Africa
New Egypt, Somaliland set to establish diplomatic ties
December 24, 2011 · 41 Comments
Photograph: Somaliland FM Dr Mohamed Abdullahi Omar meets with Egyptian officials in Cairo
HARGEISA — Mohamed Abdullahi Omar, Somaliland Minister of Foreign Affairs, arrived in the Egyptian capital on Saturday and held immediate talks with officials on various regional affairs, it was officially reported.
Press statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Dr Omar accompanied by Mr Hersi Ali Hassan, Ministers for Presidential Palace, embarked on his first diplomatic mission to the North African country.
The statement added the minister received an official invitation from Egypt for talks. The dialogue is aimed at establishing diplomatic relations and developing bilateral cooperation in all areas for the first time, it said.
Upon arrival, the two ministers were greeted and welcomed to the Arab state by Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister for African Affairs Mrs Mona Omar and Special Representative to Somalia and Somaliland Mr Ayman Magdy.
Dr Omar is expected to hold a series of bilateral talks with senior Egyptian officials. Somaliland said that the new Egyptian authorities had expressed a willingness to open a new page in bilateral relations with Hargeisa.
Ties between the two African states have always been sour but Somaliland has reacted positively to the new initiative. It expressed optimism and expects things to normalize between Cairo and Hargeisa following the ouster of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. For years Hargeisa accused Egypt of blocking its bid to gain full recognition. It argued Egypt had used its strong position within the AU and the Arab League, also a strong ally of U.S. and Israel, to block Somaliland recognition.
Egypt’s government has always maintained it recognizes the Transitional Federal Government in Mogadishu, which controls only few blocks, as the sole authority in Somalia. After a devastating conflict with Mogadishu that left hundreds of thousands dead, Somaliland ended its voluntary union with Somalia in 1991. The Hosni Mubarak regime refused to respect the decision of the people of Somaliland. Somaliland voluntarily unified with its southern neighbor July 1960, a union that was never rectified.
After the toppling of long-time dictator Mubarak, Egypt said it was open to all countries and was seeking new relations. This visit to Cairo by Dr Omar is the first its kind by a Somaliland official since declaring the restoration of its sovereignty in 1991. It remains to be seen if the diplomatic trip will bear any fruits in the near future.
Somalilandpress
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We welcome the new chapter between New Egypt and Somaliland. We also hope the military rule in Egypt can ease tensions in the country by accepting the voice of Egyptians. Do not become like Siad Bare of Somalia who took advantage of misfortune times.
Sorry readers of Somalilandpress. Egyptians are very clever and experienced people particularly when it comes to Arab and Horn of Africa poltics.
These two guys who are now in Egypt have neither the skills nor the expereince to really undertsand what are Egypt's motives. They will not be able to read between the lines.
Why has Egypt all of a sudden changed its attitude towards Somaliland? No body can really answer this question apart from the Egyptians themselves. We all know that Egypt will never recognize Somnaliland as they are a staunch supporter of Somali Republic.
In fact, it is Egypt who blocks every single move, in AU and the Arab League, that may be deemed to be advocating Somaliland's independence.
Neither the bogus Dr. Omar nor Hersi can match the experience and the down-to-earth skills of their Egyptian counterparts. It was wrong to send these two guys to a country like Egypt as they are really both amateurs.
Alla ha u sahlo Somaliland.
Poor people discuss people, average people discuss events but great men discuss ideas
.Mr Ahmed I think these two gentle men are great men and they are doing it well.
The issue is not about the experience nor the skills of the two individuals you emphazised their weakness. but It's a new door opened by the regional and international changes happening these days. If egypt, with all it's experience and political clout has invited somaliland for a meeting why not try it?.. If they want to listen and hear the other side's story why somaliland not present their argument? what is the problem with that? on the other hand, countries are more powerful and historically older than each other but that shouldn't make us feel inferior or afraid to face them and promote our interests with them..
