Commentary: Continued backing of weak government in Somalia is a mystery.

LEWIS CENTER, Ohio — Recently the Obama administration recognized the United Nations-backed nominal Somali government.

The so-called government was the by-product of a UN-sponsored peace process that has been going on for more than 10 years. It involved billions in foreign aid, and some 17,000 African soldiers, who are the proxy of the United States military in Somalia. Yet Somalia is not better off than when the US intervened in the early ’90s.

Somalia’s agony continues. Today, 3 million people are desperately in need of food, 1.6 million have been displaced from their homes. In Mogadishu alone, 300,000 people survive on humanitarian relief. In addition, many people are suffering from chronic violence, the government’s inability to curb the unpaid and undisciplined soldiers who terrorize, loot and rape the population more than they protect.

Recent promising signs are present, such as Al Shabab, Al Qaeda affiliate militant group, retreating from urban centers in south central Somalia. Mogadishu, the capital, is also less dangerous than it was a year ago.

Survival of the-US backed weak government still depends on African troops, despite significant training and equipping of the Somali army by the US. Its leader Sheikh Mahamud, like his predecessor, Sheik Sharif, has absolutely no power and little following.

In contrast, out of the gaze of international media, the Somaliland entity, the former BritishSomaliland in the north, has shown all of the attributes of nationhood since 1991. These include a functioning government, constitution, defined borders and a flag. It even had two presidential elections, in 2003 and 2010, with a peaceful transfer of power.

Tragically, the US has not recognized Somaliland independence, because the UN and the African Union (AU) bias toward preserving artificial and inherently unstable states like Somalia and Congo.

The decision of the Obama administration to recognize a fictional government is more likely to complicate US efforts to stabilize Somalia. This position only rewards Somalia’s rapacious politicians and their militias at the expense of the 3.5 million Somaliland people that have largely managed their own affairs — not only to avoid to avoid chaos, terrorism and piracy, but to build a functioning democratic state.

Somalia’s tragedy will continue unless the new secretary of state, John Kerry, or the US Congress addresses this futile new policy of dictating political outcomes in this war-torn country.

Kerry also could contribute by defining the US long-term political objective in Somalia.

Outsiders have always made things worse by supporting the wrong groups for their own strategic interests. During the Cold War, America put nearly $1 billion in arms and economic aid into Somalia to prop up a cruel dictator, Siad Barre, who held power for 21 years through brutal military domination. The US-backed Ethiopian invasion six years ago created the environment in which Al Shabab is still wreaking havoc on south central Somalia.

Today, a weak government that cannot protect itself wants to monopolize Somalia. Sheikh Mahamud wishes to strengthen his Al Shabab-infiltrated military made up of rival local clan militias, and he is seeking more money and arms from the US and Turkey.

The more the US contributes to reconstituting a Somali government dominated by one faction of Somalia’s previous civil war, however, the greater the chance of dictatorship and bad governance returning to Somalia. It would be a grave mistake for the US to lift the arms embargo from Somalia.

Somalia needs a genuine political reconciliation, not more arms. The conflict and its politics in the country are always local. There is no military solution for this conflict.

Yet the Obama administration continues its deadly drone attacks against suspected militants in Somalia, which have caused collateral damages of civilians or even deaths.

Moreover, the options for US in Somalia are very limited; everything hinges on how Mogadishu’s politicians, warlords and war profiteers cooperate with Sheik Mahamud’s government. However, many Somalis are skeptical about the chance of a functioning regime emerging in Somalia with Mogadishu as its capital.

Rather than reinforcing a central government with no legitimacy, the US should support the only sources of strength in the area, democratic Somaliland and Puntland, an autonomous region. These entities have functioning political institutions that are organic, having organized by the local people.

More investment and trade instead of aid would offer the Somalis more opportunities to rebuild their shattered economy. America could also help Somaliland to create a free-trade zone with eastern Ethiopia at Berbera port — on the Gulf of Aden. These efforts, with the US forcefully supporting freedom and democracy in the region, would help to diminish or defeat radicalism.

However immensely difficult the mission of fixing Somalia might be, the US must engage and help the Somalis lift up from the agony. Only by following their aspirations and desires and not dictating the political outcomes would end Somalia’s tragedy. Moreover, diplomatic recognition of Somaliland is long overdue.

