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Lib Dems should promote Somaliland’s case for international recognition

February 1, 2012 · 2639423 Comments2012-02-02+02%3A00%3A40SomalilandPress

OPINION | February 1, 2012

By Willis Pickard

While Scottish Liberal Democrats are playing a full part in the debates about the country’s constitutional future, they should not forget problems facing other less fortunate small lands. The plight of Somaliland is a case in point and is exercising the Scottish branch of Liberal International.

The first problem Somaliland confronts on the world stage is that people confuse it with lawless Somalia. It is an immediate neighbour and shares Somali culture but is largely peaceful and enjoys a recent record of solid democratic progress. So are its achievements in the troubled Horn of Africa lauded? Not a bit of it, because neither Britain nor the European Union, nor the international community in general recognise its existence.

Yet in 2010 Somaliland, which was born out of British Somaliland (whereas Somalia owes its boundaries to the former Italian colony) passed one of the key tests of a democratic state. In a tightly contested election for the presidency, the incumbent but losing candidate handed over power without conflict or bloodshed. International observers testified to the fairness of the election process.

One of these observers was Gillian Gloyer, a committee member of LI in Scotland. She told the LI AGM that voter registration had been a problem, not least because Somalis are vague about their exact date of birth. So it was decided that all potential voters would have their birthday marked as January 1.

The largely rural economy needs the stimulus of foreign investment. But an unrecognised country is not an attractive prospect. So, given the contrast between Somaliland and anarchic Somalia (not to mention a tiny third territory, Puntland, which is home to many of the region’s pirates). why does the international community leave the only bright light in diplomatic darkness? Britain’s official interests fall to our embassy far away in Addis Ababa.

Boundaries in Africa are often a reminder of arbitrary colonial map-drawing. Yet the Africa Union does not want to add to its members’ problems by recognising breakaway territories. Or that at least was the plausible position until South Sudan was allowed to spring into being as a way of resolving long-term conflict in Sudan. Surely peaceful Somaliland, after half a century of self-determination, qualifies for its place in the sun.

The country is not perfect. It is poor and socially conservative. It has had recent experience of tribal violence. Last month 22 journalists who protested against the closing down of a television station were briefly imprisoned. But its considerable achievements deserve recognition, not isolation. The British Government has heard the Somaliland case, but has not listened. It probably won’t act unless the European Union as a whole does so.

Liberal Democrats instinctively sympathise with the Somaliland case. Pressure from within our Government coalition and especially though the Foreign Office would help make Europe pay heed. I hope Liberal International will promote the Somaliland’s case.

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Tags: Al shabab, EU, Liberal democrats, Scotland, Somalia, Somaliland news

HMObsiye says:

The more Somaliland enemies show its true colors of hate towards Somaliland, the more Somaliland people and government stand firm, that never again will the people of Somaliland will ever go back.

As the writer put it, the liberal British MP, should stand up for Somaliland people and make sure the world community recognize their self-determination.

9:45 pm on February 1, 2012

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Jans says:

And the more other non Somalis see just how much Somaliland cannot join with Somalia. After all if they hate Somalilanders so much how could they form an effective government with them?

The best thing is separation!

10:06 pm on February 1, 2012

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mohamed cheers says:

Focusing on the Somalia London Conference on 23 Feb 2012, and what it is all about, there's
a good chance for the Somaliland to prepare their quest for recognition and full Independence.
This means unless Somaliland who was not a negotiating party to the Somalia roadmaps is given
proper platform portfolio assurance different in content than Somalia, by the key organizers, there's no need for SLD to participate in the Somalia London Conference.
Cheers.
.

10:54 pm on February 1, 2012

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madar says:

My gut instict tells me, eventhough i am not privy to any information, that somaliland will finally get its recognision but from somalia first , through a similar deal to how south sudan seperated from sudan.
This would be the best thing for both parties as somaliland and somalia will never become a union again in my humble opinion.

11:43 pm on February 1, 2012

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Salebaan Haybe says:

The current government of somaliland destroyed the Democratic credibility of Somaliland, the unity of somaliland and the peacefulness of somaliland. The most recent attack of Buuhoodle was the worst military action taken by the Somaliland current government. The country is disbanded intentionally by this current gangster style group.

