After 18 years, Somaliland stands stronger dispute all odds
Abdulazez Al-Motairi
May 23, 2009
In last 18 years, Somaliland passed through many difficult times using their own negotiation techniques of Crisis Management (Peaceful Manner), and respecting each other. Such tolerance led the country to be tolerant, democratic and most peaceful place in the world. All Somaliland citizens are equal in under the law and no discrimination based religion, sex, tribe and race.
On 18th May 2009 Monday, the people of Somaliland celebrated 18th Independence Day across the word from Ukraine to Alaska, and from Iceland to South Africa. Elected President of Somaliland Dahir Riyale Kahin led the celebrations in Hargiesa City – The Capital of Somaliland. Opposition leaders celebrated too in different areas across the country. This shows how the people of Somaliland (from Sool to Awdal) are committed to remain independent of vicious Somalia (Former Italian Somalia).
On same day 1991, the people of Somaliland elders, from Sool to Awdal regions, met in Burco City and announced free, sovereign and independent Republic of Somaliland within internationally recognized border of Former British Somaliland.
Here I republish two articles by Somaliland writers expressing their happiness over the Independence Day celebrations:
Somaliland Still Going Strong- By Mohamed Khawi
Written by Mohamed Khawi
May 20, 2009 at 08:57 AM
Arguably, the controversial SNM Jihadist victory declared at the failure of the Somali State in 1991, would have wreaked chaotic havoc in Somaliland along Clan lines, had it not been for the timely rescue of President Mohamed Ibrahim Egal. His election in Borama, by broad-based tribal consensus was a grateful recognition of his status as the founding father of independent Somaliland and the champion of the eventual union with Somalia in 1960.
More importantly it presented a unique opportunity of containing the myopic excesses of ethnic-phobia, blatantly embraced by the SNM faction. Sooner than later president Egal crafted a state-like Housekeeping Administration, complete with its structural institutions and an Adhoc constitution.
The Adhoc constitution was not inclusive and therefore, sectoral opposition questioned its workability. However, due to good will understanding that it was necessary for state symbolism and international interplay, it was let pass, as a tool of convenience: on don´t ask don´t tell basis, until the future juncture of due amendments.
President Egal´s legacy has endured in the continuation of an administration of his design and discipline under the aegis of his hand-picked successor, President Dahir Riyalle Kahin. A reality check of this success story, which catapulted Somaliland to higher levels of dignified status, is weighed in:-
1. That it has no tribal color or tilt, but represents equal distance in the fabric of the "Huwan" tribal setup.
2. That it is not a one man show but is steered wisely by inclusive inner circle leadership, well-versed with the traditional reality of Somaliland tribes.
3. That it has demonstrated its capability of resilience, adaptability, flexibility and understanding of how to handle prudently knotty state affairs.
4. That it has successfully, maintained peace, stability and the rule of law, under adversely harsh conditions of short-handedness.
5. That it has survived international isolation and the simmering inertia of local and regional adversities.
6. That it has restored the bride and personality of Somaliland as a civilized society of human decorum and a conduct of global interaction.
7. That apart from availing essential utilities and sustenance services to the common person, the administration had put Somaliland on the map once again. Not as an Auxiliary but as a reckonable role model.
8. That Somaliland statehood has been put in the concert pitch and would no longer be apologetic about the accusation of unilateral action.
9. That given the despicable pattern of brutish beasts´ behavior prevailing across the border Somaliland was exonerated of any wrong doing by disowning and distancing itself! Oh, oh, really!
That´s good news! Now comes the hard part:
It should be noted by all those who are concerned about the future of Somaliland that apart from above, Somaliland would be judged by the level of managing its national earnings and by the dynamics of its currency. Our floating currency must have teeth and solid backing to deliver defined purchasing power and market value.
Considering our realities, the best approach would probably be the establishment of National Currency Board with public participation in holding and management. How ever the Govt., will not only have a bigger stake, but would regulate and over see to preempt loop holes and crack falling.
Since Somaliland is the Hong Kong of the Horn, facilitated services and good infrastructure would attract economic exchange and capital interplay. Pooling the Hard Currency Transfers under the management of the National Currency Board and paying the proceeds in local currency, equivalent to the market value of the day would provide the necessary hard currency backup for Somaliland financial systems and would even encourage foreign participations.
To streamline this venture it would be necessary to harness a triangle study task force viz: Govt.-Biz community-Consumers. Such task force would be propped up by the wise guidance of economists and fiscal experts. The existing web of money transfer operating locally and internationally would represent the National Currency Board in collections and disbursements.
Mohamed Khawi President - Somaliland Natives Association
Email: somalilandnativesassn@gmail.com
Somaliland is celebrating yet another hopeful year of independence; the may 18th 2009
Written by Khadar Hanan
As Somalia is gaining infamy as a haven of terrorism and sophisticated modern buccaneers, its smaller, developing and peaceful neighbor (Somaliland) is still pleading for international recognition. Somaliland "a former British Protectorate State" reclaimed its independence back after 31 years of painful marriage on 18th May 1991. This May 18th marks the 18th anniversary of the revival of Somaliland. All Somlilanders in and around the world are in a jubilant mood for the commemorations and celebrations of this remarkable national day.
A 3.8 million strong populated country of an area equal to the Britain has single handedly executed free and fair presidential, local councils and parliamentary elections based on multi-party political system. It has its own national currency, security system, portfolios and courts but no place/seat at the United Nations. Owing to the lack of the international recognition the country is not entitled to acquire any loan from the World Bank or the other international community to utilize for its national concerns. Live stock exports constitutes the biggest economic muscle but still suffering from the Gulf ban for what every single Somalilander believes to have meant an indirect suppression for them to keep with the other war tone part (Somalia). Somaliland sustains on only the meager ports, customs and local tax collections but geographically lies in a bed of full of untapped natural resources. In fact, it is a young neglected democratic Arabian country in east Africa with a hopeful and promising people.
Here is the bottom line, as Somalia is forcing its way on to the world's news agenda as a typical failed state, where a new war order has erupted as the Islamic government is in fait with Islamic groups; where power-hunger and civilian blood shed became a daily routine activity but abusive to the religion of Islam which is peace by nature; Somaliland has been eyeing on which country is going to be the pioneer for its recognition, where as the rest of the world would no doubt be the next. Recognition for Somaliland would mean the kick start of prosperity as it has already built the framework where it can move forward.
Somaliland, known as "Africa's Best Kept Secret" has yet an other hopeful year by extending its hand to the World at large for recognition and support, as this would never open the Pandora's Box in the world but instead bring a solution to the problems of the east African region. In contrast to the world's vision on Somaliland and Somalia as a single country most of the somalilanders see it as putting humpty dumpty back together!!! And finally, 18th May mass celebrations across the globe are a direct message to the international community on how Somaliland is committed to be sovereign state. Celebrations
Congratulations to you all (Somalilanders) and never turn your ambitions down until that day appears ahead of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Khadar Hanan
Doha, Qatar
E-mail: khadarhanan@gmail.com
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