- UK Somaliland Diaspora Community Pushes for International Recognition of the Republic of Somaliland. On 23rd February 2012, The United Kingdom is hosting in London an International Conference on Somalia, which representatives from over 40 governments and multi-lateral organisations including a delegation from The Republic of Somaliland are expected to attend.
The Republic of Somaliland, like all other nations, wishes peace and stability for the people of Somalia who have been mired in perpetual conflict for the last two decades. The lack of international recognition of the Republic of Somaliland is, however, not only a hindrance to the further development of this shining democratic country, but it is also an impediment to the search of stability in Somalia.
To remind the International Community that the prolonged disregard of the democratic will and the self-determination of the people of Somaliland is no longer a viable option, the UK Somaliland community is holding a rally on:
- Wednesday, 22nd February 2012
- Between 11am and 5pm
- Venue: Richmond Terrace Westminster London SW
(Opposite 10 Downing Street) Similar rallies will be staged in other European countries. We want to remind the UK government and the International Community that for the last twenty one years the anarchy and lawlessness of Somalia’s failed state remained a significant risk to the regional and international security. The London conference is the latest of a series of 20 or so international conferences on Somalia all of which failed to bring about to find solution to Somalia’s perpetual political impasse.
We want them to consider that during those twenty one years, The Republic of Somaliland has been making strides in establishing a stable state built on the principles of democracy and good governance. The aim of the rally, then, is to draw attention to Somaliland’s unparalleled political, security and economic achievements.
“With this rally we, the Somaliland community in the UK, want to draw the attention of the British Government and the International Community to the aspirations of the people of Somaliland. We want to add our voices to theirs and strengthen their legitimate demands for an international recognition. We want to join them in their call on the rest of the international community to extend political recognition to Somaliland and to continue assisting this young nations’ achievements by supporting the consolidation of its peace, stability, economic development and good governance”, states Eid Ali Ahmed, one of the conveners of the rally.
“The Republic of Somaliland plays an instrumental role in maintaining peace and stability in the Horn of Africa by fighting against piracy and terrorism. The Republic of Somaliland can be a strategic partner in curbing the unpredictable and uncertain political situation unfolding in the Gulf of Aden. However, The Republic of Somaliland can only fulfil its role if its legitimate aspiration to join the family of free nations is fully endorsed”, adds Engineer Mohamed Balayah, Chair of the Organising Committee.
Finally, with this rally we want to call on the UK government and the International Community to seriously consider a Two-State Solution to the Somali conundrum, which is indeed the only way forward.
On behalf of the Organising Committee
Notes to the Editor: The Republic of Somaliland, formerly a British Protectorate, gained its independence on 26th June 1960 and 5 days later voluntarily united with the Italian Trusteeship of Somalia to form The Somali Republic. The unification was merely fuelled by the euphoria of the decolonisation wave in the region and it soon proved to be politically dangerous and unsustainable culturally, an upheaval in, then, The Somali Republic, which has never succeeded on its preamble objective. Somaliland withdrew from the union on 18th May 1991, after a long and costly political struggle.
The Rt Hon Chris Mullen, British Foreign Minister for Africa, who visited Somaliland and addressed the Somaliland Parliament on 29th October 2004, stated: “In a region torn by war and chaos Somaliland stands out as beacon of stability and progress…In the long term, however, sustainable development and prosperity in Somaliland will only be possible if there is peace and stability throughout the region…Let me assure you, however, that the British government will never be party to an agreement that pushes you – against your will – into a forced marriage with the South.”
According to Godfrey Bloom, UKIP MEP, (Feb 2012), “For 15 years the people of Somaliland have shown that a stable multi-party democracy can exist in the Horn of Africa. We [UK] owe them the decency of recognition for their toil,…..Somaliland was a British protectorate,……If we are serious about helping the peoples of the Horn of Africa to develop, and live in peace with each other and the rest of the world, then maybe, just maybe our Government should have the courage, honour and gumption to admit Somaliland into the ranks of the nations of the world”.
Dr Charles Tannock MEP (Conservative) stated on 14th Jan 2009: “The people of Somaliland benefit from a relatively benign government and progressive institutions …. Perhaps it’s time we began to consider more seriously Somaliland’s quest for independence. An independent Somaliland, supported by the international community, could be a force for stability and progress in an otherwise hopeless region, and could be an ally in fighting the scourge of piracy off the Somali coast. Certainly the people of Somaliland would be justified in asking why the international community is so reluctant to recognise their country but was so quick to recognise Kosovo.”
For further information please contact:
1- Eid Ali Ahmed: eid_consultancy@yahoo.co.ku, 075 8045 2984
2- Dr. Abdishakur Jowhar: jowharabdi@gmail.com
3- Salma A. Sheikh: “salma.asheik@googlemail.com, 079 8369 6911
4- Mohamed Obsiye: mobsiye78@hotmail.com, 079 4469 8022
5- Rakia Ahmed Abdi: r55abdi@hotmail.com, 075 3496 9718
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