Somaliland’s Foreign Policy: A Daring, Dedicated and Decisive Policy

''The Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation is a skilled and brilliant top diplomat who is armed with..'' Eng, Hussein

- We live in a dangerous, unpredictable and volatile world. The diplomatic relations between countries cannot always be taken for granted. Due to economic, strategic or security reasons the existing relationships between two countries may change or worsen at any time. Therefore, in this ever-changing geo-political issue as well as global economic and security challenges, to keep pace with the diplomatic relevant matters in the region and beyond, a broad-minded, flexible, well-structured, coherent and solid Foreign Policy with daring and courage ambition is of a paramount importance and vital for a young and yet recognition seeking country, like Somaliland Republic.

For nearly two decades, from 1991 until the appointment of the government of President Ahmed Silaanyo, Somaliland Republic has conducted a monotonous, cautious and one-dimensional foreign policy, a sort of a Cage Policy. The primary objectives of this policy laid mainly on digging out and telling to the outside world the historical facts and committed atrocities and all the brutal acts that the population of Somaliland have suffered at the hands of the former regime of Somalia in one hand.

On the other hand the foreign policy pursued for the last two decades had repeatedly emphasised the known facts and the painful experiences that the people of Somaliland had not only rendered the greatest contribution to the independence struggle, but for the sake of Somali Unity, surrendered everything they cherished the most, including the hard-won freedom and sovereignty on June 26th 1960. However, this policy has neither materialized nor led to the desired results. Somaliland Republic is still vainly in search of recognition. The Statehood of Somaliland is only and only complete when Somaliland is recognized by the world community as a full member of the global community.

In the contemporary diplomatic relations preparedness, vigilance and effective involvement are essential. You must ensure that you are never being absent in international matters or meetings in which are discussed issues that concern you. Never let others speak on your behalf. Because, missed opportunities never turn back. The Foreign Policy is a policy that needs continuous development, updating and adjustment. You cannot complacently be idle on the results that you have achieved in the past. Knowing the fact that in the past achieved result gives no assurance whatsoever in the future. That is why the “Cage Policy” of the past is no more applicable at this time.

In the spirit of President Ahmed Silaanyo’s electoral promises:

One of the most remarkable and striking changes implemented by the Government of President Ahmed Silaanyo is the way in which his government operates and performs on the field of Foreign Policy and International Co-operations. With limited resources, manpower and tight budget, the Foreign Policy department has delivered an incredible achievement which silenced permanently all the hate mongers, pessimistic voices and misconceptions propagated by Somaliland’s antagonists.

The recent Foreign Policy engagement and involvement of Somaliland government on regional and international political arena is an encouraging and promising sign for the realization of the long cherished dream of every Somaliland citizen: Recognition of Somaliland Republic as an independent state in the midst of global community. The way in which the foreign affairs department manifested and its courageous approach is a real testament in the spirit of President Ahmed Silaanyo’s electoral promises to put Somaliland’s recognition case in place as a plea for global understanding with international dimension.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Somaliland has unquestionably succeeded to reshape and revitalize Somaliland’s Foreign Policies. Some ill-informed opposition politicians, self-styled ‘political analysts’ as well as those failed and incompetent ex-officials of Somaliland government branded the Minister’s actions at all controversial and misleading. The facts really do speak for themselves. It is evidenced perfectly by the marvellous results and the rewarding outcomes on the field of foreign policy and international cooperation, that moment alone has justified it.

The way in which the Minister has influenced the Somaliland’s foreign policy is indeed a flash of the kind of cunning, quality and brilliance of diplomatic skills that we are unused to witnessing from any other Somaliland’s previous foreign affairs Ministers.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation is a skilled and brilliant top diplomat who is armed with common sense of doing diplomatic business. By right decision at the right time, by convenient approach and pre-emptive actions he avoids in advance any surprise or diplomatic failures. He is someone with a profound vision and ground-breaking diplomatic propensity. He demonstrated a daring, dedicated and decisive Foreign Policy.

The current Somaliland’s foreign policy is equipped with a certain degree of self-confidence, tact, vision and initiative, leadership quality, will-power and belief. It is guided by a top diplomat with profound diplomatic insight and aspirations, with the force of personality that is needed when it comes to turning potential into something more real and sustaining. Somaliland’s Foreign Policy approach is a hopeful and encouraging sign for all peace and development loving Somaliland citizens, which is already resulted that our country makes overtures to the right direction.

The government of President Ahmed Silaanyo is resolutely determined to remain actively involved to all major diplomatic fronts without any compromise upon the sovereignty and integrity of Somaliland Republic. Constructive approaches, broad public consultation, breaking through the diplomatic barriers, reshaping the detached and cautious policy and what formerly was regarded as a social, political and diplomatic taboo are the hallmarks that make the current Somaliland foreign policy so distinctive and exceptional.

Finally, if once any realistic dialogue or rapprochement-(without compromising upon the sovereignty and integrity of Somaliland Republic)- between the Somaliland Republic and Somalia might have been branded as an oddity and peculiarity in the civilised world destined to end up in quarrel or controversy, the government of Somaliland Republic has undeniably proved that such negativity seems misplaced.

To those failed and incorrigible hate-monger figures and their cohorts, instead of seeking confrontation, recrimination and recurring despair attacks against the President of Somaliland and the government he leads, come up with a decent and civilized political eloquence and well measured intellectual and more constructive debates that can contribute to the advancement of our country’s interest.

May ALLAH (SXWT) protect the true and genuine patriot!

By Architectural-Eng. Hussein Adan Igeh (Hussein Deyr)

UK