Opinions
Op-Ed: ISAD Open-Letter to Local Representatives
November 28, 2011 · 39 Comments
I’d like to begin by saying Assalaamu Alaikum (or peace be unto you) to all Somalilanders and friends of Somaliland worldwide. It’s no secret that our power in number and the patriotism of our many citizens both at home and abroad that we have been able to make it through twenty years of limbo and as what the rest of the world likes to term a ‘De Facto State’. While we are happy and proud of what we have been able to accomplish over the years with our limited authority outside of our borders, the pressing need for international recognition and the inability of our citizens to travel the world freely is still an issue without a permanent resolution.
In an effort to apply more pressure globally on elected officials from the grass-roots level, the ISAD Committee would like to kindly request that you copy and print the following open letter and send it to as many of your local representatives as possible. We hope that with enough letters sent that we can force our lingering need to make it to multiple government agendas and possibly brought into the forefront of international foreign policy. We thank you in advance for taking the time to post this letter and remind you that it could be your letter hat got the ball rolling towards our eventual recognition.
Sincere Regards,
Mohamoud-Aar
Chair
ISAD Committee
To His/Her Honorable ____________________________,
I write to you today to bring your attention to a serious issue currently ongoing on the African continent and the grave injustice being perpetrated against a people who have long endured much suffering at the hands of the international community and its reluctance to acknowledge both their grievances and accomplishments. As a matter of utmost importance, I ask that you read the following summary of this issue with a fair and open mind in the hope that you may understand some interesting points.
On June 26th 1960 the world was introduced to a new African nation with a unique history, peoples and geopolitical significance. A nation where democratic ideals were highly regarded, a nation that wanted to enjoin in African brotherhood and a nation that would one day rise again from an ill-fated turbulent union and abusive relationship. This new nation was a fresh face on the African political scene with a tradition in conflict resolution, peace, stability and trade at a time when the entire African region was massively underdeveloped. On June 26th 1960 the world accepted The State of Somaliland (which was granted independence from Great Britain after 76 years as a Protectorate) as a fellow member of the international community. Fatefully, however, this young state’s naïve first mistake would ultimately lead to years of oppression and the wanton massacre of its citizens.
Not many are aware of the tragedy that occurred once The State of Somaliland formed a union with the Trust Territory of Somalia on July 1st, 1960. The people of Somaliland were marginalized in government and economic development with their existing institutions harvested like donor organs and moved in totality to the new capital of the union (Mogadishu, Somalia) without balanced representation. The people of Somaliland, having been highly educated by the British during their days as a protectorate, were immediately privy to the injustice that was unfolding before their eyes. As a result, weeks after the union there was an uproar and furor from both the political elite and the citizens at large. Having a long steeped tradition in civility and compromise, however, the people of Somaliland placed their aspirations for African Unity and brotherhood above their reservations and opted for the patient approach and to work from within the new Somali union to correct its shortcomings.
When former Somali Dictator Mohamed Barre seized power in October 21st, 1969, he immediately began a campaign to silence those who continued to voice their distaste of this lack of representation and the harsh backlash and treatment they received from their government. There was literally a two class system within the union with the people of Somaliland being forced to accept a role as an inferior people while being accused of being ‘the Jews of Africa’. Over the years this eventually became a chaste system with Somalilanders (then Northerners) being labeled a trouble-making inferior race of people by the brutal regime. After many highly publicized executions, widespread torture and unlawful arrests and detention, the people of Somaliland decided to take matters into their own hands and launched an armed struggle to regain their independence from their ill-advised union with Somalia. As all members of the foreign press were kicked out of Somalia by the former regime in the eighties, not many are fully in the know about this dark chapter in Somaliland’s history. Today multiple mass graves and the heart wrenching stories of irreparable and irreversible loss are remaining witnesses to the genocide that took place as over 50,000 civilians were killed by government forces in a failed attempt to muffle Somaliland’s cry for freedom.
This cry lasted ten years while most of the international community turned a blind-eye to Somaliland’s struggle with the exception of Ethiopia. Some notable members of the international community and African Union erringly even went so far as to provide mercenaries and logistical support to the former regime so that it can continue to commit its atrocities. After a decade long struggle and the decimation of the Somaliland capital of Hargeisa by both artillery fire and attacks by fighter jets launched form its own airport (similar to the war-crimes the Qaddafi regime recently committed) the people of Somaliland’s cry went from a yelp to a roar which led to the re-establishment of its independence on May 18th, 1991.
