Opinions
SCDO Position on London Somali Conference
January 25, 2012 · 52 Comments
We the members of Somaliland Community Development Organization of Metro Toronto (SCDO) do appreciate and commend our President’s wise decision to give his people the opportunity to have a say on formulating a sound response to the invitation of the government of Great Britain to our government to participate the upcoming London conference on Somalia. The President’s move clearly underscores the importance of such a response, and highlights
the serious ramifications it is bound to have on our future as country and people.
Accordingly, we as Organization members as well as the wider Somaliland community share with our President the need to study and thoroughly deliberate on this subject in order to come to the right decision. To those ends, we have, on our part, given it our best shot to contribute to the pool of ideas the President has asked for with his nation. Hence, we put into perspective all available pertinent information and strived to pinpoint all possible outcome scenarios.
Here are some of the facts and factors that heavily weighed in on our final judgement:
1. Our meeting could not, in any way, put a positive face to Britain’s motive or agenda of suddenly changing its long-held dual-track Somaliland-Somalia policy in favour of a single-track Somalia-based strategy.
2. Somaliland, as far as we know, hasn’t been offered any especial status at this conference that would separate it from the multitude of Somalia’s self-appointed mini regional authorities, the likes of Puntland and Galmudug.
3. We haven’t been promised or given guarantee the newly improvised so-called Awdal and Khaatumo de-stabilizing groups won’t be allowed to take part.
4. The meeting took into account the newly re-invigorated, foreign sponsored TFG encroachment into our sovereignty, and supporting anti-Somaliland groups.
After long deliberation, the meeting agreed unanimously that attending the London conference, based on current conditions, would definitely open up a Pandora Box, and would evidently
entail the following catastrophic outcome for Somaliland:
1. It would compromise and undermine the fundamental principles of Somaliland’s sovereignty and independence.
2. It will constitute a blatant violation of the 2003 law that bans all citizens, including government, the participation of any Somalia-based meeting.
3. It will create a dangerous precedent that would undermine our ability to stand up to
International pressure pushing us to melt down into chaotic Somalia.
4. It would polarize our society and give anti-Somaliland elements the incentive to scramble for ties with the TFG.
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5. It would encourage the creation of mini tribal- based separate regions that would constitute certain recipe for instability.
6. Any protocol or resolution passed at this Conference would be fully binding and applicable to Somaliland once we are a party to that Conference.
7. The meeting was convinced that primary objective of the London conference is the re- creation of the defunct state of Somalia along the interest of the UK and its allies at the
expense of Somaliland’s independence and the rightful inspiration of its people.
In conclusion, we are certain our leadership are fully committed to the interest of this nation. Our meeting, therefore, would like to warn our government and people to be-aware of this
trap, and study and reflect on every aspect of the concerns expressed in this writing in order to avoid a mistake of historic proportion.
The Somaliland Canadian Development Organization (SCDO) is volunteer driven think-tank not- for-profit entity striving to enhance good governance in Somaliland and to promote the recognition and membership of Somaliland to the international community.
Long live Somaliland!
Somaliland Canadian Development Organization
somaliland@yahoo.com
beergeel@yahoo.com
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By Mo Guled
Tags: London Somali Conference, Somaliland, Somaliland Canadian
Readers Comments (52)
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In addition, it's also obvious that the Somalia London Conference have a clear mandate to create
a new TFG of another 4 years term or whatever to replace the expiring date of the current TFG. How
the roles of Puntland and other mini States of A defacto parts of Somalia would be addressed is
yet unknown. The Scdo input advices are real assets and should be taken seriously by the SLD
Govt. If after weighing all pros and vices, the SLD Govt. decides to participate in the Conference,
they should attend like the other International Community Nations of 40 expected Govts and primarily
focus on the A dejure Somaliland Sovereign State issues utterly seperate than the Somalia issues.
Most importantly, it's also a good chance to ask the UK and other IC partners to address the
recognition issue of Somaliland to be included in the agenda of the Conference.
Cheers.
It sounds pretty shady the way the approached us about the meeting and considering that we are getting no acknowledgement of our status and what we have accomplished. Also like they said whatever comes out if we are party to it by simply attending then they could argue that it also applies to us.
What has kept us going this long is our ability to separate ourselves from the problems of Somalia and with who they are dealing with and inviting to the meeting its very clear that they really dont care to build a decent government for the Somali people.
Compare it to inviting the Taliban to build a democratic nation its insane!