11:53 pm on February 1, 2012

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Salebaan Haybe says:

No hope to get any kind of recognition from the international community. This comment is expressing the current situation of Somaliland and how the international communities see us or our real image is in their eyes. First of all we have to re-unite the tribes of this country then we can seek recognitions from the international community. We are pissing on our future, who else will care it.

12:03 am on February 2, 2012

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Elmi says:

i swear i will hear "somaliland recognition" from 40 years from now what a joke !

3:16 am on February 2, 2012

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Omer Hussein Dualeh says:

Mr. Haybe:

Why do you hate our country? Why you are always a negative individual? Is there anyway we can help you to trust our elected people? MIYAANU KUUGU DHAARANAA in Somaliland is on the right track?

I don't understand why everythng you say in this comments column is against the ruling party, if not the Somaliland guest of International relations to be strengthed. Be a patriot for your own sack, and be proactive and not negative all the time. A brotherly advise is what I am getting at, and nothing else my fellow countryman. Don't be obssessed against your country like that person, who claims he use to represent Somaliland in UK, but whatever he says is basically against his country.

3:42 am on February 2, 2012

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mohamed cheers says:

Madar, Haybe, Elmi,

no body can force the Independence of the Somaliland Nation, that's for sure. That said, focusing
on the new Somalia developments, UN/Key International players roadmaps for the Somalia's
future upto 2014 and beyond, the Somaliland reserves their rights whether to attend or not to the Somalia London Conference, depending on the final well calculated decision which upto is not
yet decided by the Govts. of Somaliland. However, one thing is absolutely clear…since Somaliland
was not a negotiating party in the Somalia roadmaps, that stance remains to distance the Somaliland
issues from the Somalia issues. Somaliland has full rights to say no to attend the new Somalia
Roadmaps!!!.
Cheers.

8:40 am on February 2, 2012

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- I Jama says:
  
  So if I come to your house with a gun and go to your room with intention to use it and your brother shoots me then I can say I was massacred. Even though I was carrying a gun and used it. Loool no wonder Somalia is a failed country. A militia that has been killing Somalilanders with hit and runs for the past year are claiming to be massacred. You mean they are terrorists who was out numbered after several peace talks, clashes and hit & runs. If can't stand the heat don't pack the heat.
  
  3:17 pm on February 2, 2012
  
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Xiiray says:

William Hague Visited Somalia today – first British Foreign Secretary to go there in 20 years, since 1992. Announced new UK Ambassador ,thank you Britannia for forcing somaliland be part of the somali delegation in London thank you thank you thank you so much !

9:47 am on February 2, 2012

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- Gobaad says:
  
  Xiiray, Somaliland has been not forced to attend. But Somaliland is attending out of respect and the bilateral relations between Britain and Somaliland and when British assured Somaliland that the conference agenda has nothing whatsoever to do with a unity between Somaliland and Somalia. So, guys, spare yourselves the disappointment and don't get your hopes too high!
  
  9:57 pm on February 2, 2012
  
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Omer Hussein Dualeh says:

Sick people have hijacked this column. Haybe, Kamilo and Xiiray. The Crescent will come to your door-steps. What will you do that day. Get ready to inflict a gun shot in your heads. That is what i foresee guy, because hate and miss information is eating your guts. Somaliland is protected by the Almighty God, and you will fail continuously as you have been doing for the last 21 years. Liberal Democrats need Somaliland and we need them.

This is scratch my back and I shall reciprocate when you need it. Do you have any problem? This is how the people of good heart deal with each other, and you are not. The Author of this article does not need your sickening comments, because he know what he is talking about.

11:57 am on February 2, 2012

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1Ali says:

PuntlandGeezer,
It is shocking to notice the level of your hatred towards a predominant northern clan and I will not be surprise if you were part of the same cheer leading group who supported the resistance during the Ethiopian occupation of 2007-2009.

Why don't people like you focus in solving the problems in south/central Somalia and stop your unhealthy fetish on S/Land!!!