This was no small feat. Somalia of course at the time was one of the strongest military powers in the region with a knack for flexing its muscles to its neighbors (Somali-Ethiopian wars). The sheer will and determination of the people of Somaliland to accomplish this task was not only a testament to their ability, but a reflection of the nasty oppression their struggle was a reaction to. At this very moment there are hundreds and thousands of Somalilanders who suffer from symptoms of post-traumatic stress, psychosis, the loss of limbs and family all so that they could regain their bastion of freedom. This freedom Somaliland fought to obtain is a universal right and as simple a right as the freedom of choice and the right to self determination. This right should morally trump any political agenda in any soul who has a genuine appreciation for humanity.
When we view Somaliland from a political standpoint, it’s not difficult to imagine that it is in the world’s strategic interest to prevent its re-unification with Somalia as the original act of unification was a prerequisite to claiming entire nations and territories belonging to other sovereign African nations. Granting Somaliland its recognition would kill the dream of ‘Greater or Pan Somalia’ which would include parts of Kenya, Ethiopia and all of Djibouti and Somaliland. This dream is still very much alive in the hearts and minds of members of various elected TFG governments and random polls of Somalis (at home and abroad) show that an embarrassingly high number of Somali citizens still dream of re-unifying all of what they believe is ‘Greater Somalia’ at the expense of their neighbors; by force if necessary. This same dream is what caused the Ogaden Wars and it would be almost negligent for our country and the international community to keep any lifeline to this expansionist dream open as it will undoubtedly lead to future conflicts in the region.
Since re-establishing its sovereignty, Somaliland has continued to maintain all the legal requirements for statehood and regaining its status as a sovereign nation with a clearly defined territory, history and people. Somaliland is an active partner in the war against terrorism, the war against piracy and is a rare African example of democratic transition in government. We have rebuilt our cities from rubble and ruins and with very little foreign aid created a vibrant economy that is poised to grow substantially once our citizens are able to travel more freely. With multiple internationally observed fair and free elections and a national referendum which saw 97% of all voters say ‘No!’ to the union with Somalia, I can only ask why the international community has not done the right thing and answer the people of Somaliland’s call for recognition.
I am told that you are an individual of utmost wisdom and compassion, a person whose wisdom far exceeds their years and experience and a person capable of leaving behind a legacy during your short term in office. As a citizen of both the world and Somaliland I call on you to do the right thing and make the resolution of Somaliland’s current state of limbo (by making the recognition of its sovereignty a priority in our national agenda) a personal goal. In so doing you will make an impact during your tenure that will bring closure to the millions of victims of a forgotten genocide and both correct and rectify the ongoing 20 year injustice being done unto a noble, resilient and deserving people.
Sincere Regards,
__________________________________
Name: ____________________________
Tel: ____________________________
City: ____________________________
Prepared by Mohamoud-Arr Hussein on behalf of the ISAD Committee
The letter was written by a concerned citizen and bares no affiliation in any way to the Government of the Republic of Somaliland.
Views expressed in the opinion articles are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of Somalilandpress editorial.
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By Mo Guled
Readers Comments (39)
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“Granting Somaliland its recognition would kill the dream of ‘Greater or Pan Somalia’ which would include parts of Kenya, Ethiopia and all of Djibouti and Somaliland.”
War yaa ilaahay yaqaana. This is really not a good way to look for recognition. Shortsightedness is an awful thing. Think my friends, try to see th greater pictures. Hope and pray that the other Somalis, like you have done, also see the light of peace and that they AND you realise the greater picture.
I gave you a thumbs up because I can also feel the sadness of letting go Pan-Somalism through no fault of our own. However, we live in the real World, not one of idealism and wishful thinking and hence we aught to make sacrifices and decisions which would benefit our people now although such undertakings would be considered unthinkable a mere two decades ago.
Abraham walaal I can't agree with you more, I have to say the dream of a greater Somalia would have been much better and beautiful and I too feel the sadness of letting it go but we have to be honest and not chase something impossible. You see the union of the two Somali regions (Somaliland-Somalia) has terribly failed let alone pan-Somalia with all 5 regions. Somalia too should let it go because what is more important to them is to establish a peace and government and they can't even establish that (20 yrs in war is just beyond imagination) let alone uniting a powerful Somalia. They have lost Somaliland in 1991 and they know Somaliland is not coming back so why hang on to it. Somalia failed themselves, they are making no imrpovements, the somali situation is in a sad state so why keep Somaliland behind too. All I can say is may Allah help you Somalia and nabad galyo walalayaal since we ain't coming back!
