and through the overall UN strategy, geared towards the former Greater Somalia and not to the specific circumstances of Somaliland. So there is nothing special DANIDA project or program in Somaliland, and support for UN work, apparently and according to staff in the organization seeks a Somali reconciliation is perhaps not the way forward.
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It is inappropriate that the assistance to Somaliland are channeled through one organization, namely the UN, and not through several donors working in Somaliland conditions. There is tremendous need for a reassessment and improvement of our efforts. While the killings, executions and cutting off limbs escalates in Mogadishu in Somalia, Somaliland was trying to create a future of security and prosperity. But without international support looks difficult for a country where wages are one USD per day.
The desperate situation in Somalia breeds violence and terror. We have now also discovered in Denmark. The building of democratic, but destitute Somaliland could be a good counterweight to these developments in Somalia. During my collaboration with government and with municipalities in Somaliland, it has been clear that the country is seeking cooperation with democratic societies, recognition and social and economic development supported by an improved central and local government. The problem is lack of money. Throughout Somaliland national budget is much smaller than for example the municipality of Roskilde social spending. Here, Denmark could make a difference.
Finally, could the media – instead of helping it staged the secrecy of Somaliland – help with real information about this country and its unduly harsh fate. Somaliland is in a way a bright spot in an otherwise depressing and negative story about how bad things can go when the colonial powers and local forces are not consistent, and structures are created that nobody wants. Somaliland wants at least not to be or become a part of Somalia, which they know too well. Since you can move freely and safely in Somaliland, it is easy for reporters to work there.
Soren Villadsen
PhD in public management
and a partner in the Nordic Consulting Group, Denmar
Lyon, 19 January 2010 (Somalilandpress) – Interpol’s No. 2 official says big-money payoffs from pirate attacks off the Horn of Africa don’t yet appear to have reached terror groups like al-Qaida.
Jean-Michel Louboutin also says Africa – a hub of the drugs trade, terrorism and pirate attacks – has become a crucial area of focus for the international police agency.
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Louboutin insists he has “no certainty” that al-Qaida or an affiliate insurgent group in Somalia known as al-Shabab receive cash from piracy, “but nothing indicates that it won’t get there.”
Louboutin spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday in an interview as Interpol opened a two-day, closed-door conference on piracy financing at its headquarters in Lyon.