Tribal/clan hatred that people like you promote/actively encourage is the sole reason why Somalia is still a failed state and unfortunately will remain unless we all overcome this petty tribal/clan sectarian divide….we have no time for people like you!

12:39 pm on February 2, 2012

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I Jama says:

Don't insult peoples intelligence you just make them more determined to cause harm to your brethrens in Somalia. My suggestion to you is to watch what has been happening for the last few years alone. If you still haven't learnt from your obvious disrespect and lack of comprehension will mean Somalia will continue to be in worst then the current failed state. While you go on after Somaliland whilst offending others you are causing more harm to you not Somaliland. Somalia is deemed the most failed country in the world. Guess Why because of the like of you taking extremism over responsible behaviour?

3:22 pm on February 2, 2012

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I Jama says:

Somaliland isn't and never was anti west unlike the South Somalis terrorist. So are you really laughing or embarrassed that the UK of all people are helping you. You reflect your own insecure even more. Lool

3:28 pm on February 2, 2012

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I Jama says:

Good for them if they do and good for us. However, Somaliland is a different nation and will always remain so.

4:19 pm on February 2, 2012

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Gobaad says:

kamilo , laugh as much as you like with your silly…. kkkkkhahaha heheheh kkkkk lololol. Yaanay oohini ka dambayn. And one thing in mind though, whether you want laugh or cry, that Somaliland will never be part of Somalia.

9:48 pm on February 2, 2012

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Gobaad says:

Willis Pickard, Somaliland was not a territory within a territory and broke away. Unlike South Sudan and Eritrea, Somaliland was a fully Independence Country recognized by more than 35 countries before it joined the ill-fated union. Somaliland is different. So, let us not to get confused or compare Somaliland to Soth Sudan or Eritrea.

10:19 pm on February 2, 2012

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mohamed cheers says:

SSSSShhhhhh you have said enuf time u shut up.
Cheers.

8:12 pm on February 3, 2012

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Berri says:

FLUSH NEWS…UK PM, David Cameron called personally to the president of Somaliland today and sent especial envoy the “UK Ambassdor to Ethiopia” for reaffirmation about the ambitious, democratic and peaceful post independence under a legitimate and accountable government that responds primarily to the needs and aspirations of the Somaliland people will be not compromised and has nothing to do with this Somalia chaos problems.

But rather needed Somaliland inputs in consultation to contribute by helping Somalia like other 50 participants.

Other New Development increasingly emerging…. In the context of London Conference, it has been circulated an Italian proposal which advocates a 16 months of UN/AU Trusteeship or what it is called Transitional Administration on Somalia. The Italian proposal has formally documented the total failure of the TFG and international efforts. Theoretically, the proposal is far better than the current situation of TFG’s vassal model or what Prof Afyare Elmi called “stealth trusteeship” on Somalia under disparate actors.

9:40 pm on February 4, 2012

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Mohamoud says:

It is forgone conculisin that the Somalilnd government will attend the confernce in London. What we have to discuss is how we have to present our selves. Let us think about it and present ourselfes as a unitied nation and a unitied country and disclose to the other nations in the conference that we are equal but separete nations and they have to accept itt .
Somaliland is an indepentant state and is wiling to cooperate with it's neighbours in promoting peace and democaracy and the rule of law. We are not for aranchy and lawlessness.
Let the so called TFG government know that they were not elected by the Somalia people they where appointed by somebody else outside Somalia. They are illegimate as long as they are not electected by the Somali people in Somalia inside Somalia.

11:36 pm on February 4, 2012

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Jans says:

Walalayal our long fought for struggle is coming to a fruitful end Amen! I think our main request for even helping with the Somalia issue is to get recognition on the spot! Or for the UN to acknowledge the referendum that has already taken place and again grant recognition! Then and only then can we sort out the Somalia issue!

They cant take our success and give it to our enemies without us getting something we want in return!

Silaanyo and our leaders should make that very apparent! No recognition no help in sorting out the Somalia issue! You scratch my back I scratch yours!

12:17 am on February 5, 2012

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