The reason is not because of what happened in the past as we forgave and forgot but the reason is what could happen in the future (the trust is gone) and being a realist rather than a wishful thinking.
Ahmed, this is not 1960 it's 2011 in case you haven't notice!
So, what is your point?
All I am saying is that in the past 20 years, the western countries' governments have made it clear that they dont care for or about Somaliland. Saying that Somaliland should be recognised to 'kill' the idea of Greater Somalia, shows everything that is wrong with the mindset of the author. To get others to recognise you, you have to show them why it is in their interests. 'Killing' something that is already dead (Greater Somalia), is irrelevant and serves no purpose for these people you are tareting. Such statements only serve to create wedges between and alienate the Somali peoples. Personally, I believe that there are other avenues that could be explored if only (some) Somalilanders would get over their myopia and narrow way of thinking.
Ahmed, you got it all wrong because Somaliland is not seeking recognition to "kill" the idea of Great Somalia. That was a myth and a wishful thinking. It never existed and never will. Somaliland is the only country from the rest of five Somali regions that went into that ill-fated union and the rest saw the abuse of power and the eventual genocide against Somalilanders and the changed their mind about even purusing it. Somaliland came to the union as an Independent country and reverted to its Statehood status. Thus, Somaliland Statehood is our God given rights and we have the right to pursue it. And we will not rest unless we exhaust all avenues open to us whether it takes us 20 years or a 1000 years.
"Ahmed, you got it all wrong because Somaliland is not seeking recognition to "kill" the idea of Great Somalia."
That is not what I said. I said: "To get others to recognise you, you have to show them why it is in their interests to do so. If you tell them 'Killing' greater Somalis, something that is already dead, is irrelevant and serves no purpose for these people you are targeting. Such statements only serve to create wedges between and alienate the Somali peoples." We should strive to have good relations with other Somalis, it is in our interests to do so.
I am not arguing whether Somaliland deserves recognition or not. What I am saying is that wanting recognition and de-jure independence is fine, but there are different ways to go about achieving this and some ways, at least imo, are better than others.
This is what I am talking about! Way to go Mr. Hussien I will be sending it off to my elected officials in the states and so will everyone in my household. I will also make sure that I pass this along to family members and get my facebook friends and family to also chip in!
LETS MAKE THIS VIRAL!
The intention is excellent, but the way it is written needs an improvement. The sentences are too long and there is paucity of punctuations. Almost every paragraph that is more than three lines is made up of only one sentence. The great ideas in this letter are diluted and made reading and absorption of the contents very difficult.
Finally, I applaud the good intention and is a step in the right direction, but let us make the letter more reader friendly.
@Dhugtame,
If you can do that, by all means tweak it; then post the revised letter on Somalilandpress.
@Ahmed,
Caduur dhawdhawdu uma dhacsana.
I am afraid, we are light years ahead of you and your ilk, so please don't EVEN try giving us any advice.
So who exactly do you mean by 'we' and who do you mean by 'your ilk' ? :D
@ Ahmed,
Who exactly you trying to talk to? I hope not to Somalilanders.
My comment was in response to the article and I expected that anyone viewing the website might see it. Why do you hope "not to Somalilanders" though?
@ Ahmed
I think everyone thought you were some xamari lol Anways it will be interested to know what avenues you would consider Somaliland to take in order to look for recognition. Personally I believe to look for some benefits for them and explore in working on mutual interests both politically and economically. I don't know whether we do/don't have any or whether our government is just not skilled at it
Amal,
Somalilanders, their democracy way ku faanaan but sadly sometimes they struggle to hear out people with differing opinions (whether another Somalilander or a 'xamari' as you put it). I absolutely agree with you on your second point. I too believe that there are many aspects in which 'Somalia' and Somaliland can work together esp politically and economically. However, in order for this to occur, people (from both SL and Som) need to get past their issues and lower their barriers.
The IC is fully conversant and fully aware of the historiies of Somaliland and Somalia and the
Somalis Problems during the Colonial and Post Colonials Eras. In my view I urge that Isad Committee
should think of other ways to handle the Somaliland Recognition issues. This style was being used
since 1993 without results. I think the ways Somalilanders handle their political affairs, the ways they
address themselves and through what channels lack real credibility.Amongst other absurd things,
Somaliland can not simplly differentiate which classification really fits their status quo. They are caught
up between .. A de facto and A de jure. While Somaliland is beyond any reasonable doubt is A de jure
the challenging IC keeps Somaliland as A de facto which's wrong. But the Somalilanders cry out
crocodile tears and go about pissing around not mentioning the A de jure bright side. For Example like
all others in this Isad article there's single word talking about the Right A de jure legality case of S/Land.
