SIRAG believes that Somaliland’s new vision towards its foreign policy needs to be embraced

Somaliland International Recognition Action Group(SIRAG)

London, UK

Press Release,

12th/February/2011

Somaliland’s New Vision of Foreign Policy on resolving Crisis and Conflict in the Horn

Until 1990, Somaliland had suffered from conflict, civil strife and subversion, maladministration and neglect – all the ingredients supposed to create a “failed State”. In 1991 Somalialnd has finally decided to end the non-functioning Union with Somalia which was inevitable; and the usual predictions did apply to Somalia/Mogadishu as the country was picked on by warlords, bandits, extremists of various sorts. 20 years of internationally assisted negotiations have solved none of these problems.

On the contrary, they have made them worse. In contrast, the people of Somaliland, with virtually no international support (except by way of remittances from the diaspora), have created a functioning Government and public service, which retains and nurtures a sense of national identity lacking in other similar situations.

SIRAG would like to remind the International Community that Somaliland’s case for recognition is better than that of most members of the UN: it has a stable population within known and long-established boundaries: the boundaries of British Somaliland. It has mandated layers of government and recently conducted their second presidential election witnessed by International Observers.

Yet for two decades the rest of the world has washed their hands of involvement whatsoever. A series of wretched initiatives in Somalia have done nothing to cure the problems of Somalia. On the contrary, these initiatives have encouraged religious extremism and piracy; and have discouraged inward investment and economic development.

Somaliland is not holding out a begging bowl. It wants only what it is entitled to in both international law and social, political and strategic common sense: international re-recognition that will allow it to deal properly with sound investors and regional partners. Everyone else asserts that this is an “African problem”, requiring an “African solution”, best delivered by the African Union. History shows that the AU and the African leaders have no capability to solve all the Africans problems without external help and its unfair to leave Somaliland’s case in the hands of the African leaders only.

How many more decades must Somaliland wait for the AU to wake up and address this straight forward issue? Any State can start the process of recognition: why not the UK, who was the Colonial architect of Somaliland? The International community are fully aware that Somaliland is not a region that is separating from another country in this case Somalia , but was independent and a democratic country who made a voluntary union that failed miserably to form what was known as the Somali Republic.

So far Somaliland Diaspora has played a crucial role in providing the right kind of support to heal a community emerging from conflict. The financial support that Somalilanders in the UK and elsewhere have provided to Somaliland is extremely valuable, because it has a much clear understanding of the problems to be overcome and a more profound commitment to its success. Unfortunately since ’9/11? the international community has created obstacles and suspicions to this essential process. Somaliland needs the basic skills and resources to enable its own people to provide a stable and sustainable future. Western donors should not ignore diaspora; but work with them and facilitate their contributions to the development – social, political and economic – of the post-conflict territory.

The Horn of Africa is facing a new wind of change as a result of new nations like Southern Sudan joining Africa and Somaliland having a second successful election on 26th June 2010. This means that Somaliland Diaspora and Somaliland Government would have to find new ways of presenting Somaliland’s foreign policy so as not to miss any opportunity to present Somaliland’s Case on issues such as Crisis and Conflict prevention aswell as combating terrorism and piracy.

SIRAG believes that Somaliland’s new vision towards its foreign policy needs to be embraced so as to enable Somaliand to engage with the International Community This will strenghten Somaliland’s case without compromising Somaliland’s political achievements and future ambitions which is crucial for the peace building and stability of the Horn in general. Somaliland is already a key player in the political affairs of the Horn challenging various threats such as extremism and piracy.

Somaliland needs to further enhace her foreign policy so as to improve Somaliland to engage directly with the International Community seeking better cooperation and direct assistance which would help Somaliland build a sustainable future.

Somaliland’s Foreign Policy would only materialise to its full potential if the International Community engages with Somaliland direclty without comprimising Somaliland’s political ambitions under the shadow of the failed state of Somalia. Neither the TFG nor any other entity for that matter can represent Somaliland’s case on an international platform.

God Bless Somaliland

Lulu Farah

Chair of SIRAG

www.sirag.orguk

somalilandvisionforeignpolicy.blogspot.com