Ali Mohamed is co-founder of the Horn of Africa Freedom Foundation, a grassroots organization, located in Lewis Center, Ohio, that advocates for the advancement of freedom and democratic values for the indigenous people of the Horn of Africa.

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatches/globalpost-blogs/commentary/us-recognition-somaliland-overdue

 

 

Source: Globalpost

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1 COMMENT

    • There is no Such thing as Puntland, it is one of the smallest provinces of of somalia. Puntland is a fake name that does not make any sense.

  3. Why is the so called somaliland still talking about the recognition of somali government get over it man

  4. Recongnition depends on Somaliland people. The determination is there, the will is there and the strength is there. He who thinks that Somaliland drvrddion is a dream is deluding hinsellf, and does not know the reality on the ground. We are not in the age when things used to shape themselves, when emotions of Somalism determined our minds. Somaliland people are themslves shaping the affarrs and no foreign hands can shape Somalialnd destiny. Somaliland is for S/landers, whether you like it or not.

  5. It is just a question: Why the Somalia guys come to this Somalilandpress and bring their dirty laundry to the Somalia websites? may be the Somalia websites are clannish and will not allow freedom of expressions as the Somaliland websites do.

    The least you guys can do is to come here and be polite. Insulting and belittling Somaliland will not help solve the multiple problems you have in your own country. Can you clean your own home first and then talk about your neighbor's house? is the best thing you can do for yourselves is Somaliland bashing? Because, those who possess nothing can't offer anything and that is the case in Somalia. Can't you just tell us politely that you need our help, because you hopeless to help yourselves? Don't start bragging, it is true you can not even communicate with outside and produce understandable sentences and that is why you always have someone from Somaliland as your foreign Minister.

    In case you don't know, there was only one Somalia native who became the Somali Republic foreign Minister, that was Bulqbuluq and that is when the Somali Republic collapsed. Since the Somaliland-Somalia union until now all the foreign Ministers were from Somaliland starting with Ahmed Yusuf Dualeh ending with Fosiya Yusuf H Adan. You have to be grateful to Somaliland, because we try to make sound like a reasonable human beings.

    From now on, we must play indifferent and not be bothered to respond to you guys, because you are mentally bankrupt and a waste of time and space. Go ahead and keep repeating your meaningless Somaliland bashing two sentences, devoid of reason. Go ahead you broken records.

  7. The writer of this article is from Pirateland. Who else will compare Somaliland democracy with Pirateland dictators? From Abdullah Yey, to current dictator Faroole.This pirateland has not known anything except for Human trafficking and piracy.

  8. Dhugtame

    I can ask you the same, why do S/landers comment and say deplorable things on other Somali sites?

    They claim to represent you and antagonize other Somalis. So cut BS and except, others will comment on this site and any other site. Every Somali has a right when it comes to Somali issues period.

    • The problem with Dhugtame is, he doesn't wan't any westerner or none Somali to see Somalis disputing or dismissing the notion of Somaliland. He want's his propaganda to flourish.

      • Then what do you call your cheap business "defaming Somaliland" may be or bashing Somaliland with badly written two sentences?

  10. I’m very happy the great achievements that our country has achieved … Whether you in hail from north Somalia or south , we are Somalis and our honorable president is Hasan Shiekh Mohamed . Forget handicap people their narrow minded

    • Why are we Allowing Somali people to be governed by Ethiopia or Kenya?

      Where is Djibouti in this do they also have the Same President?

      🙂 It will be Front page when these foreigners running to muuqdishu experience the suicide culture of the place.

      • Until the Somalis IN somalia unite,Somaliweyn will be nothing but just dreams. The elders of waqoyi and konfur knew how they were going to unite somalis,it was going good because djibouti was not independant. Until the Communist dictator took over.but dont worry buxiye Somaliweyn will rescue you and all the other lost minds.

  12. There is a price to pay with USA recognition. Those that are impacted are the ROAD-MAP Signatories only. From Bari, nugaal, Mudug and everything south of Galmudug all the way to Raas kambiki.

    Somaliland-Republic is still unrecognized however it is independent of the Territory of Somalia(former Italian colony).

    We continue with our Quest… i suggest you continue with yours as we are on totally different trajectories to prosperity.

    Let us know when your land is no longer under occupation :). Good luck.