Cheers.
Correction: there's no single word…sorry not there's single.
Cheers.
This is a good start and let us not water it down by arguing about symantics.This letter writing should a process and let us make it evolve into lobbying mechanism so we convince the rest of the world of our asparations.
Every journey starts with the first step. Our main objective is to persuade the rest of the world that Somaliland deserves and has earned recognition.
@Ahmed,
I guess Amal answered your question above.
As Gobad and others pointed out your argument seems a bit misplaced. The Somaliwayn dream died long before 1991.
At any rate, can you expound a little on what you mean by "the bigger picture"?
Hargeisawi-In-London,
I will happilly explain what I meant by the bigger picture.
By this I meant two main things.
Firstly 'danta guud' i.e. common interests of all Somalis. These common interests include peace, development, security to name a few. I would like to see the co-operation of the different Somali political entities e.g. Somaliland, Puntland, 'Somalia', Djibouti etc. to work on these common interests.
Secondly, I meant the regional geopolitical issues and the safeguarding of the security and socio/political/economic sovereignty of the Somali people. I appreciate that Somalilanders have a right to their independence, but lets not ignore that other Somalis ayaa dad inoogu dhow (regardless of what might have happened in the past or of political differences). We have a common interest in safeguarding eachothers sovereignty and by working together, whether in a framework of a federal system, multilateral co-operation treaties or other frameworks, we can reduce or avoid the domination of the fate of Somalis by larger/powerful countries in the region or other foreign powers. NOTE: It is sad that we are today witnessing the occupation and violation of southern Somalia by Kenya, Ethiopia etc. By the perpetuating of the southern Somalis war, foreign actors legitimise the interference and outright domination/occupation of Somalia. Somaliland is not entirely secure from foreign meddling and once other parts of what was 'Somalia' have been politically/economically/socially subdued, we (Somaliland) are the weaker for it.
^ The current president has often stressed that it is in Somalis' interest in working together in many fields. It is sad that there are no willing/able counterparts for him to work with on the other side. That said, Silaanyo could do much more to kick-start good relations and co-operation. Before this can happen it is clear that A LOT of outstanding issues need to be resolved.
I may have gone on a slight tangent but what I have told you relates to my first comment in this way: I have now explained to you what I meant by the bigger (certainly abitious) picture. Secondly, believe that comments like "recognise Somaliland because this recognition would 'kill' greater somalia" (a) do not help the case of Somaliland recognition contrary to what the author would have you believe and (b) serve no purpose other than creating wedges between and alienate the Somali peoples. Lastly, I have also explained my view that it in Somalis' interests to co-operate and maintain good relations.
Thanks Ahmed,
A few points in order: Peace, development, etc, are the interest of everyone. There is nothing new on that. So your first point is a cliche!
Your bit on the geopolitics is logically circular. Let me explain. You said, "Somalis ayaa dad inoogu dhow". There is not a shred of evidence, whatever, that a Digil/Midhifle guy is closer to you and me –assuming you are from Somaliland — than a Jarsa (Oromo) chap in Ethiopia. I presume, to you a Digil man is Somali whereas the Jarsa guy is not. So you see, your beliefs in the so-called "Somaliness" stuff are religious in nature. Objectively "Somalinimo" does not exist; and when one accepts this irrefutable fact , the rest of your analysis becomes meaningless.
@Ahmed,
Of course, you can express your opinion, but that does not mean you can't be challenged. Defend your point by giving us a logical and rational refutation of why our arguments are wrong instead of bringing up that pathetic card ("Somaliland dimuqraadiyad bay ku faanta….")
Ahmed, cooperation between all Somalis is welcome by Somalilanders, but that is not what Somalia is seeking to happen. They literally, think that they have jurisdiction over Somaliland which they don't. They also think that Somalia and Somaliland form what we consider to be Somaliweyn which not true. Because with the rest Somali speaking regions out of the picture and Jabouti gone on its own. There no Somaliweyn and nobody is campaigning for them to join and that is where the problem comes from. You see, Somalia believes that they could easily swallow Somaliland and easily annex it like a small county. And unless they back-off from their delusional thoughts of having jurisdiction over Somaliland, there will be no cooperation and they are alienating Somalilanders and pushing them farther and farther away. It is for their own interest and a common good for all Somalis to make peace with Somaliland. What Somaliland really wants from Somalia is to give them their blessings and to leave them alone because Somaliland came to the union as an independent country recognized by over 35 countries and not like a territory gotten by conquest or occupation.