regarding the two Mininters I don't think that experience is an obstacle here, unless you have a personal grouch against them. they are doing their job in the best possible way they can. and in general they are in line with collective dicission of Somaliand government…
Ahmed You maybe right for certain isssue but not all of it. There is somali wisdom sayin that " Nin dan badan kuugu qaba, adna aad dan kali ah ku qabtid… Taada ayaa laga racaa" we all know that Eygpt has many interist in the this region, but is up to Somalilanders who can do what is best for them. Going to Cairo will not hurt the two Ministers but in fact , will eas them to get something even a cent. Thanks
I don't know why Egypt changed its position and hope that they finally understood the geoplotical strategic importance of Somaliland. However, I agree with AhmedY, Dr. Omer or Hersi are the wrong people to represent Somaliland and specially in the first contact with Egyptian, because the first impression sets the rule. We need heavy weights in the Ministry of foreign affairs, this position is too important to be out contracted to an immature and confidence-lacking person, who spends his days in the president's office rather than designing strategies in the ministry of foreign affairs.
In his own admission Dr. Omer told the gurti that he recently understood how international politics work. It is good think that he is learning, but are we sure if he is learning the right stuff? can we let him to us trial and error on our foreign policy or do we need someone else with experience and great confidence to handle this? I am waiting to hear your say.
Dhugtame
I have said many times ago. This man is notthe right person for the job and he has to be replaced as a matter of urgency. The first time I ever saw him talking was when he had that disasterous debate with Professor Samatar. I really felt sorry for Somaliland as that was an embarassment.
The guy is not only an amateaur but also a con man. He claims to have a PhD which he cannot say where he got it from. He also says that he used to teach in a college in the United Kingodm and that also has yet to be proven.
I don't knoiw what is wrong with Somaliland. Today in Hargeisa, there are so many other Somalilanders who are better educated and more experienced than him. Why can't they appoint the right people for the right posts?
AhmedY, where can i watch this debate that he had with Professor Samatar?
Hi Sabrine
The debate was on Al Jazeera International Television. It was late last year and I don't know if you can find it in their archives. I'll also try if I can find it.
Watch out !!! Egypt & Co. is uneasy about comming of peace in east Africa. The sighning of Investment Treaty amoung Somaliland, China & Ethiopia is the reason why they wanted to establish a Diplomatic Mission with Somaliland. in case if the Somaliland Leaders are going to be driven by Egyptian Spys, it brings to Somaliland a bad luck And down fall like our Brothers in the South.
Somalia is one nation, no matter what country they visit there is noo recognition, there world knows one country and they respect independent and sovereignty Republic of Somalia.
Xarago,
If Somaliland was part of Somalia, today the world would be feeding starving kids in Hargeisa, Berbera, Borama and beyond but thanks to God, we remain free of your illnesses, hatred, pirates, warlords, extremists, drought, famine and starvation.
This is why we are not the same, so bark on another tree and keep moving to your refugee camp in Kenya.
Your telling me that Hargeisa has no starving children. no homeless mothers with 5,6 or 7 children. no orphans. I am from Hargeisa and seen how its like. Maybe in your little world everything is fine. Stop talking the talk and start walking the walk.
Help those who are less fortunate than you.
So you saying Hargeisa is worse than Xamar???
children are starving ever were in the world even here in america sir.
'Xarago'
Before you talk about Somaliland, I suggest that you learn how to spell your name properly in Somali. I'll teach how to do it. This is how it should be spelled: Xarrago.
And why are poking your nose where you have no business? we are talking about Somalland which has nothing to do with you. Get your priorities right and sort out your problems first. Killings, murder, explosions that is the order of the day in your parts of the world. Forget about Somaliland and concentrate on your country's problems.
Xarrago,
NO is spelled with one O not double. Go and get some education you break -head.
Egypt arranged unofficial talks between officials from TFG, Somaliland and the Aweys wing of Alshabab.
It is good Somalis talk about their future and find a lasting solution to their problems. I hope Egypt helps to this end.
Dhugtame and AhmedY – both of you have showed your personal enemity for Dr. Omar. And it si shame on you as yuour motivation is clear- Xaasidnimo iyo qabyaalad. Dr. Omar is a national hero and he has now become an internationally acknowledged politican who has opened new chapters for Somaliland's international relations. He has linked Somaliland with IGAD, improved relations with African countries and some Arab states, and strenghtened ties with EU countries and US. The visit to Egypt is new and a positive step and encouraging development. It is these steps and chaievements that scared both of you. Acknowledge the progress and stop xaasidnimo iyo qabyaalad. DR.Omar has no time for people like you.