    • You forgot Sool,Sanaag and cayn.SSC will always be apart of Somalia. We are the Dervish state.

      • Kfc we do not live in zoo like southern Somalia so if want tribal region please join them but Somaliland border stay forever. Ur clan don t have any problem to live under rule of Habashi and Bantu in Kil 5 and NFD without rigth so please enjoy to live with somali in Somaliland.kkk

        • I am not living my house behind.you cant force me and my people who have occupied SSC for thousands of years. We the people of SSC support HSM and his goverment and best of all we support the BLUE Flag.

          Somaliland is based on "Tribal region" and you know it. Even one of the founders and actually a true nationalist who built hargeisa council has confirmed it.

        • Buddy Walahi I would rather live under Habashi and be a slave than share a country other than the Somali Republic with your SNM supporters.

        • Mohamed xaliimo cheers and the other twenty names we're not districts of anybody's leave us alone. cheers.

          • @M.cheers

            *regions fool,see how you make SSC seem so small.

            @sahra im surprised are you from SSC?

          • We need to separate TWO things:

            1. Somaliland's internal: political debates.

            2. Somali people's: General political debates.

            When Djibouti is discussed only Djibouti is considered by those debating.
            When Somalia is discussed only Somalia is considered by those debating.

            However when Somaliland is being discussed suddenly we see the injection of Somalinimo, Somaliweyn and all assortments of god forsaken occupied lands.

            Somaliland & Somalia are only 2-parts of the Somaliweyn dream… So long as there exists conflicts between the two Djibouti, Ethiopia and Kenya all benefit because they do not have to commit resources to prevent Somaliweyn.

            Somaliweyn benefits from independence of Somaliland so Somalis can have 3-Seats in the UN, AU and the Arab league. That is the honest reality. Everything else is nonsense and will lead to continued border wars into the next 1000years.

        • Mohamed cheers, you retard, don't you know that without the Darvish state, you would have not be free of colonialism? It was the Awdal and Darvish who freed north-west Somalia, and for that reason you (separatists) have no say in the destiny of that region.

        • Mohamed cheers, don't you know that without the Darvish state, you would have not be free of colonialism? It was the Awdal and Darvish who freed north-west Somalia, and for that reason you (separatists) have no say in the destiny of that region.

  13. To the supporters of the Satanic National Movement, Daahir Calasow recognized you and starting today I recognize you as the Democratic Republic of Is**qland. This recognition comes with conditions such as that your borders will be determined by where you guys live and not the borders you have been dreaming of for the last twenty years. Remember we in Maakhir are recognizing you as a tribal kingdom and the drunk oldman as your new Sultan.

  14. @The author,

    You may tell a tall story about about a democracy, constitution and functioning government of a fictional country as much as you like. The world knows the illegal fighting that has been raging in Sool region for the last 20 years. The world also knows that the session of what is called Somaliland is driven by some clans of the major tribe in the north. U.S. will not recognize a little tribal enclave as a country.

    Also the world knows that you can not even fund your fraudulent municipal elections and they know they foot 90% of the bill. Your misguided tribal project would not last a week if the multitudes of NGOs where to leave the region tomorrow.

    Northern Somalia is part and parcel of Somalia. No one recognizes the colonial borders of British Protectorate of Somaliland. If anyone has nostalgia for British rule, they can always move to London as refugees.

      • Allemegan,

        San Gudhuudhi like you have no business in Somaliland. I bet you haven't even seen Somaliland, unless you are one of the sons of the Looma ooyaans, brought in as Siad Barre's slaves that were brought into Somaliland exterminate Isaaq in the 80s. take hike and show your back low life.

    • @Allemagan,
      You could have your says 24/7. However, the truth of the matter is not how you think.
      The Colonial boundaries of British Protectorate of Somaliland remains the deciding factor
      against your repugnant nonsense. The Somaliland both as a democratic Nation and Sovereign
      Republic Country has nothing to do with nostalgia for British rule, and moving to London as refugees is unwarranted and unnecessary. Like Kayse poo poo , mad panditt puntlandgeezer(PIS) and other
      narrow minded cohorts, there are no ways that you fellows could bring harm to the laudable peace and stability of Somaliland. Down to the enemies of this great nation and country.
      Cheers.