Somaliland must not go to the London meeting because the agenda itself is bias to the Somaliland recognitions. No more Somali problems we will involve. The main agenda is Somali unity and Awdal and khatumo group are participating too.
In a broad day light they will destroy what we were building and earned in Somaliland last 22 years, they will bush us to rejoin Somalia one more time and they will try to force us to not say no by any means or they will cut off their assistances. On top of other regional groups they invited Awdal state and Khatumo State of Somalia too. Say no participation and no delegation from Somaliland to London conference.
Impeach the Kulmiye party leaders for this mess because the whole country is disbanded and divided into small groups. Call new election and restructure the movement of Somaliland.
As an individual who have been advocating for Somaliland right to self-determination, I totally agree with the above group, that there is no way for Somaliland to attend this conference the way the agenda is set now. For Somaliland to attend, it has to be seen as separate entity from the rest of Somalia. And Somaliland leadership should be allowed to state its case and given a platform to address the world community vis-a-vi, international recognition as a sovereign state. if this request is not workable to conference organizers, then what the so called TFG (anti-Somaliland) Prime minister, said about Somaliland is true. That Somaliland will attend London conference just like other Somali states, the like of Puntland and others. If this is true, what an insult will it be to Somaliland and it's people. For this reasons I personally argue against attending unless the agenda is put to Somaliland liking.
My intial response was against our government getting involved no matter what the consequences? Since then I realised Somaliland is in better positon then the TFG which is more and more reliant on AMISOM and International assistance. So, this meeting is evidence of the weakness of Somalia to further damage to its soverignty then it is about Somaliland status. Somaliland can continue to refuse and not be a signatory to the Garowe road map and not be a voluntary to it. Keeping its Defacto status. All be it doesn't mean the international world can abandon Somalia just yet. For the simple fact that the British and the International world are interested in fighting Pirating and Terrorism. They will need to work with the vunerable areas as well as the more stable areas. Of course they are also interested in the whole region being less dependant on finanacial aid in the future. So this is where Somaliland relectants to alleviate some of these interests begs the current plan to support the TFG as well as other regions to enable them to come up with their own solutions so as to not jeopardise Somalia ability to defend its borders. Which will only increase the security issues the International world are keen to control.
__Somaliland may well be asked to contribute troops to train to protect maritime waters and against terrorism but at what capacity isn't clear. If we are saying we have the capability to be a country I think then the International world expects some contributions towards this mutual interest. The bigger role we take the more we have control on what the future holds in respect to our interests.
Somaliland Shouldn't take any leading roles before the recognition mandate. Djibouti is already committed fully to that role with the IC which's more than adequate. Somaliland could only
protect her own shores and National Security and should stay clear of major undertakings of
these Piracy and Terrorism International damned businesses. If/when Somaliland joins the
World of Community Nations(UN Body) then the real significant roles of Somaliland will be more
deservingly and significantly appropriate to play a leading role like Djibouti or other Igad Countries.
Meanwhile Somaliland should seek the help of defending her shores and territorial integrity from
the friendly IC who are already engaged deeply in such spheres, and focus and concentrate more
on developments of the country's GNP by attracting Worldwide International investment GDP.
Somaliland with a small population is part of the rich redsea straits and with a wise leadership
could bring forward along with Gulf GCC. becoming a good business hub for all the World to
share with plenty of foreign expatriate workers.
Cheers.
Granted but is it wise to refuse the US and British invitation to an internationally backed meeting. Aren't these the very group whom we are seeking recogniton from. Also, didn't North Sudan and South Sudan face a similar international effort to separate after 5years. Is it wise to ignore all the calls by the international world to the humanitarian as well as the security issues which I am sure is hampering our own recognition. Isn't it best to have it out once and for all with all present. Since we don't have anything to hide. If we are meaning well for us and our neighbouring countries should we hide away.
I don't understand your comments. You are going of course like that Italian pax ship.
You said granted which's good answer for me ..anything else you said is not in my dictionary.
TKU anyway and I gota run. Byyyyyy.
Cheers.
.
Well, You said Somaliland should not take any leading role. i,e it should hide away. This article is about SCDO position on London conference on Somalia. I simply questioned wether it is wise for Somaliland to ignore IC even without recognition we recognise ourselves as a soverign country thus should act and show ourselves more capable. Anywaz I don't get you either so lets leave it at that.