Longlive Dr. Omar, longlive Somaliland.
Qodaaye
He is not a Dr. Period! Which part of this statement don't you understand? He is almost illiterate he can't write any language properly including his mother tongue. He lived in Holland and he can't write Dutch either.
And why are you bringing qabyaalad in to the matter?
Qodaaye
You are an idiot nothing less and nothing more.
To Qodaaye,
Could you please tell us where Dr. Omer got his PhD and which college he taught and what subject he taught? answer these simple questions and the whole matter will be over. If you can not answer these questions we will be inclined to believe AhmedY's version.
You do not call people Xaasid and qabileeyste, when they put forward a valid argument. A better way is to answer the concerns of these people. Dr. Omer choose to go into politics and people have the right to know who their politicians are and specially if they are telling them the truth about themselves and what they represent. You can not simply dismiss the concerns of the citizens and call them names. That is ignorant and immoral.
Thank you all.
If any Somaliland official does a good job for his country I don't bother his accedemical qulification.
Evaluation of a person should be based on what he done than where he get his garaduation.
Ali
I agree with Ali, but in this case the guy is not telling the truth. You are right we do not care the least about his academic qualifications if that person is doing his job effectively, but if someone does not tell the truth of his qualification that tells us the person concerned is untrustworthy and not fit to work in a position of responsibility such as FM. No body likes con artists.
I just want to congratulate Somaliland foreign Minister, Dr. Mohamed abdillahi Omar, for this wonderful achievement. SInce he became foreign minister, he has introduced a pracmatic and active foreign policy that is producing already result.
Well done
I'm usually never excited about Egypt but since the world is positively changing their attitude towards Somaliland and Egypt is gone or going through changes; their attitude towards Somaliland may also be positive so inshAllah I hope Dr Omar is handling it very well and that we reach a good diplomatic relation and ties with them, the more friends the better. Long live Somaliland
Somaliland must take the chance to negotiate with the new governments that evolved from the Arab uprising. These people have one thing in common with Somaliland: They are very eager to have a genuine democracy independent from USA and their corrupt puppet government. And they can understand that the source of pandemonium in Somalia is that Western countries support an illegitimate corrupt government. They can also understand that it is equitable to advocate for Somaliland. To establish relation with these countries is one of the few stategies that could lead to Somalilands recognition. Nevertheless the current Somalialland government and the ones to follow must come up with plan how the country can continue to exist without recognition, how it can develop economically and independent from Somalia, like Israel in their time. This will be only possible when we have a plan B. It is a fatal error to pin our hopes only on recognition. Especially when it will not come for the next 20 years!
First of all I compliment SLDpress for the articulated substance and style of this Article. It's nicely
presented. With the new Egypt in the making process and its new policies of open-mindedness
and specially being an important player in the Global Worldwide issues between Sovereign Nations
of the UN, and also has unshakable influence on all AL/OIC World affairs, the new Egypt Arab Spring
beyond reasonable doubts, has much to offer Somaliland and Somalia as two States of
great substance in the political limelights of the AL/OIC charters. Simply if/when they recognize
Somaliland will mean a new added membership of Somaliland into the AL/OIC fold. In othe words,
whether the two Somalis of the old parternered Union under the S.R in 1960 holds together or gets
seperated will not alter the AL/OIC geopolitic dynamics of the East African Countries or Igad itself
to harm the AL/OIC political interests. Therefore, hopefully this new bilateral relations between Hargeisa and Cairo will produce fruitful results to benefit both countries.
Cheers.
Correction: Partnered I/O Parternered.
Cheers.
For years the government of Husiny Mubarak was of blocking Somaliland to gain its rightful recognition. Now that he is ousted, it is a positive move from the new government to invite Somaliland to normalize relations and Somaliland has seized the opportunity. And of course, the outcome will be fruitful because Egypticians are highly educated and have a lot to offer in education, health, and training our army force.