  15. It was the Awdal and Darvish who freed north-west Somalia, and for that reason you (separatists) have no say in the destiny of that region.

  16. It was the Awdal and Darvish who freed north-west Somalia of colonialism, and for that reason you (separatists) have no say in the destiny of that region.

    • LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL

    • This reply is for the liers that call them self thurth10, phutopyaretlandGeezer, jayjay and there likes.

      You guys live in delution and lie its so funy it makes me lough out loud, It was the Isaq that hade political conditions and agreememts with the coloniels, and one of them was when we diside that you have to go you go, before they even landed or set any foot on north west somali soil. While you guys were spreading your but cheaks and selling your doters to the coloniels as you all ways did, and dont try to come between us and our pease loving somaliland national citicens wich get their fair shair of the the democratic somaliland if you whant pease of the pie you have to respect what somaliland stands for then your welcom if not you better leave or the gloves is gona come of for good all time beating as usual you faqash

  17. Allemegan,

    San Gudhuudhi like you have no business in Somaliland. I bet you haven't even seen Somaliland, unless you are one of the sons of the Looma ooyaans, brought in as Siad Barre's slaves that were brought into Somaliland exterminate Isaaq in the 80s. take a hike and show your back low life.

  18. the only way to regain control of the white trash village in Hargeisa is through their women. let us all marry four Isaaq woman. Each Isaaq woman will give us 25 babies so thats 100 babies. we can take over the mud village Hargeisa. Make love not war.

  19. KFC,

    I finally got a reason to offer you a point in the "hitting Sahra" thing. This is nothing new we have a long tradition of courting. If we give our real names I'm sure Sahra and me will find out very pleasantly that we are related.

    • kfc

      You better watch out , you never know what will happen next Dhugtame and Sahra. Looool.

      • LOL dhugtame how many names do you need bro?btw Respect Sahra cos were blood.the only True Dhulbahantes on this site are Sahra and Amirah aka KC.I got respect for both of these sisters.

        • kfc

          Can't make out what you trying to convey. Please go back to your psychiatric ward, will you?

          • LOOOL KFC, look at you being all protective, thanks cuzzo. I thought Sahra was half Garoowe (dad's side) half Lascanood (mother's side) either way she's still a blood.

            Dhugtame, you can have Sahra only if you redeem yourself, I mean how come we trust a girl with a guy who's betraying his country, and by his country I mean Somali Republic obviously.

          • Sahra is a smart women and can speak for her self. I advise this other women to find someone else, because I am too busy focusing on my inaabti. Please stay out of this love affair and preoccupy yourselves with politics as usual.

          • Haha i dont think sahra would go for a guy like you.lets just say dhulahantes Prefer a higher standard of quality."I advise this other women to find someone else" so sahra keeps on rejecting you now you want to get Amirahs attention?LOL but I seriously hope sahra chucks you in the ——————————————–> Friend Zone.

          • LOOOL Dhugtame take it easy man, I only have my inadeero's best interest at heart, it's my duty to do a bit of background check, and like you said I'm too busy with politics.

          • KFC, hahahaha cuzzo don't be too harsh on the brother, if him and Sahra are getting along, well let them, lets me and you focus on political side 🙂

          • the guys a separatist, i have an issue with them.I wont quit that easy sorry Amirah but sometimes politics can get personal as Mr geezer put it "Make love not War" if you know what i mean.

  20. Lool I'm not being racist but that dude with Siilanyo looks like an alien. damn sometimes I have to be grateful for our skin colour

  21. Let the scoundrels, scumbugs and suckers keep on barking. Best and wise strategy against them is to ignore them and let them die slowly.

    Long life Somaliland.

  22. This reply is for the liers that call them self thurth10, phutopyaretlandGeezer, jayjay and there likes.

    You guys live in delution and lie its so funy it makes me lough out loud, It was the Isaq that hade political conditions and agreememts with the coloniels, and one of them was when we diside that you have to go you go, before they even landed or set any foot on north west somali soil. While you guys were spreading your but cheaks and selling your doters to the coloniels as you all ways did, and dont try to come between us and our pease loving somaliland national citicens wich get their fair shair of the the democratic somaliland if you whant pease of the pie you have to respect what somaliland stands for then your welcom if not you better leave or the gloves is gona come of for good all time beating as usual you faqash