The difference between these two conferences is that in the case of south Sudan the agenda clearly set out a discussion about how to proceed with their impending indepence whilst with this London gathering the agenda stipulates the formation of a government that replaces the TFG. Furthermore we are here to meet with Somalia as an entity but rather every so called nut-job who proclaims some sort of power in Somalia, including buqland, galmudug, jubaland, awdal seeg, khaatumo seeg, etc…I hope you understand that by going to this meeting you disqualify any strength in the eye of the international community if you weaken your position and claim to nation and in this puts question marks upon your steadfastness in your resolve to uphold Somaliland's nation.
This is a test by the international community about resolve in upholding our dream for nationhood.
Last but not least this certainly goes against the rules set forth in our constitution.
I 100% agree with above group. Somaliland is an independent country and going to London and being treated as part of Somalia is unacceptable.
Can a true Somalilander comprehend seeing our President sitting between Sharif and Faroole? Nah!
Fantastic! I could not agree more with my sisters and brothers in Toronto. Well done !
what must be asked at this juncture and is currently not being mention is clearly the constitution of our country and what it says about joining these never-ending useless conferences for Somalia. The constitution clearly stipulates that anyone who attends these conferences on behalf of Somaliland is transgressing against the law of the land and must be held accountable for their action, unless or until the constitution of Somaliland is amended president Silanyo is breaking the law if he attends this conference. If we are considering ourselves as sovereign entity that has it own president, parlement and territory then we must abide by the rules set in our constitution. Our current Foreign Minister has transgressed against our set believes in nationhood a number of times and then manipulated the media accordingly and this coming conference is just the same as that which he and others attended in Nairobi.
I am of the believe that we are once again making the same mistakes that we made in 1960 because of the naivety of our leaders. President Silanyo is by far the weakest leader we've had since the formation of Somaliland.
I f our people are stong in their stance and firm believe in the sovereignty of our nation then we will be falling for the trap that we have been set. The TFG and the international community have seen this governments weakness in standing up for the hard-earned sovereignty .
I for one say that it time to impeach this president for clear conduct against the contitutionand dispel his government for their absolute failure to uphold the demands of our people for nationhood.
@Aydarus,
I am not sure about impeaching the president, but the rest of argument is water tight.
*of argument = of your argument
@Hargeisawi-In-London
The constitution says that anyone who attends these gathering for Somalia on behalf of Somaliland is committing treason and as such if this president is entertaining any ideas about attending this conference then he is on the path of committing treason as such impeachment shall be fall him if and only if the parlement & the Guurti have the capacity to uphold the law.
The laws that govern the country cannot just apply to the weak and the ordanary man but to each all including the leaders. I ask is this the so called change in our foreign policy if so then then we are dommed as a sovereign nation.
You are damn right about the Somaliland Constitution, however that's valid to apply as a final
resort . Let's first see how the Somaliland Govt. will act and conduct its affairs for the SLD Nation.
Your point is legally valid and will come up at some level though.
Cheers.
reer issaq you have no choice wallahi.
SSSSSSSh Geezer things are pretty bad and scary kkkkk.
Cheers.
@Aydarus,
There is no disagreement between the two of us in principle. Silaanyo said last night, "Waa nala casuumay. Se waxaan la tashanaynaa ummada." In that case, I presume he is going to consult with opposition leaders, members of the parliament, lawyers (and so on) before deciding whether or not to go to this conference.
SlPress why you deleting me, I just wanted to address those SL desperate haters without violating anything or using inappropriate language. I guess you can keep your bad comments while you delete the good ones
I think if this Kulmiye administration decides to participate in this so called conference as its designed right now, the house should start the impeachment process. PERIOD
Excellent! And a million thanks. May I suggest SCDO Think-Tank along with SSE (Somaliland Society of Europe) and any other genuine and willing Somalilander to contribute the preparation of two historic speech for our President that goes to the annul of history for Somaliland in the international square. One in Hargeisa if he heed to our advice and one for London conference, God forbid if he decides to be there. The decision belongs to the President, but we demand him to pray Salaat Istikhara before he makes his mind up with true sincerity and understanding why our beloved Prophet (Pbuh) use to pray that prayer whenever he is about to make a major decision.
No doubt that we are all aware the outset ramification of this conference in which it put Somaliland between a rock and hard place, the minute it spelled. But at the same, this is not new in the face of our struggle to sustain peace, human dignity and freedom not only for Somaliland but beyond to make it very short! Time will tell. Continue …
Now let us waste no time, and be fully prepared for either way. It is time to show the world our level of solidarity, discipline and persistence unlike never before and how we are willing to stand 100% behind our leader for whichever way he chooses. May I also suggest for Somaliland media in its capacity, to play an effective role free of biases and prejudice.