To be continued … Besides, Somalilanders would have respected people's opinion if they were balanced, fair and square. We don't attack them, they attack us and we reaction to them. They show grudge, hatred, and envy by their unrestrained venomous comments unleash at us all the time. We are human being and we naturally don't react nice to people who are not nice. It works both ways.
Gobaad,
Where do you get your info from? …
"35 countries"!! Give me a break!!!!
I am Somalilander and I am a supporter of Somaliweyn, I know that sounds oxymoron but hear me out; to me Somaliweyn is not a country but an Ideology which in the future could result a collection of countries which have deep; cultural, economical, religious and historical ties, we could have union of Somali states. in this article i understand the good intentions behind it because believe me the world have levelled a harsh sanctions against the people of Somaliland for 20 years but that does not mean we should bargain with the world with "Granting Somaliland its recognition would kill the dream of ‘Greater or Pan Somalia’ which would include parts of Kenya, Ethiopia and all of Djibouti and Somaliland."
that is a cheap line in my view, however, I will modify this letter and send it to my local MP insha allah. long live the ONLY FREE state of Somaliweyn; JSL
I feel deep sorry when I see someone who wants to run from his Identity and attempting to be some one else. You guys are Somali and will always remain to be Somalis . Wake up. Would you abandon your family members. Your uncle, you Aunt you parents originality. if you want so, keep doing so… and don't share with us the fruits you will harvest from it….
Cantarabaqash has no boundaries. 20 years and plus and still counting… The one clan project is not time bound…. if every clan has a birthright to be independent… What about Awdal state, SSC and Maakhir states?… Pardon me I forgot they are not humans.
Husseinow, Somaliweyn was a myth or an idea that never materialized and never will. But it doesn't hurt to dream, anyways!
Gobaad,
You are wrong again, and you will understand that when other real tribes of the region such as the Oromos, the Amharas, the Tigreans, the Afars, the Kikuyos, the Luos etc attack you and your clan simply beacuse you belong the Somali tribe.
Wake up sister, we are only ONE tribe, like it or hate it. Period.
Garyaqaanow, Somaliland is not a clan base and everybody knows that. In reality, what is scaring the life out of you, guys, is that they are the majority and dominant power now and because of your violent history against them you are living in fear of reprisal and pay back. But Somalilanders are not vindictive. They haven't forgotten what happened to them, but they forgiven you for the sake of the common good and keeping the country together and the majority of Somalilanders are happy and part of a nation building. So, we don't really give sh#t about what a few terrorists think because it is irrelevant.
Gobaad: Who forgot what, who did what? – U can not use the victim card in perpetuity. Do u even know what your kin folk did to the others. When you say majority or minority who is who by the way. Let me break it down for you – pure and simple, If the noble people of Duriyada can have their way, so do Awdalities, Makhirities and SSC-ers… Just get use to it. U are suffering from a grandiose delusional – Rest assured, I’m extremely comfortable with my own skin and who I’m – Just be who you are – and come to the table knowing your capacity and who you represent. Saaxiib, you resist persists …. I’m leaving large in my lands …… ee ma kala badbaadnaa mise waa isku baaba’naa.
Garyaqaan..listen buddy. There's no such thing as Duriyada can have their way. Somaliland was a
country together since the British Protectorate Colonial rule back in the 1800s, followed by Independence
back in the 1960s,followed by amalgamated partnership union with Somalia which ended in total failure
and collapsed for good due to strife's of tragic civil wars in 1991, followed by the only triumphant Somali
National movement(SNM) freedom fighter lthat iberated the Independence of Somaliland from the tyraany
of the despotic Somalia which since 1991 upto 2011 is without a functioning Govt. and at wars within
itself and the neighboring countries, whereas Somaliland Since 1991 to current 2011 have made
tremendous strides of successes through peaceful agreements and democratic civil society peaceful
elections and by the Good grace of Almighty God …lourishing as good as any good Nation could
function, Honestly Garyaqaan I don't see that your agruments carry any weight of substance to worry
about, you or other snobbish mischief makers. Somaliland have come a long way to be deflected from its
course of direction and purpose.
Cheers.
Weli shimbirayahow heesa baad wadaa. Every clan has a birthright of self-determination…. If that makes u uncomfortable…. Seek help there are plenty of therapists around. SL is a synonym used for Isakland, period. Recognize that and then we can have further discussion.