@ AhmedY: "… The first time I ever saw him talking was when he had that disasterous debate with Professor Samatar. I really felt sorry for Somaliland as that was an embarassment…" Is really unfair to Dr. Omer. I also saw the debate you are talking and the other two were not better if not worst. They all had an accent because English is not their month tongue. Having an accent and having a good command in writing is two different thing and people from all over the world who were not born in an English speaking countries have an accent. I think, probably you have some kind of animosity against the Foreign Minister. I believe that he is doing well. Put Somaliland on map within the short time of his tenure and made lots of diplomatic connections.
DR. Omar is quite honest, hardworking, learning to catch-up fast, and his overall ratings are so far so
good in token contrast by the precarious stance and standards SLD have been subjected too
since 1993 to current, and he's exceedingly zealous in the ways he tackles his diplomatic
accomplishments. At any rate, he's a serious and challenging diplomat and I don't doubt his credibility
for whatever he's engaged formally or informally. Like the rest of JSL, his Ministry may need good
accountability to have high profile diplomats working for him both nationally and internationally.
Those discrediting DR. Omar are nothing but cheap empty vessels making balloons of hot air noises
with unnecessary disturbance of the peaceful neighbourhood!
Cheers.
I like to tell the haters that Dr.Mohamed wrote his thesis about hate and stupidity, and its better you look where its to find what you are!
Our Minister of foreign affairs is someone we support his effort in bringing our country out of the cool, and you will see it in not distant future. All those write negative about Dr.Mohamed are those he wrote about.
But where did he write his thesis? Which University and in which country?
As far as I am aware no body has ever seen any thing by him.
Haters will have to thank the good doctor soon when he gets us recognition or they will dissapear and come back with different names and look for other non-issues to pick on.
AhmedY: It's none of your business where he wrote his thesis and which University. Who the hell you are to question? Sick people only waste their time and effort in this kind of bull-shit. Stay away from our foreign minister and Somaliland at large, because you don't belong to this theater. Dig it?
Anyone who questions Mr.Mohamed credentials is someone who don't understand the man and his vision. We care of diplomacy regardless who brings what we need, and he is doing just that.
Omer Hussein Dualeh
It is my business to question. That is God given right as a citizen of Somaliland.
And I will never let him off the hook for all all con men are danger to the society. I'll do whatever I can to expose people like him.
AhmedY: Is there a particular enmity you have for our Doctor? What you are doing looks to me a naked vendetta. Don't you see that way? Furthermore, are you sure you are a Somalilander? Has he done anything to you personally? If not, then why you are determined to hunt the man?
Our country needs people like you who thinks positively, and not witch hunting for obvious reason. Don't forget those days, that the enemy was not differentiating between us. If Dr.Mohamed fails to do his job, he will definitely be history, and the better ones that you look for will come, if that is our of patriotism from you. Give him a chance to reach or fail.
Omer Hussein Dualeh
Trust me, it is not personal vendetta and I haven't got anything personal against him.. I am just against all those who lie about their credentials. For the simple reason that if someone lies about his or her credentials they will definitely lie about other things as well. And don't forget that this man is holdong a very important post for Somaliland.
There others in the Cabinet that claim that they are PhD holders but this one happened to claim that he did his PhD in the University of Birmingham. I graduated from that University and it is not true that he did anykind of degree there let alone a PhD.
I know that one doesn't necessarily need to have a PhD to do his job properly but the question is why lie about it?
With regards to your question of whether I am a Somalilande or notr, I say yes. True and ture. In fact, that is why I am concerned about these bogus PhD holders, etc.
Nabadeey
LOL @ naked vendetta. then he tops if off by question your loyalty for wanting to know the qualifications of "government"officials who are suppose to be working for the people. Omer Hussein Duhaleh, you, sir are an idiot!!! Keep up the blind support and don't be surprised when your are fooled.
The delegation are not real Egyptian officials but they were hired to act like delegation to pacify Somaliland public opinions toward Dr. Abdillahi.
Ms Intisar, we are not here to insult each other. AhmedY thanks for responding to me responsibly.