We need speeches like “ I have a dream” of Martin Luther King that shake off the place, an speech based on facts and figures reflecting from the inception, the days Great Britain came to our sea shore to the present day and how the consequence of that encounter, is one of the major root causes of Somali crises. SCDO, can you spearhead this undertaking please? Your insight and honesty is an eye opener to many including me.
Long Live Somaliland
Whatever you guys think this Conference is all about western interest in the region & not about Somalia the way you thinking. No country cares or want to help Somalia because they simply can't unless the people on the ground help themselves like the people of Somaliland did 21 years ago. The west is looking for quick fixes so that no more ships get hijacked by Puntland (Somali Pirates) while they recover from the Euro economic crisis. That's all!
Amal that Puntlandgeezer is a Satan's top Chief of Staff. When all his powers are frustrated
and exhausted he's now impersonating our titles. Why the SLDpress not blocking him
is another mystery. Is there special bilateral relationship between these devils and Sldpress.
kkkkkk Amal What's going on. We seem to be pawns in the devils camp…Somalia and what goes
along with Somalia. God helps Somaliland Recognition in the Somalia London Conference.
Don't laugh at me Amal, I don't know what I am saying cuz of this Puntlandgeezer Shaydanka ugu
wayn shadiinta ina Ebliis.
Cheers.
v
haha,
"Is there special bilateral relationship between these devils and Sldpress. " lol maybe! Puntlandgeezer impersonating others is just beyond his usual non-sense.
All the somaliland haters are getting mad these days, why? because Somaliland is being talked about more and is reaching popularity that was not there before. It has attracted many international donors, businesses, and many investments etc and is developing and others are becoming much aware of their case. Let them bark.
The article brings good points and warns about pitfalls and undesireable consequences. let me point the fact that Somaliland is part and parcel of the Horn of Africa region. We can not live in isolation and we have to take part in any conference where the regional issues are being discussed. There are some preconditions that Somaliland government should put forward to the confrence. We should not be relegated to the status of Galmudg or Puntland. We should be given the status of our neighbours like Djibouti , Ethiopia and Kenya. We should also insist that the final commenque will not contain anything that violates our constituation.
As for the argument regarding the constitution, our constitution states that the government of Somaliland should do whatever means possible to bring recogniction to Somaliland.
Let us not put our head in the sand and let us face the facts and get on with it.
It is business as usual and Somaliland is here to stay. This conference is organised by Great Britain who knows Somaliland's case very well. President Silanyo would only push Somaliland and his nation for more progress and prosperity. The day Somaliland closed all the doors or shall I say cut the rope for Somali wayn dream was in1991. The rest is history. Somaliland would come to the UK with her head held high and with dignity and respect. UK Somalilanders would never let down their nation and would show case their solidarity shoulder to shoulder with their president and nation.
I hope Somaliland media will not allow Somaliland's enemy take advantage of their success and overshadow their hard work. The days of reunion are over for those who still feel that they can block Somaliland's success.
God helps those who help themselves and Somaliland has been moving from strength to strength. Patience, diplomacy and endurance is what is needed from Somaliland.
Somaliland is here to stay.
We don't mind if the host reserves a place for our delegation within the area that the International Community delegates sitting, but we are not ready to sit where the failed state of Somalia delegates sit. Furthermore, our government must come ready for any eventuality, and be prepared how to deal with it. We are entity that most of the International Community respects and know what we have achieved for the last 21 years, without any help from anyone. The host country and the international community must ask Somaliland how they did what they did, if they want Somalia proplem is to be resolved, and not drag us to the quakmire that there is no hope of ending, unless Somaliland is recognized to enable her to help the neighbouring country of Somalia, otherwise, this conference is dumed to fail like others before numbering 14 plus.
amal seriously im not impersonating anyone especially you.
@mohamed cheers
Stop Lyin man, all you do iz tk rubbish all day long. im not impersonating, & WHY would i do dat anywaiz? Probably Your Just Doin it Yourself cuz Ur sad knowin the fact dat ur ghost state iz bout to crumble in the dust
@mohamed cheers
Stop Lyin man, all you do iz tk rubbish all day long. im not impersonating, & WHY would i do dat anywaiz? Probably Your Just Doin it Yourself cuz Ur sad knowin the fact dat ur ghost state iz bout to crumble in the dust
When was the last time we spoke Puntlandgeezer?. Probably this time you and I will change
the course to focus on Garowe Roadmap ! and Roadmap !!. All said and done…Unpos is now
in Mog. There's interesting stuff on the Hiiraan website. Looks like Somaliland is being tarhetted
if not smart enuf to defend their position.in the upcoming Somalia London Conference. or at least
stay away from it. Whatever the Silaanyo Govt. of Somaliland does is under the rule of the people and
you should know that Somaliland is ruled by its people while Somalia is ruled by the IC interests.
