The Impact of an Independent Somaliland on Somalia
It’s important to note that the impact of an independent Somaliland on Somalia’s reconstruction is contingent upon various factors, including regional dynamics, political will, and international recognition.
Somalia has been in a state of conflict for over three decades, and despite billions of dollars in aid and numerous peacekeeping missions, the country has yet to achieve a lasting peace, leaving its people in a perpetual state of suffering.
“Disbanding Somaliland representation in the Somali Federal Government, the resolution of Somaliland sovereignty, the establishment of political stability, and the maintenance of long-term security are the four fundamental issues that require the greatest attention for the revival of Somalia.”
Resolution of Somaliland Case:
The roadmap for reviving Somalia into a viable state is still a concept at the drawing table rather than a reality on the ground. It is so because it took the wrong turn and became a project for profit. There is one key factor that need to be addressed in order to achieve this goal: Somaliland Sovereignty.
“Hal xaaraani nirig xalaala ma dhasho”
“A looted cow never bears a legitimate calf”
The legitimate calf represents the anticipated fruitful outcomes of that crooked mindset, while the looted cow refers to the wrong path that Somalia’s recovery plan is on.
Simply put, there won’t be a solution as long as the erroneous path for Somalia’s reconstruction is pursued without first addressing the Somaliland issue.
When deciding how to fix, rebuild, or solve an issue, it makes sense to first look at the dimensions of the problem. By focusing only on one aspect of the issue, it will be nearly impossible to solve it. Because all of the initiatives and efforts to revive Somalia are comparable to this one, and this is the reason they all are doomed to failure. Because there is no way to recover Somalia without first addressing the sovereignty of Somaliland.
Somaliland president HE Muse Bihi said recently in a speech addressing to newly graduate cadets at the Abdillahi Asker Military Academy in Dararweyne.
“Embracing Somaliland’s Sovereignty: The Only Way to Rebuild Somalia”
An often-overlooked factor in the equation designed for restoring stability and progress in Somalia is the unresolved case of Somaliland’s sovereignty. Somaliland, a former British Protectorate and now a separate state, has been functioning independently since 1991 and has made significant strides towards building a stable and democratic society.
Addressing the case of Somaliland sovereignty is a critical component of resolving Somalia’s persistent challenges. Recognizing Somaliland’s accomplishments and engaging in constructive dialogue can foster stability, cooperation, and reconciliation within Somalia. The international community, including regional organizations and key global actors, should actively engage in mediating the case of Somaliland’s sovereignty.
Disbanding Somaliland Representation in SFG:
Somaliland has never been officially an integral part of Somalia for the past 32 years, and it has been self-governing Republic since 1991. As such, it is absurd and some people in Somalia argue that it is not appropriate for Somaliland to have representation in the Somali Federal government (SFG). They believe that this gives Somaliland an unfair advantage over other member states in Somalia, and that it undermines the integrity and authority of the SFG. Somaliland does not have a legitimate claim to representation in the SFG.
The claim of Somaliland as an integral part of Somalia when Somali officials cannot set foot in Somaliland is ridiculous, and equally, the selection of Somaliland’s representatives in Mogadishu bungalows is a topic that fascinates the entire world, given that Somaliland has had free and fair elections for well over two decades and that its legitimate representatives dwell in Hargeisa.
The people of Somaliland do not want to be ruled from Mogadishu, and they have made it clear that they will not accept any attempt to force them to do so.
The Somaliland government has repeatedly stated that it is not interested in uniting with Somalia. In fact, the Somaliland constitution explicitly prohibits the unification, and this is a clear indication that the people of Somaliland do not want to be part of Somalia.
It defies logic to tell the world that representatives from Somaliland are in both the Upper House and the Lower House of the Somali government while simultaneously calling for dialogue and reconciliation with Somaliland, which in Somalia perception mean that there are two Somaliland nations.
Long-term peace will not emerge in Somalia so long as traitors from Somaliland claim to represent the people of Somaliland and the Somali Federal Government supports that narrative.
Political Instability & Governance:
Somalia has never had a strong central government, and the country has been divided by clan rivalries and conflict. This has made it difficult to build a unified national identity and to implement effective governance. Somaliland has developed its own institutions and governance structures, including a democratically elected government and a functioning legal system. By demonstrating effective governance and accountability, Somaliland can provide a positive example for member states in Somalia, inspiring them to work towards better governance and institutional capacity-building. If Somalia tries to reflect on successful practices and experiences, such as those observed in Somaliland, can offer valuable insights for Somalia’s journey towards political stability.
Security Challenges:
Somalia is home to a number of armed groups, including the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab. These groups have carried out numerous attacks, both against the government and against civilians. This has created a climate of fear and insecurity, which has made it difficult to develop the country. Somaliland has managed to maintain peace and security within its borders, largely avoiding the conflicts that have plagued southern Somalia. Recognizing Somaliland’s sovereignty would help consolidate these gains and contribute to overall stability in Somalia by offering first-hand experience on how to employ various approaches to mitigate clan tensions and hostilities as Somaliland has relied on traditional conflict resolution mechanisms deeply rooted in its cultural heritage. Also, it Somaliland has initiated reconciliation processes and forums to bring together clan leaders, representatives, and communities affected by conflicts. These initiatives aim to promote dialogue, understanding, and forgiveness among different clans. They provide a platform for discussing grievances, finding common ground, and building relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
The Historical Context:
To understand the current situation, it is crucial to examine the historical context.
The merge of UN Trusteeship of Somalia under Italy and British Somaliland in 1960 was a momentous event in the history of Somalia. The two territories had been under different colonial administrations for over 50 years, and their unification was seen as a major step towards Somali national unity.
The merger was the culmination of a long struggle for independence by the Somali people. Both Italian Somaliland and British Somaliland had been ruled by European powers since the late 19th century. Italian Somaliland was administered by Italy, while British Somaliland was a protectorate of the United Kingdom.
On June 26, 1960, British Somaliland became independent. Five days later, on July 1, 1960, Italian Somaliland also gained independence. The two territories then merged to form the Somali Republic, with Mogadishu as the capital.
The merger of Italian Somaliland and British Somaliland was a major step forward for Somali national unity. However, the new republic faced a number of challenges. The Act of Union document between Somaliland and Somalia was never executed properly, as it was never ratified by the parliaments of Somaliland and Somalia. This means that the two countries were never legally united.
Following the collapse of the Somali state in 1991, Somaliland voluntarily declared resumption of its 1960 sovereignty and independence by unilaterally leaving what is then known as Somali Republic. Since then, it has maintained absolute peace, established functioning institutions, conducted democratic elections, and attracted foreign investments. However, its sovereignty remains unrecognized by the international community, primarily due to the adherence to the so-called principle of maintaining Somalia’s territorial integrity.
While the majority of Africa’s sovereign boundaries were set by European colonists, nations founded simply on clan lines and lands have yet to develop in that continent – an endeavor Somalia currently engaged in
Ahmed J. Yassin