Will see which one becomes the Ghost State.
Cheers.
Correction: Targetted I/O Tarhetted.
Cheers.
The government of Somaliland is currently studying the situation and consulting with each other and the public on what the conference is really about, weighing all their options to see what is in it for them and then decide whether they will agree to attend or not to attend. So, let us give it a time and see what they agreed upon. And if the major of the people decide that it is not in our interest, we (Somalilanders) should throw our support behind them.
Gobaad, have a cup of coffee on me :-)
I will hold you on to that, when I pass the UK Hargeisawi.
Correction: And if the majority … that is.
@mohamed cheer
tk to ur boss to ease up on PuntlandGeezer, so he can express his views on somaliland.
But You can always drop by at Hiiraan Online wer comments are never deleted, wer everyone tribe from all corners of somalia can comment & express their views in Horn.
regarding the Garowe Roadmap it indication how seriously are somalis to implement the Garowe Road map which will lead as to a free and fair elections in Aug 2012.
Cheers not Cheer. Puntlandgeezer is neighbor bandit who's engaged in destablising not only
the Somaliland national peace and security but throughout the whole Horn regions and the IC.
Yet the IC & UN are collaborating to make the Ghost TFG roadmaps consolidated from Garowe.
isn't that ridiculously gambling fiasco. Everybody knows that Hiiraan online is always part of the
problems of Somalia and never a solution. I think all the ex Italian Somalia drank the same water which
made their mental powers practically all the same without one better than the other for justice
and good governance. You guys are too good to create problems but devoid of how to govern.
Even ask Yusuf Garaad of the BBC..he's no better than Hiiraan online.
Cheers.
To attend this meeting is like deciding to destroy Somaliland. Say no today and save somaliland to have future.
The Agenda of LCS is vague and obscure that nobody knows exactly what it is intended for. Clearly no TFG replacement is being formed there within two days. Moreover, the Somalia’s TFG is as confused about this conference and its objectives as the leaders of our SL communities in Britain and Canada.
I’m for the SL Govt to attend this conference for the following:
1.The conference is not about the reconciliation of Somali states
2.All anti Somaliland-recognition countries and organizations like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, AU and Arab league has been kept out of the preparatory group.
3.It’s being hosted by a strategic ally of ours
4.The Govt. of Somaliland might have got some sort of assurance from Britain and US behind closed doors.
5.One LCS agenda item reads “coordinated international package of support to Somalia’s regions”. This item can mean Britain campaigning for special states to be given to Somaliland. For those who are sensitive to the word Somalia’s regions, I would say take it easy pals that’s the language that IC understands.
Looks like we are in cross roads about what the Somalia London Conference is all about.
The SLD Govt. to attend or not to attend is not the core issue. The core issue reflects basically
on what status quo portfolio will the SLD Govt. be given to conduct their political agenda?
How the SLD Govt. will address itself and/or be addressed inside the Conference agendas
to be deliberated upon?..What will be the expected outcome look like for the future of SLD?.
Cheers
Have you ever thought of sending a low level delegation to attend the conference of London
this will avoid any high level involvement,just 2 persons to observe what is going on.If you
are completely absent you may be sold out.
On behalf of SCDO, I would like to express our sincere appreciation of your input. Our letter on the London-Somalila-Conference has recreated magnificant enthusiasm and passion which translates into collective love our country. We like and welcome the idea of SCDO, SSE and others' coordination and collaboration in this matter.
We would like to call our President to actively involve, consult and seek the participation of the two houses of parliament as well as the leaders of the three political parties. Any act of participation would require the review and revision of the existing laws forbidding the participation of conference/meeting/contact with Somalia. Lastly but least, Thank you Somalilandpress for facilitiating this dialoge.
me knowing the english brain he wants to deal with one regional authority and to me they are in the process of trying to crearte that so l would request the president and his entorouge should attend but be very carefull and his only reason to attend should be to further somaliland recognition only every other subject should be addresed after that
l cant envisage our leader who was democraticaly chosen by the people sitting in the middle of two uselles leaders who were chosen by the un and ic leader who let their people die of hunger and starvation be adderesed as leader they are murders who should be tried and hunged like the murderers they are
So now that we know for sure that Silaanyo is attending this meeting….are you all eating humble pie?